Valletta | Exploring Malta
Valletta is the capital city of Malta. In Maltese, the city is known as Il-Belt Valletta. It is located on the main island of Malta, on the Sciberras Peninsula, a rocky headland that is situated between two large natural harbors: the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west. With a population of only around 5,800 residents within the city walls, Valletta is the smallest capital city in the European Union. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, recognized for its high concentration of historical monuments.
The character of Valletta is that of a magnificent 16th-century fortress city that has been preserved through the centuries. Its identity is inextricably linked to its founders, the Knights of St. John. The city is built on a grid street plan, which was a revolutionary design for its time, and is known for its impressive Baroque architecture. The entire city is surrounded by massive bastion walls, which give it a powerful and imposing appearance. The steep streets, many of which are staircases, are another key feature of its urban landscape.
As the capital of Malta, Valletta is the country’s main administrative and commercial center. It is home to the Parliament of Malta and numerous government ministries. The city’s waterfronts, particularly the Grand Harbour, are a hub of activity, with cruise ships and the traditional harbor ferries. This combination of a living, working capital city and a perfectly preserved historic fortress makes Valletta a unique destination. Its history is visible in every street, from the grand palaces of the Knights to the scars left by the bombardments of World War II.
Blog Posts From our visits to Valletta
Good to Known When Visiting Valletta
To help with planning a visit, here are several practical points covering daily essentials, timing, and efficient exploration of the city. Understanding these details can make a trip to Valletta more convenient and enjoyable. This information is intended to provide a general overview for travelers preparing to visit the Maltese capital. The city is a unique destination with a specific geography and culture, and a little preparation can go a long way.
The Daily Essentials
The official currency used in Valletta is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, with contactless payments being very common. However, it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases at kiosks or for tips. The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English, and English is spoken fluently by almost everyone, making communication very easy for international visitors. Italian is also widely understood.
Tipping is not obligatory, as service is often included in the bill, but it is customary to round up the bill or leave a tip of 5-10% for good service. The tap water in Malta is desalinated and is safe to drink, but many locals and tourists prefer the taste of bottled water, which is widely available. The electrical system uses the Type G socket (the British three-pin plug) with a standard voltage of 230V, so most visitors will need a travel adapter.
Planning Your Calendar
Valletta is a year-round destination due to its mild Mediterranean climate. The best time to visit is typically in the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is warm and sunny but not oppressively hot, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. The summer months of July and August can be very hot and are the peak of the tourist season, which means larger crowds at the main attractions. The winter is mild, with more chance of rain, but the city is much quieter. Key annual events include the spectacular Valletta International Baroque Festival in January, the colorful Carnival celebrations in February, and the Notte Bianca in October, when museums and palaces stay open late with special events. For a first visit, two to three full days is generally sufficient to explore the main sights within the city walls.
A Tourist’s Toolkit for Exploration
The historic city of Valletta is very compact and is best explored on foot. However, it is built on a peninsula with very steep streets, many of which are staircases, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. To assist with the vertical climb from the waterfront to the upper city, the Barrakka Lift is a key piece of infrastructure. The main public transport hub for the entire island is the large Valletta Bus Terminal, located just outside the City Gate. For travel across the harbors, the ferry services to Sliema and the Three Cities are both a scenic and highly efficient mode of transport. For visiting the numerous state-run museums and historical sites, purchasing a Heritage Malta multisite pass can be a very economical option. It is also highly advisable to book accommodation well in advance, especially if visiting during the peak season or during a major festival.
The History of Valletta
The history of Valletta is the story of a city built by knights, a fortress designed to be impregnable after one of the greatest sieges in European history. Its development was a monumental undertaking that transformed a barren peninsula into the grand capital of the Order of St. John. The city’s story is one of military engineering, Baroque splendor, colonial rule, and survival through the hardships of World War II. This rich past has made the entire city a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Maltese resilience.
The Great Siege and a New City
Before the 16th century, the Sciberras Peninsula was a largely uninhabited and undefended piece of land. A small watchtower, named after Saint Elmo, stood at its tip. This changed with the Great Siege of 1565. The Ottoman Empire launched a massive invasion of Malta, and the small Fort St. Elmo at the tip of the peninsula became the site of a heroic but ultimately doomed defense by the Knights of St. John. Although the fort fell, the Knights eventually won the siege, and the Ottoman forces were repelled.
After this traumatic event, the Grand Master of the Order, Jean Parisot de Valette, decided that a new, heavily fortified capital city must be built on the peninsula to secure the harbors. The first stone of the new city, which was named Valletta in his honor, was laid in 1566. The city was designed by the Italian military architect Francesco Laparelli on a modern grid plan. In 1571, the capital of the Order was officially moved from Birgu to the new city of Valletta.
The Knights, French, and British
For the next two centuries, Valletta flourished as the capital of the Knights of St. John. The city was adorned with magnificent Baroque palaces, churches, and auberges (the inns of the different nationalities of the Knights). It became a major center for art and culture. The most important of these buildings were the St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace. The city’s massive fortifications were continuously strengthened, making it one of the most powerful fortresses in the Mediterranean.
The rule of the Knights came to an end in 1798, when the island was occupied by French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte. The French were, however, expelled by the Maltese, with the help of the British, just two years later in 1800. This marked the start of a long period of British colonial rule. Under the British, Valletta became a major naval base for the Royal Navy. The British made several modifications to the city, but the main fortifications and Baroque character from the time of the Knights were preserved.
World War II and Independence
Valletta had not seen its last conflict. During World War II, the city and the Grand Harbour were the primary targets of a massive bombing campaign by German and Italian air forces. The siege, which lasted for over two years, became known as the Siege of Malta. The island was one of the most heavily bombed places during the entire war, with an estimated 14,000 bombs dropped. The city suffered immense destruction, with many historic buildings, including the Royal Opera House, being destroyed.
The scars of the war are still visible in Valletta today. After the war, a long period of reconstruction began. Malta gained its independence from Britain in 1964, and Valletta became the capital of a sovereign state for the first time. The city of Valletta, in its entirety, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. In 2018, it was also named a European Capital of Culture, which spurred a new wave of restoration and cultural investment.
Sights in Valletta
The historical sights in Valletta are plenty, and even though this is the smallest capital within the European Union, it will take quite some time to explore them all. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a high concentration of historic monuments, churches, and palaces. The main points of interest are located within the city’s massive bastion walls, making it a very walkable open-air museum.
A visit to Valletta is a journey through the history of the Knights of St. John and the British Empire. The city’s grid street plan is easy to navigate, though the steep slopes leading down to the harbors can be challenging. Key landmarks include the opulent St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the panoramic views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The city’s museums provide deep insights into the nation’s history and art.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a Roman Catholic co-cathedral and one of the most important landmarks in Valletta. The church was built by the Order of Saint John between 1572 and 1577. Its exterior is simple and fortress-like, but its interior is a spectacular example of high Baroque art and architecture. The interior is extremely ornate, with every surface decorated with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and paintings. The floor is covered with the marble tombstones of the Knights. The cathedral is most famous for housing two masterpieces by the painter Caravaggio, including his largest work, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
Grandmaster’s Palace
The Grandmaster’s Palace was for centuries the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John. It later became the Governor’s Palace during the time as a British colony. Today, it houses the Office of the President of Malta. Parts of the building are open to the public as a museum managed by Heritage Malta. The museum includes the Palace State Rooms, which are known for their grand decoration and their collection of Gobelins tapestries. The Palace Armory is also located here and contains one of the world’s largest collections of arms and armor that is still housed in its original building.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a public garden located on the upper tier of the St. Peter and St. Paul Bastion. The gardens are famous for offering a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour, which is one of the most impressive natural harbors in the world. From the gardens, you can see the Three Cities of Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea. The most prominent feature of the view is usually the Fort Saint Angelo in Birgu. Below the gardens is the Saluting Battery, where ceremonial gun salutes are fired daily. The gardens are connected with the waterfront by the large Barrakka Lift.
Fort Saint Elmo – National War Museum
The history of Valletta is closely linked with Fort Saint Elmo. This large star fort has its origins in the 1550s. The fort played a major role in the Great Siege of 1565. Its last battles took place during the Second World War when the fort was severely damaged. Fort Saint Elmo still has scars from World War II. It is, however, today home to the National War Museum. The museum tells the story of Malta’s military history, with a particular focus on World War I and World War II.
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House was once the center of the performing arts in Valletta. It was first opened in 1866. Its fate was sealed in 1942 when the German Luftwaffe bombarded the building during World War II. Because of the severe damages, the building had to be completely demolished. For decades, the site remained a ruin. It eventually reopened as an open-air theatre in 2013, designed by the architect Renzo Piano. The preserved ruins have been incorporated into the new design, serving as a powerful symbol of the bombardments during the war.
Valletta City Gate and Parliament House
The City Gate of Valletta is the main entrance to the capital. The current gate is the fifth to stand on the site since the city was founded. It is a modern design that was completed in 2014 as part of a major project by the architect Renzo Piano. The design is a departure from the traditional gates of the past and looks like a narrow breach in the massive bastion walls. Located just inside the gate is the modern Parliament House, which was also designed by Piano and was completed in 2015.
Tritons’ Fountain
The Tritons’ Fountain is one of the most important modern landmarks in Valletta. It is located in the large square just outside the City Gate. The fountain was built in the 1950s and features three large bronze figures of Tritons holding up a large basin. The fountain was completed in 1959. It has recently undergone a major restoration. The formal inauguration did not take place until 59 years later in 2018. It is the first major monument that greets most visitors who arrive in Valletta by bus.
Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the most famous churches in Valletta. Its large, 42-meter-high oval dome is one of the most prominent features of the city’s skyline, especially when viewed from Sliema across the harbor. The original church on the site was built in the 1570s. That building survived until it was severely damaged during World War II. The current, larger church was built after the war and was completed in 1981.
National Museum of Archaeology
Located in the magnificent Auberge de Provence, the historic inn of the Knights from Provence, is the National Museum of Archaeology. The museum’s collection is dedicated to the prehistory of the Maltese Islands. It displays a large number of important artifacts from the Neolithic period to the Phoenician period. This includes artifacts from the many megalithic temples found around the islands. Key items include the “Sleeping Lady” statuette from the Hypogeum and the “Venus of Malta” from Ħaġar Qim.
Valletta with Kids
Valletta might not seem like the most kid-friendly town in Malta at first glance. The many steep slopes and stairways will cause most kids to complain, and keeping track of children among the large crowds of tourists can be stressful. The city is more of a historical and cultural destination. However, there are a few things that our 4-year-old has enjoyed when visiting the capital. For instance, she really enjoyed the panoramic view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. For some reason, the view of the sea and the many large ships in the harbor seemed to have been very exciting for her.
The main challenge for families with small children is the terrain. The city is built on a peninsula with very steep sides. This means that many streets, especially those leading down from the main Republic Street, are actually long flights of stairs. This can be very difficult to navigate with a stroller. However, the main streets in the center of the city are flat and pedestrianized. The city’s gardens provide some open space for children to run around. With some planning, a visit to the capital can still be an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Playgrounds in Valletta
Playgrounds in Valletta are a rare sight. For families looking for a large, modern playground, it would probably be easier and more entertaining for the children to go to the playgrounds in nearby towns like Floriana or Sliema. However, there is a small playground located near the Siege Bell Memorial that can provide a short break for younger children.
Sports in Valletta
The sporting life in Valletta is dominated by football. The city is home to one of Malta’s oldest and most successful football clubs. The town’s deep connection to the sea is also reflected in its participation in the traditional sport of regatta racing, which takes place in the Grand Harbour. The city also has a successful water polo club. These clubs are a key part of the city’s identity and have a large and passionate following.
Football
Football is a major sport in Valletta, as it is throughout Malta. The local professional club is one of the most dominant forces in the national league. The club has a very large and passionate fanbase and a fierce rivalry with the neighboring club from Floriana. The club’s success has brought national and international recognition to the city.
Valletta F.C.
The main football club is Valletta F.C. The club was founded in 1943 through a merger of older clubs from the city. They are one of the most successful clubs in the history of Maltese football, having won the Maltese Premier League championship over 20 times. The team is known as the “Lilywhites.” They have a large and dedicated fanbase. They play their home games at the national stadium in Ta’ Qali, as most Maltese clubs do not have their own home ground.
Regatta
Regatta is a traditional form of rowing race that is held twice a year in the Grand Harbour. The races are a major cultural and sporting event in Malta. Several of the towns around the harbor, including Valletta, have their own historic regatta clubs. The clubs train throughout the year for these highly competitive races. The sport is a key part of the maritime heritage of the Grand Harbour communities.
Water Polo
Water polo is another very popular sport in Valletta and in all of Malta’s coastal towns. The city is home to a successful water polo club that is a central part of the summer life in the city. The sport has a dedicated following, with home games attracting enthusiastic crowds to the local water polo pitch.
Valletta United W.P.C.
The Valletta United Water Polo Club is the main club for the sport in the capital. The club competes in the Maltese Water Polo Premier League, the top tier of the sport in the country. They have a history of winning the national championship. They play their home games at their own seawater swimming pool, which is located on the waterfront at the base of the city’s bastion walls.
Getting Around in Valletta
Navigating the city of Valletta is best done on foot. The historic city center is very compact and is a large pedestrian-friendly zone. The city’s grid street plan makes it easy to find your way around. However, be aware that many of the streets that run down towards the harbors are very steep staircases. For travel to the wider parts of the island, the city’s main bus terminal is located just outside the City Gate and is the central hub for the entire national bus network.
The public transport system is operated by Malta Public Transport. A prepaid Tallinja Card is the most economical way to pay for journeys. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are also widely used. A key part of the local transport network is the system of harbor ferries. These provide a fast and scenic connection to Sliema and the Three Cities. The large Barrakka Lift connects the Upper Barrakka Gardens with the waterfront below.
On Foot: The Fortress City
Walking is the only way to properly explore the historic city of Valletta. Almost all the main sights, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the main shopping streets of Republic Street and Merchants Street, are located within the compact, fortified area. The city was designed to be a pedestrian city by the Knights of St. John. Comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the hilly terrain and the numerous staircases.
Local Buses
The main public transport hub for the entire island of Malta is located at the Valletta Bus Terminal. The terminal is a large, open-air station situated in the Triton Fountain square, just outside the City Gate. From here, bus routes operated by Malta Public Transport connect the capital with every town and village on the island. The buses are modern and air-conditioned. They are the primary mode of public transport for traveling longer distances across the island.
The Harbour Ferries
A key mode of transport for the harbor area is the network of passenger ferries. The Valletta Ferry Services operate two main routes. One route connects Valletta with Sliema, across the Marsamxett Harbour. The other route connects Valletta with the Three Cities, across the Grand Harbour. These ferries provide a very fast and scenic way to travel between these major urban centers, avoiding the road traffic. The ferry journey offers excellent views of the historic fortifications.
How to Get to Valletta
Reaching Valletta, the capital of Malta, is straightforward. The city is the main transport hub for the entire country. The country’s single international airport is a short drive away, and the city is the central point for the national bus and sea networks. This makes it the primary point of arrival and departure for most visitors to the island.
The Open Road: Driving to Valletta
Driving to Valletta is possible from all other parts of the island. The city is connected by a network of local roads to the main arterial roads of Malta. However, driving within Valletta itself is highly restricted for non-residents. The city is a controlled vehicular access zone. It is highly recommended to park outside the city walls in a public car park, such as the large one in Floriana, and walk into the city. A car is generally not needed or practical for a visit focused on the capital.
Arriving by Air: Malta International Airport
The primary and sole gateway to the country is Malta International Airport (MLA). It is located in the town of Luqa, approximately 8 kilometers from Valletta. The airport is well-connected to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. From the airport, a taxi, a ride-sharing service, or a direct public bus service can be used to reach Valletta. The express bus service (Route X4) provides a direct connection to the main Valletta Bus Terminal.
Connecting by Coach
There are no major long-distance coach services in Malta due to the small size of the island. The entire country is served by the integrated national bus network operated by Malta Public Transport. The main bus terminal for the whole country is located just outside the city gates of Valletta. All major bus routes on the island start or end at this terminal, making it very easy to reach Valletta by bus from any other town or village.
On Track: The Absence of Rail
There is no train service in Malta. The country does not have a railway network. Therefore, it is not possible to reach Valletta by train. A railway line did exist during the British period, connecting Valletta with the town of Mtarfa, but it was closed in 1931. All overland travel on the island must be done by road.
An International Ferry Approach
It is possible to arrive in Malta by ferry. The main ferry terminal for international arrivals is located at the Valletta Waterfront, in the Grand Harbour. There are regular car and passenger ferry services that connect Malta with the port of Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy. The port is also the main terminal for international cruise ships. From the ferry terminal, it is a short journey by bus or taxi, or a walk up via the Barrakka Lift, to reach the city center.
Driving Distances
The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:
- Paola, Malta – 5 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Sliema, Malta – 6 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Birgu, Malta – 7 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- St. Julian’s, Malta – 8 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Mosta, Malta – 9 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
- Marsaxlokk, Malta – 12 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Mdina, Malta – 13 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Rabat, Malta – 13 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
- Buġibba, Malta – 16 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
- Mellieħa, Malta – 22 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
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This post was first published 2021-12-18 and was updated 2025-07-26
