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

Should you visit Valletta or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht 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.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Utrecht?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Utrecht, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is better known for its museums, food, and beaches, while Utrecht is more popular for its nightlife and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. 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 Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

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

Valletta is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Valletta is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Valletta or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

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

Utrecht has a large number of nightlife venues. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

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 Utrecht Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for its beaches. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

Both Valletta and Utrecht have terrific 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 Utrecht is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Utrecht?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Valletta and Utrecht.

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.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Is Valletta or Utrecht Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Valletta or Utrecht Better for Couples?

Valletta is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its romantic activities.

Valletta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Utrecht makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Is Valletta or Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Utrecht are both excellent 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 Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Is Valletta or Utrecht Better for Students?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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 Utrecht a more walkable city?

Valletta and Utrecht are terrific when it comes to 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.

Getting around Utrecht on foot is easy. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Utrecht?

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

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

In Valletta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The beautiful of Utrecht 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.

A weekend in Valletta or Utrecht?

In Valletta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer.

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

Five days in Valletta or Utrecht?

Valletta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Utrecht 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 Utrecht?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valletta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Utrecht 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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Utrecht?

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Utrecht. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Utrecht in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valletta is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Utrecht averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Utrecht. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht 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, most visitors come to Utrecht for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Utrecht in the Winter?

Both Utrecht 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 winter months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Utrecht can be very cold. Valletta is much warmer than Utrecht in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Utrecht. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Utrecht. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In the spring, Valletta is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Utrecht averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Valletta