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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valletta

Valletta is a historic, charming, and cultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Valletta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Valletta are popular destinations, Palermo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palermo is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Valletta attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Palermo different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Valletta on the map. 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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Valletta is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Palermo or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Valletta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Palermo is a very popular place for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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 Palermo or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Valletta has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Valletta?

Both Palermo and Valletta are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Palermo or Valletta Better for Families?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valletta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Palermo or Valletta Better for Students?

Palermo is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Valletta is not popular with students.

Is Palermo 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, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Valletta has a few public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Valletta 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.

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palermo and Valletta. In our opinion, Valletta has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Valletta than Palermo. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

The city of Palermo offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Valletta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Palermo or Valletta?

Palermo 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palermo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Valletta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Valletta?

Palermo 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Valletta?

Palermo is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valletta. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Palermo and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Valletta?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo or Valletta?

Palermo 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 Palermo or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Valletta in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the summer, Palermo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Valletta. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Valletta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Valletta. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Palermo is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Valletta averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Valletta. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Valletta. Many travelers come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

In January, Palermo is generally cooler than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Valletta in the Spring?

Both Valletta and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Palermo in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Valletta in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives more rain than Valletta. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Palermo