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

Should you visit Valletta or Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a quaint, energetic, and lively town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Valletta and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Heidelberg are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valletta is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its nightlife, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Valletta different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

Is Valletta or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

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

Heidelberg has a large number of nightlife venues. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

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 Heidelberg Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

The beach in Valletta is worth checking out. 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.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Both Valletta and Heidelberg have fantastic 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 Heidelberg is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Heidelberg?

Valletta is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Valletta or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Heidelberg are nice 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 Heidelberg. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Valletta or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Is Valletta or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Heidelberg are both very good 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 Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Is Valletta or Heidelberg Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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 Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Valletta is a very easy town to get around 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.

Heidelberg is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Heidelberg?

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the charming town of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valletta, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful town of Heidelberg offers nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Valletta or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

Five days in Valletta or Heidelberg?

Valletta, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg?

Valletta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Heidelberg 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

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

Valletta is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Heidelberg. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Valletta is much warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°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 Heidelberg. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg 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, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg 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, the spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty.

Valletta is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Valletta