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

Should you visit Valletta or Chartres?

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 Chartres 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Valletta and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Valletta different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Valletta are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Valletta or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Valletta is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Valletta has a few options to choose from. 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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Valletta or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Valletta. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Valletta can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Chartres?

Valletta is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Valletta is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Valletta or Chartres Better for Families?

Valletta is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Valletta offers lots of family activities. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Valletta or Chartres Better for Couples?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Chartres is a good town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Valletta or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres 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 Chartres. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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 Chartres a more walkable city?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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.

The town of Chartres offers museums and food. 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 Chartres?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Chartres?

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.

Chartres 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 Chartres?

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.

Chartres 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 town 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

Chartres 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 Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Chartres. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Chartres. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Chartres. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months.

Valletta is much warmer than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Chartres. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres 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 winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Chartres. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres 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. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Valletta