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

Should you visit Valletta or Livorno?

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 Livorno 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.

Livorno

Livorno is a friendly, down-to-earth, and waterfront port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Valletta and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Livorno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Livorno are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valletta is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Livorno attracts visitors for its big city activities. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace. Livorno is famous for its large port and its great seafood.

How is Valletta different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is renowned for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination 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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

Valletta is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valletta is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Valletta or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Livorno has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Valletta or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Both Valletta and Livorno are considered to be reasonable 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.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is Valletta or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Valletta is one of the most recognized in 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.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Livorno?

Valletta is great for its shopping areas. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Livorno is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Valletta or Livorno Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Livorno 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 Livorno. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Valletta or Livorno Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for couples. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Livorno is a nice destination for couples. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Valletta or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination 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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

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

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

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 Livorno, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Valletta or Livorno a more walkable city?

Valletta is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Livorno to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Livorno 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 Livorno.

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

In Valletta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The port city of Livorno 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 Livorno?

In Valletta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer.

Livorno is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Livorno, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Livorno?

Valletta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valletta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Livorno 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 port 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Livorno?

Livorno has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Livorno, 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 Livorno?

Livorno 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 Livorno in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Livorno. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Livorno because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Valletta is a little warmer than Livorno in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Livorno fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Livorno this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Livorno during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Livorno. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Livorno. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

In the autumn, Valletta is a little warmer than Livorno. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Livorno averages at about 16°C (61°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 Livorno. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Livorno. Valletta usually gets less rain in October than Livorno. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Livorno in the Winter?

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

In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Livorno during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Livorno. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Livorno in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Valletta is a little warmer than Livorno in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Livorno fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Livorno. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Livorno. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Valletta