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

Should you visit Valletta or Bellagio?

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 Bellagio 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.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a opulent, beautiful, and impressive town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and shopping.

Valletta and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Valletta or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Bellagio are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Bellagio is known for its small town charm. Bellagio is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Valletta different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bellagio 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 Bellagio?

Valletta
Bellagio

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options 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.

While most people don't head to Bellagio specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town's atmosphere and views are what attract the tourists, but if you're looking for historical sights, check out the Basilica of San Giacomo.


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

Valletta
Bellagio

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Bellagio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many fine dining restaurants that offer a luxurious atmosphere and well crafted dishes. There are also Michelin starred restaurants in town which offer a unique, world-class experience.

Is Valletta or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Bellagio

Valletta is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

Bellagio doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town is filled with opulence and luxury, and the nightlife is no exception. Sip cocktails and fine wine while you listen to music or take in the atmosphere.

Is Valletta or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Bellagio

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

Bellagio is not a beach destination.


Is Valletta or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Bellagio

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

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.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Bellagio?

Valletta
Bellagio

Valletta is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Valletta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Bellagio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find traditional shops mixed in with modern stores. There are high end brands and more local specialty markets that are fun to peruse.

Is Valletta or Bellagio Better for Families?

Valletta
Bellagio

Both Valletta and Bellagio are good to visit with kids.

Valletta is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bellagio. The town has a playground, a small train, and a Museum of Navigational Instruments that kids may enjoy. There's also a beach where everyone can take a swim.


Is Valletta or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Valletta
Bellagio

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

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.

Bellagio is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The town is a favorite on Lake Como, and couples will appreciate its charming atmosphere and beautiful lake front setting. In a few hours you can soak up the character and magic or this beautiful area.

Is Valletta or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Bellagio

Valletta is a great destination for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valletta is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bellagio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people visit the town as a day trip, as it can easily be explored in a few hours. Backpackers who don't want to pay the high hotel prices can still enjoy the setting without staying the night.

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

Valletta
Bellagio

Visitors will find good public transit in both Valletta and Bellagio.

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

You'll find some public transit in Bellagio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries to town, or you can take a taxi.


Is Valletta or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Valletta
Bellagio

Valletta and Bellagio are world-class 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 Bellagio on foot is easy. The town is small and compact with many pedestrian streets that are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Bellagio to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Bellagio because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bellagio.

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


  • How many days in Valletta or Bellagio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Valletta 1-3 
    Bellagio 1-2

One day in Valletta or Bellagio?

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.

Bellagio is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Valletta or Bellagio?

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.

Bellagio 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bellagio, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Valletta or Bellagio?

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.

Bellagio 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 Valletta or Bellagio?

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.

Bellagio 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 town 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 G Adventures Tours to Italy, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Valletta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Valletta is €116, while the average daily cost in Bellagio is €222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Valletta and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Bellagio? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Valletta


Hotels in Bellagio


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Valletta Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

Also for Valletta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66
  • Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers: $39
  • Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $103
  • Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $81
  • Arrival Transfer: Malta Airport MLA to Malta Island by Van: $49
  • Departure Transfer: Malta Island to Malta Airport MLA by Van: $47
  • From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $87
  • From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $150
  • Malta Airport (MLA) Departure Transfer (Saint Julian's Hotels to Malta Airport): $49
  • Malta Airport Transfers: $11
  • Malta Airport Transfers : $38
  • Malta Intl Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bellagio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bellagio:

  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Bellagio: $351
  • From Bellagio : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $382

Is it cheaper to fly into Valletta or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Valletta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Valletta 32
    Bellagio 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valletta

For Valletta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
  • Valletta Food Tour: $49
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $76
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $80
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $80
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $86
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $91
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bellagio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bellagio.

  • Como Lake: cooking class Italian style in Bellagio: $191
  • Bellagio Food Tour + Villa Melzi: $209
  • Cooking Class with Lunch with the chef: $534

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valletta 27
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Valletta

For Valletta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • Reliving The Sacra Infermeria Augmented Reality Tour: $6.55
  • The Knights of Malta Museum Entry Ticket: $7.10
  • Valletta Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • City Nobles App Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional): $7.49
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour (Audio Guide): $7.49
  • City Nobles App Tour + Optional Malta 5D Show Ticket: $7.64
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour, Map and Directions: $8.56
  • Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens : $9.83

Tours and Activities in Bellagio

Here are a few actual costs in Bellagio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bellagio Walking Tour + Lunch + Villa Balbianello: $315
  • Lake Como Sunset Boat Tour with Prosecco: $118
  • Vintage Wooden Boat Rowing Experience on Lake Como: $187
  • Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour From Bellagio: $428
  • From Milan: Bellagio & Lake Como Small Group Tour: $127
  • From Milan: Como & Bellagio Guided Tour & Lake Como Cruise: $106
  • Lake Como: Golden Hour Guided Kayak Tour: $123
  • Lake Como: Small-Group Kayak Tour: $93
  • Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries: $78
  • Lake Como: Villa Melzi Garden Entry Ticket with Ferries: $71
  • Shared Boat Tour from Bellagio: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Bellagio 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Valletta:

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valletta and Bellagio, we can see that Bellagio 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 Bellagio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bellagio 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 Bellagio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Bellagio?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Bellagio, 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 Bellagio?

Bellagio 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 Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio 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. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

In July, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bellagio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun.

Bellagio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valletta 26°C (79°F) 
    Bellagio 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Bellagio. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bellagio for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Valletta is a little warmer than Bellagio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valletta 21°C (70°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Bellagio in the Winter?

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

Bellagio can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Bellagio. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valletta 13°C (55°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio 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, most visitors come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bellagio. In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valletta 16°C (61°F) 
    Bellagio 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Valletta

Valletta Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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