The 7 things to do in La Valette

Did you plan to go to Malta and visit La Valette? Find out what the best things to do and see in the Superbissima!

The Valette, the sublime capital of Malta, is the economic and administrative centre of the Republic of Malta. From his real name II-Belt Valleta or Valetta, he is sometimes given the title of Citta Umilissima, which means "the humblest city" and sometimes Superbissima, which means "the pride". Indeed, the city marked by the Order of Malta’s knights can play its charm. She has already conquered the heart of thousands of tourists.

The Maltese capital is first of all a city of history and culture. In fact, La Valette is home to so many churches, palaces and varied monuments that it has been entirely classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. What gives you an idea of what drives travellers to want to find out.

Built in height, on the Xiberras peninsula , the city is surrounded by ramparts and fortifications. In particular, you can discover Fort Saint-Elme, which now houses a police school and the War Museum. In La Valette, everything is on foot and quickly joins. However, there is so much to explore, that you will need a few days to go around.

Do you want information to visit La Valette without missing a miette? Then find these 7 essentials that will allow you to know what to do in La Valette.

1. Downtown

The city centre of La Valette consists of a long main street: Republic Street . Particularly alive and lively, it is the main artery of the city. Take the time to discover the many local cafes and restaurants around it. Then, go to the adjacent streets, which will give you the impression of a return in the past.

Indeed, every street in the historic centre of La Valette hides a mythical monument. Start with the discovery of Casa Rocca Piccola , a sublime home of the sixteenth century that is still inhabited by the Marquis de Piro and his family. The inhabitants will show you all the rooms of the house and will give you many secrets about the history of the city and the Knights of the Order.

In the center you will also find the Theatre Manoël , one of the oldest in Europe, built by the order of Saint John in 1731, whose visit is worth a look.

2. La Place du Palais

This place, also named St George’s Square , is the entrance door of several important buildings in La Valette like the Presidential Palace. At its entrance, the guard's rotation takes place once a month in front of the tourists at 10:00. In addition, the Place du Palais often fascinates the youngest visitors thanks to its musical fountain which regularly springs in the form of water jets.

On site, the Grand Masters Palace will also charm you. This monument once welcomed the great figures at the head of the city and is still the seat of the government of the Maltese Republic. The building houses two free courses. Inside, a paid guided tour will allow you to discover a superb collection of armour and antique weapons.

3. La co-cathédrale Saint Jean

This monument located in the heart of the city is the one that will necessarily mark your memories. co-cathedrale of Saint Jean , built in 1577, by Maltese architect Cassar, is today considered a baroque masterpiece. But it is not necessarily its facade, quite sober, which attracts the eye, but rather the visit of the interior.

There is a loaded and exuberant decoration with gold-coated columns, a marble pavement (where the heels are forbidden) and huge frescoes that adorn the walls. In addition, the soil of St. John’s Cathedral houses the tombstones of some of the Knights of the Order of Malta. Inside, we can also discover eight chapels that honor the eight different languages of knights. This majestic monument is very popular with travellers. So, go on site at the opening to be sure to be able to discover it.

4. Upper Barrakka Gardens

If you don't know what to do in La Valette, take a little bit of height to get to gardens of Upper Barrakka . These green spaces are pleasant to take a break, surrounded by hibiscus and bougainvilliers. They once formed the private gardens of the Italian Knights and thus kept the nickname of Belvedere of Italy.

In addition, every day at noon, there is an iconic cannon. An attraction led by Maltese in a period costume that entertains travellers. On site you will also find a superb view of the Grand Port and the Three Cities.

Nearby, don’t miss the visit of the Auberge de Castile, Leon and Portugal, which is one of the seven hostels built in La Valette, for the Knights of the Order. It is located on Castile Square, north of Barrakka gardens.

5. Lower Barrakka Gardens

These lower gardens are located at a distance from the first, along the road along the seaside, towards Fort Saint-Elme. This is where one of La Valette’s emblems is found: Bell War Memorial also known as The Bell. This gigantic bell, composed of 10 tons of bronze is one of the most photogenic places in the city, with its panorama over the sea.

We also find ourselves at Lower Barrakka Gardens , a superb doric temple, dedicated to Alexander Ball, British admiral of the 13th century.

6. Waterfront

This space, which was previously used as a boat hangar, was modernized to become the place of predilection where to go out to La Valette. Indeed, if you ask yourself to do at the Valette once the night falls, there is a great chance that your steps will take you to the Valette Waterfront .

This long pedestrian walk offers superb restaurants where you can enjoy local specialities and bars to prolong the evening. It is also the place of a great jazz festival that takes place every year in July.

7. A boat ride

The Maltese capital is also the perfect place to go by the sea. Indeed, you can rent a boat in La Valette between individuals, to create your own itinerary. You will thus go to the assault of the rest of the archipelago, according to your desires.

Now, how far to navigate? No panic, Wanderlix offers two routes to do not far from the capital.

The Three Cities

Just twenty minutes from the city centre, don't miss the visit of the Three Cities. These three cities stand side by side on three peninsulas in front of the Maltese capital. Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa thus form the three neighboring cities with as incredible charm as their great sister.

Losing yourself in these alleys, exploring their treasures and discovering their fortifications will make you spend an excellent time a day. Don't miss the visit of Fort Saint-Ange in Vittoriosa. It is often said that the Three Cities are La Valette d’ancient. Their authenticity remained intact and there is a sweetness of absolute living. In addition, they are easily accessible by bus from La Valette.

Xrobb l-Gṭalookingin

Here is an exceptional place to visit near La Valette. Xrobb l-Gṭalookingin is the name given to ancient ruins of a megalithic temple. If nowadays only a few rocks are observable, they prove that the island was already inhabited at that time. But today, Xrobb l-Gimientoaimonin is also the seaside, which is absolutely magnificent!

Here, the Mediterranean water has stained the rock, thus creating an impressive cliff that can remind those of Bonifacio. Add a limpid color to this same water and you get a small piece of paradise.

How to get to La Valette?

• By plane

The direct flights to La Valette are very numerous from most of the major French cities and are often found at low prices as many low-cost companies serve this city today. The duration of the flight is 2h40 from Paris.

La Valette International Airport is located Luqa 8 km from the Maltese capital. You can then take a bus to the city centre. Several lines serve the entire island from the airport, every day of the week, from 5am to 11pm.

To find your flight tickets at the best price, do not miss to visit our partner’s website Skyscanner to compare the best offer.

• By boat

Many travellers also discover La Valette by boat. It is indeed a mythical stage during a cruise in the Mediterranean. However, you can also go to Malta by ferry with regular connections between Italy (Sicile) and the archipelago in high season. The ferry is also the indispensable means of transport to get to Gozo and Comino.

Where to stay in La Valette?

If you want to visit La Valette easily, opt for accommodation in the city centre of the Maltese capital or around it. This will allow you to have all the monuments of Malta close to your accommodation.

You can find your ideal hotel in La Valette with this Compare hotels . But if a cozy accommodation makes you want for your stay, you will certainly find the apartment of your dreams in the heart of Malta on the site of Airbnb .