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

Should you visit Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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 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.

Kyoto and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kyoto. Although Kyoto and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Kyoto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kyoto is more popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Valletta is known for its food and beaches. Kyoto is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also home to Kinkaku-ji. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Kyoto different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valletta is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto 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).

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Kyoto or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Valletta has a better nightlife scene.

Kyoto has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

If you're looking for night time activities Valletta has a few options to choose from. 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 Kyoto or Valletta Better for Beaches?

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

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

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 Kyoto or Valletta?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Valletta and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Kyoto or Valletta Better for Families?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto or Valletta Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and Valletta are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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.

Is Kyoto or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Kyoto or Valletta Better for Students?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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 Kyoto or Valletta a more walkable city?

Kyoto and Valletta both are world-class when exploring on foot.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Valletta is a very easy city to get around on foot. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Valletta. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Valletta. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Kyoto. 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 Kyoto or Valletta?

The beautiful city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. 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 waterfront 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 Kyoto or Valletta?

Kyoto 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kyoto, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Kyoto or Valletta?

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 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 Kyoto or Valletta?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 historic 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, 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 Kyoto and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto 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 Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Valletta?

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Valletta in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Kyoto is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Valletta. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Kyoto 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 Kyoto this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Kyoto is generally cooler than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Valletta. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Kyoto is much colder than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Valletta. Many visitors come to Kyoto 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.

In the spring, Kyoto is cooler than Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Valletta. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Kyoto