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

Should you visit Valletta or Amsterdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Valletta and Amsterdam 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.

Valletta

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

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Valletta and Amsterdam are both popular with visitors, Amsterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amsterdam is more popular for its nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, beaches, and historical sights. Amsterdam is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Valletta or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Amsterdam is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

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 Valletta or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is terrific for its music scene. However, Valletta is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Valletta or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a town with a few options for the beache. However, Amsterdam 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.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Valletta offers plenty to see. 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.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Amsterdam?

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

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.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Valletta or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Valletta is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Valletta or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Amsterdam is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Is Valletta or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

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

Amsterdam is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Amsterdam can take you anywhere. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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 Valletta or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Valletta. 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.

Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Amsterdam?

Both Valletta and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Valletta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Valletta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Valletta or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Valletta or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Valletta or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the waterfront town of Valletta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Valletta or Amsterdam?

Valletta is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valletta and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Valletta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valletta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valletta 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Valletta.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Amsterdam?

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

Amsterdam 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 Valletta or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Valletta during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valletta is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Valletta is much warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Amsterdam. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Valletta is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Valletta