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

Should you visit Valletta or Birmingham?

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 Birmingham 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 waterfront, historic, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Valletta and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Birmingham?

Both Birmingham and Valletta have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Valletta is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Valletta different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Valletta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Birmingham can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Is Valletta or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Valletta is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Valletta is not a theatre destination.

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

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Valletta has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Is Valletta or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

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

Birmingham has a large number of nightlife venues. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

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 Birmingham Better for Music?

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

Birmingham has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Valletta or Birmingham Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for its beaches. However, Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Valletta offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Birmingham?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Valletta and Birmingham.

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.

Birmingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Is Valletta or Birmingham Better for Families?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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 Birmingham Better for Couples?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Valletta 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.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Is Valletta or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Valletta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.

Is Valletta or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Birmingham is a very popular city for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Valletta and Birmingham.

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 Birmingham, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Valletta or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Valletta is a very easy town to get around 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.

Birmingham is a very walkable town. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Birmingham?

In either Valletta or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than Valletta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

With museums and nightlife around the charming town of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valletta, one day is sufficent for most.

The city of Birmingham offers shopping and museums. 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 Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

Five days in Valletta or Birmingham?

Valletta, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?

Valletta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Birmingham. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Birmingham averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Birmingham. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the autumn, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year.

It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. Valletta is much warmer than Birmingham in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Valletta during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Valletta is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Birmingham averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Birmingham. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Valletta