Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a growing tourism hotspot. Founded by Jean de Valette’s date backed in 1566, this city has enough to keep you engaged for a few days. In fact, many tourists preferring to explore the Malta archipelago from Valletta. The main reason is easy accessibility to major touristic locations like Gozo, Comino, the Three Cities, and others. It is also a major public transport hub connecting Malta’s top beaches.
But where exactly is Malta located? Is it a part of Italy, near Sicily?
Actually, it’s half correct because Malta is nestled between the North African coast and Sicily housing treasure-trove of exciting attractions.
You’ll find stunning architectures, turquoise seawater, and quaint cities as you marvel around in Malta. Of course, it’s an excellent destination for history and nature lovers alike. However, it would be best if you had time to explore Malta. It is a good idea to make your base in the charming city of Valletta and then move around. Valletta indeed has several points of interest. To explore them, you’ve to book tours and activities.
Furthermore, we’ve done the research for you and have the list of the top ten things to do in and around Valletta ready for you. These are unmissable activities, day trips, and exciting places to visit. Let’s start exploring them from the beginning…
The list of ten top things to do in and around Valletta, Malta
1. Explore Malta
If you are stationed at Valletta, start your trip exploring Malta with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours. The beauty is, you’ll get an overview of the place in a beautiful double-decker bus. On your way, enjoy incredible sites showcasing Malta’s history. The bus tour operates on two routes. Choose the South Malta Route and discover incredible attractions like The Temples and Hypogeum, The Three Cities, Marsaxlokk Fishing Village, and others. On the North Malta Route, the famous attractions are the Crafts Village, San Anton Gardens, Aviation Museum, and others. You can also stop at any of these attractions and explore it at your own pace. Stay on the route and catch the next bus that follows every thirty minutes.
2. Explore Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village and a popular tourist destination. If you want to eat the day’s fresh catch, this is the best place to visit. You’ll find colorful boats cluttering around the beautiful bay. Opposite, you’ll find fish restaurants lined up along the street selling the day’s fresh catches. Every Sunday, there’s an open-air local fish market selling fresh catches of the day. So, visit to purchase your favorite variety to cook and enjoy or eat in a roadside restaurant serving the most exquisite fish dishes.
3. Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens is located right in the heart of Valletta. It would be best if you visited this place to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. While you are marveling at Malta in a hip-on-hop-off bus route, it is easy to make a stopover and enjoy this charming place. So, don’t miss the opportunity to marvel around this place full of natural beauty.
4. The Three Cities
The Three fortified Cities of Cottonera will take you behind time. These are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, and are places of historical importance. It is straightforward to reach over here from Valletta. Thus, guided day tours to the three cities are top-rated among tourists visiting Malta. You’ll find picturesque homes surrounding the water and beautiful yachts floating over. Enjoy a boat ride and explore this historic place for a unique experience.
5. Walk around Valletta streets
The beautiful cobblestone streets of Valletta are actually UNESCO World Heritage streets. Therefore, strolling around and exploring Valletta streets is one of the top things for you to do during your visit. These are narrow streets lined up with trendy restaurants on both sides. You can walk around and reach the Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and other popular attractions. You’ll find beautiful buildings, those belong from the 17th-century. Of course, a guided walking tour is what you should book before exploring this place.
6. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is the city’s prominent architecture and an important religious institution. It is Valletta’s unmissable attraction, so spend time exploring it. You’ll find impressive rich artistic decoration as you enter inside the Cathedral. Also from the exterior looks brilliant outside. For over two hundred years, it served as the Knights conventual church building upon its historical importance.
7. Grandmaster’s Palace
The Grandmaster’s Palace is another historic building in Valletta. It was once the main center of St. John’s Knights. Later, during the reign of the British, it was the Palace of the Governor. Now, it serves as the Office of the President. It is a 16th-century building with treasures of historical artifacts that it beholds. Take a guided tour and explore this Palace and its objects.
8. Visit the Fort St. Elmo and National War Museum
Both the Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum are famous historic attractions to explore in Valletta. To defend the city’s harbor areas, Fort St. Elmo was built date backed in 1565. If you visit the National War Museum, you’ll get information about the centuries-old conflicts and battles which took place in Malta.
9. National Library
The Knights constructed many beautiful buildings in Valletta, and the National Library is one of them. Built date back in 1776, it contains an extensive collection of valuable books. Also, the building’s stunning neoclassical design attracts tourists to admire it.
10. Enjoy Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving is always an exciting water activity. It is the best way to experience and explore underwater marine life intimately. You’ll equally get a chance to take part in an introductory diving course in Malta’s bay. Therefore, enjoy scuba diving during your stay in Valletta.
Final Verdict
Valletta is indeed a hidden gem of a destination in Malta. There are incredible things to do and exciting ways to spend time. Confused, which tour and activities to book? We have had done the research for you. Visit Valletta’s best attractions and book our recommended tours and activities to spend a memorable holiday. What else you can do in Valletta? Click Here!
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