This City Has Just Been Voted Europe's City of Culture – Here's Why You Should Visit

Measuring a mere 80 hectares (197 acres), with approximately 60,000 inhabitants, Malta’s Valletta is the smallest capital city of Europe. Acting as the setting to many a popular Hollywood movie, this small but beautiful archipelago has long-captured the hearts of famous filmmakers. And rightfully so – it’s got remarkable history, architecture and unique traditions, innovative art projects, fossil-studded cliffs and gorgeous, hidden coves. And those are just some of the reasons Valletta has just been awarded as 2018’s European Capital of Culture.
So why Valletta and why now?
Six years after its initial proposal to the Ministry of Culture to be considered for European Capital of Culture, the city of Valletta has successfully landed this year’s title. As set out by the European Commission, this is Valletta’s opportunity to bring a breath of fresh air to the city – through regeneration, increased tourism, raising the city’s profile internationally, and showing its inhabitants a greater appreciation of the city’s core values. As 2018’s Capital of Culture, it can celebrate the different cultures found across the European Union, and enhance the sense of unity found among them.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Regeneration of the city
While still retaining its historic Baroque-style buildings and masterpiece constructions dating back to the capital’s 1565 inception following the Great Siege, Valletta also boasts some of the finest modern architecture in Europe. Funding has helped regenerate many parts of the city, the most notable being Valletta’s grand entrance. The infamous Triton Fountain has been fully restored, making it a stunning centrepiece when first entering the city.
Strait Street – sometimes referred to as ‘The Gut’, due to it being the hub of nightlife entertainment – has had a recent make-over, and a plethora of bars and restaurants line this buzzing part of town, waiting to be discovered. Live entertainment regularly takes place and the architecture alone, including beautiful, original façades, makes this street a piece of living history.

Celebrations and events
The streets of Valletta are packed with live entertainment, from musicians at restaurants and bars to street entertainers. Various locations across the vicinity host free events, while regular performances can also be caught in the capital’s historical buildings, such as the Manoel Theatre and the open-air Pjazza Teatru Rjal. Jazz, classical, opera and contemporary music, combined with an array of dance varieties, make Valletta the perfect destination for entertainment, sure to suit all tastes and ages.

Contemporary art
Aside for St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the original home to Caravaggio’s stunning paintings, Valletta is an art-lover’s dream and a fast-growing artistic hub. Making the most of its available spaces, new exhibitions and special art events are propping up across town, with plenty of brand-new multimedia art exhibitions held in a multitude of locations, from converted churches to old warehouses. Celebrating local contemporary artists, in addition to embracing the work of those further afield, Valletta’s art scene is booming, breathing new life into Malta’s heritage sites and historic foundations.

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meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.