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

Should you visit Valletta or Chicago?

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 Chicago 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a multicultural, edgey, and cosmopolitan city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and theater.

Valletta and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago. Although Valletta and Chicago are popular destinations, Chicago has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chicago is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Valletta attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Chicago is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Chicago and Valletta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Valletta has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chicago that are not to be missed. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Is Valletta or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Valletta is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Chicago that are not to be missed. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Valletta is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Valletta and Chicago.

Many restaurants in Valletta have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Eat your way through Chicago, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Is Valletta or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Chicago is a must-see party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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 Chicago Better for Music?

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

Chicago has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Valletta or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a city with good options for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Chicago. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

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.

Is Valletta or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago 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.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Chicago?

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

Many people travel to Chicago specifically to go shopping. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Valletta does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Valletta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Valletta or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Valletta does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Valletta does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Valletta or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Chicago Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Valletta or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valletta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Valletta or Chicago Better for Students?

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

Chicago is a very popular city for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Chicago 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 Chicago can take you anywhere. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Chicago a more walkable city?

Valletta is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Chicago?

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

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Valletta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Valletta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Valletta or Chicago?

In Valletta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

In Valletta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer.

Chicago is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Chicago?

Valletta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chicago, 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 Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valletta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valletta and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Valletta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valletta is in Europe and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 420 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

Chicago 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 Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Valletta is around the same temperature as Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Valletta is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Chicago. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Chicago. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago 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, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Valletta is a little warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Chicago. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Valletta