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

Should you visit Valletta or Paris?

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 Paris 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Valletta and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Paris?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paris than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paris is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Valletta is more popular for its beaches and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Valletta different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Paris and Valletta.

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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Is Valletta or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Valletta is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Valletta is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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 Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Is Valletta or Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its music scene. However, Valletta is not a live music destination.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Valletta or Paris Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for its beaches. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Valletta has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Paris?

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

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Valletta does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Valletta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Valletta or Paris Better for Families?

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

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

Both Valletta and Paris are terrific 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.

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is Valletta or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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.

Is Valletta or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Paris 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 Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Valletta is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Paris is a very walkable town. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Paris?

Both Valletta and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Valletta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Valletta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Valletta 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 Paris.

One day in Valletta or Paris?

In Valletta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Paris?

Valletta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, 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 Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Paris, 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 Paris?

Paris 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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Paris. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Paris during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Paris. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Paris. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Paris. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris 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, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. Valletta is much warmer than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Paris during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Paris. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris 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, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In the spring, Valletta is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Paris. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Paris. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Valletta