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

Should you visit Beijing or Valletta?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Valletta 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta

Valletta is a cultural, waterfront, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Valletta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing. Although Beijing and Valletta are popular destinations, Beijing has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beijing is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Valletta attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Beijing different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Valletta.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Travelers visit Valletta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Beijing or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Eat your way through Valletta, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Beijing or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Beijing has a large number of nightlife venues. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 Beijing or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a town with a few options for the beach. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Valletta offers plenty to see. 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Valletta?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Valletta and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Beijing or Valletta Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Valletta are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Valletta offers lots of family activities. 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 Beijing or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Valletta is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Valletta are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Valletta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Beijing or Valletta Better for Students?

Beijing 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 Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Beijing 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 Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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 Beijing or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Valletta on foot is easy. 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.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Valletta?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Beijing. 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.

One day in Beijing or Valletta?

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Valletta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Beijing or Valletta?

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

In Valletta, 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 Valletta has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Valletta?

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

Valletta 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.

A week in Beijing or Valletta?

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

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Valletta is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Valletta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valletta than you might in Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Valletta?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 1100 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Valletta?

Beijing 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 Beijing or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Valletta. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Valletta in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Valletta. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Beijing is much colder than Valletta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Valletta averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Valletta. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Valletta. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Valletta. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Beijing is cooler than Valletta in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Valletta. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Beijing