Valletta isn’t just Malta’s capital — it’s a golden, sun-kissed city where every street feels like a movie set. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tiny capital (just one square kilometre!) might be small, but it packs in centuries of history, culture, and charm.
You’ll walk through narrow alleys lined with Baroque architecture, past grand churches, palaces, and museums — each one telling stories of knights, battles, and empires. But it’s not all history — Valletta also shines with trendy cafés, boutique shopping, and some of the best dining in Malta.
Holidays to Valletta give you the best of both worlds: history and modern life blending effortlessly. You can spend your mornings exploring cathedrals and gardens, your afternoons sipping wine by the harbour, and your evenings watching the city glow gold as the sun sets behind the bastion walls.
The city’s two harbours — Grand Harbour and Marsamxett — give picture-perfect views from almost every corner. And though Valletta itself doesn’t have sandy beaches, you can sunbathe on the smooth limestone rocks between the Sliema ferry and Jews’ Sally Port — locals love these natural sun decks.
If you’re craving proper sand, Mellieħa Bay (Malta’s largest sandy beach) is just 30 minutes by bus. On such a small island, even the farthest coves and bays are easily within reach.
The Lowdown on Your Holiday
Flights from the UK take around 3 hours, and Valletta is only 25–30 minutes from Malta International Airport.
Book with TUI Holidays, easyJet Holidays, or On The Beach for ATOL-protected peace of mind. We recommend booking a package holiday to get flights, hotels and often transfers all in one place for ease.
Stay in Valletta’s Old Town to soak up the city’s historic beauty — you’ll be steps away from St John’s Co-Cathedral, Republic Street, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
For postcard views and a little peace, look for hotels near the Valletta Waterfront or Hastings Gardens. If you want nightlife and modern vibes nearby, Sliema, St Julian’s, and Paceville are just across the bay — easy to reach by ferry or short taxi ride.
Explore Like a Local
Start your day at the Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping views across the Grand Harbour. Every day at noon, the Saluting Battery fires its cannons — a dramatic nod to Malta’s military past. A lift right by here links Valletta’s elevated streets down to the waterfront below. As you ride upward or downward, you’ll catch another angle on Upper Barrakka Gardens and its breathtaking harbour views.
Step inside St John’s Co-Cathedral, an explosion of gold, marble, and art, including Caravaggio’s masterpiece. Then wander Republic Street and Merchants Street for boutiques, street performers, and souvenir shopping.
Hungry? Head to Is-Suq tal-Belt Food Market for Maltese bites — try pastizzi (flaky pastries) and local wine.
Strada Stretta, a narrow, historic alley deep in core Valletta, feels like a step back in time. Here you’ll find classic Maltese facades, wooden balconies, hidden cafés, and artisan shops. It’s ideal for wandering, grabbing a coffee, and soaking in local life.
Casa Rocca Piccola offers a glimpse into noble life in a 16th-century palace, while the National Museum of Archaeology takes you even further back into Malta’s ancient story.
On the quieter side of the city, Hastings Gardens offers a peaceful escape with panoramic views over Floriana, Sliema, Manoel Island, and the city walls. Built above St. John’s and St. Michael’s Bastions, it’s a calm spot for sunset watching, with manicured paths, flowers, and benches.
The Royal Opera House Ruins are a striking reminder of Valletta’s artistic heritage. Once a grand performance venue, the ruins now tell stories of its former glory, with historic arches blending into modern architectural touches.
Step inside the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, a stunning baroque church dedicated to the shipwrecked saint. Its ornate interiors, intricate wooden carvings, frescoes, and a high altar painted by Mattia Preti showcase Malta’s rich religious and artistic heritage.
Top Trips
We recommend booking trips in advance using Viator & GetYourGuide.
Three Cities & Harbour Cruise – Sail across the harbour in a traditional Maltese dgħajsa to explore Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua — Valletta’s historic neighbours.
Mdina & Rabat Day Trip – Step into another century in Malta’s ancient, walled capital. Quiet cobbled streets, churches, palaces, and sunset views make it a must.
Island Road Trip – Malta’s only 16 miles long, so hire a car or hop on a tour to explore Gozo, Golden Bay, and hidden villages beyond the city.
Malta & Sister Islands Boat Trip – Cruise to Comino and Gozo, swim in the famous Blue Lagoon, explore sea caves, and wander the charming streets of Gozo with free time to relax.
VIP St. John’s Co-Cathedral Experience – Step inside Malta’s most visited church after hours for an intimate guided tour, then enjoy a site-specific Baroque concert in the Oratory.
Gozo Jeep Adventure – Explore Gozo’s highlights by jeep, including Ramla Bay, Xlendi Bay, Calypso’s Cave, and the Citadel, with a three-course lunch and a scenic powerboat ride back via Comino Caves.
Valletta Segway Tour – Glide through Valletta’s main squares, gardens, and streets on a guided Segway tour.
Valletta Food Walking Tour – Discover the flavours of Malta on a small-group tour, sampling local dishes while learning how cuisine reflects the island’s history, culture, and culinary influences.
Hidden Gems
Look up — Valletta’s wooden balconies are works of art in themselves, painted in shades of blue, green, and crimson.
Find peace at the Lower Barrakka Gardens, a local favourite with sea views and fewer crowds.
Don’t skip a walk at sunset — from Hastings Gardens to the Valletta Bastions, the city turns pure gold.
And if you’re after something quirky, pop into the Malta Postal Museum — a tiny gem with big stories.
Nightlife & Food
Valletta’s evenings are mellow but magical. Dine on a rooftop with harbour views, grab cocktails at Bridge Bar (with live jazz on Fridays), or wander Strait Street, now reborn with cool bars and bistros.
Try local dishes like timpana, lampuki pie, and ħobż biż-żejt (Maltese bread with tuna, olives, and capers). For dessert, go for figolla or kanoli — sweet, nutty, and perfect with coffee.
Top Tips for a Smooth Trip
Currency: Euro (€)
Plug Adapters: UK travellers — good news! Malta uses Type G, same as the UK.
Language: English and Maltese (you’ll have zero trouble getting by).
Weather: 300+ sunny days a year — best times to visit are April–June and September–October.
Getting Around: Valletta’s compact and walkable, but expect steep streets and steps — comfy shoes are a must.
Exploring Further: Regular buses make it easy to visit beaches and nearby towns. Or consider hiring a car to get around easily and in your own time, we recommend Europcar.
Don’t Miss: The ferry from Valletta to Sliema — cheap, quick, and gives you incredible skyline views.
Valletta may be Europe’s smallest capital, but it’s also one of its most spectacular. From golden architecture and ancient streets to harbourside cocktails and sunlit squares, this city blends past and present in the most effortless way.
History buffs, food lovers, and sun seekers — Valletta has a way of winning everyone over.
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