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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Valletta is more popular for its beaches and historical sights. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Valletta.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Valletta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Valletta both to be fantastic destinations.

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Valletta is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

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

Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Valletta Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Valletta are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Valletta is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Valletta Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Kuala Lumpur can take you anywhere. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Kuala Lumpur. 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 Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Valletta, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this waterfront town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valletta is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife 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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

Kuala Lumpur 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 popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Valletta?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Valletta in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Valletta. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Valletta in the Autumn?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Valletta. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Valletta in the Winter?

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

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Valletta. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Valletta during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Valletta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Valletta averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Valletta in the Spring?

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

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Typical Weather for Valletta and Kuala Lumpur