# Introduction to Valletta

Valletta is the capital city of Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the smallest capital city in the European Union by population. Valletta has been inhabited since the Phoenicians, who named it Maleth, colonized the island in around 700 BC. It was re-founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John, and the city was designed by Francesco Laparelli and further developed during the Baroque period by Maltese architect Glormu Cassar. Valletta is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Valletta has a rich history and culture, and it is an incredibly popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The city’s old town is filled with monuments, churches, museums, and galleries that tell the story of Valletta’s past. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from for those looking for a bite to eat or a drink. Valletta is also known for its vibrant nightlife and its outdoor activities such as sailing and kayaking in the Mediterranean Sea.

Valletta is a city filled with history and culture, and there are plenty of things to see and do while visiting the city. From its monuments and churches to its bustling nightlife, Valletta has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best things to see and do while visiting Valletta, as well as some popular tours that tourists can take while visiting.

# Top 10 Things to See and Do in Valletta

1.

Explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral

The St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Valletta. The baroque building was built between 1573 and 1578 and is home to important works of art such as Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The cathedral also has a museum that displays artifacts from the Knights of Malta, including their armor, uniforms, and weapons. Visitors can also marvel at its stunning interior, with its colorful frescoes, ornate marble floors, and beautiful altar pieces.

2.

Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are situated on the highest point of Valletta’s old town walls and offer stunning views of the city and the harbor. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens, which are filled with lush vegetation, statues, and monuments. Inside the gardens is also an old fortification that is still standing today, which visitors can explore to learn more about Valletta’s rich history.

3.

Take an Old City Tour

Valletta’s old town is full of beautiful monuments, churches, and buildings that are worth exploring. A great way to experience Valletta’s old town is to take an Old City Tour with a knowledgeable guide who can provide insight into the history of the city as well as share interesting stories about its past. The tour usually takes around two hours and offers a chance to discover some hidden gems in Valletta’s old town that you may not have noticed otherwise.

4.

Visit the National War Museum

The National War Museum is located in Fort St Elmo and offers visitors an insight into Valletta’s history during World War II. The museum displays artifacts from the war such as weapons, uniforms, documents, photographs, and more. It also includes interactive displays that tell the story of Malta’s struggle for freedom during the war.

5.

Stroll Along the Waterfront

Valletta’s waterfront is one of the best places to take in the city’s views and enjoy a relaxing stroll. Along the waterfront, visitors can admire some of Valletta’s most iconic buildings such as Fort St Elmo, City Hall, and the Auberge de Castille. Visitors can also find plenty of restaurants and cafes along the waterfront that offer delicious food and drinks while they enjoy their walk.

6.

Explore the Grandmaster’s Palace

The Grandmaster’s Palace was once home to the Knights of Malta and is now one of Valletta’s most impressive buildings. Inside, visitors can admire its beautiful interior filled with frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and more. The palace also houses several important government institutions such as the House of Representatives and the office of the President of Malta.

7.

Visit Fort Rinella

Fort Rinella was built in 1878 to protect Valletta from a potential naval attack from Italy or France. Today it is open to visitors who can explore its tunnels and barracks, as well as its impressive gun battery which is still fully intact today. Visitors can also learn more about its history by watching a video at the fort or exploring its museum which displays artifacts from its time as an active fortification.

8.

Explore Mdina

Mdina is an old fortified city located just outside Valletta that was once home to Malta’s nobility during medieval times. Today it is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a glimpse into its past through its many monuments and buildings such as the Palazzo Falson and St Paul’s Cathedral. Visitors can also explore Mdina’s narrow streets which are lined with shops and restaurants offering local delicacies such as pastizzi (savory pastries) and qassatat (sweet pastries).

9.

Visit Mosta Dome

Mosta Dome is one of Malta’s most iconic landmarks and it is located just outside Valletta. It was built between 1833 and 1862 and is home to one of Europe’s largest domes which stands at 40 metres in diameter. Inside Mosta Dome visitors can admire its beautiful interior filled with frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and more.

10.

Go Sailing in Marsamxett Harbour

Marsamxett Harbour is one of Valletta’s most popular destinations for sailing enthusiasts. Visitors can rent a boat or join one of the organized sailing tours around the harbour for a chance to admire Valletta’s stunning coastline from the sea. It’s also a great spot for watersports such as windsurfing or kayaking.

# Popular Tours in Valletta

Grand Harbour Cruise

A great way to explore Valletta is to take a Grand Harbour Cruise which takes visitors on an hour-long journey around Valetta’s historic harbor while providing commentary on its many monuments and landmarks such as Fort St Elmo, City Hall, Auberge de Castille, Fort Rinella, Mosta Dome, and more. The tour also stops at two locations where visitors can disembark to explore further before returning to their boat. The tour takes place on a traditional Maltese fishing vessel known as a luzzu which provides an authentic experience for visitors while admiring Valletta from the sea. Book your Grand Harbour Cruise here.

Mdina Walking Tour

Mdina is one of Malta’s most picturesque cities and it is located just outside Valletta’s old town walls. A great way to explore it is to take a Mdina Walking Tour with a knowledgeable guide who can provide insight into its history as well as share interesting stories about its past while visitors admire its many monuments such as Palazzo Falson and St Paul’s Cathedral. The tour usually takes around two hours and offers visitors a chance to explore Mdina at their own pace while learning more about its fascinating past along the way. Book your Mdina Walking Tour here.

Birgu By Night Tour

Birgu By Night Tour takes visitors on an evening tour of Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), located just outside Valletta across Marsamxett harbour. The tour takes guests on a journey through Birgu’s narrow streets while providing commentary on its history as well as stories about its past inhabitants such as the Knights of Malta who once lived here. The tour also stops at two locations where visitors can disembark to explore further before returning to their boat at nightfall. Book your Birgu By Night Tour here.

# Conclusion
Valletta is an incredible city filled with history and culture that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. From exploring its many monuments and churches to taking part in its vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of things to see and do while visiting Valletta that will make your trip even more enjoyable and memorable. We hope this guide has given you some ideas for your next visit!