A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Valletta for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a dramatic, vibrant, and beautiful resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Valletta

Valletta is a cultural, waterfront, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Valletta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Lagos is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Lagos different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Valletta that are not to be missed. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Lagos or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Lagos has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos or Valletta Better for Resorts?

Lagos is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

Lagos is a world class resort vacation destination. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lagos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Lagos is terrific for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Lagos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

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.

Is Lagos or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Valletta can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Valletta Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Valletta?

Valletta is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Valletta Better for Families?

Lagos is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos or Valletta Better for Couples?

Lagos and Valletta both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Valletta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Lagos or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos 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 Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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

Valletta is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Valletta?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Lagos. 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 Lagos 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 Lagos.

One day in Lagos or Valletta?

The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lagos or Valletta?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Lagos or Valletta?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lagos, 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 Lagos or Valletta?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Valletta, we can see that Lagos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Valletta?

Lagos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos or Valletta?

Lagos 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 Lagos or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Valletta. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

In July, Lagos is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Valletta. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Lagos is a little warmer than Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Valletta. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

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

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Valletta. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Valletta. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Lagos