A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hamburg vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Backpackers, Families, and Food

Should you visit Hamburg or Novalja?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Novalja can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Novalja

Novalja is a backpacker-filled, wild, and energetic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Hamburg and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg. Although Hamburg and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Hamburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hamburg is more popular for its museums, food, music, and shopping, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also home to St. Michael's Church. Novalja is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Hamburg different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Novalja and Hamburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hamburg or Novalja?

Hamburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Novalja. It's a beach and party destination, not somewhere you go for museums or historical sights.

Is the Food Better in Hamburg or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hamburg is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Novalja may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a lot of places to grab a quick bite to eat or a cheap meal around town. There are pizzerias, fast food, and some nicer bistros to choose from.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Novalja is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This is a party island, and you'll find most of the action around Zrce Beach, which is about a 20 minute drive from town. The party scene appeals to the young, backpacker crowd and there's live music, DJs, and parties that last well into the morning. Zrce Beach has a huge number of bars and clubs including three clubs that are listed on the Top 100 DJ's Magazine Best Clubs List.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Music?

Hamburg is very popular for its live music scene. However, Novalja is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Hamburg The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Novalja is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Hamburg is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Novalja as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Most of the accommodation is in the form of apartments or hostels. There are also some hotels on the island, but because the number is limited they can be quite expensive.

Hamburg is not a resort destination.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is well known for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Novalja is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find a mix of beaches near town including hidden gems that feel remote and undiscovered as well as wild party beaches like the famed Zrce Beach. Many beaches are pebbly or have coarse sand with turquoise blue waters.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Novalja?

Hamburg is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Hamburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Shopping in Novalja can be found for those interested. This isn't the place to go shopping for clothing or local items. You will find some beach and souvenir shops around town though.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Families?

Hamburg is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Hamburg is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

For families, Novalja is not always the best place to visit. While there are family-friendly places to visit like some beaches and waterparks, at its heart this is a party destination that is known for its wild parties and crazy crowds.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Couples?

Both Hamburg and Novalja are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Novalja is a nice destination for couples. Stunning beaches, blue waters, and surreal landscapes make this a one-of-a-kind place to visit. But romance isn't on most people's minds, as this is first and foremost a party destination.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is renowned for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Novalja is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. Famous for its wild parties that attract backpackers and young travelers, this island destination has become a hotspot for backpackers and party-goers. There are hostels around town that offer a cheap place to crash.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Students?

Hamburg is a popular place for students. However, Novalja is not popular with students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Novalja is not popular with students.

Is Hamburg or Novalja Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hamburg is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Hamburg has some very good public transit options. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

While Novalja offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

Is Hamburg or Novalja a more walkable city?

Hamburg is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Hamburg is a very walkable port city. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable port city. In town, you can reach most places on foot, but if you want to explore further you'll need to find another way to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Hamburg or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Novalja due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

Families should spend more time in Hamburg than Novalja. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hamburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hamburg than Novalja. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hamburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hamburg than Novalja if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hamburg.

One day in Hamburg or Novalja?

In Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hamburg or Novalja?

In Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer.

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Novalja has to offer.

Five days in Hamburg or Novalja?

Hamburg is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Novalja is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hamburg or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Novalja. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hamburg and Novalja, we can see that Hamburg is more expensive. And not only is Novalja much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novalja would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novalja and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hamburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hamburg than you might in Novalja.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hamburg Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Novalja?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 830 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg and Novalja, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.