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

Should you visit Valletta or Portland?

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

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Valletta and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Portland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, and small town charm. Portland is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Also, Valletta is famous for The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Valletta different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is very popular for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Valletta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Valletta is very popular for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Valletta is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Portland 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.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Valletta has a world-famous historical 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Portland?

Valletta is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Portland are notable 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 Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for Couples?

Valletta is very popular for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Portland are both great 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Valletta or Portland Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Valletta and Portland.

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 Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Valletta or Portland a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its walkability. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Portland is a very walkable town. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Portland?

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

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

The beautiful town of Valletta offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portland?

Valletta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Valletta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Portland?

Valletta 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.

Portland 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 Portland?

Valletta is a great place to explore. 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 town offers something for everyone.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valletta and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Valletta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valletta is in Europe and Portland is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Portland, 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 Portland?

Portland 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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland 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 hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Portland during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Portland. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland 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, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the autumn, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Portland. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Portland in the Winter?

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

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. Valletta is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Valletta usually receives less rain than Portland. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Portland. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Valletta is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the spring, Valletta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Valletta