Valletta is Malta’s impressive capital city. Cathedrals, forts, a charming harbour, various restaurants, and the medieval ambience have made Valletta a very popular travel destination, especially among Europeans. While I was walking around, I felt as if I might encounter the Knights of Saint John around the next corner. Malta is great to visit all year round, since winters on the island are mild. However, if you are looking for sea and sun, then the best time to visit the island is in May, during the summer months, and in September. I recommend that you book your accommodation in Valletta, Floriana, or in one of The Three Cities if the main goal of your trip is to explore the capital. Take into account that there is a ferry that connects Valletta with the Three Cities. Although it is possible to book your airport transfer in advance, I would say that in Malta this is not necessary, because Bolt and Uber operate there and offer safe, fast, and convenient transportation services.
What to visit in Malta
1) Saint John’s Co-Cathedral
Saint John’s Co-Cathedral is an astonishing church built by the Knights of Saint John after the Great Siege, when the Ottomans tried to conquer Malta. It is recommended to spend sufficient time there. Don’t be in a hurry; relax, and enjoy your visit to its interior, which is decorated in the Baroque style. When you are inside, search for the famous painting “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” by Caravaggio. This Co-Cathedral is one of the main reasons one should visit Valletta.
2) Grandmaster’s Palace
When you are in Valletta, don’t miss visiting the first building that the Order of Saint John constructed in the capital. Visitors can explore different chambers and immerse themselves in the fascinating history of the knights and their grandmasters. Its armoury collection is extremely interesting and considered by many to be one of the best in the world. Suits of armour, swords from different eras, and other weapons, including artillery pieces, can be found in the Palace.
3)National Museum of Archaology
There is a lot of information, but not so many exhibits in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. Its collection includes artifacts from the Neolithic period to the early history of the island. Part of it is composed of an interesting currency collection. Many tourists visit the museum in order to admire the famous ‘Sleeping Lady’ and the Venus of Malta, two important statues that prove the existence of skilled sculptors in Malta. Although it is not the best archaeological museum I have visited so far, it is certainly worth a visit.
4) Fort Saint Elmo
Get ready to defend Malta against the Ottoman fleet! This is what you will feel when you visit Fort Saint Elmo, which is beloved for its magnificent views. The fort, overlooking the island’s harbours,houses the National War Museum, which covers Malta’s entire history. If you visit it around Christmas, the ambience is really amazing. It is one of my favourite places in Valletta.
5) Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are the most famous gardens in Malta. I really enjoyed my visit to the place, which offers breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. Although you will not be alone there, try to relax, look as far as you can, and when it is enough for you, take some amazing photos.
6) Harbour
One of the best decisions that I made during my visit to Valletta was to walk along the harbour. There were not so many people when I was there, and thus it was much easier to feel the historical significance of the place.You can also cruise around Malta’s harbours if you wish.
7) Triton’s Fountain
Just before you enter Valletta from Floriana, you will come across Triton’s Fountain, which is an important landmark and famous meeting point in Malta. Actually, this fountain is a modern structure and doesn’t share the glorious past of Valletta.
