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

Should you visit Valletta or Dublin?

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 Dublin 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Valletta and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin. Although Valletta and Dublin are both popular with visitors, Dublin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dublin is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Valletta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valletta is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Valletta or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

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

Dublin is a must-see party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Valletta is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Valletta or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a town with a few options for the beache. However, Dublin 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is terrific for its old town. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Valletta has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Dublin?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Valletta and Dublin.

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.

Dublin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Valletta or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin Better for Couples?

Valletta is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Valletta has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Dublin is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Valletta or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Dublin are both high quality 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 Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Valletta or Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Valletta and Dublin.

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

You'll find some public transit in Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Valletta or Dublin a more walkable city?

Valletta and Dublin are first-rate when it comes to 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.

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Dublin?

In either Valletta or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Valletta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Dublin. 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 Dublin 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 Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Dublin offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Dublin?

Valletta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Valletta or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Valletta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Dublin?

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

Dublin 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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin 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, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valletta is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Dublin. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Dublin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Valletta is much warmer than Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Dublin. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Dublin. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Dublin. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin 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 visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Valletta is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Dublin. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Valletta