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

Should you visit Koblenz or Novalja?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koblenz and Novalja. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koblenz

Koblenz is a vibrant, dynamic, and accessible city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Novalja

Novalja is a energetic, backpacker-filled, and wild town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Koblenz and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koblenz or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koblenz than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koblenz is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Koblenz is well known for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards. Also, Koblenz is famous for The Fortress of Ehrenbreitstein. Novalja is well known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Koblenz different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Koblenz is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Koblenz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors head to the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached by chairlift. Also make sure you visit the Forum Confluentes, the State Museum, the Romanticum, and the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum.

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 Koblenz or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koblenz 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 Koblenz. The city is large enough to have a diversity of restaurants that serve everything from local German specialties to other European dishes. If you want to enjoy some regional cuisine, try the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef), Döppekooche (potato cakes), or locally brewed beer.

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 Koblenz or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Novalja has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Koblenz doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a smaller city, but there are still pubs around town that attract a crowd. Enjoy the local beer and chat with the locals on a relaxing night out.

Is Koblenz or Novalja Better for Resorts?

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

Not known for its high-end resorts, Novalja offers a few options. 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.

Koblenz is not a resort destination.

Is Koblenz or Novalja Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Novalja for it's beautiful 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.

Koblenz is not a beach destination.

Is Koblenz or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Koblenz is a popular place for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Koblenz to see the old town. The old town is fun to explore with its beautiful churches and quaint ice cream shops.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Koblenz or Novalja?

Koblenz is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Koblenz offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

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 Koblenz or Novalja Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Koblenz or Novalja as a family destination.

Koblenz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the chairlift across the river that leads to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It's also fun to take a stroll along the river, grab ice cream in old town, and play at one of the parks around town.

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 Koblenz or Novalja Better for Couples?

Koblenz is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Koblenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Seeped in romantic walks and historic buildings, couples will enjoy visiting this beautiful German town. Sip Reisling at one of the many restaurants or wander through the quaint old town.

Novalja is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Koblenz or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Novalja. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koblenz. There are a few affordable accommodation options around town. Food is reasonably priced as well so backpackers can enjoy a visit without breaking the bank.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koblenz and Novalja.

You'll find some public transit in Koblenz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the major routes around town. There's also a cable car that takes you up to the fortress.

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 Koblenz or Novalja a more walkable city?

Koblenz and Novalja both are notable when exploring on foot.

Koblenz is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay in the old town, you'll have no trouble walking around, but the train station is a good distance from the old town.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable 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 Koblenz Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Koblenz?

How long in Koblenz or Novalja?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Novalja than Koblenz 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 Novalja.

One day in Koblenz or Novalja?

In Koblenz, you'll find museums and food. This 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 Koblenz or Novalja?

In Koblenz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koblenz 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 Koblenz or Novalja?

Koblenz 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 Koblenz or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koblenz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Koblenz. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) 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 Koblenz and Novalja, we can see that Koblenz 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 Koblenz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koblenz 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 Koblenz Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koblenz or Novalja?

Koblenz has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Koblenz 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.