Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital may be small, but it’s packed with things to do. Built “by gentlemen for gentlemen” by the Knights of St. John, Valletta is a compact gem of a city that still exudes its 16th-century elegance. Wandering through the city’s honey-colored limestone streets—tucked behind towering fortification walls on a rocky peninsula on the edge of the Mediterranean—is a delightful way to spend a day in Valletta. And then there are the restored baroque palaces, world-class museums, cutting-edge contemporary architecture and art galleries, and panoramic views of the dazzling Grand Harbour to check out.
Its Mediterranean climate makes Valletta an attractive place to visit almost all year round: expect hot, dry summers and cool winters. Sun seekers should visit in June, July, or August and avoid the cool, wet months of January and February. The summer months bring crowds, however. Consider a late spring or early fall trip if that's a concern.
Valletta is small enough to get around its main attractions on foot—it takes around 10 minutes to walk from one side of the city to the other. Much of Valletta is pedestrianized, so there’s not much use for a vehicle in the city, but if you need a ride, you can hop on bus number 133, which serves some of the main streets and the outskirts of Valletta.
Some of Valletta’s best views are to be had from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Perched on eastern Valletta’s harbor walls, high above the sea, this little shaded park and its colonnaded terraces afford spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities beyond. Get there at 12 or 4pm to hear the twice-daily gun salute fired from the Saluting Battery.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +356 | Language(s) Maltese | Attractions 37 | Tours 123 | Reviews 3,335 |
Yes. Even if you plan to make a beeline for Malta’s beaches, it’s worth exploring the capital. Valletta is a beautiful city with historic landmarks and contemporary attractions, including the Renzo Piano-designed City Gate, Parliament Building, and Opera House. It’s well worth discovering why it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018.
...MoreYes. Valletta is a tiny city (in fact, it’s the European Union's smallest capital city), making it easy to cover all the most essential attractions in just one day. Home to 320 monuments, the city is one of the densest historic areas in the world, so you may prefer to give yourself two days to take it all in.
...MoreA one-day itinerary for Valletta should include visiting the baroque St. John’s Co-Cathedral (don’t miss the two Caravaggio paintings in the oratory), the National Museum of Archaeology (home to artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era), and the Grand Masters’ Palace and Armoury. Afterward, watch the sunset from the Upper Barakka Gardens or a rooftop bar.
...MoreValletta is famous for its rich, multi-layered history. The city was built by the Knights of St. John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. It’s also recognized as a masterpiece of baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Valletta is also one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
...MoreYes. Most people in Valletta speak both English and Maltese—and many also speak Italian. Visitors to Malta are doubtful to encounter any problems communicating in only English. Still, it’s worth trying to learn a few words and phrases in Maltese, the European Union’s only Semitic language.
...MoreBoth Valletta and Sliema are great places to stay in Malta. Deciding which to choose depends on how you want to spend your time in Malta. Staying in Valletta has the advantage of being surrounded by the beauty of Malta's stunning capital. Sliema is less attractive than Valletta but is better placed for nightlife and shopping.
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