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

Should you visit Valletta or Porto?

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 Porto 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. Valletta is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Valletta travel costs.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Porto attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Porto travel costs.

Valletta and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Porto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Porto than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Porto is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Valletta is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Porto is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Valletta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

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

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 Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Is Valletta or Porto Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto has a large number of nightlife venues. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for its beaches. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Porto?

Valletta is a great town for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Valletta or Porto More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Valletta and Porto.

With stunning beauty, Valletta attracts visitors from all around. With its long running history and striking cream buildings against the blue Mediterranean waters, this is a truly beautiful town.

Porto is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.

Is Valletta or Porto Better for Families?

Porto 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 Porto. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto Better for Couples?

Valletta is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Valletta or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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.

Is Valletta or Porto Better for Students?

Porto 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 Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Porto 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 Porto. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto is a very walkable town. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Porto?

In either Valletta or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Valletta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Porto. 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 Porto than Valletta 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 Porto.

One day in Valletta or Porto?

In Valletta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Porto 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Porto?

Valletta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Valletta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, 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 Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Porto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Porto?

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

Porto 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 Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Porto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Valletta is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Porto. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Porto. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Porto. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Valletta usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Porto in the Winter?

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

Valletta is a little warmer than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Porto during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Valletta usually receives less rain than Porto. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto 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 travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Valletta is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Porto. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Valletta