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

Should you visit Valletta or Limerick?

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 Limerick 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.

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Valletta or Limerick?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Limerick are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace. Limerick is famous for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Valletta different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta
Limerick

Valletta is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


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

Valletta
Limerick

Valletta is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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).

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Valletta or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Limerick

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Limerick.

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.

Limerick has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Valletta or Limerick Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Limerick

Valletta is adequate for the beach. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick is not a beach destination.


Is Valletta or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Limerick

Valletta is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Limerick?

Valletta
Limerick

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

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Valletta or Limerick Better for Families?

Valletta
Limerick

Both Valletta and Limerick 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 Limerick. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.


Is Valletta or Limerick Better for Couples?

Valletta
Limerick

Valletta is terrific for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Valletta or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Limerick

Valletta is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Valletta or Limerick Better for Students?

Valletta
Limerick

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

Plenty of students visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Valletta is not popular with students.


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

Valletta
Limerick

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Valletta and Limerick.

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

You'll find some public transit in Limerick, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Valletta or Limerick a more walkable city?

Valletta
Limerick

Valletta is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Limerick because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Limerick.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Limerick. 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 Limerick. 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 Limerick 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 Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    Valletta 1-3 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in Valletta or Limerick?

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 city of Limerick 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 Limerick?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick 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 Limerick is €108. 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 Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Limerick 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Limerick 98
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Limerick? 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 Limerick


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 Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Limerick 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

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

  • From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $150
  • Private Airport Transfer from Malta to Gozo: $109
  • Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $103
  • From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $87
  • Private Airport Transfer in Malta: $87
  • Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers: $81
  • Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $81
  • Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers: $66
  • Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66
  • Malta Private Transfer from Malta Airport to any resort in Malta island: $51
  • Arrival Transfer: Malta Airport MLA to Malta Island by Van: $49
  • Malta Airport (MLA) Departure Transfer (Saint Julian's Hotels to Malta Airport): $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203

Is it cheaper to fly into Valletta or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick 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
    Limerick 35

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
    Limerick 17

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 Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Limerick 12

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 comparing the travel costs between Valletta and Limerick, 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 Limerick Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Limerick?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

Limerick 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 Limerick in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Limerick. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Valletta is much warmer than Limerick in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Limerick. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valletta 26°C (79°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Limerick in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Valletta is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Limerick averages at about 11°C (52°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 Limerick. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valletta 21°C (70°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives less rain than Limerick. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valletta 13°C (55°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick 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, many travelers come to Limerick for the natural beauty.

Valletta is much warmer than Limerick in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valletta 16°C (61°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Valletta

Valletta Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


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