Malta’s capital city is your new go-to city break
VALLETTA is perfect for trips with mates and romantic getaways. In association with Visit Malta.
HISTORY, culture, shopping, entertainment and culinary delights all wrapped up in one city – vibrant Valletta.
The charming, colourful capital of Malta is also the sunniest city in Europe, making it the perfect choice for a city break this autumn or winter.
Malta is only a three-hour flight from the UK with 19 direct routes, and offers accommodation for every budget from boutique hotels to self-catering Airbnb properties, catering for couples, families, friends and LGBT travellers.
Whether you want to be active or are longing for a bit of rest and relaxation, Valletta always delivers.
It's the smallest capital in Europe, was built by the Knights of St John, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the European Capital of Culture 2018.
Filled with historical sights, activities and attractions within the impressive fortified walls and steeped in 7,000 years of history, the Maltese are rightly proud of their capital's national treasures.
Portraits, tapestries and armoury in The Grand Master’s Palace, prehistoric figurines in the National Museum of Archaeology and the fascinating tunnels and chambers of Lascaris War Rooms (the secret HQ of the British and Allies Mediterranean forces ) are just a few of the relics you can expect to see.
The interior of St John’s Co-Cathedral is a wonderful example of baroque architecture and décor, with gold paint and coloured marble featured throughout and housing the only signed work by Italian artist Caravaggio.
The 16th century Church of St Francis of Assisi also boasts some of the best artworks and statues on the island, and Fort St Elmo - on the edge of the peninsula - houses the National War Museum, which displays a vast collection that dates back to prehistoric times.
Don’t miss history being brought to life daily at noon, with the firing of guns at The Saluting Battery, high along the ramparts that offer wonderful views of the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
City break shoppers can spend their euros in both high street stores and independent boutiques selling local crafts including silver jewellery, lace and glassware.
Head to the capital’s daily market in Ordnance Street for bargains on clothes, shoes and souvenirs and to taste the local fare, visit the refurbished food market Is-Suq tal-Belt, built in the 1860s under British rule.
Tucking into delicious food goes with the territory on a good city break and Valletta’s cuisine is mouth-watering with restaurants galore – many on romantic, candle-lit terraces.
As in every modern city, pizzas, salads and burgers are available, but it would be a shame to not sample Malta’s unique gastronomic offering.
Maltese food is an eclectic mix of all sorts of rustic and seasonal Mediterranean cooking. Keep your eyes peeled for dishes like Lampuki Pie (fish pie) or Kapunata (the Maltese version of ratatouille), or be more adventurous and try an array of sea-food caught from the Mediterranean Sea, accompanied by local wines.
It is a joy to stroll through Valletta’s beautiful and peaceful gardens and through the city’s narrow alleys, finding picturesque squares and sitting in a café watching the world go by.
Festivals, concerts, arts and theatre events are part of the local lifestyle, so entertainment is guaranteed throughout the year, in venues like the 18th century Manoel Theatre and the Pjazza Teatru Rjal - an open-air theatre on the ruins of the former Opera House. Visit Maltauk.com to see which events are taking place during your visit.
At night, live music filters through the city from musicians on the streets to jazz bands; the Bridge Bar is just one of the pubs and wine bars in the city that hosts live jazz, blues and rock performances.
Welcome to Valletta, it’s got everything you could wish for in a city break.
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