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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port 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 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.

Shanghai and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai. Although Shanghai and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Shanghai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Shanghai is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Valletta is known for its beaches and historical sights. Shanghai is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Shanghai different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the fantastic sights and museums in both Shanghai and Valletta.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Valletta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Shanghai and Valletta both to be fantastic destinations.

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Shanghai and Valletta.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Valletta. 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 Shanghai or Valletta Better for Beaches?

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

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Valletta?

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

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Valletta Better for Families?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of 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 Shanghai or Valletta Better for Couples?

Shanghai and Valletta both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Valletta are very good destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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 Shanghai or Valletta Better for Students?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port 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.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Valletta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Valletta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Valletta. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Valletta.

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

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

Shanghai is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

The beautiful town of Valletta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Valletta?

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valletta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Valletta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Valletta?

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

Valletta 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.

A week in Shanghai or Valletta?

Shanghai 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 port city offers something for everyone.

Valletta is a great place to explore. 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 town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai 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. Even though Shanghai is in Asia and Valletta is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Valletta?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 2150 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Valletta?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Valletta. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Valletta in the Autumn?

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

In October, Shanghai is generally cooler than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Valletta. Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Valletta. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. Shanghai is much colder than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Valletta in the Spring?

Both Valletta and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shanghai for 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.

In the spring, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Valletta. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Shanghai