Valletta is definitely the best starting point to get to know Malta! With its 7,000 years of history, the Maltese capital has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to interesting museums and ancient art and history.
Planning a trip to this destination? Here's everything you need to know!
What to see in Valletta
1 - Old Town and Bieb il-Belt
Despite its small size, the centre of Malta is home to some 320 monuments and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It is enclosed by the city's ancient 16th-century ramparts and is characterised by narrow streets and alleyways, a constant up and down and ancient palaces. Some of the city's most famous streets can be found here, such as Republic Street, the main street, or the old Strait Street, once a red light district and now a major nightlife area(Get directions).
To access the city centre, you will have to cross the distinctive Bieb il-Belt, located opposite the Triton Fountain. This is the City Gate, designed by Renzo Piano and composed of two large, sloping stone blocks that are truly impressive, inviting the visitor to go beyond the large city ramparts and discover the centre! Obviously, the best way to enjoy the centre is through a nice walk, even better if accompanied by an expert guide; alternatively, there are also convenient tourist buses that connect the port to the centre.
2 - Co-Cathedral of St John
One of Valletta's main attractions, if not the main one, is undoubtedly the great Co-Cathedral of St John, in Maltese Kon-Katidral ta' San Ġwann. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and was built from 1572 onwards.
With a very simple exterior that could almost be misleading, it is actually one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe! You will realise this once you cross the entrance portal: inside, you will be greeted by wonderful decorations and paintings, ranging from the floor to the ceiling. The large nave is surrounded by eight side chapels, one more beautiful than the other. The floor also houses the tomes of the Knights of the Order and is decorated with the coats of arms of the knightly houses.
How to get there: in Triq San Gwann. Easy walking distance from Bieb il-Belt (350 m, 4 min). Gang reference stop (lnea 133) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:45pm (last admission 4pm), Sat 9:30am-12:45pm (last admission 12pm), Sun and public holidays closed
Ticket price: single ticket €7.50, under 12 free of charge
3 - Palace of the Grand Master
A short walk from the Cathedral is another of the city's most famous attractions: the Palace of the Grand Master. Built in 1571 at the behest of Grand Master Pietro del Monte, as the name suggests this is the former residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta. A building, therefore, rich in history and charm, not to be missed.
Today this palace is the seat of the Office of the President of Malta but, despite this, it is still open to the public for visits! Upon entering, you will immediately find yourself in the complex's beautiful courtyards, embellished with fountains and statues. Inside you can then visit the Council Chamber, also known as the Tapestry Room, and the State Chambers. The palace also houses the Arms Museum, located in the former armoury. Here you will find more than 5,000 pieces dating from the 16th to the 17th century!
How to get there: in Misraħ San Ġorġ. Easy walking distance from Bieb il-Belt (550 m, 6 min). Reference stop Nawfragju (line 133) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm. Closed during institutional events / Armoury daily 9am-5pm
Ticket price: Palace + Armoury full price €10.00, concessions €7.00 / Armoury full price €6.00, concessions €4.50
4 - Barrakka Gardens
If you want to spend some time in the midst of nature then you can't miss the beautiful Barrakka Gardens, a green oasis located between the Old Town and The Valletta Waterfront. The gardens are divided into Upper Bar rakka Gardens and Lower Barrakka Gardens and are both worth a visit, although many tourists often only focus on the former.
You should also know that every day at midday from the Upper Gardens, more precisely from The Saluting Battery, cannon shots are fired by people dressed in traditional historical garb, one at 12 noon and one at 4pm sharp. An event not to be missed! There is also a spectacular view of the whole city from the platform and a few steps away you will also find theUpper Barrakka Kiosk, where you can have a coffee overlooking Valletta!
How to get there: at 292 Triq Sant' Orsla. Easy walking distance from Bieb il-Belt (450 m, 7 min). Reference stop Kastilja (line 133) - Get directions
Hours: daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ticket price: free / Saluting Battery and museum €3.00
5 - St. Elmo Fort and National War Museum
Located on the opposite side of the old town from the Bieb il-Belt, St. Elmo Fort is one of the most spectacular vantage points in the capital, with a spectacular view of the sea! Built in 1552 for defensive purposes, it is a piece of the city's history: one of Malta's toughest and most tragic battles,'The Grat Siege', took place here, during which the Turks bombarded the fort for a full 30 days! When the fort was taken, all the Maltese defenders were killed.
Today it is not only an important memorial site, but also houses the National War Museum. Here you can discover the history of the city and the different wars it had to fight, including the one with Italy. Inside, you can admire one of the three planes that were used to defend Malta from the Italian offensive. If you are a fan, this is a visit not to be missed!
How to get there: in Fort St Elmo Il-Belt Valletta. Easily accessible on foot from Bieb il-Belt (1.2 km, 15 min). Reference stop Lermu (line 133) - Get directions
Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-4:30pm, Tue closed
Ticket price: full price €10.00, concessions €7.50
6 - Lascaris War Rooms
This is a complex of tunnels and underground rooms used as headquarters during the Second World War. A certainly intense visit, reopened to the public in 2009 after extensive restoration, it is possible to visit the war rooms, the NATO Command Centre, the crypt, the rooms with the cryptographic machines for receiving and sending secret communications.
This place was even used by NATO during the Cold War as a strategic centre for intercepting Soviet submarines in the Mediterranean.
How to get there: Lascaris Ditch Valletta, 500 metres from Bieb il-Belt City Gate - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm
Ticket price: adults (+16) €13.00, concessions under 16 €6.00, seniors €11.00. Family package 2 adults + 3 children under 16 €26.00. Visits take place with guided tours.
7 - National Museum of Archaeology
Photo by Jvdc. If you love history, you definitely can't miss a visit to the capital's important National Museum of Archaeology! It is housed inside theAuberge de Provence, a building constructed back in 1571 and which was the home of the Provençal-speaking knights, hence the name.
It is a small museum, which can be visited in about an hour, but it will give you the best insight into the history of Malta, from the Neolithic to the Tarxien period, around 2,500 BC. The highlights of the collection are the'Sleeping Lady' and the'Venus of Malta', not to be missed! You can also observe various objects, ceramics and other figurines, all found in the old prehistoric temples that were discovered in the archipelago!
How to get there: in Republic St. Easily accessible on foot from Bieb il-Belt (3 m, 230 min). Reference stop Kastilja (line 133) - Get directions
Hours: Wed-Mon 10:00-16:30, Tue closed
Ticket price: full price €5.00, concessions €3.50
8 - National Museum of Fine Arts
Photo by Frank Vincentz. The National Museum of Fine Arts is located inside theAuberge D'Italie, the palace where the Italian knights lived.
Inside, the museum houses a wonderful collection of works of art, ranging from sculptures to paintings, from furniture to objects that once belonged to the knights of the Order of Malta. Most of the works you can admire in this museum today come from the Grand Master's Palace and the palaces of the different knights.
How to get there: in Merchants St. Easy walking distance from Bieb il-Belt (300 m, 4 min). Reference stop Kastilja (line 133) - Get directions
Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-4:30pm, Tue closed
Ticket price: full price €10.00, concessions €7.50
9 - Small Fortress House
Photo by Frank Vincentz. Valletta is full of wonderful historical palaces, which once belonged to the orders of knights or aristocratic families. Today, all these palaces have become museums or offices and are no longer inhabited. Or rather, they are no longer inhabited except for one: the marvellous Casa Rocca Piccola, which houses the family that has lived there since the 16th century, nine generations of the Marquises of Piro.
And, fortunately, today this house can be visited inside, as its owner has opened it to the public! You can visit about 12 rooms of the palace, where some pieces from the Marquis' private collections are on display. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the history of a Maltese aristocratic family! The interior can be visited on a guided tour in English lasting about 45 min.
Directions: 74 Republic St. Easily accessible on foot from Bieb il-Belt (700 m, 9 min). Reference stop Camarata (line 133) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, last guided tour 4pm. Guided tours last 45 min. Closed Sun and holidays
Ticket price: guided tour in English full price €9.00, concessions €5.00. Private guided tours with the Marquis available, to be booked in advance. Info on official website
10 - Manoel Theatre
Photo by R Muscat. Valletta is home to one of the oldest theatres in Europe: we are talking about the Manoel Theatre. Built in 1731, it is Malta's national theatre and one of the hidden gems of the capital!
Fortunately, the theatre is also open for tours, but if you can, we still recommend that you attend a play or concert - it is a unique experience. During your visit, you can admire the wonderful Baroque hall, topped by a large gold chandelier.
How to get there: in Old Theatre Street. Easy walking distance from Bieb il-Belt (600 m, 8 min). Reference stop Kristofru (line 133) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat 10am-12:30pm, Sun and public holidays closed
Ticket price: visit with audio guide €5.00. Shows and concerts variable costs. Info on official website
11 - The Three Cities
Finally, if you're visiting Malta, you certainly can't miss the Three Cities, the three fortified towns of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua, which lie just opposite Valletta, clearly visible from the Barrakka Gardens. You can visit them on your own by taking the ferry that connects them to the capital or by taking part in a guided tour with wine tasting included, enjoying beautiful landscapes and tasting local products (duration 4 hours).
Of these localities, Birgu is the oldest. Also known as Vittoriosa, it was built in the Middle Ages, while Senglea and Cospicua were founded between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Knights Hospitaller. All towns are fortified and in Birgu you can visit Fort St Angelo, with a wonderful view of Valletta. Ideally, you should dedicate a whole day to this area, between history and culture!
Getting there: reachable by ferry, Valletta Ferry Service company, departing from the Barrakka Gardens pier. Alternatively, bus line 2 from Valletta 18 to Birgu Center (25 min) - Get directions
Timetable: Three Cities always accessible / Ferry from Valletta running 6:30-00:00
Ticket Cost: Three Cities free / Ferry from Valletta one way €1.50, round trip €2.80
What to see in Valletta in a day: recommended itinerary
Your day can only begin at the Triton Fountain and the Bieb il-Belt, the Gateway to the Old City. Once through the gate, head to the wonderful and historic Caffe Cordina for breakfast. Immediately visit the famous St John's Co-Cathedral, making sure to arrive at opening time (9:30am) to avoid the crowds of tourists, and then the wonderful Grand Master's Palace.
For lunch, sample Maltese cuisine at Nenu The Artisan Baker, and then head to the Little Rock House and join the 2pm or 3pm guided tour, depending on timing. Once the tour is over (45 min), head to the beautiful Upper Barrakka Garden and watch the cannon fire at 4pm sharp. Finally, enjoy a stroll through the smaller Lower Barrakka Garden.
In the evening, spend it in the old town and, after dining on a tasting menu at Noni, enjoy the nightlife of Strai Street, full of clubs and wine bars!
One-day itinerary at a glance
Triton Fountain and Bieb il-Belt - times: always accessible - ticket cost: free
Breakfast at Caffe Cordina(Get directions)
Co-Cathedral of St. John - opening times: Mon-Fri 9:30-16:45, Sat 9:30-12:45, Sun closed - ticket cost: full price €7.50
Palace of the Grand Master - opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-16:30 - ticket price: full price €10.00 concessions €7.00
Lunch at Nenu The Artisan Baker(Get directions)
Casa Rocca Piccola - opening hours: guided tours only Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00 - ticket cost: full price €9.00 reduced €5.00
Upper Barrakka Gardens - opening hours: daily 7:00-22:00 - ticket cost: free
Lower Barrakka Gardens - opening hours: daily 7am-10pm - ticket cost: free
Dinner at Noni(Get directions)
Where to eat in Valletta: Best restaurants
Nenu The Artisan Baker: Maltese cuisine restaurant in the heart of the old city. Traditional dishes and km0 products
Average price per person: €20.00
Address and contact details: 143 St Domnic Street(Get directions) / tel: +35622581535Legligin Wine Bar: Mediterranean cuisine restaurant with tasting menu, 7 courses to taste traditional dishes
Average price per person: €30.00
Address and contact details: 117/119 St Lucia Street(Get directions) / tel: +35621221699Noni: Michelin-starred restaurant with an elegant atmosphere in the city centre, offering an a la carte or 8-course tasting menu
Average price per person: €50.00
Address and contact details: 211 Republic St(Get directions) / tel: +35621221441Sotto Pinsa Romana Valletta: one of the best Italian restaurants in Malta, with excellent pinse and traditional dishes, to feel at home
Average price per person: €15.00
Address and contact details: 32 South St(Get directions) / tel: +35621220077
What to do at night: Valletta's nightlife areas and best clubs
Malta is also chosen as a summer destination by many young people for its spectacular nightlife! Whether it's summer or winter here on weekends the party can't be missed! In Valletta, the nightlife is a bit quieter than in other parts of the island and the main venues are located in the old town along the famous Strait Street, once the red-light district, now full of venues of all kinds, from wine bars to cocktail bars. Another lively area in the evenings is the waterfront, The Valletta Waterfront, one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the city. However, there are no discos in the capital, for those you will have to go to other locations.
The best pubs, clubs and discos
Bridge Bar: Atmospheric Jazz Club with live jazz sessions and excellent wine / Address: Liesse, Il-Belt(Get directions) / Facebook page
Cafe Society: Disco bar open until late, with music and great cocktails, frequented by many young people in Valletta / Address: 13 Triq San Gwann (Getdirections) / Facebook page
Alchemy Cocktail Bar: a cocktail bar, now an institution, with some really special drinks / Address: 93 Strait St (Getdirections) / Facebook page
Plan your stay in Valletta: info and tips
How to get there: Served by Malta International Airport, about 8 km away. Centre can be reached by taxi (15 min, ride €15.00) or by bus line X4 (25 min, ticket €2.00)
Gettingaround: on foot. For a first approach we recommend a guided walking tour with a local guide. Alternatively, by bus, the only public transport (single journey €2.00). We recommend thetourist bus to get around quickly
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - see offers
