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

Should you visit Valletta or Bergen?

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 Bergen 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 historic, charming, and cultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Bergen are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valletta is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Valletta different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Valletta on the map. 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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Valletta is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Valletta or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Bergen.

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.

Bergen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Valletta or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

The beach in Valletta is worth checking out. 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.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Valletta has a world-famous historical 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Bergen?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Valletta and Bergen.

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.

Bergen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Valletta or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen 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 Bergen. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Valletta or Bergen Better for Couples?

Valletta is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Valletta or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valletta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Valletta or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Bergen 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 Bergen. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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 Bergen a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valletta and Bergen. In our opinion, Valletta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valletta than Bergen. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Valletta or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Bergen offers food and shopping. 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 Bergen?

Valletta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Valletta or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bergen 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 Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Valletta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bergen 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 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 in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Valletta and Bergen, 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 Valletta Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

Bergen 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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Bergen. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Valletta is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Valletta is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Bergen. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Valletta during the winter 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 winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Valletta is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Bergen. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Valletta