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

Should you visit Valletta or Zurich?

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 Zurich 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Valletta and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Zurich?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Valletta and Zurich are both popular with visitors, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is more popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping, while Valletta is known for its museums, food, and beaches. Zurich is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Valletta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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).

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Valletta or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Valletta is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Valletta is not a live music destination.

Is Valletta or Zurich Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a moderate town for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Valletta. 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.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Both Valletta and Zurich have fantastic 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 Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Zurich?

Zurich is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Valletta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Valletta or Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich 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 Zurich. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich Better for Couples?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Is Valletta or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Valletta is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Valletta or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Zurich is a very popular city for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Valletta is not popular with students.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich a more walkable city?

Valletta is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Zurich?

In either Valletta or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich 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 Zurich.

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Zurich. 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 Zurich 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 Zurich?

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 beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. 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 Zurich?

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.

Zurich 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 Zurich, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Zurich?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping 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 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

Zurich 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 Zurich in the Summer?

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

In July, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich 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, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Valletta is much warmer than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valletta usually receives more rain than Zurich. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Zurich in the Winter?

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

Zurich can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Zurich. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Valletta