Things to Do in Valletta

About Valletta

Where honey-colored limestone walls rise dramatically from the Mediterranean, Valletta stands as Europe's smallest capital with an outsized soul—a living masterpiece where every narrow street and sun-drenched piazza tells centuries of stories. Built by knights, shaped by empires, and perfected by time, this fortified peninsula city compresses more history, architecture, and authentic Mediterranean character into half a square mile than most countries possess in their entirety. This is where grand baroque splendor meets island intimacy, where every corner turned reveals another layer of Malta's extraordinary past woven seamlessly into its vibrant present.

Travel Tips

• Walking & Hills: Valletta is built on a steep peninsula, so wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for numerous staircases and inclines; alternatively, use the free panoramic lift at Barrakka Gardens to avoid the steep climb from the waterfront.

• Cash for Small Purchases: While Malta uses the Euro and most places accept cards, many small pastizzi shops (selling traditional savory pastries) and local vendors only take cash, so keep some coins and small bills handy.

• Siesta Timing: Many local shops and smaller businesses close between 1-4 PM for siesta, so plan your shopping and restaurant visits accordingly; major museums and tourist attractions typically remain open throughout the day.

• Public Transport Value: Purchase a week-long Tallinja card (€21) for unlimited bus travel if staying more than a few days—it's the most economical way to explore beyond Valletta, as the city is small and neighboring towns like Mdina and the Three Cities are easily accessible by bus.

When to Visit

Visit Valletta during April-May or October-November when temperatures hover comfortably between 18-25°C, the Mediterranean sun is warm but not oppressive, and you'll avoid both peak summer crowds and winter's occasional cold snaps. Summer (June-September) brings blazing heat of 28-35°C with intense UV exposure bouncing off limestone buildings, packed cruise ship arrivals that overwhelm the narrow streets, and significantly higher accommodation prices—though this coincides with the atmospheric Malta Jazz Festival in July and the historic Malta Fireworks Festival in late April through September. Mid-winter (December-February) sees temperatures drop to 12-18°C with surprising dampness and wind cutting through the city's exposed bastions, plus occasional rain showers, but you'll find rock-bottom prices, virtually no queues at St. John's Co-Cathedral, and authentic local life as Valletta returns to its residents. Time your visit around Carnival in February for spectacular pageantry, or the Notte Bianca cultural festival in early October when museums stay open until dawn, but book well ahead as these events fill hotels despite being outside peak season. Budget travelers should target November-March (excluding Christmas/New Year and Carnival week) when three-star hotels drop to €50-70 per night compared to €120-180 in July-August, though you'll need layers for cool evenings and the occasional scirocco wind from North Africa.