Europe / Malta · TRAVEL GUIDE

La VallettaSouth Eastern Region · Malta

DISCOVER · PLAN · GO

Sandro Rossi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSource License

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.

Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings centuries of history and Baroque architecture together in a compact historic center. Among sumptuous churches, panoramic gardens, and golden-stone lanes, it offers unforgettable views over Grand Harbour and the Mediterranean.

6 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map

THE PLACES THAT TELL LA VALLETTA

Worth seeing, worth remembering.

All places on the map ↗

Sandro Rossi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSource License

Behind a restrained facade lies one of Europe’s richest Baroque interiors, decorated with marble and gilding. Don’t miss the oratory, which houses Caravaggio’s famous The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Cosal · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSource License

The historic residence of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John, the palace tells the island’s political and military past. The ceremonial rooms and armory offer a close look at furnishings, paintings, and suits of armor.

Robin & Bazylek · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSource License

These terraced gardens offer sweeping views over Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. From above, you can watch the Saluting Battery: the regular salutes are at 12:00 and 16:00 from Monday to Saturday, except during closures and events.

Hispalois · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSource License

Housed in the elegant Auberge de Provence, the museum traces Maltese prehistory through finds from the archipelago’s major archaeological sites. Highlights include figurines and objects linked to the megalithic temples.

John Haslam · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSource License

At the tip of the peninsula, the fort played a crucial role in Malta’s defense during the Great Siege of 1565. The museum traces its history through displays spanning several centuries of conflict.

Continentaleurope · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSource License

This still-inhabited noble residence offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Maltese aristocracy through salons, period furnishings, and a private collection. Guided tours also lead to the air-raid shelters dug beneath the house.

CHOOSE YOUR PACE

How much time
do you have to get lost?

From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.

An intensive journey through the Baroque masterpieces and breathtaking views of the Maltese capital.

1National Museum of Archaeology
2St John's Co-Cathedral
3Grandmaster's Palace
4Casa Rocca Piccola
5Upper Barrakka Gardens

Explore on the map

Three days among the monuments of the Knights, museums, gardens, and fortifications of Valletta, with a stroll along the waterfront.

A full immersion in the archipelago, starting from the heart of Valletta toward the island’s archaeological and natural treasures.

GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE

The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.

BEFORE YOU GO

A well-planned trip.

Getting around

Valletta is small and is best explored on foot, but the uphill streets and stairways can make the walk demanding. Wear comfortable shoes and keep in mind that some lanes are paved with stone. Buses connect the main station with various places around the island; the terminal is located just outside the city walls. Ferries to Sliema and the Three Cities are a convenient alternative and offer lovely views over the harbor. If you arrive by car, be aware that parking is limited and that a controlled traffic zone is in force in the city center.

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting Valletta: temperatures are generally pleasant and you can explore the city on foot without the intense summer heat. In summer the days are sunny, but the heat can be strong and the attractions more crowded. Winter is mild compared with many European destinations, although rainy and windy days are not uncommon. For a quieter stay, choose periods outside the high season and check the events calendar.

Where to eat

In the historic center you’ll find trattorias, cafés and restaurants serving Maltese specialties such as rabbit, pastizzi and ftira, along with fish dishes and international cuisine. For a casual meal, look for bakeries and places popular with locals; for dinner, book ahead, especially on weekends and in high season. The main streets and squares offer plenty of options, but it’s worth exploring the side streets too. Check opening hours, as some places close between lunch and dinner.

Quick tips

Bring water and sunscreen with you, especially in the warmer months: there are sun-exposed stretches in the city.
Allow time for the climbs and stairways, and choose shoes with a good sole.
Check bus and ferry schedules before you set off, especially in the evening and on public holidays.
Book popular restaurants and tours in advance if you’re traveling in high season.

BEYOND THE GUIDE

Live something worth telling.

Demo examples: not bookable experiences, nor real prices or availability.

Example · not bookable

La Valletta: Tour a piedi del centro storico

Example · not bookable

La Valletta: Tour gastronomico street food

Example · not bookable

La Valletta: Crociera / battello panoramico

YOUR STARTING POINT

Wake up in the right place.

Price comparison

Stay total: 1 night · 2 adults · 1 room · USD

The Strand, Sliema

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Price comparison

Stay total: 1 night · 2 adults · 1 room · USD

St. Julian's Bay Hotel

Censu Tabone Street, St Julian's

7.3

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Price comparison

Stay total: 1 night · 2 adults · 1 room · USD

Waterfront

The Strand, Sliema

9.2

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Price comparison

Stay total: 1 night · 2 adults · 1 room · USD

Your next story starts here.

La VallettaSouth Eastern Region · Malta

One destination.A thousand ways to live it.

Worth seeing, worth remembering.

St John's Co-Cathedral

Grandmaster's Palace

Upper Barrakka Gardens

National Museum of Archaeology

Fort St Elmo - National War Museum

Casa Rocca Piccola

How much timedo you have to get lost?

Essence of Valletta5 stops · 1 day

History and Traditions of the Capital12 stops · 3 days

Grand Tour of Malta and Valletta26 stops · 7 days

The city takes shape.Stop after stop.

A well-planned trip.

Getting around

When to go

Where to eat

Quick tips

Live something worth telling.

La Valletta: Tour a piedi del centro storico

La Valletta: Tour gastronomico street food

La Valletta: Crociera / battello panoramico

Wake up in the right place.

Check availability

be.HOTEL

Azur Hotel by ST Hotels

QAWRA Palace Resort & SPA

115 The Strand Hotel by NEU Collective

Bayview Hotel by ST Hotels

Mayflower Hotel Malta

The Diplomat Hotel

Seaview Hotel - Adults Only 16 Plus

AX ODYCY Hotel

Vivaldi Hotel

IKYK Hotel- IK Collection

Follow the Sun Boutique Hostel - Pool, Breakfast & Sea Views

Sliema Marina Hotel

Grand Hotel Excelsior

Salini Resort

Grands Suites Hotel and Spa Sliema

Hyatt Regency Malta

Verdi St George's Bay Marina

Osborne Hotel

Europa Hotel

Hotel Argento

Verdi Gzira Promenade

St. Julian's Bay Hotel

Waterfront

One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.

How much time
do you have to get lost?

The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.