So you’ve only got a couple of days available to experience Valletta? Worry not – the Very Valletta team has created an itinerary that covers all the must-dos, with the right balance of art, culture, food, drink and sight-seeing. Live the Valletta life, without tiring yourself out.

BOOK YOUR VALLETTA BREAK NOW

Our advice is to include a good mix of sight-seeing and chilling during the day, with time to enjoy the Valletta restaurants scene, or maybe attend a theatre or music event in the evening. The beauty of the city is precisely that it is so compact, which makes it ideal for a quick break. The top sights are all within walking distance of each other, and if you let us help you plan your time wisely you won’t miss out on anything at all.

Valletta – the perfect city break

Staying in the heart of the city means that you won’t need to waste any time commuting. And what’s more, you also get to live and eat like the locals, experiencing the magic of the Baroque capital as you see it being transformed from a bustling daytime destination to a more glamorous and cosmopolitan city after dark. We will book you into our most trusted Valletta hotels, the ones where you’re guaranteed an authentic, experiential stay.

Staying in the heart of the city means that you won’t need to waste any time commuting

Day 1 – Getting familiar with your surroundings

Take it easy as you unwind from your travels and get used to your new environments. Now is the time to enjoy one of the cafes close to your hotel, sipping an espresso, or maybe a refreshing spritz, and reviving your energies with a traditional savoury cheesecake (ask for a pastizz tal-irkotta!)

This is also the best time for a leisurely stroll to take in the main landmarks of the city. Start at the very entrance to admire the Tritons Fountain, Renzo Piano’s Parliament and the area surrounding it, including the Old Opera Ruins.

As you move further in towards Republic Street, you’ll find many architectural beauties to snap, including gorgeous baroque churches like St Francis Church. As you walk towards central Valletta, don’t forget to drop in at the quirky Flower Kiosk near the Biblioteca, and finally why not stop for a breather in the beautiful square in front of the Grandmaster’s Palace?

If you still have the energy, keep walking towards downtown Valletta and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular scenery of Fort St Elmo and the Breakwater Bridge. But don’t forget to go back to your hotel for a rest, so that you can enjoy a quiet traditional dinner later on in the evening.

Day 2 – Taste the Culture

There are museums aplenty to enjoy in Valletta, and you can read all about them here on this Very Valletta website. Of course, it is difficult to fit in everything in one day. So our advice to you is to pick two museums that pique your interest. War aficionados, for example, will undoubtedly want to visit the Lascaris War Museum, while if you’re into visual art you can’t miss out on MUZA, the museum housed at Auberge d’Italie, or St John’s co-Cathedral to admire the Caravaggio paintings and other stunning masterpieces. The Rubens tapestries are simply awe-inspiring and there are four chapels alongside the main area, each with its own smaller collection of paintings and artefacts. St John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the most popular historical sites in Valletta, so let us sort you out with fast-track tickets – it will save you a lot of time.

History lovers will certainly enjoy the Museum of Archeology, within Auberge de Provence, while St James Cavalier is Malta’s cultural hub, providing a mix of everything. Don’t forget to take little breaks in between, as social life at the Valletta cafes is just as intriguing, with locals eager to share an anecdote or two.

Day 3 – Winding Down

Your last day in Valletta should be serene, one that allows you to enjoy the lifestyle of the locals. Check out the Valletta Food Market on Merchant’s Street, and go souvenir hunting at one of the artisan shops that dot the city. We love hopping from cute artist hangouts like Il-Lokal to the iconic Silversmith’s Shop, with maybe a quick stop at Guido’s Spice Shop. These authentic places are very far from the tacky mass-produced souvenirs that are peddled in other cities.

If you have time, take a moment to enjoy the view of Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and why not treat yourself to a lazy lunch at Gracy’s Brasserie or the Casino Maltese, both located in historical buildings on Valletta’s main thoroughfare?

Before you know it, it’s time to travel back home. But the memories of your city break (and the souvenirs!) will bring a smile to your face for long.