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

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Helsinki and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Helsinki and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, and historical sights, while Helsinki is known for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Helsinki different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Valletta are world-renowned. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Valletta.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

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 Helsinki or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Valletta is revered around the world. 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Valletta?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Helsinki and Valletta.

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Helsinki or Valletta Better for Families?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki 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 Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Is Helsinki or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or Valletta Better for Students?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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 Helsinki or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in Valletta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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

One day in Helsinki or Valletta?

The beautiful city of Helsinki offers food and shopping. 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.

The beautiful town of Valletta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Valletta?

Helsinki is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Helsinki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valletta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valletta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Valletta?

Helsinki is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Valletta is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Valletta?

Helsinki is a great place to explore. 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 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 town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, 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 Helsinki and Valletta, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Valletta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valletta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valletta 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki than you might in Valletta.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Valletta?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Valletta?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Helsinki is much colder than Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Valletta. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Valletta. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Valletta. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Valletta. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Helsinki