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

Should you visit Novalja or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Novalja or Ljubljana? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Novalja

Novalja is a wild, energetic, and backpacker-filled town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Novalja and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Novalja or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ljubljana. Although Novalja and Ljubljana are popular destinations, Ljubljana has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ljubljana is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Novalja attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Novalja is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also well known for The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Novalja different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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 Novalja or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

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 Novalja or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is renowned for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Novalja or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

Novalja is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Novalja has a few resort options worth checking out. 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.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is Novalja or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

Novalja is a great town for its beaches. However, Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Novalja or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Novalja or Ljubljana?

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

Ljubljana is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

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 Novalja or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Novalja doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Ljubljana is not always the best place to visit. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Novalja or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Novalja and Ljubljana make for a nice place to visit.

Novalja makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Ljubljana is a good town for couples to visit. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Novalja or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Ljubljana is a great town to visit for backpackers. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Novalja or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Ljubljana is popular with students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Novalja, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

While Ljubljana offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a city bus system.

Is Novalja or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is a very walkable capital city. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Novalja Worth Visiting? and Is Ljubljana Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Novalja?

How long in Novalja or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Novalja and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Novalja than in Ljubljana. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Novalja, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

One day in Novalja or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife around the town of Novalja. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This capital city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Novalja or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife around the backpacker-filled destination of Novalja. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Ljubljana, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Ljubljana has to offer.

Five days in Novalja or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the backpacker-filled town of Novalja. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana 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.

A week in Novalja or Ljubljana?

Novalja is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ljubljana. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Novalja and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ljubljana 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 Novalja Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Novalja or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Novalja and Ljubljana, 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.