A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Valletta or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Valletta and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Saint-Etienne are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking. Valletta is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Valletta different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Valletta are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Valletta or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Valletta, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Valletta or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Saint-Etienne.

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.

Saint-Etienne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Valletta or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Valletta. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Valletta or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Saint-Etienne?

Valletta is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Valletta is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Valletta or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Saint-Etienne are good 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 Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Valletta or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Valletta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Valletta or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Valletta and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Valletta or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable town. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Valletta Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Valletta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Five days in Valletta or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Valletta. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful town of Valletta. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Valletta and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Saint-Etienne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Saint-Etienne. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Valletta is much warmer than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°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 Saint-Etienne. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint-Etienne. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne 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, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint-Etienne can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

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

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 spring months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the natural beauty.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Valletta