VISIT VALLETTA: TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Valletta, The Fortress City, “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen” is Malta’s capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands.
In order to help you make the most out of your stay in one of the smallest European capitals, I have prepared a list of the 10 best things to do in Valletta.
Visit Valletta: The 10 Must-See Attractions and Points of Interest
1. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Let’s start your visit to Valletta with a masterpiece of Baroque art: St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
In order to get in, you need to follow the dress-code: shawls are distributed inside to cover your arms and legs. Ladies are not allowed to wear high heels because they could damage the precious floor. Anyway, it’s not a very good idea to wear high heels to walk in the cobbled alleys of Valletta!
You can find all the information you need to visit the cathedral on the official website.
2. Grand Master’s Palace
The Grand Master’s Palace is the second major tourist attraction of Valletta.
As its name suggest, it was originally the Grand Masters of the Order of Malta’s residence. Nowadays, the palace houses the President of Malta Office. It’s actually quite surprising that, although housing one of the highest authorities of the country, the palace can be visited freely.
3. The Casa Rocca Piccola
The Casa Rocca Piccola is the only palace in Valletta that is still inhabited. Since the XVI century, 9 generations of Marquis de Piro have been living here.
The owner has opened a part of his house to the public in order to share and spread the history and culture of a Maltese aristocratic family. You will be able to visit about 12 rooms of the palace and discover the private collections of the Marquis as well as objects of the daily life of the past centuries.
4. National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts houses an important collection of sculptures, paintings, furniture and objects associated with the knights of the order of Malta. They practically all come from the Grand Masters Palace or one of the various knights’ auberges.
5. The Three Cities
Here are the best places to see in each city:
- In Vittoriosa : The Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor’s palace, the maritime museum and the Collegiate Church of Saint Lawrence
- In Senglea : go to one of the most beautiful viewpoint on Valletta, the Safe Heaven gardens, located at the tip of the city.
- A Cospicua, explore its small streets as you please.
6. Teatru Manoel
Built in 1731 to entertain the knights and the population, the Maltese national theatre or “Teatru Manoel” is one of the oldest in Europe.
This small but pretty theatre is worth a look for its elegant baroque hall with its impressive golden chandelier. You can also see an exhibition about the history of the theatre.
You can visit it (with audio guide if you want), attend a concert or a theatrical performance.
If you want more info about the theatre, you can go on the official website. There, you can also book your tickets for one of the shows.
7. The National Museum of Archaeology
The National Museum of Archaeology is located in the Auberge de Provence. Built in 1571, at the same time as the city, it housed the Provençal-speaking knights.
8. Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
Every day at noon, you can hear cannon shots in Valletta. This may surprise you at first, but don’t worry, the situation is under control!
What you can do however, is head to Upper Barrakka Gardens, a garden located in the centre of Valletta to attend one of the capital’s major attractions.
Overlooking Grand Harbour, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, with its numerous arches, benches and flower beds offers a breathtaking view over the Three Cities.
9. The Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum
The Fort St Elmo was built in 1552 by the knights to protect Valletta harbours. Historically, it’s especially known for one of the most tragic event that happened in Malta: “The Great Siege”. For more than 30 days, the turks besieged and bombed the fort. When it was captured, almost all the defenders were killed (1500 men).
A few centuries later, during World War II, it still acted as a major defensive infrastructure and was bombed by the Italian Royal Air Force.
10. Republic Street and Merchant Street
During your visit to Valletta, you shouldn’t miss the 2 main shopping streets.
Republic and Merchant streets are the best places to find souvenir shops with magnets, postcards, “I love Malta” t-shirts and Malta’s iconic souvenir: a knight of the Order of Malta figurine.
While walking along the street, you will also find a lot of jewellers: Maltese craftsmen are renowned for their gold and silver filigree. Some of the works are particularly impressive.
We hope you enjoy our selection of places that can not be left out in your script.
Do you know where to stay? See our apartments, we will be happy to receive them.