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

Should you visit Rouen or Novalja?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Novalja? 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.

Rouen

Rouen is a charming, compact, and impressive city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, 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.

Rouen and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rouen than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rouen 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 Rouen and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. Also, Rouen is famous for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.

How is Rouen different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

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 Rouen or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Rouen. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

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 Rouen or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Novalja just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Rouen or Novalja Better for Resorts?

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

Rouen is not a resort destination.

Is Rouen or Novalja Better for Beaches?

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

Novalja is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Rouen to see the old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Novalja?

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

Rouen offers some nice shopping areas. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

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 Rouen or Novalja Better for Families?

Rouen is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Rouen. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike 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 Rouen or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Rouen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

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 Rouen or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city 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.

Rouen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpackers may struggle to find a hostel with a social setting, but for those who make it here there are many beautiful things to see.

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

Rouen 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.

Rouen has some very good public transit options. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to 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 Rouen or Novalja a more walkable city?

Rouen 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.

Rouen is a very walkable city. There are many parts of town that can easily be 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 Rouen Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Novalja?

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Novalja?

In Rouen, you'll find nightlife 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, many people enjoy the nightlife that this backpacker-filled 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 Rouen or Novalja?

In Rouen, 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 Rouen 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 Rouen or Novalja?

Rouen 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 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 Rouen or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rouen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife around the energetic 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, 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 Rouen and Novalja, we can see that Rouen 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 Rouen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rouen 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 Rouen Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Novalja?

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