A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Monaco for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Valletta or Monaco?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a posh, glitzy, and glamorous coastal resort area. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Valletta and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Valletta or Monaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Valletta and Monaco are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta
Monaco

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Valletta
Monaco

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Monaco has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.

Is Valletta or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Monaco is a must-see party destination. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

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 Monaco Better for Resorts?

Valletta
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

Monaco is a world class resort vacation destination. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Valletta is not a resort destination.


Is Valletta or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Valletta
Monaco

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Monaco. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Valletta or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Monaco

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monaco. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.

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.

Is Valletta or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Monaco

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Valletta offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Monaco?

Valletta
Monaco

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

Many people travel to Monaco specifically to go shopping. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

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 Monaco Better for Families?

Valletta
Monaco

Valletta is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.

Is Valletta or Monaco Better for Couples?

Valletta
Monaco

Both Valletta and Monaco 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.

Monaco is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.


Is Valletta or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Monaco

Valletta is well known for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known 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.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.

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

Valletta
Monaco

Visitors will find good public transit in both Valletta and Monaco.

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 Monaco, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system.

Is Valletta or Monaco a more walkable city?

Valletta
Monaco

Valletta and Monaco are amazing 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 Monaco on foot is easy. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.


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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valletta and Monaco. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Monaco. 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 Monaco than Valletta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Monaco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valletta than Monaco 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 Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Valletta 1-3 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Valletta or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Monaco?

Valletta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Monaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal resort area makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monaco, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Monaco 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 Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Valletta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Monaco is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco 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 Monaco is €189. 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 Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Monaco 119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Monaco 238
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Monaco? 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 Monaco


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Monaco 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

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

  • Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66
  • Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $104
  • Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $82
  • Departure Transfer: Malta Island to Malta Airport MLA by Van: $50
  • From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $88
  • Malta Airport (MLA) Departure Transfer (Saint Julian's Hotels to Malta Airport): $50
  • Malta Airport (MLA) to Malta hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Malta Airport Transfers: $11
  • Malta Cab Transfers: $44
  • Malta Private Airport Transfer - Departure: $44
  • Malta Private Transfer from Malta Airport to any resort in Gozo island: $99
  • Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers: $67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Valletta or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco 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
    Monaco 53

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: $50
  • 3-Hour Private Pizza Class Experience in Malta: $55
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $72
  • 3 Hour Valletta Evening Food Tour Experience: $83
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $87
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $102
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $152
  • Night Time Drive Including Dinner: $215
  • Private Food Tour in Valletta: $237
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $287

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valletta 27
    Monaco 23

Tours and Activities in Valletta

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

  • Reliving The Sacra Infermeria Augmented Reality Tour: $6.63
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.63
  • The Knights of Malta Museum Entry Ticket: $7.18
  • City Nobles App Tour + Optional Malta 5D Show Ticket: $7.73
  • Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens : $9.94
  • Valletta City Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Malta 5D Audio-Visual Show Ticket: $11
  • Mdina Cathedral and Museum entrance ticket : $11
  • Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum entrance ticket: $13
  • Malta: Ultimate Kayak Adventure: $17
  • Valletta Walking Tour, Knights, Slaves and Mistresses: $17
  • The Original Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour: $18

Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $71
  • Eze and Full Day Shared Tour: $103
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $71
  • From Nice: Italian Riviera, Monaco, & Monte Carlo Tour: $733
  • Italian Riviera & Monaco/ Monte-Carlo Sightseeing Tour: $733
  • Jewels of Monaco – Walking Tour for Couples: $477
  • La Condamine: City Highlights Walking Tour: $379
  • Monaco & Monte-Carlo: Guided Hidden Gems Tour: $141
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Monaco Private Walking Tour: $339
  • Monaco by Night Private Tour: $505

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Monaco 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Valletta:

  • 4 Hours Paceville Pub Crawl: $17
  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Wine Tasting : Tour de France in Nice city centre: $74


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


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Monaco?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Monaco, 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.