Travel Guide to Valletta
Introduction to Valletta
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Valletta, the capital city of Malta, beckons travellers with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, every corner of this city tells a story worth exploring.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane: Valletta's Rich History
Founded in 1566, Valletta is a city steeped in history. Named after Jean Parisot de Valette, the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John who successfully defended Malta during the Great Siege of 1565, this city was built as a “city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”. Known as ‘Superbissima’, meaning ‘most proud’, Valletta was the brainchild of the Italian architect Francesco Laparelli, who together with Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar, designed the city’s grid-based streets. Despite being ravaged by the bombings during World War II, Valletta retained much of its 16th-century architectural heritage, gaining it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.
Valletta Today: A Melting Pot of Ancient and Modern
Fast forward to the 21st century, Valletta has evolved into a vibrant city that marries its rich historical past with a modern and youthful vibe. Its labyrinth of narrow streets are lined with Renaissance cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and ancient forts, whilst also teeming with hip cafes, upscale restaurants, and trendy boutiques.
As the European Capital of Culture in 2018, Valletta regularly hosts a range of cultural and artistic events, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theatre performances. In addition, its burgeoning tech scene is attracting startups and digital nomads from around the globe. Valletta, while holding onto its glorious past, is forging ahead, crafting a fascinating present and an exciting future.
5 Key Takeaways
- Rich History and Architecture: Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in history and known for its stunning Baroque architecture. Its grid-based streets are lined with grand edifices like St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace.
- Exquisite Maltese Cuisine: The culinary scene in Valletta offers a fusion of Mediterranean flavours, with dishes like rabbit stew, pastizzi, and Aljotta that are worth trying. Traditional Maltese bread and sweet treats like Kannoli are also not to be missed.
- Vibrant Shopping Scene: Valletta provides an exciting shopping experience with a mix of high-street fashion, local boutiques, and markets. Traditional Maltese items like filigree jewellery, handmade lace, and blown glass are popular souvenirs.
- Energetic Nightlife: From wine bars and pubs to live music venues and nightclubs, Valletta has a diverse and lively nightlife scene. Cultural evening offerings like opera and ballet performances at the Manoel Theatre add to the city’s charm.
- Practical Travel Tips: For an enjoyable trip to Valletta, remember to pack comfortable footwear, stay hydrated, respect local customs, and be prepared with necessary essentials like travel insurance and adapters for Type G plugs. English is widely spoken and the city is easily navigable on foot or by public transport.
How to Get There
By Air
Malta International Airport serves as the main gateway to Valletta and the rest of the island. Airlines such as Air Malta and Ryanair offer regular flights from numerous European destinations.
By Sea
Alternatively, regular ferries run from Sicily to Valletta if you fancy a sea journey. Picture this: You, sailing into the Grand Harbour, embraced by the ancient fortresses – a majestic entrance, don’t you think?
Best Time to Visit Valletta
Considering Malta’s Mediterranean climate, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the most ideal times to visit Valletta. You get to avoid the summer tourist crowd while enjoying pleasant weather.
Related articles: Best Time to Visit Malta
Top Sights and Attractions
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Marvel at the intricately designed baroque architecture of St. John’s Co-Cathedral (€10 entry fee). Within these hallowed halls, art enthusiasts will appreciate Caravaggio’s masterpiece – “The Beheading of Saint John”.
The Grandmaster’s Palace
Take a peek into the life of the Knights of Malta at the Grandmaster’s Palace. Discover opulent State Rooms and impressive armoury (combined ticket for €10).
Fort Saint Elmo
Soak in panoramic views of the harbour from Fort Saint Elmo. Home to the National War Museum, it immortalises Malta’s military history (€10 admission).
Malta National Museum of Archaeology
Delve into Malta’s ancient history at the National Museum of Archaeology. It houses artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period (€5 entry fee).
Exquisite Maltese Cuisine
Maltese cuisine is a tantalising fusion of Mediterranean flavours with influences from Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Start your culinary journey with a pastizzi, a traditional Maltese pastry filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. Savour the national dish, rabbit stew, a slow-cooked marvel marinated in garlic and wine. For seafood lovers, Aljotta (a hearty fish soup) is a must-try. Don’t forget to sample Malta’s local bread, ‘Hobz biz-Zejt’, typically served with ripe tomatoes, olives, and capers.
End your meal with a sweet treat like Kannoli, tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta mixture. Paired with local Maltese wines or the beloved soft drink Kinnie, the Maltese cuisine is sure to delight every palate.
Shopping in Valletta
Valletta offers an exciting shopping experience that blends the old and new. The city’s main shopping street, Republic Street, is bustling with international fashion outlets, local boutiques, and quaint souvenir shops. Here, you’ll find everything from high-street fashion to artisanal crafts. If you’re after traditional Maltese items, look out for filigree jewellery, handmade lace, blown glass items, and locally-produced honey and olive oil. For a unique shopping experience, visit the daily open-air market at Merchant Street, where you can haggle over antiques, vintage items, and local crafts.
The Sunday market in Valletta is particularly known for its selection of fresh local produce and fish. Remember to respect the local culture when bargaining!
Nightlife in Valletta
Valletta’s nightlife is as diverse as it is vibrant. From classy wine bars to high-energy nightclubs, there’s something for every kind of night owl.
The city’s many pubs and bars offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy local beers and wines. If live music is more your style, Valletta offers a range of venues hosting everything from jazz to indie rock. Those in search of a party can dance the night away in one of the city’s buzzing nightclubs. For a more cultured evening, check the schedule for the Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest still-functioning theatres in Europe, hosting opera, ballet, and orchestral performances.
Whether you want a quiet evening with a glass of Maltese wine or a night of dancing, Valletta’s nightlife scene delivers.
Exciting Activities to Embark on in Valletta, Malta
Maltese Cooking Class: Try a hands-on cooking class to learn the traditional ways of preparing Maltese dishes. It’s not just a feast, but also a delightful cultural experience!
Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens: Offering a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour, it’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or a quiet picnic.
Explore the Three Cities: Take a ferry to the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. These cities offer a less-touristy but equally captivating taste of Malta’s history.
Malta Experience Show: Catch this audio-visual spectacle that chronicles Malta’s 7000-year history. A quick yet comprehensive history lesson!
Dive at the Harbour: Malta is a favourite among divers, and the Harbour offers intriguing dives with sunken WWII aircraft and submarines to explore.
Visit Casa Rocca Piccola: This 16th-century palace is a living museum, offering a peek into the life of Maltese nobility.
Try Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries or wine bars to sample Maltese wines, known for their unique flavours.
Visit the Manoel Theatre: This is one of the oldest functioning theatres in Europe. Whether you catch a show or simply tour the theatre, it’s worth a visit.
Explore the Markets: Valletta’s open-air markets are perfect for hunting local crafts, antiques, and food. The Sunday Fish Market is particularly interesting.
Valletta Waterfront: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, lined with colourful 18th-century buildings and plenty of dining options.
Valletta is packed with activities and sights that can cater to every type of traveller, be it history buffs, foodies, or those simply seeking a memorable experience.
Practical Tips For Visiting Malta
Comfortable Footwear: Valletta’s streets are primarily cobblestone, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Currency: Malta uses the Euro (€) as its currency. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases.
Language: English and Maltese are the official languages of Malta, so communicating shouldn’t be an issue.
Transport: The city is compact and easily walkable, but for longer journeys, consider using the efficient public bus system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.
Sun Protection: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Stay Hydrated: Especially during the summer, it can get quite hot, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
Respect Local Customs: While Malta is a modern country, it’s also deeply traditional. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Travel Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and loss of belongings.
Electrical Outlets: Malta uses Type G plugs, the same as the UK. If you’re travelling from a country with different plugs, you’ll need an adapter.
Tipping: A 10% tip is customary in restaurants if service charge is not included in the bill.
Stay Alert: Like any tourist destination, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. While Malta is generally safe, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas
Recommended Tours
Final Thoughts
From its sun-soaked shores to its atmospheric cobblestone streets, Valletta offers an unrivalled blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. It’s more than just a capital city – it’s a unique experience waiting for you to explore.
Related articles: Best Time to Visit Malta
Recommended websites: Malta Government Website , Visit Malta Website
Author
Nick Harvey
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Valletta safe for tourists? Absolutely! Malta is considered one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists.
What language is spoken in Malta? The official languages are Maltese and English.
Can I use public transportation in Valletta? Yes, the public transportation system is efficient with buses being the primary mode of transport.
Are there any beaches in Valletta? While Valletta itself doesn’t have beaches, there are stunning ones just a short drive away.
Is Valletta a good place for families? Yes, with its rich history, kid-friendly attractions and safe environment, Valletta is an excellent destination for family vacations.
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