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

Should you visit Valletta or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Valletta and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and San Sebastian are both popular with visitors, Valletta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valletta is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Valletta different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Valletta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

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

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 San Sebastian, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

Is Valletta or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

San Sebastian has a large number of nightlife venues. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

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 San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Valletta or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

The beaches at San Sebastian attract visitors from all over. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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.

Is Valletta or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its old town. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or San Sebastian?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Valletta and San Sebastian.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

San Sebastian is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Is Valletta or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Valletta is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Valletta or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Is Valletta or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Valletta and San Sebastian.

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 San Sebastian, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Valletta or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or San Sebastian?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic 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.

San Sebastian is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valletta and San Sebastian, we can see that Valletta is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 Valletta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valletta than you might in San Sebastian.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valletta Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

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

In July, Valletta is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian 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 are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Valletta is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and San Sebastian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Valletta