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

Should you visit Valletta or Brussels?

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

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Brussels?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brussels than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brussels is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Valletta different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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

Valletta is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Valletta, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Valletta or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Valletta or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a town with a few options for its beaches. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Brussels?

Brussels is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Brussels specifically to go shopping. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Valletta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Valletta or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Valletta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Brussels is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Is Valletta or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Brussels are both very good 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 Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Is Valletta or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Brussels 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 Brussels can take you anywhere. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels a more walkable city?

Valletta is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Valletta on foot is easy. 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.

Brussels is a very walkable town. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Brussels?

In either Valletta or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels 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 Brussels.

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

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.

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Brussels?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Brussels?

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.

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

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.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels 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, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Valletta or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Brussels. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Brussels in the Winter?

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

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Valletta is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels 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, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Valletta is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Brussels. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Valletta