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

Should you visit Riga or Valletta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Riga or Valletta? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Riga

Riga is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and unique city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta

Valletta is a historic, charming, and cultural town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Riga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Riga is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, beaches, and historical sights. Valletta is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Riga specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Riga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.

Is Riga or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Riga is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Riga is a must-see party destination. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.

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 Riga or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for the beache. However, Riga 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.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Riga. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Valletta?

Both Riga and Valletta are excellent shopping destinations.

Riga is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.

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 Riga or Valletta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Valletta.

Riga is a family-friendly place to visit. During the winter months, there are a number of museums that are fun to explore with kids including the Nature Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Aviation Technology Museum, and the Riga Firefighter Museum. There are also several indoor play areas. When the weather is warmer there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds to explore.

Valletta is a family-friendly city. 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 Riga or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Riga is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a charming old town that you can explore, taking time to relax in the city squares or sip coffee at a cafe. There are also many nice restaurants that will make for a romantic date night.

Is Riga or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga 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 Riga, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many affordable hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can grab a cheap meal. The city offers a great European experience at a fraction of the price of many cities.

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 Riga or Valletta Better for Students?

Riga 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 Riga. The city's affordability and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for international students. There are many places to hang out and a lively nightlife scene that appeals to young travelers.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Riga 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 Riga. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

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 Riga or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Riga is a very walkable destination. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Riga?

How long in Riga or Valletta?

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

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

One day in Riga or Valletta?

The beautiful city of Riga 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Valletta?

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

Valletta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Riga or Valletta?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Valletta. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Valletta?

Riga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

The charming town of Valletta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Valletta, we can see that Valletta 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Valletta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Valletta?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga or Valletta?

Riga 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 Riga or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In the summer, Riga is much colder than Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Valletta. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Valletta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Valletta. Most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Valletta. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Valletta. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

The weather in Riga can be very cold. Riga is much colder than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Valletta in the Spring?

Both Valletta and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In April, Riga usually receives more rain than Valletta. Riga gets 39 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 Riga