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Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 01:19 pm
Is Valletta worth visiting? If you’re travelling to Malta soon and this question has been echoing in your head, we’re here to answer it in the best possible way.
In this guide, we’re exploring whether Valletta is worth visiting or not, alongside an overview of the best places to visit and the top things to do in Valletta. You’ll also find practical information and travel tips to help you plan your trip to Valletta.
So, is Valletta worth visiting? Keep reading to find out!
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Where Is Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily and north of Libya. Malta consists of three main islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino. There are also two uninhabited islets in the Maltese Archipelago, Cominotto and Filfla.
Is Valletta Worth Visiting For More Than a Day?
When planning a trip to Malta, most travellers tend to overlook the country’s beautiful capital city, squeezing Valletta into Malta itineraries as a day trip. But is Valletta worth visiting for more than just a few hours or a day? The short answer is yes. With so many amazing things to do in Valletta, it’s worth spending as many days as possible there.
With its stunning Baroque architecture, insanely rich history, spectacular natural landscapes, historic landmarks and delicious cuisine, the city of Valletta is worth a multi-day trip in its own right, either as part of a longer Malta itinerary or as a standalone city break.
How Many Days in Valletta
From our experience, we’d say you need at least three full days to visit all the must-see attractions and historical sites in Valletta at a relatively slow pace. Add more days if you want to explore the rest of this beautiful island nation, too.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Valletta Trip
Top 6 Reasons To Visit Valletta
1. Valletta’s Rich History
Valletta is one of the best places to visit in Malta, not only for the city’s indisputable beauty but also for its incredibly rich history. Malta’s history spans many centuries, from prehistoric times to the Second World War to the late 20th century.
During your trip to Valletta, you’ll keep stumbling upon this history. Especially the city’s recent history. It happened to us and we often found ourselves struggling to put things in a logical order as we went about sightseeing in Valletta. This is why we put together a brief timeline for you. You can always come back to this section if you get lost in the sea of historical information.
Brief History of Valletta & Malta
- 1048: The Order of St John was founded in Jerusalem. The mission of the Knights of the Order was to care for pilgrims, regardless of their religion or nationality.
- 1310: The Order of St John moved to the island of Rhodes in Greece. By then, the Knights had assumed military duties, defending the Christian world. The Order was ruled by its Grand Master. The Knights who came to Rhodes from all over Europe were grouped according to the language (Langue) they spoke.
- 1522 – 1523: The Order of St John was defeated by Suleiman the Magnificent during the Siege of Rhodes. The Ottomans established their presence in the eastern Mediterranean and the Knights were forced out of Rhodes.
- 1530: Holy Roman Emperor Charles V gave Malta to the Order of St John. The Knights settled in Birgu, the de facto capital of Malta until 1571.
- 1565: The Great Siege of Malta ended with the Knights’ victory over the Ottomans.
- 1566: Following their victory, the Knights of St. John founded a glorious new city and named it after Jean de Valette, their Grand Master. Valletta, the new capital of Malta, was born.
- 1798: Napoleon brought Malta under French rule and expelled the Order of St John.
- 1800: Malta fell under British rule.
- 1914: During WWI, Malta was dubbed the Nurse of the Mediterranean. As the island was far from the battlefields, it served as the perfect place for soldiers to recover from their wounds.
- 1940 – 1942: Valletta was heavily bombed by the Nazis during the WWII Siege of Malta. The latter was instrumental in the defeat of the Axis powers.
- 1964: Malta gained its independence.
- 1974: Malta became a republic.
- 1979: The British Royal Navy departed from Malta.
- 1989: A historic meeting between George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev took place in Malta, marking the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
Best Things To Do in Valletta For History Buffs
Have a Look at The Grand Master’s Palace
Located in the heart of Valletta on St George Square, the Grand Master’s Palace was the headquarters of the Order when they moved to Valletta from Birgu after the Great Siege. It was the seat of the Order until 1798 when Napoleon ruled the island. The British took over the Palace in 1800.
In 1921, the Grand Master’s Palace became the seat of the first Parliament of Malta until 2015 when the new Parliament House was built. Today, the Palace houses the office of the President of Malta.
With a collection of armours – including those of several Grand Masters such as La Valette and Alof de Wignacourt – weapons, and swords, the Armoury is one of the Palace’s highlights. What’s more, the paintings that represent scenes of the Great Siege in the Palace State Rooms stand out.
For more information about admission fees and opening hours, click here.
Get in The Depths of The Lascaris War Rooms
Situated below the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Saluting Battery, the Lascaris War Rooms is an underground complex of tunnels and chambers where the British headquarters were located during WWII. The British expanded the existing tunnels that the Order used as slave quarters to coordinate naval and air operations from there.
One of the most critical operations that were conducted in the Lascaris War Rooms was Operation Husky in 1943. Thanks to this operation, the Allies invaded Sicily with amphibious and airborne units and took the island from the Italian Fascists and German Nazis.
After WWII, the Lascaris War Rooms continued to operate until 1977. In 2009, the complex was restored and it’s open as a museum since then. Among the highlights are the RAF Sector Fighter Control Room, the Filter Room, the Anti-Aircraft Gun Operations Room, and the Combined Room.
For more information about admission fees and opening hours, click here.
Go To The Saluting Battery
Situated one tier lower from the Upper Barraka Gardens, the Saluting Battery replaced a nearby Ottoman battery. After the Great Siege, the Order of St John used it for saluting vessels and military operations. Later, the battery was in use for military purposes during the French occupation and the Second World War until 1954.
Today, the battery is restored with replicas of the original cannons. Every day at noon, a grand ceremony with gun fires takes place. It’s worth timing your visit so that you don’t miss this special moment at one of the best places to visit in Valletta.
For more information about admission fees and opening hours, click here.
Visit The Siege Bell War Memorial
A few steps from the Lower Barrakka Gardens, the Siege Bell War Memorial commemorates the 7000 soldiers and civilians who died in the Siege of Malta during the Second World War. The memorial was constructed in 1992, 50 years after Malta received the George Cross Award in honour of the heroism and bravery of its people. The bell rings every day in the victims’ memory.
Explore Fort St. Elmo & The National War Museum
Built at the tip of Valletta’s peninsula, Fort St. Elmo occupies a strategic location between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, Valletta’s two main ports. The star-shaped fortress was built in 1552 by the Knights of the Order of St John as a defence against Ottoman invasions.
During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the Ottomans captured Fort St. Elmo after almost a month of resistance. However, the Knights of Malta bought the time they needed to reinforce their defence in Birgu where their headquarters were.
Although the Knights had been kicked out of Rhodes by the Ottomans in 1522, the Great Siege of 1565 in Malta had a happy ending for the Order who ruled the Maltese Islands until 1798.
Fort St. Elmo is also home to the National War Museum, an exceptional display of WWI and WWII history. Among the museum’s highlights are Faith, a Gloster Gladiator, the only surviving British fighter plane of the three that defended the island during WWII, and the replica of the George Cross Award that was given to the Maltese people in 1942.
For more information about admission fees and opening hours, click here.
Stand in Awe Before The Tarxien Temples
Apart from several monuments to their recent history, the islands of Malta and Gozo are also home to seven complexes of megalithic temples that narrate the country’s prehistory. If your trip to Malta is a short one and you’re only spending time in Valletta, it’s worth visiting one of the ancient temples closest to the Maltese capital.
Along with the famous temples of the Hypogeum, the UNESCO complex of the Tarxien Temples is situated near Valletta and it’s the largest prehistoric site in Malta. The complex consists of four megalithic temples that were built between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. You can get to the Tarxien Temples from Valletta by bus.
For more information about admission fees and opening hours, click here.
2. Valletta’s Gorgeous Architecture
Built on a narrow peninsula by the Order of St John after the siege of 1565, Valletta features 320 historic monuments in a surprisingly small area. The prominent architectural style in Valletta is Baroque. The latter flourished during the 17th century when the Order ruled the islands of Malta.
Later, Neoclassical buildings emerged across the city when Malta was under British rule. In the last few decades, contemporary constructions, such as the city’s Parliament House designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, left their mark on the city’s architecture.
While strolling around Valletta, you will notice the typical wooden Maltese balconies. This type of balcony is called a gallarija. Often forming a colourful grid on a building’s facade, these ornate balconies have an Arabic influence. Another typical element of Valletta’s architecture is the use of statues to decorate the corners of the buildings, a requirement set by the Order of St John.
Best Things To Do in Valletta For Architecture Lovers
Stroll Along Republic Street
Pedestrianised for almost its entire length, the one-kilometre Republic Street is one of Valletta’s main streets. It starts from the City Gate and goes all the way to Fort St. Elmo. The Parliament of Malta, Teatru Rjal, the National Museum of Archaeology and the Grand Master’s Palace are only a few of the imposing constructions that line Republic Street.
A walk along Republic Street, past splendid palazzi and quaint squares, is the best way to take in Valletta’s unique architecture.
Admire Tritons’ Fountain & The City Gate
One of Valletta’s landmarks, the Tritons’ Fountain was constructed in the 1950s and restored in 2018. It symbolises Malta’s strong connection to the sea. A few steps from the Tritons’ Fountain, the magnificent City Gate – one of the city’s three gates – awaits. Dating back to 1569, the City Gate has been reconstructed five times since then. Its current version is the work of Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Be Enchanted By Casa Rocca Piccola
Situated along Republic Street, Casa Rocca Piccola is one of many prestigious palazzi built after the Great Siege of 1565. Originally, it was the house of a Knight, Don Pietro La Rocca. Nowadays, it’s the family home of the 9th Marquis de Piro.
The house features a lovely garden and a private museum with collections of furniture, costumes and Maltese lace. However, the highlight for us was the underground World War II air-raid shelter that was added in 1918.
Check out availability and ticket prices for Casa Rocca Piccola here.
Some of the palazzo’s rooms are available to stay if you’re looking for the once-in-a-lifetime experience to sleep within the same walls as a real-life noble family.
Book a Tour of The Manoel Theatre
Inspired by the theatre of Palermo, Manoel Theatre was built in 1732. It’s named after the Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena who commissioned its construction. Manoel Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in Europe.
The theatre holds performances and organises guided tours. The hours of the guided tours vary because of the rehearsals. Therefore, it’s better to contact the theatre to make your booking.
For more information, click here.
3. Valletta’s Stunning Viewpoints
Is Valletta worth visiting for its views? It sure is. Built on a peninsula, Valletta offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Below is our list of the best spots in Valletta to enjoy panoramic views.
Best Viewpoints in Valletta
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Perched atop Saints Peter & Paul Bastion, the Upper Barrakka Gardens is a public garden with stunning views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
Originally, the arched terrace and the garden were only available to the Knights of the Order’s Italian Langue. The garden opened to the public in 1800 after the French occupation. It’s a great place for some relaxation, while you can also grab a refreshment at the on-site kiosk.
Lower Barrakka Gardens
Located atop Saint Christopher Bastion, a short distance from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lower Barrakka Gardens are ideal for a relaxing stroll with panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
The Doric temple that dominates the garden is a memorial to Sir Alexander Ball, a British Royal Navy officer who helped the Maltese take Malta back from the French in 1800. Sir Alexander Ball became the Civil Commissioner of Malta as he was very popular among the Maltese people.
Valletta Waterfront
Few snapshots of Valletta can be as iconic as the strikingly pretty facades of the buildings that line Valletta’s Waterfront. The latter is one of the best places in Valletta to enjoy a long stroll before sitting at a quaint café along the promenade to take in the splendid views.
4. Valletta’s Impressive Churches
Home to magnificent frescoes and art masterpieces, Valletta’s Baroque churches are not just sacred places of worship but also must-visit sites for art aficionados.
Best Churches To Visit in Valletta
St John’s Co-Cathedral
Built between 1573 and 1578, St John’s Co-Cathedral replaced St Lawrence Church in Birgu, the Knights’ main site of worship before the Great Siege of 1565. Designed by the Maltese architect and military engineer Girolamo Cassar, St John’s Co-Cathedral features a plain exterior compared to its elaborate Baroque interior.
One century after the Co-Cathedral’s construction, Mattia Preti redecorated its interior in Baroque style. The vaulted ceiling represents scenes from John the Baptist’s life.
One of the church’s nine chapels is dedicated to Our Lady of Philermos and the rest to the patron saints of the Order. In the Oratory, there are two masterpieces by Caravaggio: The Beheading of Saint John The Baptist and Saint Jerome Writing.
Moreover, several Grand Masters are buried in the Co-Cathedral’s Crypt. Among them, is Jean de Valette, the Grand Master who ordered the construction of Valletta. St John’s Co-Cathedral shares the bishop’s seat with St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina since 1816, hence the name Co-Cathedral.
For more information about admission fees and opening hours, click here.
Alternatively, book this guided tour of St John’s Co-Cathedral with a walking tour of Valletta.
Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
On his way to Rome for his trial, Saint Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in 60 AD. Hidden in plain sight, the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck was built in the 16th century and has a gorgeous 19th-century facade. The church’s highlights are the wrist bones of Saint Paul and the part of the column where the Saint was beheaded.
If you happen to be in Malta on the 10th of February, don’t miss the Saint’s celebration day when a wooden statue of Saint Paul is paraded through Valletta’s streets. This is definitely one of the best things to see in Valletta.
A stone’s throw from the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, you can find some of Valletta’s quaintest alleys, lined with cosy cafés, bars and restaurants overlooking the Grand Harbour. St Lucia’s Street is one of our favourite places.
Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Situated close to Strait Street, the imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with its distinct oval dome was built between 1958 and 1980 on the site of a church built by Carmelite monks in 1570. The latter was destroyed during a WWII air raid.
5. Valletta’s Dining & Bar Scene
A mix of Arabic and Italian cuisine with a bit of a British influence, Maltese food turned out to be a lot better than we expected. While the country’s national dishes are meat-based, such as the rabbit stew, you’ll also find plenty of delicious vegetarian options. Furthermore, Valletta is the ideal place for travellers who enjoy a casual night out at a quaint bar as much as we do.
Best Food & Drink Related Things To Do in Valletta
Try Delicious Pastizzi
Similar to neighbouring Italy, Malta has no shortage of mouthwatering treats. What we liked most were the pastizzi (singular: pastizz).
This staple Maltese treat is made with pastry traditionally filled with ricotta or peas. Besides these two traditional flavours, you can try other variations, too. Pastizzi are inexpensive and ideal for a quick lunch. You can find them almost everywhere, from the best restaurants in Valletta to historic cafés like Caffe Cordina.
Check out this Street Food and Culture Walking Tour to discover all of Valletta’s delicious corners.
Have Lunch At Valletta’s Food Market
Located in the heart of Valletta, the city’s food market – also called Is-Suq Tal-Belt – dates back to the 19th century. After being damaged during World War II, the market lost its glory until it was restored and reopened in 2018.
The covered market now hosts a food court with plenty of eateries featuring from local dishes to international cuisines. There’s also an on-site supermarket.
Walk Along Strait Street
Regardless of the strict Catholic character of Valletta, Strait Street was the heart of nightlife for British and American sailors during the 19th and 20th centuries. The narrow street was lined with hole-in-the-wall bars frequented by drunks and prostitutes. After the British navy left Malta, the street was abandoned.
Nowadays, though, it’s more vibrant than ever. One of the best things to do in Valletta is to take an evening walk along Strait Street to explore its fantastic bars and restaurants.
Enjoy a Brewery Experience
You haven’t been to Malta if you haven’t tried CISK, the local beer. Housed in the Old Farsons Brewery, a detailed exhibition tells the story behind CISK beer and how it managed to replace wine in the locals’ hearts. The Brewhouse rooftop offers panoramic views of the city and it’s ideal for one or three pints of Malta’s finest beer.
For more information about admission fees and opening hours of the Farsons Brewery, click here.
Alternatively, book a unique brewery and beer-tasting experience here.
6. Valletta Is The Perfect Base To Explore Malta
If you don’t drive, Valletta is one of the best places to stay in Malta without a car. That’s because it’s the perfect transportation hub to explore the rest of Malta by bus or on guided tours. Here is our list of some of the best places to visit from Valletta.
Best Places To Visit From Valletta
The Three Cities
Surprisingly under the tourist radar, the Three Cities are right opposite Valletta. The Three Cities are Vittoriosa (former Birgu), Senglea (former L’Isla) and Cospicua (former Bormla).
Among the three, Birgu is the oldest. It used to be the Malta’s capital since 1530 when the Order of Saint John came to the island. After the Order’s victory over the Ottomans in 1565, Birgu was renamed Vittoriosa: Victorious. The other two cities were founded by the Order at a later time.
The Three Cities were destroyed during the Second World War to be rebuilt a few decades later. Situated at the tips of two peninsulas, Vittoriosa and Senglea offer breathtaking views of Valletta. Most of the Three Cities highlights are in Vittoriosa since Senglea was almost totally flattened by World War II bombings.
Start your walk from Victory Square in Vittoriosa where the Victory Monument stands. Take your time having a coffee or lunch at one of the cafés there. Wander around the city’s narrow streets and discover some of the buildings that used to be Auberges of the Order. Step inside Norman House, which dates back to the 13th century.
If you have time, you can visit Fort Sant Angelo, the headquarters of the Order during the Great Siege.
After Vittoriosa, take a relaxing stroll to the tip of Senglea for the best views of Valletta. Once there, you can visit the Gardjola Gardens with their historic watchtower, the iconic Vedette.
You can get to the Three Cities by bus from Valletta. However, the best way to get to the Three Cities is the Valletta Ferry. Even better, for an authentic experience, opt for the traditional Maltese wooden boat, the dghajsa. You can find both the ferry and the traditional boats at the Valletta Waterfront, close to the Barrakka Lift.
Check out this fantastic guided tour with a boat trip to the Three Cities.
Sliema & Manoel Island
Since Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and traffic can be horrendous, the best way to get around Valletta is by ferry. There are two ferry terminals in Valletta, one in the Grand Harbour, which connects Valletta to the Three Cities, and one on Marsamxett Harbour, which connects Valletta to Sliema.
Sliema is a residential area with a promenade, the Sliema Front, which is lined with bars and restaurants. The closer to the sea you are, the more modern the architecture of Sliema is. However, if you climb uphill to Sliema Old Town, the architectural landscape changes and you can see mostly charming old buildings there.
Get lost in Sliema’s maze of streets and discover small treasures like Simler’s Bakery for delicious pastizzi and the Hole In The Wall Bar for a glass or three of local beer.
What’s more, for fantastic views of Valletta, it’s worth taking the seaside stroll to Tigne Point, the tip of the peninsula from where the Ottomans attacked Fort St Elmo during the Great Siege.
The tiny island at the entrance of Marsamxett Harbour is Manoel Island. It’s home to Fort Manoel, a star-shaped 18th-century fort, and a 17th-century isolation hospital for knights, the Lazzaretto. You can get to Manoel Island from Sliema via a short bridge. The tiny island is ideal for a relaxing long walk, past the ruins of the aforementioned hospital and other structures.
Comino & The Blue Lagoon
Located between Comino Island and Cominotto, the Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s highlights. As there are no accommodation options in Comino, the best way to take in the beauty of the island is on a day trip. If you’re staying in Valletta, it’s more convenient to choose a day trip from Sliema like this one.
If you’d like to know more details, we’ve published a thorough guide on how to get to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
Mdina, Malta’s Silent City
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walled city of Mdina is one of the best places to visit from Valletta. With so many things to do in Mdina, we recommend spending one day in Malta’s former capital. Besides Mdina, adjacent Rabat is worth visiting too, as it’s home to the fascinating Catacombs of St. Paul.
Marsaxlokk
Another gorgeous place to visit from Valletta is the quaint little village of Marsaxlokk on the southeastern tip of Malta. Among other popular attractions in Marsaxlokk, the market and the colourful traditional boats in the harbour are the most popular.
Valletta Travel Guide
Best Time To Visit Valletta
Thanks to the island’s Mediterranean climate, Malta in spring and autumn enjoys warm weather and fewer crowds, ideal for appreciating the island’s beautiful beaches. Avoid the excessive summer heat and crowds in the high season and visit Valletta from March to June or from September to November.
Where To Stay in Valletta
Valletta is a small city with great options for a special stay. Some of the best hotels in Valletta are housed in historic buildings. You should opt for a room inside a palazzo offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour or a stay at one of the finest boutique hotels in Valletta.
Have a look at some of the best accommodation options in Valletta here. Another option is to stay in Sliema, just a short ferry ride from Valletta.
How To Get To Valletta
You can get to Malta by plane. Malta’s Airport lies just 10 kilometres from Valletta. You can get to Valletta from the airport either by public transport (bus) or taxi. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer or a shuttle bus that will take you to your hotel in Valletta.
How To Get Around Valletta
If you’re planning to explore Malta on a road trip, remember that you don’t need a car for the Valletta leg of your trip. The best way to get around the walled city is on foot. Outside the city walls, there is a bus terminal from where buses run frequently to most places on the island.
As mentioned above, ferries connect Valletta to Sliema and the Three Cities. The traditional dghajsa boats are perfect for a quick ride to the Three Cities.
The Barrakka Lift is a convenient way to get to the Grand Harbour quickly. This lift was constructed in 2012 to replace a previous one that was built in 1905. You can take it from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to get down to the ferry terminal to the Three Cities. Most importantly, though, the Barrakka Lift is life-saving on your way up to the beautiful gardens.
So, is Valletta worth visiting? We hope that by reaching the end of this thorough guide, your question has been answered and you’re ready to spend as much time as you can spare in Valletta, a must-visit destination in Malta. You won’t regret it!
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria