A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Trieste vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Backpackers, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Trieste or Novalja?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Trieste and Novalja can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Trieste

Trieste is a historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Novalja

Novalja is a backpacker-filled, wild, and energetic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Trieste and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Novalja?

Both Novalja and Trieste have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Trieste is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Novalja is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Trieste offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

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 Trieste or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Trieste 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 Trieste. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

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 Trieste or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Novalja is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Trieste has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

Is Trieste or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Trieste is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Novalja as a resort destination, but it has a few places. 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.

Trieste is not a resort destination.

Is Trieste or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches at Novalja attract visitors from all over. 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.

Trieste offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.

Is Trieste or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Trieste to see the old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Novalja?

Novalja is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Novalja Better for Families?

Trieste is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Trieste is a very kid-friendly city. The caves, adventure parks, and interactive museums all make for a fun family vacation. Make sure you check out Grotta Gigante, which will impress kids and adults alike. The Museum of Natural History has a collection of fossils that any dinosaur lover will appreciate, and Trieste Adventure Park is filled with ropes courses and ziplines. Finally, a visit to Miramare Castle will spark every child's imagination.

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 Trieste or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visit the castles, cathedrals, and historic monuments, experience the atmosphere of the city's historic center, people watch in one of the grand piazzas, and watch the city light up at night. There are so many romantic sides to this cultural Italian city.

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 Trieste or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Novalja, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. 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 backpackers visit Trieste. It's often overlooked for more popular Italian city's but there is still a lot that this under-rated city has to offer. You'll also find hostels for every budget and a youthful energy that will bring the city to life.

Is Trieste or Novalja Better for Students?

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

Trieste is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Italy attracts students from around the globe and this city is no exception. The city's diverse population and unique cultural opportunities make it a great place to study abroad or immerse yourself in university life.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

Trieste 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.

Trieste has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams to help you get around 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 Trieste or Novalja a more walkable city?

Trieste 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.

Trieste is a very walkable city. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.

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 Trieste Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Trieste or Novalja. In our opinion, Trieste has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Trieste than Novalja. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Novalja than Trieste 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 Trieste or Novalja?

In Trieste, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Trieste or Novalja?

In Trieste, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Trieste 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 Trieste or Novalja?

Trieste 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 Trieste or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Trieste. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, 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 Trieste and Novalja, we can see that Trieste 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 Trieste would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Trieste 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 Trieste Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Novalja?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Trieste 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.