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

Should you visit Valletta or Inverness?

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 Inverness 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 historic, charming, and cultural town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • 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
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Valletta or Inverness?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Inverness are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is known for its small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. 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 Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta
Inverness

Valletta is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Valletta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Inverness can be an interesting and educational experience. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.


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

Valletta
Inverness

Valletta is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Valletta or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Inverness

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Inverness.

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.

Inverness has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Valletta or Inverness Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Inverness

Valletta is a moderate town for the beache. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is Valletta or Inverness Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Inverness

Valletta is terrific for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Inverness?

Valletta
Inverness

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Valletta and Inverness.

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.

Inverness is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Is Valletta or Inverness Better for Families?

Valletta
Inverness

Both Valletta and Inverness are good 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 Inverness. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.


Is Valletta or Inverness Better for Couples?

Valletta
Inverness

Valletta is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Inverness is a good town for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Valletta or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Inverness

Valletta is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valletta is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

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

Valletta
Inverness

Valletta is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Valletta or Inverness a more walkable city?

Valletta
Inverness

Valletta is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Valletta 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.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Inverness?

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

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

One day in Valletta or Inverness?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Inverness offers food and shopping. 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 Inverness?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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


Five days in Valletta or Inverness?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Valletta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Inverness 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 Inverness?

Valletta is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Inverness is a great place to explore. 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 London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Inverness 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 Inverness is €196. 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 Inverness in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Inverness 107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Inverness 214
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Inverness

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Inverness? 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 Inverness


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 Inverness Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Inverness 38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

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

  • Malta Airport Transfers: $11
  • Private Transfer from Malta Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port: $14
  • Private Transfer from Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Airport (MLA): $14
  • Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Intl Airport (MLA) - Departure Private Transfer : $14
  • Malta Intl Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $28
  • Private Transfer: Valletta to Malta International Airport (MLA): $31
  • Private Airport Transfer: Malta International Airport (MLA) to Valletta: $31
  • Malta Airport Transfers : $38
  • Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers: $39
  • The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers: $39
  • Malta Private Airport Transfer - Arrival: $44
  • Departure Transfer: Malta Island to Malta Airport MLA by Van: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

Is it cheaper to fly into Valletta or Inverness?

Prices for flights to both Inverness 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
    Inverness 57

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
    Inverness 52

Tours and Activities in Valletta

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • Reliving The Sacra Infermeria Augmented Reality Tour: $6.55
  • The Knights of Malta Museum Entry Ticket: $7.10
  • Valletta Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • City Nobles App Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional): $7.49
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour (Audio Guide): $7.49
  • City Nobles App Tour + Optional Malta 5D Show Ticket: $7.64
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour, Map and Directions: $8.56
  • Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens : $9.83

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Inverness 27

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124


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


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Inverness?

Inverness has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Inverness, 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 Inverness?

Inverness 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 Inverness in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Inverness. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Valletta is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Inverness. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valletta 26°C (79°F) 
    Inverness 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Inverness in the Autumn?

Both Inverness and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Valletta is much warmer than Inverness in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Inverness fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Inverness. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valletta 21°C (70°F) 
    Inverness 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Inverness in the Winter?

Both Inverness and Valletta during the winter 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Inverness averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Inverness. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valletta 13°C (55°F) 
    Inverness 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Inverness in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Inverness. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm.

In April, Valletta is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Inverness. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valletta 16°C (61°F) 
    Inverness 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Inverness and Valletta

Valletta Inverness
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)