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

Should you visit Valletta or Lucerne?

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 Lucerne 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a historic, vibrant, and scenic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Lucerne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Valletta and Lucerne are popular destinations, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Valletta attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, and historical sights. Lucerne is more touristy than Valletta and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Valletta different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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

Valletta is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Valletta, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Valletta or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

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

Lucerne has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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 Lucerne Better for Beaches?

Valletta is adequate for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

The beach in Valletta is worth checking out. 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.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Lucerne?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Valletta and Lucerne.

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.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Is Valletta or Lucerne Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Lucerne are nice 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 Lucerne. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Valletta or Lucerne Better for Couples?

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

Valletta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

Is Valletta or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination 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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Valletta and Lucerne.

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 Lucerne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Valletta or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Valletta is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Lucerne?

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

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

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 city of Lucerne 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 Lucerne?

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.

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

Five days in Valletta or Lucerne?

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.

Lucerne 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 Lucerne?

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.

Lucerne 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 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Lucerne?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Lucerne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Valletta is a little warmer than Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Lucerne. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Valletta is much warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Lucerne averages at about 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 Lucerne. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Lucerne. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne 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, most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives more rain than Lucerne. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Valletta is a little warmer than Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Valletta