Valletta holidays

Known as ‘The Fortress City’, Malta’s capital is a treasure trove of history and culture built on a rocky peninsula. Traces of its elegant 16th-century past live on in Baroque buildings, waterfront forts and traditional cuisine. And with 300 days of annual sunshine and the Mediterranean Sea at its doorstep, a holiday in Valletta is perfect for history buffs and sun-seekers alike.

Valletta holiday highlights

Streets of old

Stretching from the City Gate to Fort St Elmo, Republic Street is Valletta’s most popular thoroughfare, home to shops, restaurants and historic sites like St John’s Co-Cathedral. Aim to visit in the morning when crowds tend to be smaller, then refuel between sightseeing spots at Caffe Cordina, a Valletta institution since 1837.

A perfect palace

The 16th-century Grand Master’s Palace is a must-visit on any holiday to Valletta. Sitting in St George’s Square, it welcomes tourists to its ornate State Rooms and the Palace Armoury. Check the opening hours before visiting — the palace can close on short notice due to special events or parliamentary sessions.

Historic neighbours

Just a short hop across the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities — Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua — capture a crucial piece of Valletta’s history. These original fortified towns were built in the 16th century by the Knights of St John and feature a host of lavish places, military forts and fascinating museums. And you’ll also get stunning views of Valletta from the ferry.

Valletta: Know before you go

Language

Maltese, English

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Valletta

Weather in Valletta

March – April: Spring is short but sweet, with warmer temperatures coming in late April. It’s the perfect time to visit ancient wonders without the crowds.

May – September: Expect hot days and high humidity, peaking in July and August. There’s no better place to be than sprawled out on a beach. Explore underrated spots like Fomm ir-Riħ on the northwest coast.

October – November: Autumn brings warm, pleasant weather and laid-back beach days. Enjoy island hopping and sightseeing without the summer rush.

December – February: Winters in Valletta are fairly mild, with daily highs of around 15°C. Stay on the lookout for off-season deals. And pack a raincoat for frequent showers.

Events in Valletta

Valletta Baroque Festival (January): See traditional Baroque performances in some of the city’s most gorgeous venues during this two-week festival.

Holy Week (March or April): Malta’s rich religious heritage comes to life at this Easter celebration. Highlights include a Good Friday procession with ornate religious statues and local music.

Malta International Fireworks Festival (April): Keep your eyes on the night sky as local fireworks teams compete to put on the best show. Maltese cuisine and live music add to the fun.

Village festas (year-round): For an authentic taste of Maltese culture, attend one of the many summer ‘festas’ around the capital. Part foodie feast, part music festival, these events attract locals and visitors alike.

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The best neighbourhoods in Valletta

Valletta City Centre

Valletta’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with attractions. Browse the artisan shops on Republic Street, watch the cannons fire from the Saluting Battery, and admire Grand Harbour views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. With St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Valletta Waterfront here too, it might just be the best area to stay in Valletta for first-time visitors.

Good for: History, architecture, harbour views

Sliema

Sitting opposite Marsamxett Harbour, Sliema is a great place to stay if you want views of the Maltese capital. Walk along the Sliema promenade, sun yourself on Tigne Point’s rocky beach, and shop at the Point Shopping Mall. When culture calls, head to Manoel Island and Fort Manoel or hop on the Marsamxett Ferry to explore Valletta’s main sites.

Good for: Beaches, history, seaside walks

St. Julian’s

Located a few minutes west of the city, St Julian’s is a tourist and nightlife hotspot. Head to Paceville for a wide selection of restaurants, shops and bars. Or ramp up the action with water sports around St George’s Bay and Spinola Bay. St Julian’s is where to stay near Valletta if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and plenty of entertainment options.

Good for: Waterfront restaurants, beach, nightlife

Things to do in Valletta

Shopping

You’ll find international brands along Republic Street and at the Embassy Shopping Complex, but Valletta is best known for its independent craft boutiques. Bring home unique souvenirs like handmade lace, blown glass and filigree jewellery from the shops lining the Valletta Waterfront. Or if you’re shopping in Valletta for a bargain, hit up the Sunday Il-Monti Market.

Family-friendly things to do

Spending sunny days on the beach is never a bad idea here, but you’ll find many more things to do with family in Valletta. Visit the Malta Toy Museum, and uncover 7,000 years of history at the Malta Experience audiovisual show. If you’re visiting over a weekend, head to the Valletta Waterfront, where balloon artists, face painters and puppet shows offer family-friendly fun.

Take in the culture

With so many museums, art galleries and Baroque buildings, it’s no wonder Valletta was named a capital of culture. See original Caravaggio paintings at St John’s Co-Cathedral, spend an afternoon at the National Museum of Archaeology, and visit the National Museum of Fine Arts. For one of the more unusual museums in Valletta, head to Casa Rocca Piccola, the city’s only privately owned palace open to the public.

Beaches

Most of the beaches near Valletta are rocky, but you’ll find a popular strip of sand at Balluta Bay Beach in St Julian’s Bay. Alternatively, snorkel in St Elmo’s by Marsamxett Harbour. Beaches like Melliena Bay, Golden Bay Beach and Paradise Beach are reachable by bus from Valletta, but bear in mind that the journey can take upwards of an hour.

Places to eat

Influenced by Arabic, Italian and French cuisine, Maltese food is all about Mediterranean flavours. Sample modernised Maltese dishes at Michelin-starred Noni or fresh seafood at The Harbour Club. Looking for budget restaurants in Valletta? Try San Paolo Naufrago (open since 1938) on the steps of St Lucia Street. Or pick up traditional ‘pastizzi’ (savoury pastries) from the Is-Suq tal-Belt food market.

Nightlife

Sip Maltese wines in Trabuxu Wine Bar’s 400-year-old cellar, or listen to live jazz at The Bridge Bar on Fridays. While most of the nightlife in Valletta revolves around low-key cocktail lounges and small watering holes, you’ll find a livelier scene on Strait Street, the city’s former red-light district. For dancing, head to St Julian’s, the heart of Malta’s club scene.

Plan your holiday to Valletta

Budget

Cheap holidays in Valletta are easy to plan. Take advantage of affordable transport options and enjoy cheap street snacks like ‘pastizzi’ (ricotta-filled pastries) wherever you go. Or have a sit-down meal for around 20 euros (€), and add a local beer for just €4. Your morning coffee will cost about €2, and a short taxi ride starts at €10.

Day trips from Valletta

Take a bus or a boat for the best day trips from Valletta. Hop on a ferry to explore Gozo’s historic forts and incredible dive sites. It’s just a 30-minute bus ride to the island’s former capital, Mdina, home to Baroque cathedrals and medieval walls. A 45-minute bus ride away, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk offers a bustling seafood market.

Getting around Valletta

Valletta is a small, walkable city built on a grid system. If you have your heart set on hiring a car, be aware that parking can sometimes be difficult. There’s an efficient bus system with maps and schedules posted at the main terminus outside City Gate Valletta. Valletta ferry services and electric cabs are also available.

FAQs about Valletta holidays

February brings the coolest weather. Plan your Valletta holiday then and you can expect lows of 11ºC (52ºF).
With tons of things to do in Valletta, this lively city knows how to show you a great time. Start your sightseeing at must-visit attractions like St. John's Co-Cathedral and Lower Barrakka Gardens.
Given its compact size, a short break to Valletta is doable. Plan to spend around three days visiting the city’s sights and beaches. Consider extending your stay to four days if you want to explore the Maltese archipelago.
The city is comparable to other Mediterranean destinations, and a cheap holiday in Valletta is certainly possible. To reduce costs, explore Valletta on foot and consider buying the Malta Pass for reduced admission to popular tourist sights.
Your holiday to Valletta should be an enjoyable experience, as the city is generally considered safe. Still, you'll want to follow a few simple precautions. Be alert in crowded places and make sure valuables like your phone and cash are out of sight. A money belt or crossbody bag with a zipper can help keep your belongings protected.
Maltese and English are the languages you'll encounter most often while on a city break in Valletta.
The official currency in Valletta is the euro (EUR). It's helpful to bring some cash during your trip to Valletta, but digital payments and credit cards are generally accepted.
The hottest month in Valletta is August, when temperatures reach a maximum of 30ºC (86ºF).
The rainiest month is November, which receives an average rainfall of 9 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Valletta trip — there's still loads to do indoors like browsing shops, discovering museums, or hanging out in cafes.
With its Mediterranean climate and 300 days of annual sunshine, Valletta is a great holiday destination year-round. For the perfect combination of warm weather and fewer crowds, plan your holiday in Valletta for between April and June.