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

Should you visit Valletta or Florence?

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 Florence 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.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence. Although Valletta and Florence are both popular with visitors, Florence has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Florence is more popular for its impressive beauty, while Valletta is known for its beaches. Florence is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Florence 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 Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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

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

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 Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Valletta or Florence Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Florence.

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.

Florence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Valletta or Florence Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for the beache. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Both Valletta and Florence have first-rate historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Florence?

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

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.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Valletta or Florence Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Florence are good 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 Florence. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Valletta or Florence Better for Couples?

Both Valletta and Florence are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Is Valletta or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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.

Is Valletta or Florence Better for Students?

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

Florence is a very popular city for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Valletta or Florence a more walkable city?

Valletta and Florence 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 Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Florence?

Both Valletta and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Valletta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Florence. 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 Florence. 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 Florence than Valletta 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 Florence.

One day in Valletta or Florence?

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 beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. 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 Florence?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Florence?

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.

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

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.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Florence, 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 Florence?

Florence 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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Florence. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valletta is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Florence during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Florence. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Florence. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Valletta is a little warmer than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°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 Florence. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence 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, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Florence. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence 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. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Florence. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Valletta