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

Should you visit Valletta or Lille?

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 Lille 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.

Lille

Lille is a friendly, historic, and under-rated city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Valletta and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Lille are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights, while Lille is known for its nightlife and shopping. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Valletta different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city 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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

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

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 Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

Is Valletta or Lille Better for Nightlife?

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

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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 Lille Better for Beaches?

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

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its old town. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Valletta has a world-famous historical 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.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Lille?

Lille is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Lille specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

Valletta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Valletta or Lille Better for Families?

Valletta is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Valletta is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Valletta or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Valletta has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Lille is a good town for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Valletta or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is notable for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Lille is a good town to visit for backpackers. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Is Valletta or Lille Better for Students?

Lille 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 Lille. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Lille 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 Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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 Lille a more walkable city?

Valletta and Lille are first-rate 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 Lille on foot is easy. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Lille?

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

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

In Valletta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful city of Lille 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 Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Valletta or Lille?

Valletta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille 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 Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lille 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Lille, 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 Lille?

Lille 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 Lille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Lille. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valletta is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Lille. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Valletta is much warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Lille during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Lille. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Lille. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Valletta is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Lille. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Valletta