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

Should you visit Lille or Novalja?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Novalja, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

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.

Lille and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lille than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lille is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Novalja is more touristy than Lille and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Also, Lille is famous for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lille is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Lille offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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 Lille or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Novalja is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Lille has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

Is Lille or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Lille 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.

Lille is not a resort destination.

Is Lille or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is notable for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Novalja. 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.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great destination for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lille. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Novalja?

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

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

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 Lille or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Lille is not the most family-friendly destination. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Novalja is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Lille or Novalja Better for Couples?

Lille and Novalja are both notable to visit as a couple.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

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 Lille or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is very popular for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Lille is a good city to visit for backpackers. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Is Lille or Novalja Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. However, Novalja is not popular with students.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

Lille 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.

Lille has some very good public transit options. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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 Lille or Novalja a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Lille on foot is easy. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

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 Lille Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Lille?

How long in Lille or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Lille 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 Lille, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille 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 Lille.

One day in Lille or Novalja?

In Lille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife that this wild destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lille or Novalja?

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lille or Novalja?

Lille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Novalja. Lots of people come for the nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife around the backpacker-filled destination of Novalja. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 Lille and Novalja, we can see that Lille 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille 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 Lille Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Novalja?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Lille 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.