
Valletta
Malta · Southern Harbour · 40 m
Description
Valletta is the historic capital of Malta and a fascinating center of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. Founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, the fortified city is renowned for its imposing bastions, magnificent churches and palaces, and its distinctive Renaissance street plan. Highlights include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the historic fortifications overlooking the harbor. Valletta blends the legacy of the Knights with Maltese traditions and vibrant urban life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the compact capital is one of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable historic cities and is particularly rewarding to explore on foot.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- St. John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio paintings)
- Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery
- Grand Master's Palace
- Valletta city walls & fortifications
- Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum
- National Museum of Archaeology
- MUŻA - National Museum of Art
- Lower Barrakka Gardens
- St George's Square
- Republic Street
- Merchant Street
- St Paul's Pro-Cathedral
- Casa Rocca Piccola
- Lascaris War Rooms
- National Library of Malta
- Valletta Waterfront
- Siege Bell War Memorial
- Hastings Gardens
- Auberge de Castille
- Teatru Manoel
- St Catherine's Italian Church
- Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel dome
- Church of St Paul's Shipwreck
- Church of St Augustine
- Church of Our Lady of Damascus
- Auberge d'Italie
- Auberge de Provence
- Auberge de France
- Auberge d'Aragon
- Auberge de Bavière
- St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity
- Malta Experience
- National Museum of Fine Arts
- Valletta Contemporary Art galleries
- Old Mint Street
- Strait Street
- St Lucia Street
- Republic Square & Queen Victoria statue
- Victoria Gate
- City Gate & Triton Fountain
- Valletta Design Cluster
- Renzo Piano City Gate architecture
- St Elmo Bridge
- Breakwater Bridge viewpoint
- Great Siege Monument
- Monument to Jean de Valette
- Queen Victoria statue
- Mediterranean Conference Centre
- Sacra Infermeria
- National War Museum World War II exhibits
- Grand Harbour viewpoints
- Three Cities views from Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Grand Harbour boat tour
- Marsamxett Harbour boat tour
- Valletta food market at Is-Suq tal-Belt
- Valletta street food
- Valletta cafes and pastizzerias
- Valletta shopping streets
- Valletta harbour cruise
Getting there
- Airports:
- MLA
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry