Things To Do
in Valletta
Valletta is Malta’s compact, fortified capital, perched on a sun-baked peninsula overlooking the Grand Harbour. Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, the city blends Baroque churches, palaces and narrow streets with commanding sea views. Its compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot, while museums, gardens and lively waterfronts offer cultural depth and relaxed cafe culture.
Valletta is also a gateway to Malta’s beaches, villages and islands, with excellent ferry and bus links to the rest of the archipelago.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day perched on the edge of the Triton Fountain as the first rays of sunlight glint off the rippling waters of the Grand Harbour. Sip a freshly brewed Maltese coffee from a nearby café while fishing boats drift lazily into silhouette. Feel the gentle Mediterranean breeze carry the scent of salt and citrus through the awakening streets.
Wander through narrow alleys toward the National Museum of Archaeology, admiring prehistoric artefacts that tell the island’s ancient stories. Pause for a light lunch at a shaded terrace, sampling local ftira topped with seawater sardines and fresh tomatoes. Continue to St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity to explore contemporary Maltese art installations.
Return to the waterfront for a sunset cruise, watching Valletta’s golden bastions glow against a rose-hued sky. Savor freshly caught seafood at a harborside bistro as lanterns begin to twinkle. End with an evening stroll along the fortified walls, peering into hidden coves lit by moonlight.
Step through the modern City Gate and marvel at the interplay between ancient fortifications and contemporary architecture. Explore the sprawling ruins of the Royal Opera House before climbing to Upper Barrakka Gardens. Breathe in panoramic views of the Three Cities as the sun dances on rippling waters below.
Descend by the historic Saluting Battery, where daily cannon firings echo centuries-old military traditions. Wander Republic Street’s lively shops and cafés, sampling traditional pastizzi in a cozy corner café. Then visit the Grand Master’s Palace armory to inspect ornate armor and weaponry once used by the Knights of St. John.
Return to Upper Barrakka Gardens for the magical Noon-Day Gun salute recreated at dusk by torchlight. Enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated harbor. Conclude with live harp music softly resonating across the ancient stone walls.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) / Pastry | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $4-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $5-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact historic city with rich cultural heritage and architecture
- Excellent harbor views and photogenic fortifications
- Good base for exploring the Maltese islands with strong transport links
- Pleasant Mediterranean climate for much of the year
- Can be crowded and touristy in summer months
- Narrow, steep and cobbled streets can be challenging for mobility issues
- Limited nightlife variety within Valletta itself compared to St. Julian’s
- Some attractions can be costly during high season
- "Bonġu" - Good morning / Hello
- "Grazzi" - Thank you
- "Jekk jogħġbok" - Please
- "Fejn hu/hi...?" - Where is...?
- "Kemm jiswa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Saħħa" - Cheers / Good health
Places to Visit in Valletta
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic panoramic viewpoint over the Grand Harbour — excellent for sunrise and harbor shots, with terraces, statues and orderly gardens.
Harbour-level views and historic artillery; the battery provides atmospheric shots and the gardens are less crowded in late afternoon.
Lavish Baroque interior with dramatic lighting and richly decorated chapels — interior photography may be restricted, but exterior shots are striking.
Elegant facades, busy pedestrian street scenes and classical architecture — great for candid urban photography.
Colorful warehouses, moored boats and fortified walls create strong compositions at golden hour and after sunset.
A slightly different harbour perspective with views back toward Valletta’s skyline and fortifications; good for wide-angle shots.
Narrow historic street with characterful facades and nightlife energy — great for atmospheric night photography.
Food in Valletta
Valletta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flaky pastry often filled with ricotta or mushy peas; best grabbed fresh from small bakeries across the city in the morning or as a cheap snack.
Must-Try!
Malta’s national dish — slow-cooked rabbit in wine and herbs, served in family-run restaurants and traditional eateries.
A seasonal fish pie made with lampuki (dorado) combined with vegetables and pastry, commonly found during the autumn fishing season.
Maltese version of ratatouille — a flavorful vegetable stew with tomatoes, eggplant and capers, often served as a side or vegetarian main.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A restored market hall with food stalls, deli counters and cafés offering local specialties, international cuisine and casual street-food-style dishes.
A morning fish market in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk where you can buy fresh catches or eat at waterfront restaurants; best on Sundays.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Valletta’s churches are active religious sites. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and keep noise low; photography may be restricted inside.
A friendly 'Hello' or 'Good morning' in English is fine; Maltese are welcoming — a nod or handshake is common in introductions. Use polite phrases like 'Grazzi' (thank you).
Be respectful at historical sites; avoid climbing on monuments or graffiti. Public drinking in parks is generally tolerated in moderation but avoid disorderly conduct.
Casual dress is acceptable in most places, but smart-casual is common for nicer restaurants and cultural venues.
Safety
Tipping in Valletta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Malta; leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service (check if a service charge is included). Small change for café servers, taxi drivers (round up) and porters is customary. For guided tours, 5–10% or a few euros per person is standard for a good guide.
Euro is the currency; credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in Valletta’s shops and restaurants, though small cafés, market stalls and pastizzerias may be cash-only. ATMs are common but carry some cash for smaller purchases and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and sunny with temperatures often in the mid-20s to low 30s°C (mid-70s to 90s°F). Peak tourist season brings crowds, especially at waterfronts and beaches — book restaurants and accommodation in advance. Expect long daylight hours, frequent cultural events and lively outdoor cafés; bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Warm early on and gradually cooling; sea remains pleasant for swimming into October. Fewer tourists make it a good time to explore museums and coastal walks; autumn fishing season brings lampuki dishes to menus.
Mild but wetter; temperatures typically range from 10–16°C (50–60°F). Many cultural attractions remain open and the city is quieter, but some tourist services may reduce hours. Good time for budget travel, museum visits and exploratory walking if prepared for occasional rain.
Comfortable temperatures, blooming landscapes and increasing ferry and tour schedules. Ideal for walking, sightseeing and festivals; book in advance for popular holiday weekends.
Valletta at Night
Hiking in Valletta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Dramatic coastal cliffs west of Valletta (short drive away) with scenic paths and panoramic sea views; best at sunset and for birdwatching.
Wooded valley area near Rabat offering shaded paths, picnic areas and gentle walks amid the island’s greener landscape.
Coastal trail with rugged cliffs, secluded beaches and beautiful sea views; reachable by bus or car from Valletta and popular for photographers.
Sections of the historic defensive line provide longer hiking options across Malta’s interior with panoramic views and varied terrain.
Airports
How to reach Valletta by plane.
Main airport serving Valletta, about 8–10 km away (20–30 minutes by taxi or bus). Regular shuttle buses, taxis and car hire are available; book transfers in summer for ease.
Regional international airport in eastern Sicily; not used for direct transfers to Valletta but an option for multi-destination trips or lower fares, reachable by flight or ferry connections via Sicily.
Another regional option in western Sicily — useful for combined itineraries; travelers typically fly between Malta and Sicily or take ferry connections when planning multi-stop trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents; a population with deep ties to Catholic traditions, strong family networks and a mix of urban and village lifestyles.
Significant expatriate community from the UK, Italy and other EU countries, many working in tourism, finance, education and services.
Seasonal influx of European tourists, especially from the UK, Italy and mainland Europe, peaking in summer months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Most popular sport nationwide; local clubs and neighborhood pitches are common, and international matches draw fans to sports bars and stadiums.
A traditional and successful aquatic sport in Malta with local clubs and competitions; played in pools and open water events.
Sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular around the islands; Valletta’s harbors and nearby bays are launch points for recreational boating.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Valletta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available — many restaurants serve pasta, kapunata, salads and cheese plates. Mention 'vegetarjan' or show a translated note if you have strict requirements; many cafés will adapt dishes.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited; larger cafés and modern bistros typically offer plant-based salads, grain bowls and vegan desserts. Carry snacks if you plan to explore off-peak neighborhoods.
Awareness of gluten-free diets has grown; ask staff if dishes are 'gluten free' and watch for wheat-based items like pastizzi. Many seafood and grilled meat dishes are naturally safe.
Always inform staff of allergies. English is widely spoken, but having a short note in Maltese or showing the allergen on your phone can help avoid misunderstandings.