Valletta
A sun-soaked Mediterranean treasure, Valletta is a city of golden limestone, grand Baroque architecture, and stunning sea views. As one of Europe’s smallest capitals, it boasts a rich history, from the legendary Knights of St. John to the imposing St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Visitors can explore its charming alleyways, sip wine at waterfront cafes, or take a boat ride to the picturesque Three Cities. Compact yet full of character, Valletta offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and island beauty.
Airport
Malta International Airport (MLA) – The only airport in Malta, located about 8 km southwest of Valletta, providing access to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Train Station
Valletta does not have a train station – Malta does not have a railway network, but public buses and ferries provide efficient transport around the island.
Weather
The best time to visit Valletta is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm but not too hot, making it perfect for exploring historic sites and enjoying the Mediterranean coastline. Summers can be very hot, while winters are mild with occasional rain.
Known For
Known for its Baroque architecture, historic fortifications, and breathtaking Mediterranean views.
Neighbourhoods
Valletta’s small size makes exploring easy. The Waterfront is a scenic promenade with restaurants and ferry connections. Republic Street is the city’s bustling main thoroughfare, lined with shops and cafes. St. Barbara Bastion offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Upper Barrakka Gardens provides one of the best viewpoints in the city. The Three Cities across the harbor offer a quieter, historic charm.
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The Waterfront – A scenic area by the harbor with stunning views, great dining options, and easy access to ferries. Perfect for those wanting a peaceful, scenic stay.
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Republic Street – The main street in Valletta, lined with historical landmarks, shops, and restaurants. Great for travelers who want to be at the heart of the city’s cultural life.
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Upper Barrakka Gardens – A quieter, more peaceful area offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Perfect for visitors seeking tranquility close to the city’s major attractions.
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The Three Cities – Across the harbor, these historic cities offer a quieter, local experience with old architecture and a calm, traditional atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking an authentic Maltese experience.
Hotel Guide
Valletta offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s budget. Budget options, including hostels and charming guesthouses, are available in the historic city center and along the waterfront, offering a taste of local life and proximity to major landmarks. Mid-range hotels are found throughout Valletta, providing comfort and easy access to cultural sites, restaurants, and shops. For a luxurious stay, Valletta offers elegant hotels like the Phoenicia Malta and the Grand Hotel Excelsior, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views, fine dining, and exceptional service.
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The Barracca Suites – ★★★
A budget-friendly guesthouse located in the heart of Valletta, offering stylish suites with beautiful city views and easy access to the city’s historic sites.
Castille Hotel – ★★★
An affordable hotel located in the historic center of Valletta, offering simple, comfortable rooms and easy access to Malta’s key landmarks.
The Lodge – ★★★
A cozy, budget guesthouse offering clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere, located near the main attractions of Valletta and the scenic harbor.
Budget Hotel Options
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The Phoenicia Malta – ★★★★
An elegant hotel located just outside the historic walls of Valletta, offering luxurious rooms, a beautiful garden, and a short walk to the city’s main attractions.
La Falconeria Hotel – ★★★★
A boutique hotel in the heart of Valletta, offering stylish rooms, an intimate atmosphere, and easy access to the city’s landmarks, restaurants, and shopping.
Castille Hotel – ★★★★
A charming 4-star hotel offering modern amenities and beautiful views of the Grand Harbour, located in the heart of Valletta near historical sites.
Mid-Range Hotel Options
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The Phoenicia Malta – ★★★★★
An iconic luxury hotel located just outside the city walls, offering elegant rooms, a beautiful garden, a pool, and easy access to Valletta’s historic sites.
Rosselli – AX Privilege – ★★★★★
A luxury boutique hotel located in Valletta’s historic center, offering exquisite rooms, personalized service, and a rooftop bar with stunning views over the city.
Casa Ellul – ★★★★★
A charming boutique hotel offering luxurious rooms with contemporary style, located within walking distance of Valletta’s main attractions.
High-End Hotel Options
Sights and Activities
Valletta, Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital, is a charming city brimming with history, culture, and Mediterranean beauty. Budget activities include exploring St. John’s Co-Cathedral, wandering through the Upper Barracca Gardens, or taking a walk along the city’s stunning waterfront. Mid-range activities might include a boat trip around the Grand Harbour, visiting the National Museum of Archaeology, or checking out the magnificent Fort St. Elmo. For luxury experiences, enjoy a private guided tour of the city’s palaces and museums, dine at fine restaurants like The Harbour Club, or stay at the lavish Phoenicia Malta for an unparalleled blend of comfort and elegance.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Explore this stunning cathedral, known for its ornate Baroque interior. Entry is free on certain days or with a minimal charge.
Upper Barracca Gardens
Take in panoramic views of the Grand Harbour from these beautiful gardens. Free to enter.
Republic Street
Stroll down Valletta’s main street and admire the architecture, with plenty of cafes, shops, and street performers.
Fort St. Elmo
Walk around the fort’s exterior and enjoy the historical significance and views of the harbor. Free access to parts of the fort.
Budget Friendly Activities
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Explore the ornate Baroque interior of this cathedral, home to stunning works of art, including Caravaggio’s famous painting, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist."
Lower Barracca Gardens
Stroll through these serene gardens, offering views of the Grand Harbour and a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.
National Museum of Archaeology
Dive into Malta’s prehistoric past with exhibits on ancient tools, ceramics, and artifacts, including those from the Neolithic period.
Fort St. Elmo
Visit this fort for its historical significance and the fantastic views over the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea.
Mid-Range Activities
Private Luxury Yacht Charter
Charter a private yacht for a day to explore the stunning coastline of Malta, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying a gourmet lunch onboard.
Exclusive Tour of St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Take a private guided tour of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, learning about its history, the famous Caravaggio paintings, and the ornate Baroque architecture.
Private Helicopter Tour over Malta
See Malta like never before with a private helicopter tour, offering stunning aerial views of Valletta, the Blue Lagoon, and the ancient fortresses of the island.
Dinner at Palazzo Parisi
Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at the luxurious Palazzo Parisi, a historic palace offering Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant, intimate setting.
Hi-End Activities
Please Note - All prices listed above are approximate and must be checked prior to quoting clients
Resources
Visa Requirements
No visa required for up to 90 days
*Note - VISA regulations change regularly. Always check official websites for the most up to date information.
Official Tourism Website
For more information explore this cities official tourism website
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Language
Maltese
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Currency
Euro (EUR)
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Population
6,000 (city proper), 400,000 (metro area – entire island of Malta)
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Time Difference from Melb (AEDT)
- -10 hours
Have a question?
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