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

Should you visit Valletta or Naples?

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 Naples 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Valletta and Naples are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Valletta attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Valletta different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Valletta on the map. 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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

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

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 Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Valletta or Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a town with a few options for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Valletta is revered around 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Naples?

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

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.

Naples is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Valletta or Naples Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Naples 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 Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Valletta or Naples Better for Couples?

Valletta is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Valletta or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Naples are both high quality destinations 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Valletta or Naples Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Naples 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 Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Valletta is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Valletta on foot is easy. 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Naples?

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

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

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.

Naples is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Naples?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Naples?

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.

Naples 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 Naples?

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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Valletta and Naples, we can see that Naples 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 Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Naples, 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 Naples?

Naples 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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Valletta during the summer 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 summer months attract visitors to Naples because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Valletta is a little warmer than Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Naples. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Naples. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Naples. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In the autumn, Valletta is a little warmer than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Naples during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Naples. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Naples. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Naples. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Valletta usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Naples during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Naples. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Valletta