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

Should you visit Valletta or Bern?

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 Bern 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Bern?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Also, Valletta is famous for The Grand Masters Palace. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Valletta different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Valletta that are not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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

Valletta is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern 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).

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Valletta or Bern Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Bern.

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.

Bern has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Valletta or Bern Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Valletta is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Valletta is one of the most recognized in 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Bern?

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

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.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Is Valletta or Bern Better for Families?

Bern 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 Bern. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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 Bern Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Valletta or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Bern are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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

Bern 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 Bern. There are trams and buses that run 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 Valletta or Bern a more walkable city?

Valletta is renowned for its walkability. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Bern is a very walkable town. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Bern?

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

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Bern. 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 Bern. 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 Bern 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 Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful city of Bern 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 Valletta or Bern?

Valletta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Valletta or Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Valletta. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bern 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 Bern?

The charming town of Valletta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bern 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Bern?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Bern, 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 Bern?

Bern 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 Bern in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Bern averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Bern. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern 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 Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Bern 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 Bern during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Bern. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. Valletta is much warmer than Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Bern. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Bern. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In the spring, Valletta is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Bern averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Bern. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Valletta