There is no doubt that Valletta is a gorgeous city, in fact it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is so much to see and do here. Now that I have returned for a second time, its somewhere to visit for a few hours. Don’t stay in Valletta, instead make it a day trip.
Did you know?
Valletta is the worlds smallest capital city? Yep, less than 1 square kilometre. It was founded in the 16th century by the Order of the Knights of Saint John. Before their arrival, the capital was Mdina, an inland city rich in history and beauty.
Valletta is home to a large population of feral cats, multiple forts and some incredible churches like Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. It is also the city with the most sunshine! Over 300 days of the year of pure sunny bliss.
Architecture
One of the most amazing things see in Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is the baroque architecture. It is one of the earliest European cities to be laid out in a grid pattern. This was for two reasons. Firstly, it allowed troops to move freely and swiftly in times of war.
Secondly, it creates a terrific breeze that whistles through the narrow streets, cooling the houses down in the heat of summer. To peer down a street, see the undulation of the landscape and view the churches and palaces is a magnificent site.
Balconies
One standout of the architecture are the thousands of colourful balconies adorning the facades of the limestone townhouses. These are linked to the Arabian ‘muxrabija’ windows. The purpose of them is multifaceted.
These beautiful wooden and glass balconies offer a way to regulate airflow and light into the homes. They also sheltered the women from the prying eyes of the knights. Did you know that Maltese women once wore black hooded capes when they came of age?
At that time, the balconies also served as the eyes of the city, allowing everyone to keep watch over the waters, shoreline and streets below. Today they are a sought-after component to many real estate transactions.
Valletta Grand Harbour
One of the most stunning things about this city, are the views from its streets. From here we can look out onto the rippling azure waters of the grand harbour.
Looking across we see the Three Cities and their protective fortifications. The best place to see this is from the Upper Barrack Gardens. Come at 12 noon to hear the cannon fire and scare the day lights out of every one present.
Ok So Why a Day Trip?
If Valletta is that great, why not stay there? Well firstly its really crowded. Imagine a capital city this small but filled with local inhabitants. Then add all of the tourists, to which there are thousands and thousands.
Now, believe it or not, Valletta Harbour is a stop for massive cruise ships. With up to three thousand people getting off of these and descending into the city all at once? Imagine the throngs. Stay outside of the city, and check the cruise ship port information before choosing a day to head in and explore. Believe me, it will save your sanity.
Cost
I don’t know where most of my readers stand as far as finances, but I can tell you I am a frugal traveller. On a strict budget, there is not a chance I can ever afford to stay in Valletta itself. Its really expensive. And even if I could, I would not.
Visitors will get far better bang for your buck staying outside the city, and either taking a bus in or the ferry. Staying in the Three Cities for example, one can take the ferry across the harbour for a return price of just €3.80!
Authenticity
Okay, I’m not naïve enough to think that almost anywhere on this planet is completely authentic anymore. However, there are ways to achieve a more authentic experience. For example, in Valletta, one can walk down the street and see just about every type of fast food including McDonald’s and Starbucks. Ew.
Your regular fashion shops that we all know from around the globe are also there. For me, that really makes a place lose its inherent charm.
Instead, I like to stay in Birgu, Senglea, Tarxien, Zejtun, Paola or Cospicua and see absolutely none of that. I can walk for hours, and never see a shop, eatery or the like that I recognize the name of. Instead, I am surrounded by local café’s, authentic snack bars and restaurants.
Valletta is a great day trip. Enter the city at dawn, walk those quaint streets while the sun rises. Enjoy a coffee and pastry as the city wakes. Wander around and see the churches, don’t forget MUZA the fine arts gallery or the 300 statues. Have lunch, take in a church or two. See the historical gates and fort. Buy a few souvenirs. If you have the stamina, stay for dinner and watch the sun setting through those long romantic streets. Then head home. Valletta is great as a day trip, full of history, beauty, adventure and fun.
