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

Should you visit Valletta or Salzburg?

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

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Valletta and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Salzburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salzburg. Although Valletta and Salzburg are popular destinations, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is very popular for its music, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Valletta attracts visitors for its museums, food, and beaches. Salzburg is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also well known for The Salzburg Old Town. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Valletta different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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 Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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

Valletta is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Salzburg 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Salzburg. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

Is Valletta or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Valletta and Salzburg.

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.

Salzburg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Valletta or Salzburg Better for Music?

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

Salzburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Valletta or Salzburg Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for the beach. However, Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Both Valletta and Salzburg have first-rate historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

The old town of Salzburg is one of the most recognized in the world. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Salzburg?

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

Many people travel to Salzburg specifically to go shopping. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg Better for Families?

Salzburg is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Salzburg. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg Better for Couples?

Both Valletta and Salzburg are first-rate 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.

Salzburg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

Is Valletta or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Salzburg 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 Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

Is Valletta or Salzburg Better for Students?

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

Salzburg is a very popular city for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Salzburg a more walkable city?

Valletta is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Salzburg is very walkable. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Salzburg?

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Salzburg. 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.

One day in Valletta or Salzburg?

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 beautiful city of Salzburg offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Salzburg?

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.

Salzburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Salzburg?

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.

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

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.

Salzburg 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 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 Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Salzburg, 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 Salzburg?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Salzburg. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Valletta is a little warmer than Salzburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Salzburg. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg 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 shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Valletta is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg 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. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Salzburg. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Salzburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Valletta is much warmer than Salzburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Valletta