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

Should you visit Valletta or Toulon?

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 Toulon 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Valletta and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Toulon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Toulon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Valletta is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. Also, Valletta is famous for The Grand Masters Palace. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Valletta different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Valletta that are not to be missed. 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.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Valletta has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Valletta or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Toulon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Valletta or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Valletta or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a port city with good options for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Toulon. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

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 Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Valletta offers plenty to see. 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.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Toulon?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Valletta and Toulon.

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.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Is Valletta or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Toulon 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 Toulon. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Valletta or Toulon Better for Couples?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Valletta 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Valletta or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

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

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 Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Valletta or Toulon a more walkable city?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of 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.

Toulon is a very walkable town. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Toulon 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 Toulon.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The port city of Toulon offers food and shopping. 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 Toulon?

Valletta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Toulon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Toulon 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 Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Valletta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Toulon 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 port 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Valletta and Toulon, we can see that Toulon 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 Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Toulon, 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 Toulon?

Toulon 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 Toulon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Toulon. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Valletta is around the same temperature as Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon 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 autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Toulon. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

Valletta is much warmer than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Toulon. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Toulon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Valletta is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Toulon. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Valletta