The 9 Best Things To Do And See In Valletta, Malta

This theatre takes you on a unique journey of Malta’s rich history and culture in the form of a spectacular 3D show. The auditorium not only treats visitors to moving seats, air blasts, water spray and even leg ticklers while watching the film, but is also available in 17 different languages (there are a few non-moving seats for those who are a little unsure). The 20-minute footage takes you on a fast-paced journey, bringing some of Malta’s finest history to life.

Delving into the postal history of Malta dating back to the rule of the Order of St John in the 16th century, this four-floor museum is a converted Valletta home with a baroque-style exterior in keeping with the earliest exhibits. Opened as recently as 2016 with the support of EU funding, the museum marks pinnacle points in Maltese history of the importance of the postal system, particularly due to Malta’s strategic position during wartime. Suitable for the whole family, the museum has an interactive children’s area accompanied by educational materials and activities. Areas within the gallery are also allocated to temporary exhibitions, showcasing a wide range of art all year round.

Today the home of Valletta cruise port, the stunning promenade of Valletta Waterfront was originally built by Grandmaster Pinto for the Knights of St John to use the buildings as stores. A tranquil location away from Valletta’s main centre, this landmark still boasts the original stores, 19 of which have been converted into restaurants hosting an array of cuisines to suit all budgets, offices and unique shops. Awash with bright colours cleverly representing the type of produce originally stored in each building, the pedestrianised waterfront makes for a perfect location for relaxation accompanied with great food and drink.

An important performing arts venue in Valletta, the Manoel Theatre is reported to be one of Europe’s oldest working theatres. It has an oval-shaped auditorium with three tiers of wooden boxes decorated with gold leaf, and a pale blue trompe-l’oeil ceiling resembling a round cupola. It has retained many of its architectural features despite multiple alterations over the years and is a very beautiful building. The theatre still presents shows in both English and Maltese, including opera, pantomime and musicals.

Dating back to the rule of the Order of the Knights of St John, the Maltese Carnival is one of the island’s oldest annual festivities. Every February or March the island celebrates a national public holiday where each village takes part in its own celebrations. Valletta is the home to the grandest of the island’s carnivals taking place over four days. The capital comes even more to life as streets are taken over with colourful parade floats, fancy dress, street performers, dancers and marching bands.

Not only a place of worship but also an exuberant work of art, St John’s Co-Cathedral has an interior that can only be described as a definition of wealth. Gilded rooms with arched ceilings boast paintings donated by Grand Masters and knights themselves. Home to original paintings by Caravaggio, the Co-Cathedral attracts numerous visitors daily and a visit to Valletta wouldn’t be complete without popping inside this awe-inspiring church.

Dating back to the Great Siege of 1565, the Church of Our Lady of Victory marks the Knights’ victory over the Turks and was the first church to be built in Valletta. The church was the original burial place of Grand Master La Vallette, however his remains were later moved to St John’s Co-Cathedral and in 1617 the church then became Valletta’s main Parish Church of the Order. Over the centuries, the church vastly deteriorated. Commencing in 2000, a huge, four-year restoration project took place that not only included the building itself, but also that of original artwork by Enrico Arnaux, Francesco Zahra and Ermenegildo Grech.

Auberge de Provence on Valletta’s main Republic street was built in 1571 and was once the main house of the Knights of the Order of St John. Today this grand building is the base of Malta’s National Museum of Archaeology. Objects at the museum date back to Malta’s Neolithic period from an astonishing 5000 BC, with the main attraction being that of the carved figurine of the Sleeping Lady, originally unearthed at Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

Offered by Captain Morgan is a two-hour Grand Harbour cruise. Guests can take in the sights of neighbouring Sliema and Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. The cruise takes passengers through the two main natural harbours, the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, and an additional 10 creeks. Accompanied by a detailed commentary along the way, there are several trips daily. A marvellous opportunity to take in over 7,000 years of Malta’s history with some excellent photographic opportunities included.

If you like the look of Valletta, you’ll love everything else that Malta has to offer. From the historic town of Mdina, to the the stunning beaches of Gozo and the glistening waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon. If you’re keen to see more of Malta, you’re best off booking a multi-day tour that shows you the very best this country has to offer.