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

Should you visit Valletta or Caen?

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

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valletta and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Caen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Caen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen is more popular for its big city activities. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Also, Valletta is famous for The Grand Masters Palace. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Valletta different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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

Valletta is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Valletta or Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Valletta or Caen Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Caen?

Valletta is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Valletta or Caen Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Caen are notable 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 Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Valletta or Caen Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Valletta or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen 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 Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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 Caen a more walkable city?

Valletta is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valletta and Caen. In our opinion, Valletta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valletta than Caen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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 city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valletta or Caen?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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.

Caen 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 Caen?

The historic 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.

Caen 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 France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Valletta and Caen, we can see that Caen 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 Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Caen?

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

Caen 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 Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Caen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Caen. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Valletta during the autumn 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 visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

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

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the autumn, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Caen. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Caen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Caen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can be very cold during winter. Valletta is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Valletta or Caen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Caen. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Valletta is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Caen. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Valletta