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

Should you visit Fez 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 Fez 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.

Fez

Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fez. Although Fez and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Fez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fez is more popular for its shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Valletta is known for its nightlife and beaches. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also home to the Chouara Tannery. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Fez and Valletta.

The museums and tourist attractions in Fez are world-renowned. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Valletta on the map. 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 Fez or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fez and Valletta offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.

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 Fez or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Valletta is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Valletta. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.

Is Fez or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Valletta. 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.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Fez or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Both Fez and Valletta have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Fez can be explored in its historical center. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Valletta has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 Fez or Valletta?

Fez is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Fez specifically to go shopping. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.

Valletta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Fez or Valletta Better for Families?

Both Fez and Valletta are good to visit with kids.

Fez is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.

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 Fez or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Is Fez or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez 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 Fez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Valletta is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Valletta has some public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.

Is Fez or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Valletta. 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.

Fez is a very walkable destination. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Fez?

How long in Fez or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fez and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than in Valletta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Fez. 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 Fez. 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 Fez 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 Fez.

One day in Fez or Valletta?

Fez 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.

With nightlife and food around the historic destination of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Fez or Valletta?

Fez 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.

Many people visit Valletta for a weekend. With food and shopping around the cultural town of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or Valletta?

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

The destination of Valletta offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Fez or Valletta?

Fez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Valletta, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, 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 Fez and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fez is in Africa 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 Fez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fez 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 Fez.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or Valletta?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Fez 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.