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

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

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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.

Venice and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Venice and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Venice is more touristy than Novalja and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Novalja is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Venice different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Venice 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 Venice. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

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 Venice or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Novalja Better for Resorts?

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

Venice is not a resort destination.

Is Venice or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is great for the beach. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Venice or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

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

Venice has a world-famous historical area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Novalja?

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

The abundance of shops in Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice or Novalja Better for Couples?

Venice is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Venice or Novalja Better for Students?

Venice is very popular for students. However, Novalja is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

Venice is very popular for its public transit. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice or Novalja a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Venice?

How long in Venice or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Venice or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Venice due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

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

One day in Venice or Novalja?

In Venice, you'll find museums 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Novalja. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Venice or Novalja?

In Venice, 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 Venice has to offer.

Novalja is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Venice or Novalja?

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Venice or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the wild destination of Novalja. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in 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 Venice and Novalja, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Venice or Novalja?

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