A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Honfleur for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Valletta or Honfleur?

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 Honfleur 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 charming, cultural, and waterfront town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a peaceful, serene, and picturesque city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valletta and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Valletta or Honfleur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Honfleur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Also, Valletta is famous for The Grand Masters Palace. Honfleur is well known for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Valletta different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta
Honfleur

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Valletta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.


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

Valletta
Honfleur

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

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 Honfleur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Is Valletta or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Honfleur

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

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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Valletta or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Honfleur

Both Valletta and Honfleur are considered to be respectable beach destinations.

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.

Honfleur is a good spot to see the beach. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.


Is Valletta or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Honfleur

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic 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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Honfleur?

Valletta
Honfleur

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Valletta or Honfleur Better for Families?

Valletta
Honfleur

Both Valletta and Honfleur 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 Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.


Is Valletta or Honfleur Better for Couples?

Valletta
Honfleur

Valletta is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Valletta 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.

Couples visit Honfleur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Is Valletta or Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Honfleur

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Valletta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

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

Valletta
Honfleur

Valletta is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.


Is Valletta or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Valletta
Honfleur

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Honfleur is a very walkable town. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Honfleur?

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

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Honfleur. 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 Honfleur. 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 Honfleur 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 Honfleur? Ideal Length of Stay
    Valletta 1-3 
    Honfleur 1-3

One day in Valletta or Honfleur?

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 Honfleur offers nightlife and food. 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 Honfleur?

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.

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


Five days in Valletta or Honfleur?

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.

Honfleur is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Honfleur?

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.

Honfleur is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Honfleur or Valletta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Valletta is €116, while the average daily cost in Honfleur is €148. 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 Honfleur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Honfleur 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Honfleur 140
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Honfleur

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Honfleur? 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 Honfleur


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 Honfleur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Honfleur 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

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

  • Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Intl Airport (MLA) - Departure Private Transfer : $14
  • Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers: $81
  • The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers: $39
  • Private Transfer: Valletta to Malta International Airport (MLA): $31
  • Private Transfer from Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Airport (MLA): $14
  • Private Transfer from Malta Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer: Malta International Airport (MLA) to Valletta: $31
  • Private Airport Transfer in Malta: $87
  • Private Airport Transfer from Malta to Gozo: $109
  • Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers: $66
  • Malta Private Transfer from Malta Airport to any resort in Malta island: $51
  • Malta Private Airport Transfer - Arrival: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honfleur

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

  • Paris On Your Own: Round Trip Transfer from Le Havre Cruise Port: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Valletta or Honfleur?

Prices for flights to both Honfleur 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 32
    Honfleur 58

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: $49
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $76
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $80
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $80
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $86
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $91
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valletta 27
    Honfleur 19

Tours and Activities in Valletta

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

  • 3 Cities Tour: $16
  • 3 Hours Private Picnic Experience in Malta: $273
  • 3 cities: Private Insider Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $160
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • 4-hr day tour around Malta: $207
  • 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: $320
  • Best of Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour: $20
  • Best of Valletta Walking Tour: $20
  • Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Half-Day Tour from Valletta: $37

Tours and Activities in Honfleur

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

  • Paris Deluxe Shore Excursion from Le Havre Cruise Port: $75
  • A Full-Day Paris Tour from Le Havre for Cruise Passengers : $99
  • Cruise into Paris?! A Paris Full-Day Discovery from Le Havre: $82
  • Deauville and Honfleur Flower Coast Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour: $199
  • Etretat Gardens entrance ticket: $14
  • Flower Coast: Honfleur & Deauville Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour: $199
  • From Le Havre to Heroism: Private D-Day Normandy Experience: $96
  • From Le Havre: Paris Seine River Cruise and Highlights Shore Trip: $196
  • Guided walking tour of Honfleur: $24
  • Half Day tour in Vintage Sidecar Motorcycle from le Havre or Honfleur: $267
  • Honfleur & Deauville Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour (3H30): $202
  • Honfleur Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Honfleur 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

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

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Honfleur?

Honfleur has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Honfleur, 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.

Related Articles for Honfleur