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

Should you visit Valletta or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken 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.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Valletta and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Interlaken?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Also, Valletta is famous for The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Valletta different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Interlaken and Valletta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Valletta or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Valletta is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Valletta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Valletta or Interlaken?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Valletta has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Valletta or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Valletta is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Valletta or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Valletta is revered around the world. 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Valletta or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Interlaken?

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Valletta or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

Both Valletta and Interlaken are amazing 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.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Is Valletta or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken a more walkable city?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Interlaken?

In either Valletta or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Valletta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Interlaken. 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken offers food and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Interlaken?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

Interlaken 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 Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Interlaken averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Interlaken. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Valletta during the autumn 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 autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the autumn, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Interlaken. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Interlaken. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Valletta is much warmer than Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Interlaken. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Valletta is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Valletta