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

Should you visit Valletta or Geneva?

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 Geneva 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva

Geneva is a international, professional, and classy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Geneva?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Geneva than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Geneva is better known for its shopping 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. Geneva is well known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Also, Geneva is famous for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Valletta different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Valletta, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Valletta or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Geneva.

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.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Valletta or Geneva Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a town with a few options for its beaches. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Valletta offers plenty to see. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Geneva?

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

Many people travel to Geneva specifically to go shopping. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Geneva 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 Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Valletta or Geneva Better for Couples?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Valletta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Valletta or Geneva Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options 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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Valletta or Geneva Better for Students?

Geneva 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 Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva can take you anywhere. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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 Geneva a more walkable city?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Geneva is a very walkable town. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Geneva?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Geneva?

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.

Geneva is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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 Geneva?

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.

Geneva is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Geneva?

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

Geneva 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 Geneva in the Summer?

Both Geneva 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, many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Geneva averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Geneva. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Geneva. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Geneva. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Geneva in the Winter?

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

Geneva can be very cold during winter. Valletta is much warmer than Geneva in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Geneva. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva 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, the spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Valletta is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Geneva averages at about 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Geneva. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Geneva and Valletta