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

Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a cultural, historical, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta

Valletta is a cultural, waterfront, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Hanoi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hanoi is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Valletta is known for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Hanoi different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Hanoi and Valletta.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Valletta has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Hanoi or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valletta is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Valletta have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Is Hanoi or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Hanoi has a large number of nightlife venues. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

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 Hanoi or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a town with a few options for the beache. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Valletta offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 Hanoi or Valletta?

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

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Valletta Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Valletta are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

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 Hanoi or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Hanoi or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi 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 Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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 Hanoi or Valletta Better for Students?

Hanoi 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 Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Valletta is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Valletta?

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Valletta?

Hanoi 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.

In Valletta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hanoi or Valletta?

Hanoi 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Valletta?

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

Valletta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Valletta?

Hanoi 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the waterfront destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, 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 Hanoi and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi 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 Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Valletta?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Valletta?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hanoi or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Valletta. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Valletta. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Valletta. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Valletta. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Valletta. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Typical Weather for Valletta and Hanoi