Valletta, Malta's capital city, was founded in 1566 and is one of Europe's smallest (and southernmost) capital cities, containing many structures with a distinct Baroque character.

Have you ever imagined yourself touring what appears to be a massive open-air museum? Valletta might be the ideal location for you.

Facts About Valletta 

Dotted with charming cafés and cocktail bars, the city is now one of Malta's most popular tourist destinations, home to the towering St John's Co-Cathedral, imposing bastions, and a treasure trove of rare artworks. It also affords a breathtaking view over Malta's Grand Harbour, which is often regarded as the most magnificent in the Mediterranean.

The city's distinctive environment currently hosts a variety of cultural events, ranging from English-language theatre to performances by prominent opera singers.

The city is a bustle of commercial activity during the day, but it slows down at night. Use it to your advantage to get away from the hubbub and take a stroll to observe the walled capital's charm, which is enhanced by the soothing illumination. Explore the bastion walls, thick clusters of weathered limestone structures, wood balconies, and magnificent Churches.

10 things to do in Valletta, Malta

Grandmaster’s Palace

The Grandmaster's Palace, often known as The Palace in Malta, is a palace in Valletta. It was constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries as the Grand Master of the Order of St. John's residence, which dominated Malta, and also was known as the Magisterial Palace.

Parrocca San Pawl Nawfragu

The church should not be overlooked on a visit to Valletta. It has exquisite paintings, mosaics, and valuable antiquities on the inside. When approaching the main façade of the church, turn to the left, and approximately halfway to the top - there is a doorway named St Paul Shipwreck on the side.

Siege Bell War Memorial

This is a massive memorial devoted to the Maltese people's fighting spirit against the Nazis during WWII. The bell is fairly large, and there are genuine bullet holes from German bombers strafing the area nearby. Unfortunately, some tourists chose to trash around the memorial, which is disrespectful to the dead warriors.

Il-Berga ta' Kastilja

The Auberge de Castille is a bed and breakfast in Valletta, Malta. Castile Place is adjacent to Saint James Cavalier, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the Malta Stock Exchange. It is located on Valletta's highest point, overlooking Floriana and the Grand Harbour region.

The Knights Hospitallers

This is a modest museum located within the Knights of Malta conference centre in Valletta. "Beneath the 'Sacra Infermeria,' alongside the old Fort St Elmo, you will encounter the gallant world of the Hospitaller Knights," according to the blurb. Wander around a real place and recall and experience a bygone era. From the Crusades to the Great Siege, the magnificent Hospital, and the Plague, you may now go back in time through sights, sounds, and scents. Travel through the Knights of St. John's 700-year history.

Teatru Manoel

Teatru Manoel, Malta's national theatre, was designed in the baroque style and is located in Valletta. It is one of the world's oldest functioning theatres. The Teatru Manoel was dedicated after Grand Master Fra António Manoel de Vilhena, who directed the building in 1731. Today, it is dedicated to entertaining, informing, and educating its viewers, as well as enriching their cultural lives by presenting high-quality creative works.

St. John's Co-Cathedral

This church, which was built between 1573 and 1577, has two Caravaggio masterpieces. It was constructed as the Knights of St. John's conventual church. It also serves as a location for cultural activities. Grand Master Jean de la Cassière commissioned the building in 1572 to serve as the conventual church of the Knights of Malta, and it was planned by Maltese military architect Gerolamo Cassar. The oratory houses Caravaggio's largest and only signed masterwork. 

Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Baraka is located near Castille Place in the city's southeast corner.

Walking through the main city gates, continue straight ahead, through the contemporary Parliament Building on your right, and take a right turn at the remains of the Royal Opera House (now an open-air theatre) at the beginning of Republic Street.

Then, continue straight ahead (a moderate uphill walk) until you reach Castille Place (a tiny square), where you will discover the St. James Cavalier Centre for Innovation on your right and Auberge de Castille on your left. Walk past the Auberge de Castille and towards the Malta Stock Exchange (originally the Garrison Chapel) to discover the gates to the fortress.

Valletta Waterfront

Grand Master Pinto of the Knights of St John, who ruled in Valletta during the baroque period, created the Valletta Waterfront. The warehouses were formerly where the Knights had different loading items acquired from merchants who came into the port to do business. You can practically picture them on the quay, trading items for money and telling experiences and news from other nations, about their family and distant locations. These ancient walls, with their colourful gateways and green balconies, have witnessed many incredible events and heard countless life tales.

The Valletta Waterfront, which was mostly damaged during WWII, has undergone extensive renovations throughout the years. Trade continues, but in a new form, as grimy, industrious merchants and Warriors have been displaced by summer fashionable cruise passengers on a shopping binge.

The Waterfront is also a site for many concerts, events, and festivals, so keep an eye out for updates if you're looking for additional entertainment in these lovely surroundings. This is a magnificent location, especially at night, with the facades lighted up to allow the varied colors of the portals to shine, each with its distinct glow, and the lights sparkling in the water.

Saluting Battery 

The Saluting Battery has been one of Malta's most lively visitor attractions, bringing history to life daily! It is located high along Valletta's eastern ancient walls and offers unrivalled views of the Grand Harbour and its neighbouring fortified cities. It is also possibly the world's oldest saluting battery really in action. A completely rebuilt gun powder magazine, an artillery side-arm shop, a fine collection of authentic muzzle-loading artillery, ammo, and equipment, and a detailed look at the saluting guns can all be found here.

When to visit the Valletta, Malta

The off-season times of May, September, and October are ideal for visiting Malta since temperatures are mild and crowds are minimal.