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

Should you visit Valletta or Oslo?

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 Oslo 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 historic, charming, and cultural town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a green, clean, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valletta and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Oslo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oslo than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oslo is better known for its big city activities, while Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Also, Oslo is famous for The Royal Palace. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Valletta that are not to be missed. 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 Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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).

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Valletta or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Oslo.

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.

Oslo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Valletta or Oslo Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

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.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Oslo?

Valletta is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Valletta or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo Better for Couples?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Valletta or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Oslo is a good town to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Valletta or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Oslo is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Oslo can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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 Oslo a more walkable city?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Valletta 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.

Oslo is a very walkable town. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Oslo?

In either Valletta or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Valletta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Valletta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Valletta or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Valletta. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valletta or Oslo?

The waterfront town of Valletta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Oslo 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

Oslo 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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Oslo. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Valletta during the winter 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 travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. Valletta is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Valletta is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Oslo. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Valletta