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

Should you visit Valletta or Nantes?

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 Nantes 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 charming, cultural, and waterfront town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Nantes are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valletta is very popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights, while Nantes attracts visitors for its nightlife. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Valletta different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

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

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 Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Is Valletta or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

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

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Valletta offers plenty to see. 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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Nantes?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Valletta and Nantes.

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.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Valletta or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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.

Is Valletta or Nantes Better for Couples?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Valletta or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Valletta or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valletta and Nantes. In our opinion, Valletta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valletta than Nantes. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Nantes. 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 Nantes 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 Nantes?

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.

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valletta or Nantes?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Nantes?

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.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Nantes?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

Valletta is a little warmer than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Nantes. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Valletta during the autumn 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the autumn, Valletta is much warmer than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the autumn, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nantes. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Nantes. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Nantes. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

Valletta is much warmer than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Valletta