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

Should you visit Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg and Novalja can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint 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 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.

Strasbourg and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Novalja?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Strasbourg. Although Strasbourg and Novalja are popular destinations, Strasbourg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Strasbourg is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Novalja attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Strasbourg is famous for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also well known for The Strasbourg Cathedral. Novalja is famous for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Strasbourg different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Strasbourg or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is not a resort destination.

Is Strasbourg or Novalja Better for Beaches?

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

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Is Strasbourg or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is very popular for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Novalja?

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

Strasbourg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Novalja Better for Families?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Strasbourg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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 Strasbourg or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Strasbourg or Novalja Better for Students?

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

Strasbourg is popular with students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg has some very good public transit options. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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 Strasbourg or Novalja a more walkable city?

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is 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 Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Novalja?

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

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

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

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

One day in Strasbourg or Novalja?

In Strasbourg, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife around the wild town of Novalja, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Novalja?

In Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg has to offer.

With nightlife around the destination of Novalja, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Strasbourg or Novalja?

Strasbourg 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, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Novalja?

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

Novalja is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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 Strasbourg and Novalja, we can see that Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Novalja?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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.