Valletta in Malta is the smallest capital city in Europe, but with a strong artistic ethos and filled with history inside and out, the city stands proud and welcomes millions of visitors every year. Our guest author Edward Lansink shares his local’s tips on what to do in Valletta if you only have one day.
Although there’s plenty in Valletta to fill several days of exploration, here are our suggestions on what to see in Valletta if you only have one day to spend in Malta’s capital.
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St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Words cannot accurately describe the splendour and marvel of Valletta’s most prestigious building. Like most historical buildings in the city, St. John’s Co-Cathedral was built by the Knights of the Order of St. John and completed in 1577. Being a religious order, it was their most sacred building and after centuries of embellishments by several wealthy Knights the cathedral is a veritable treasure to Malta and a must-visit for anyone heading to Valletta.
With gilded interiors, marble floors and chapels, niches and altars, it is an example of high Baroque architecture at its best. Audio-visual guides are available in various languages, which is a must to get the most of your visit to the cathedral. Since it is on of the top things to do in Valletta, it’s best to go earlier in the morning to avoid the crowds.
A visit to St John’s Co-cathedral is included as part of this 3 hour walking tour of Valletta
The Manoel Theatre
On your one day in Valletta, The Manoel Theatre is a special place to visit. Looking rather unassuming from the outside and located in one of the dustier streets of the city, it’s a very different story inside.
Built in 1732 by Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena of the Order of St John, the theatre is one of the oldest in Europe. It regularly shows all kinds of performing arts from plays to opera that range from the classical to the contemporary. Thanks to reservoirs that run beneath, the theatre boasts sensitive acoustics that are believed to allow back row audience members hear the conductor turning the pages of their music.
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Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta
Malta’s role during the Second World War will always be remembered for its brave defence against the Axis forces. Battered relentlessly, Malta was among the most ferociously bombed location during World War II.
The Lascaris War Rooms were the command centre of the Allied forces, being part of the British Empire. Hidden underground on the eastern side of Valletta, this was a top-secret bunker and the brains behind most operations carried out during the height of the conflict. It’s also the location where General Eisenhower planned Operation Husky, the successful invasion of Sicily in 1943.
The Ops room still contains the maps, communication equipment, phones, and plotting tables. Audio guides in English are available, but the tour guides really bring the place to life recounting little stories that often escape the history books. The rooms are underneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens and so a visit to both on the same day is easily accomplished.
This 5 hour city tour is a good one to give you an overview of Valletta, with a visit to the Baroque sites, Grand Harbour and Malta Experience Show.
Fort St Elmo – National War Museum
The National War Museum in Valletta is hosted at Fort St Elmo and is an intriguing way to learn the history of this remarkable island. The exhibits have been cleverly put together to show weaponry of the island’s rulers beginning with The Bronze Age going through to 2004 when Malta joined the European Union. There are plenty of highlights which include a Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, and Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’ which was also used by Eisenhower during the Invasion of Sicily.
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Grand Harbour boat tour
Even if you only have one day in Malta, you should try to take a boat tour of the Grand Harbour. On a calm day, you can take a tour of the harbour in a traditional Dgħajsa. These boats used to ferry sailors to their ships when they were made from wood. In days gone by the harbour would be awash with these little boats. Now, only a handful survive and are sailed using a motor rather than an oar. You can take in the delights of the harbour riding these little, piloted boats.
You can find the tour boats at the Three Cities Ferry stop at Vittoriosa Waterfront (Birgu) or Customs House next to the Valletta Waterfront. The thirty-minute tour normally takes up to six passengers at a time and is a great way to experience the harbour. If you prefer to book ahead, check out this 90 minute cruise of Malta’s Harbours which shows you the sights of Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour with live commentary.
Read about the Three Cities of Malta – what to know before you visit
A local’s tips for Valletta
Are you intrigued? Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind if you’re looking to visit Valletta.
- The central part of Valletta is pedestrianised, which makes it easy to go around on foot. With its small size, it will only take you 15 minutes to walk from City Gate to the furthest point at Fort St. Elmo.
- There are no real “bad neighbourhoods” in Valletta and walking around at night is perfectly safe.
- If you’re looking to stay in Valletta itself, the area close to Hastings Garden is lovely, as is the eastern flank of Valletta, between the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. The area around Carmelite Church is also highly sought after.
- A good way to see more of Malta’s sights if you have limited time, is to take this hop on hop off bus tour starting in Valletta
Food
There’s no shortage of eateries in Valletta and although generally speaking the standards are high, these are a few places I recommend you try:
Street food:
- Champs Pastizzeria – The most common type of street food like pastizzi can be sampled here. (155, Triq Melita)
- Is-Suq tal-Belt – Renovated food market building that now serves a variety of snacks and food, including local flavours. (Triq il-Merkanti, behind the President’s Palace)
Lunch:
- Nenu the Artisan Baker for genuine Maltese food (143 St. Dominic Street)
- Da Pippo Trattoria – A variety of Mediterranean dishes served to your liking. (16, Triq Melita)
- Café Jubilee – Mediterranean but also a few Maltese dishes. Quirky little café – very unique concept. (125, St. Lucia Street)
Coffee:
- Grab a table at the terrace of Caffe Cordina. Great location, great coffee (244, Republic Street)
Dinner:
- Guze Bistro – Fine dining at its best in Valletta. One of my favourite restaurants. (22, Old Bakery Street)
- Palazzo Preca – Specialises in fresh local seafood (54, Strait Street)
Where to stay in Valletta
If you’re looking for a hotel in Valletta, here are a few suggestions:
• Grand Hotel Excelsior – 5-Star hotel, located a 5-minute walk away by the harbourside.
• Hotel Phoenicia – 5-Star hotel, recently renovated and high standard. Located across the square from City Gate
• Casa Ellul – Luxury boutique hotel in a quiet part of Valletta
• Palazzo Consiglia – Unique, luxury boutique hotel inside the city’s walls
• Ursulino – A more modern, boutique hotel in a nice part of the city.
Author Bio
Edward Lansink is the founder and editor of Malta Uncovered, a travel and tourism guide for curious travellers looking to discover Malta. He is also the author of the travel guide Valletta: An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital and offers personal recommendations based on local knowledge for staying in Valletta.
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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
flightradar24
Thursday 2nd of January 2020
I also prefer the less crowded place its really help to enjoy the moment and the place, Malta is really beautiful! and you also put everything in full details would be really useful or someone visiting Malta!
jackryanwills
Tuesday 14th of May 2019
What inspired Knights of St, Johnson to build such marvellous Church featuring a Baroque style of architecture? The most fantastic historical sight of Malta, The Manoel theatre is another inspiring beauty, an absolute classical building. Natural sites and food, it’s really a wonderful post. I especially thank Heather, for sharing such quality and refined content, that which helps everyone who loves travelling.
Heather Cowper
Monday 20th of May 2019
@Jack, thanks so much for your comment
Evgheni Bordeniuc
Monday 4th of February 2019
Great post! Valletta is such a small city but has so much to offer. Thanks.
Claire Robinson
Thursday 8th of November 2018
I'm not sure how I managed to miss Valletta on my trip to Malta - but I did! It looks like such a pretty little city; a feel a return weekend coming on... :)
Heather Cowper
Sunday 11th of November 2018
@Claire It's one of the highlights of the island I think
C. Randen
Tuesday 18th of September 2018
Sold! What an amazing sounding and looking city, and the photography is even better! Thank you for the great information. I am going to Europe in a couple of months, Valletta is on the list now!