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

Should you visit Valletta or Graz?

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 Graz 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 Valletta is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Valletta travel costs.

Graz

Graz is a historical, beautiful, and medieval city. Graz offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Graz travel costs.

Valletta and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Valletta or Graz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Graz are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Graz is known for its nightlife. Graz is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Valletta different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta
Graz

Valletta is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Valletta are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Graz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.


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

Valletta
Graz

Valletta is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Valletta is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Valletta or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Graz

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

Graz has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Graz

Valletta is adequate for the beach. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a beach destination.


Is Valletta or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Graz

Both Valletta and Graz have terrific 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 Graz is one of the most recognized in the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Graz?

Valletta
Graz

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Valletta and Graz.

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.

Graz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Is Valletta or Graz More Beautiful?

Valletta
Graz

Valletta is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Valletta is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its long running history and striking cream buildings against the blue Mediterranean waters, this is a truly beautiful town.

Graz offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a historic city with beautiful architecture and a large old town that is fun to explore.


Is Valletta or Graz Better for Families?

Valletta
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz Better for Couples?

Valletta
Graz

Valletta is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Valletta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Is Valletta or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Graz

Valletta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.


Is Valletta or Graz Better for Students?

Valletta
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Valletta
Graz

Graz is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Graz. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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 Graz a more walkable city?

Valletta
Graz

Valletta and Graz are terrific 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 Graz on foot is easy. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Graz or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valletta and Graz. In our opinion, Valletta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valletta than Graz. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Graz. 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 Graz 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.


  • How many days in Valletta or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Valletta 1-3 
    Graz 2-3

One day in Valletta or Graz?

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 Graz 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 Graz?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Graz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the waterfront 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.

Graz 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 Graz?

The historic 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.

Graz 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz or Valletta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Valletta is €140, while the average daily cost in Graz is €135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Valletta and Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Graz 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Graz 134
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Graz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Valletta


Hotels in Graz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Valletta Hotel Prices and Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Graz 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

Also for Valletta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $162
  • Private Transfer from Malta hotels to Valletta Cruise Port: $124
  • From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $86
  • Private Airport Transfer in Malta: $86
  • Malta: Half-Day Quad Bike Adventure Tour Including Transfers: $83
  • Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers: $81
  • Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $80
  • Private Transfer to Malta Airport: $75
  • Private Transfer from Malta Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port: $67
  • From Sliema: Three Bay Cruise with Lunch and Transfers: $66
  • Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers: $66
  • Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

Also for Graz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $76
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Valletta or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz and Valletta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Valletta 56
    Graz 56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valletta

For Valletta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
  • Valletta Food Tour: $48
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $66
  • Romantic Italian Cuisine Dinner in Valletta: $69
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $70
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $77
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $79
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $85
  • From Malta: Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $116
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valletta 27
    Graz 13

Tours and Activities in Valletta

For Valletta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 hour Private Boat Adventure Tour of Comino and Blue Lagoon: $258
  • 3 Cities Tour: $16
  • 3 Hours Private Picnic Experience in Malta: $273
  • 3 cities: Private Insider Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $159
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • 4-hr day tour around Malta: $248
  • 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass Bus + Harbour Cruise: $55
  • 90 minutes Harbour Cruise in Valletta - ticket only: $22
  • A Monumental Maltese Experience: $175
  • Adventures in Malta: Thrills, History, and Natural Beauty: $444
  • All Inclusive Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo : $105
  • All Inclusive Sunset Tuk Tuk Tour in Gozo & Blue Lagoon in Comino: $91

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • Discover Graz in a Private Audio and Video Guided Tour: $11
  • Gems of Graz – Family Walking Tour: $391
  • Gems of Graz – Family Walking Tour: $199
  • Graz - Private tour including Castle visit: $401
  • Graz Christmas Market Tour: $264
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $127
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $236
  • Graz Experience Christmas Markets with Locals: $48
  • Graz Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.59
  • Graz Funicular Ride and Schlossberg Picnic Experience: $118
  • Graz Jewish Quarter and Old Town Private Tour: $211
  • Graz Museum: Private Guided Tour: $217

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Graz 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Valletta:

  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Romantic Wine Tasting Experience at Koccio Valletta: $30
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $34
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $34
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $43
  • The Farsons Brewery & Gastro experience in Birkirkara: $52


When comparing the travel costs between Valletta and Graz, 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 Graz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Graz?

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

Graz 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 Graz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Graz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many visitors come to Graz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Graz. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Graz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Graz during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Graz. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valletta 26°C (79°F) 
    Graz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Graz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Graz. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Valletta is much warmer than Graz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Graz. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Graz. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valletta 21°C (70°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Graz in the Winter?

Both Graz 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, the winter months attract visitors to Graz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Graz can be very cold. In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Graz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Graz averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Graz during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Graz. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valletta 13°C (55°F) 
    Graz 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Graz in the Spring?

Both Graz 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. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Graz this time of year.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Graz. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Graz. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Graz. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valletta 16°C (61°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Graz and Valletta

Valletta Graz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)


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