A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Valletta for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Valletta?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Valletta. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta

Valletta is a waterfront, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Valletta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Valletta are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Valletta attracts visitors for its beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Valletta?

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Valletta and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Valletta that are not to be missed. With its rich culture and compact old town, there are countless museums, sights, and monuments that are worth visiting. Some options include Saint John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and Armory, the National Museum of Archaeology, Manoel Theater, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Valletta can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

For foodies, Valletta is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's culinary scene has a long history with many traditional flavors. You really must experience a meal in one of the traditional stone cellar restaurants, which often serve local meze. Head to Republic Street for a stretch of longstanding restaurants in town. Local dishes include stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), bragioli (rolled meat covered in sauce), and lampuki pie (fish pie).

Is Athens or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Athens is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Valletta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It wasn't long ago that the town went quiet in the evenings, but recent years have brought a surge in bars and clubs around town. You'll find the liveliest nightlife in areas around Strait Street and the Valletta Waterfront. If you're looking for a true clubbing scene, you'll want to head north out of town to Paceville.

Is Athens or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

The beach in Valletta is worth checking out. There aren't any beaches in town, but if you head north to St. George’s Bay you'll find some nice beaches with a variety of resorts to choose from.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Athens and Valletta.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Valletta can be explored in its historical center. The old town is laid out with a uniform grid and the streets are lined with hundreds of historic buildings. At the heart of old town is Republic Street, which divides the area in half and is where you'll find a large concentration of restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Valletta?

Valletta is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valletta. For the best shopping head to Republic Street and Merchants Street where you'll find craft shops, boutiques, and other local souvenirs. Many visitors enjoy picking up blown glass, a locally made miniature, or cactus liquor. Lace is also a common local item that you'll find around town.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Valletta Better for Families?

Athens is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Valletta. This charming town has nearby beaches as well as a few museums that kids will enjoy, including a toy museum. There are also several multi-media shows that educate visitors on the area's history. Make sure you check out Malta 5D and the Malta Experience.

Is Athens or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Valletta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town offers beautiful walks, luxury spa experiences, and evening sunset cruises that are seeped in romance. During the evening you can enjoy a cocktail hour and then dine in one of the town's many unique restaurants.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Valletta. The island has grown in popularity with backpackers, particularly those coming from Europe, as there are affordable flights and easy accessibility. You'll also find some nice hostels around town where you can stay on a budget.

Is Athens or Valletta Better for Students?

Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Valletta is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Valletta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

You'll find some public transit in Valletta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Is Athens or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Valletta is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town is compact and easy to walk around with many sights within a short distance of each other. There's also very little street traffic.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Valletta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Athens?

How long in Athens or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Valletta. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Valletta 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Valletta?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Valletta?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valletta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Valletta?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Athens or Valletta?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Valletta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Valletta, we can see that Athens is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Valletta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Valletta?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Valletta, 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.

When is the best time to visit Athens or Valletta?

Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Valletta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Valletta. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Athens is around the same temperature as Valletta in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Valletta. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Valletta in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Valletta. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Valletta averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Athens is generally cooler than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Athens usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Valletta. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Valletta in the Spring?

Both Valletta and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

Athens is around the same temperature as Valletta in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Valletta. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Athens