A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Versailles for Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Valletta or Versailles?

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 Versailles 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums.

Valletta and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Valletta or Versailles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valletta than Versailles, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valletta is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. 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 Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta
Versailles

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Versailles and Valletta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Valletta has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Versailles that are not to be missed. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.


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

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Valletta or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Valletta has a few options to choose from. 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Valletta or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is adequate for its beaches. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.


Is Valletta or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Versailles?

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is a great town for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Valletta or Versailles Better for Families?

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Valletta offers lots of family activities. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.


Is Valletta or Versailles Better for Couples?

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

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.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Valletta or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Valletta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Valletta
Versailles

Versailles 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 Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles a more walkable city?

Valletta
Versailles

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its high level of walkability.

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.

Versailles is a very walkable town. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Versailles?

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

Families should spend more time in Valletta than Versailles. 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 Versailles. 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 Versailles 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.


  • How many days in Valletta or Versailles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Valletta 1-3 
    Versailles 1-2

One day in Valletta or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the historic town of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valletta, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful palace of Versailles offers museums. 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 Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Valletta, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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


Five days in Valletta or Versailles?

Valletta, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Versailles?

Valletta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Versailles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This palace 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 France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Valletta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Valletta is €116, while the average daily cost in Versailles is €234. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Valletta and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valletta 65
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valletta 130
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Valletta and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Valletta or Versailles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Valletta


Hotels in Versailles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Valletta Hotel Prices and Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valletta 24
    Versailles 53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

Also for Valletta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $150
  • Private Airport Transfer from Malta to Gozo: $109
  • Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $103
  • From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $87
  • Private Airport Transfer in Malta: $87
  • Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers: $81
  • Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $81
  • Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers: $66
  • Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66
  • Malta Private Transfer from Malta Airport to any resort in Malta island: $51
  • Arrival Transfer: Malta Airport MLA to Malta Island by Van: $49
  • Malta Airport (MLA) Departure Transfer (Saint Julian's Hotels to Malta Airport): $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Valletta or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Valletta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Valletta 32
    Versailles 67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valletta

For Valletta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
  • Valletta Food Tour: $49
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $76
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $80
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $80
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $86
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $91
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valletta 27
    Versailles 45

Tours and Activities in Valletta

For Valletta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Cities Tour: $16
  • 3 Hours Private Picnic Experience in Malta: $273
  • 3 cities: Private Insider Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $160
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • 4-hr day tour around Malta: $207
  • 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass Bus + Harbour Cruise: $55
  • 90 minutes Harbour Cruise in Valletta - ticket only: $22
  • A Monumental Maltese Experience: $175
  • Adventures in Malta: Thrills, History, and Natural Beauty: $320
  • Best of Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour: $20
  • Best of Valletta Walking Tour: $20
  • Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Half-Day Tour from Valletta: $37

Tours and Activities in Versailles

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Versailles.

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valletta 16
    Versailles 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Valletta:

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Valletta or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

Versailles 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 Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Versailles. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Versailles. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valletta 26°C (79°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Versailles. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In October, Valletta is generally much warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°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 Versailles. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valletta 21°C (70°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles 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, many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. Valletta is much warmer than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Versailles. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valletta 13°C (55°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Valletta or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles 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. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Valletta is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valletta 16°C (61°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Valletta

Valletta Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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