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

Should you visit Valletta or Cork?

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 Cork 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 historic, charming, and cultural town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cork

Cork is a energetic, cultural, and seaside city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Cork: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Cork?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cork than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cork is better known for its nightlife 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. Cork is well known for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. Also, Cork is famous for The Blarney Castle and Stone.

How is Valletta different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Cork has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Is Valletta or Cork Better for Nightlife?

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

Cork has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Cork Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for its beaches. However, Cork 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.

Cork is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Cork Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cork 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Cork?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Valletta and Cork.

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.

Cork is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Is Valletta or Cork Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Cork 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 Cork. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Valletta or Cork Better for Couples?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Valletta is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Cork makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Is Valletta or Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is notable for backpackers. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Valletta or Cork Better for Students?

Cork 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 Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Valletta is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Valletta has a few public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Valletta or Cork a more walkable city?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Valletta 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.

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Cork?

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

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

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 Cork offers food and shopping. 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 Cork?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Cork?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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.

Cork 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 Cork?

The cultural 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.

Cork 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 Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Cork?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Cork, 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 Cork?

Cork 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 Cork in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Cork. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In the summer, Valletta is much warmer than Cork. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Cork averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Cork. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Cork. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Cork in the Autumn?

Both Cork and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Cork during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Cork. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Valletta during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cork in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Valletta is much warmer than Cork in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Cork fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Cork. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun.

Cork gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in January than Cork. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Cork in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Cork. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cork for the activities around the city during these months.

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

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Cork during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Cork. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cork and Valletta