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

Should you visit Tallinn or Valletta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Valletta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming, quaint, and whimsical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Valletta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Valletta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Tallinn and Valletta are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, and beaches, while Tallinn is known for its nightlife, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Tallinn different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Valletta are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallinn. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valletta is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

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

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Tallinn 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.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Valletta Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and Valletta both have first-rate historical old towns that attract visitors.

The rich history of Tallinn can be explored in its historical center. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Valletta has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Valletta?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Tallinn and Valletta.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Tallinn or Valletta Better for Families?

Tallinn and Valletta are both good destinations for the whole family.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

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 Tallinn or Valletta Better for Couples?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Valletta has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Is Tallinn or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Valletta Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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 Tallinn or Valletta a more walkable city?

Tallinn and Valletta are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tallinn. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Valletta or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Valletta?

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

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

One day in Tallinn or Valletta?

The beautiful city of Tallinn 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, 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 Tallinn or Valletta?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn, 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 Tallinn or Valletta?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Valletta?

Tallinn 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 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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Tallinn and Valletta, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Valletta?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Valletta?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Tallinn is much colder than Valletta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Valletta averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Valletta. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Valletta in the Autumn?

Both Valletta and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Valletta. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. Tallinn is much colder than Valletta in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Valletta fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Valletta. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Valletta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Valletta. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Tallinn can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Valletta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Valletta averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. In the spring, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Valletta. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Tallinn