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Top 6 things to do in Valletta

Heading to Valletta? Here are the top things to do.
As the sunniest city in Europe, it’s no wonder that Valletta – Malta’s capital city – attracts tonnes of tourists every year. But it’s not just the balmy weather that keeps the visitors coming. Valletta’s just a three-hour flight from the UK, making it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Plus, the city snapped up the European Capital of Culture seal of approval for 2018. Although most capital cities have a few UNESCO-accredited attractions to their name, UNESCO’s seen fit to award World Heritage Site status to the entire city of Valletta. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Valletta’s bursting with must-sees – it’s got more than 320 historic monuments to its name. But what should you have on your itinerary? We’ve picked out the best of the bunch, so you can make sure you’re ticking off all the big-hitters. And, don’t forget to take a look at our Valletta holiday deals.

BEST FOR ARCHITECTURE – ST JOHN’S CO CATHEDRAL

This impressive cathedral was built back in the 16th century by the Knights of St John. Looks-wise, it’s a winner, thanks to its gold, vaulted ceilings and ornate decoration. It’s got a fair few cultural gems up its sleeve, too, featuring original paintings by big names like Caravaggio and others donated by the Grand Master of the famous Knights of St John.

BEST FOR FOODIES – VALLETTA WATERFRONT

You’ll spot Valletta’s waterfront area down by the Grand Harbour. Here, you’ll find stacks of different restaurants, so you can choose between the likes of traditional Maltese eats and international cuisine that come complete with stellar views. There’s a good selection of eclectic wine bars for after-dinner drinks, too.

BEST FOR HISTORY – FORT ST ELMO

Fort St Elmo perches right at the tip of Valletta’s peninsula. It was built to defend the city’s pair of harbours, and was really important in the Great Siege of 1565, when the Knights had to stop the Ottoman Empire’s forces from invading. For a few years, the fort lay in ruins, but following a restoration it’s now a great spot to immerse yourself in Valletta’s history.

BEST FOR SHOPPING – REPUBLIC STREET

Republic Street offers up everything from high-street favourites like Bershka, to tiny antiques dealers, so every type of shopper is covered. And, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants around for when you need to take a break.

BEST FOR CULTURE – NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY

If you want to get a glimpse of Malta’s past, this is the place to go. It’s based in the Auberge de Provence, which was originally built in 1571, when it started life as the main house of the Knights of the Order of St John. Now, it plays host to the National Museum of Archaeology, which lines up an impressive range of artefacts, including some that date as far back as 5,000 BC.

BEST FOR TRADITION – CASA ROCCA PICCOLA

This 430-year old building is a great example of a traditional Maltese noble family’s home, built in the 16th century. You can explore the house solo, or opt to join one of the hourly guided tours. Look out for highlights like the portrait of Monica de Piro, the golden sedan chair, and the underground bomb shelters.
Ready to book your break to Malta?

Take a look at our best deals, and browse our full range of Malta excursions. Plus, find out why this island made our list of the happiest places in the world. Or, get some more sunny holiday inspiration with our round-up of where’s hot all year round.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Hannah Stratton

Last updated: 22.10.2018

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