If you are thinking of traveling to Valletta, Malta, you are in the right place. Valletta, the capital of Malta; Malta is located on the country’s largest island, Malta, which consists of three large and two small archipelagos, Gozo and Comino. Valletta, one of the oldest cities in the country, was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century and was named after the commander of the knighthood, Master Jean Parisot de Valletta.
In 1565, the Ottomans besieged the city for a month, but Valletta was successfully freed from the siege thanks to the Knights of St. John. Today, the influence of the knights and their glorious legacy can still be seen in the city. Valletta, which contains many historical buildings known as the most magnificent examples of the Baroque architectural style, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.
Where Is Valletta?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Valletta. Valletta; Malta’s largest island, consisting of three large and two small archipelagos, Malta, Gozo and Comino, is located on the Island of Malta.
When To Go To Valletta?
The Mediterranean climate prevails in Valletta. Winters in the city are warm and rainy, and summers are hot and dry. In July, the hottest month, the average temperature is 28 degrees; In January, the coldest month, it is around 13 degrees on average. Valletta can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to go to Valletta is in the spring and autumn months when the temperatures are not too overwhelming.
Trip To Valletta
Known as the “city of knights”, Valletta has a very dynamic structure as well as a peaceful atmosphere as the capital of an island country. Valletta with its colorful nightlife, dynamic culture and art community, historical buildings that will fascinate people; It is known as one of the most interesting stops in Europe.
National Museum Of Archeology
The National Archaeological Museum, Malta’s most comprehensive and prestigious archaeological museum, is a true paradise for those interested in archeology. Located on the main street of the city, RepublicStreet, the museum is located in the Auberge de Provence Inn, where the Knights of St. John used to stay.
In the National Archeology Museum, which sheds light on the history of approximately 7,000 years from prehistoric times to the present; Historical artifacts such as objects, sculptures, artifacts, war tools, furniture and jewelery from archaeological sites throughout Malta are on display.
Address: Republic St, Valletta, Malta
Hagar Qim
B.C. Built in the 3800s, Hagar Qim is one of the oldest structures built by man. This archaeological complex, which includes temples from the prehistoric period, was unearthed in 1839. It is possible to reach the region, which is located 15 kilometers from the city center and west of the village of Qrendi, by bus number 35 departing from the center. Some of the archaeological artifacts unearthed in Hagar Qim, which is home to shrines, altars, statues and figurines belonging to the first humans, are exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum.
Address: Triq Hagar Qim, Il-Qrendi QRD 2501, Malta
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Hal Safleni Hypogeum; It consists of chambers and tunnels carved from limestone, extending 11 meters under the ground. According to the researchers, this complex, which resembles an underground labyrinth, was built 5,000 years ago as a burial site by people who lived in the Neolithic period. According to the finds, the oldest tomb found here belongs to 4000 BC. This mysterious underground stop has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is under protection.
Address: Triq Ic Cimiterju, Raħal Ġdid PLA 1116, Malta
Lascaris War Rooms
Lascaris War Rooms; It is an underground headquarters consisting of a secret tunnel, passage and rooms. Despite its small area during the Second World War, Valletta had a great strategic importance due to its geographical location. The war strategies used in the defense of Malta during the Second World War and the important wars in the Mediterranean were determined in this headquarters. The headquarters used by NATO is now open to the public as a museum displaying wartime dioramas, diagrams, models and plans.
Address: Lascaris Ditch, Valletta, Malta
St. John’s Cathedral
Built in 1577 in honor of St. John, known as the protector of the knights, the baroque-style cathedral is one of the most magnificent religious buildings in Europe. The most important feature of St. John’s Cathedral is that its flooring consists of tombstones of knights who lost their lives fighting for St. John’s. The cathedral is also famous for hosting works by the Italian painter Caravaggio.
The building, known as the most important architectural symbol of Valletta; It is also very impressive with its interior decoration rich in frescoes, wall paintings, ceiling paintings and religious objects and sculptures.
Address: Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Grandmaster’s Palace
One of Valletta’s most important historical buildings, the Master’s Palace is located in the city center. The building was built in 1571 as the palace of Jean Parisot de Valletta, the commander (master) of the Knights of St. John and also the founder of the city. This magnificent palace is used today as the Presidential Office and the Maltese Parliament Building. Considered a fascinating architectural work, the Master’s Palace is one of Valletta’s most popular tourist spots with its frescoed exterior decoration and rich interior decoration.
Address: Republic Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
St. Mary’s Church
Located in the small town of Mosta, St. Mary’s Church is one of Malta’s most fascinating religious buildings. The church, which is famous for hosting a miracle during the Second World War, can be reached in 1 hour by bus number 43 departing from the city center of Valletta.
Built between 1833 and 1865, the church also contains many works by the famous Maltese painter Guzeppi Cali. In the Second World War; While more than 300 people were praying inside, the church was bombarded and one of the bombs did not explode even though it pierced the roof and fell inside. Today, millions of Christians describe this event as a religious miracle.
Address: Rotunda Square, Mosta, Malta, Mosta, Malta
Transportation In Valletta
When you travel to Valletta, you should also know how to get there. Valletta is a small city and you can explore the city on foot in a short time as the attractions are located in specific areas. The urban transportation network is not very developed. Transportation is provided by buses and taxis departing from Valletta’s main bus station.
Bus
Although the bus lines vary according to the route, they usually serve between 05.30 – 23.00. More than 80 standard and express bus routes are available. Express buses starting with “X” operate at long distances such as airport – city center. Click here for bus lines and departure times. You can buy your bus ticket inside the bus or from ticket sales points. Click for ticket prices.
Taxi
You can find taxis in many parts of the city in Valletta. Taxi transportation is very common especially in the city center. However, taxi fares are high as in other European cities.
Transportation from Malta International Airport to the City Center
Malta International Airport; It is located 5 kilometers southwest of Valletta city centre.
By bus,
You can reach the center in 30 minutes with the buses numbered “X4” and “X5” departing from the stops at the airport terminal exit point. X’s are airport buses; X2 Sliema, X4 Valletta, X1 Mellieha (north part with sandy beaches). Bus No. 201 also goes to the old capital Mdina.
by taxi,
You can reach the city center comfortably and quickly by taxi. Transportation by taxi in Valletta is quite reliable for tourists.
With shuttle services,
You can reach the center with the paid Malta Transfer services offered by Malta Airport. You can get information about the “shared shuttle” from the authorities at the airport where the luggage is delivered.
With car rental,
You can easily reach anywhere you want by obtaining a car from the car rental points at the airport.
Valletta Cuisine
Your trip to Valletta continues, if you can’t decide what to eat, then it’s time to talk about what to eat in Valletta. Maltese cuisine is basically based on the Mediterranean cuisine, but it also carries traces of the cuisines of its neighbors Italy, North Africa and Sicily. Fresh seafood, game meat such as rabbits and pigs, rice, pasta, potatoes, dairy products and fresh vegetables are among the foods consumed in Malta.
The most frequently consumed Maltese cuisine in Valletta are; Baked pasta “timpana” with bolognese sauce, stuffed steak “bragoli” made by filling the middle of thin steak slices with a mortar prepared with minced meat, salami, onions, garlic, eggs, carrots and tomatoes, a popular fish type “lampuki”, “lampuki” prepared with vegetable sauce.
lampuki pie”, stuffed zucchini “qara bali mimli”, marinated rabbit meat “fenkata”, fish soup “aljotta” prepared with garlic and olive oil, Maltese snack “bigilla”, a kind of pastry “pastizzi” and Malta’ Mediterranean pizza is listed as “ftira”.
Popular Restaurants
- Guze Bistro
- Amorino Malta
- Papannis Italian Restaurant
- Sciacca Grill
- Trabuxu Bistro
- Palazzo Preca
- Rubino
- Capistrano Restaurant
- Zero Sei Trattoria Romana
- Aaron’s Kitchen
- Browns Kitchen
- Your Legigin
- Piadina Caffe
- Provincial Capital
- Scoglitti Restaurant
- Nenu The Artisan Baker
- Soul Food
- D’Office
- La Pira
- Michael’s At The Civil Service Sports Club
- Ramp
- The King’s Own Band Club Bar And Restaurant
- La Mere Restaurant
- Cafe Jubilee Valletta
- Cantina Cafe & Wine
- La Sfoglia
- Giannini
- Il-Horza
- Caffe Cordina
Tip – You can leave a tip of 5-10% of the account.
Shopping In Valletta
Wouldn’t you like to beautify your Valletta trip with shopping? The center of shopping in Valletta is Republic, which is the main street of the city, and Merchants street in parallel. It is possible to find many shops and souvenir shops on Republic street. Along the street are local jewelery shops, jewelers, shops selling Italian style leather goods, accessories and textiles, souvenir shops selling handicrafts and many outlet centers.
Prices are slightly more affordable on Merchants street, which runs parallel to Republic street. As original products that can be purchased from Valletta; glass figurines, colored pottery, leather textile products, lace fabrics, locally produced wines, straw goods and tiny knight figurines can be listed.
“Valletta Waterfront” and “Embassy Complex”, which host world-brand stores and boutiques, are Valletta’s most popular shopping centers. You can also visit the flea market on St. James’s Ditch Square on Sundays, where there are countless items from antiques to second-hand clothes and souvenirs.
Valletta Nightlife
Valletta has a colorful and vibrant nightlife. The city has many entertainment venues such as bars, lounges, wine bars, nightclubs and jazz clubs. The heart of nightlife is Strait, South,Dragonara, Wilga, St. Georges and St. Rita throws the streets around. The most consumed spirits in Valletta are wine and beer. Maltese wines and beers are famous around the world. You can try “Lachryma Vitis” and La Valette” as local wines and “Cisk Lager”, “Hop Leaf Ale” and “Blue Label Ale” as local beers. When you travel to Valletta, do not leave without tasting the nightlife!
Popular Locations
- Trabux
- Maestro e Fresco
- V5
- Q Bar
- Dragonara Point
- Oracle Casino
- Django Jazz Bar
- The Pub
- Loop Bar
- StrEat Whiskey & Bistro
- Omerta’ Trattoria & Wine Bar
- Zmerc Pub
- Stable Pub
- Angelica
Valletta Festivals
- Valletta International Baroque Festival (Valletta International Orchestra Festival): January
- Valletta Film Festival (Valletta Film Festival): June
- Mnarja (Festival Of Enlightenment): June
- Malta Jazz Festival: July
Valletta Public Holidays
- New Year – January 1
- National Day – March 31
- Labor Day – May 1
- Independence Day – September 21
- Republic Day – December 13
- Christmas – 25 December
Valletta Useful Information
- Ambulance: 196
- Fire Brigade: 112
- Police: 112
