Valletta, Malta: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

In Valletta, accommodation options blend elegance, culture, and convenience, with each part of the city offering a slightly different experience. The City Centre is ideal for travelers who want to stay close to Valletta’s main attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Here, you’ll find boutique-style accommodations tucked inside restored limestone buildings, such as The Saint John Boutique Hotel, a stylish urban retreat known for its modern interiors and excellent breakfast, and Palais Le Brun, which combines 17th-century charm with a rooftop pool overlooking the city’s rooftops. Staying in the city center means you’re steps from St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Republic Street cafés, and the buzzing atmosphere of the capital.

For a quieter yet equally scenic base, the Upper Barrakka and Castille area offers breathtaking views over the Grand Harbour. This area is popular with visitors seeking a more tranquil stay without losing proximity to the city’s highlights. The Phoenicia Malta sits right outside Valletta’s main gate and is one of Malta’s most prestigious hotels, surrounded by lush gardens and featuring a stunning infinity pool with harbor views. The location is perfect for those who want luxury and serenity while still being a short walk from Valletta’s historic streets and cultural sites.

Travelers looking for a local, authentic feel often enjoy the Lower Valletta and Waterfront area, where winding streets and sea views define the neighborhood. Grand Harbour Hotel offers comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the harbor — perfect for watching ferries glide in and out — while Osborne Hotel provides excellent value in a prime location, just minutes from both the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the main bus terminal. These stays balance convenience with character, making them excellent choices for those who want to experience Valletta’s charm up close, from sunrise by the waterfront to evenings spent dining under the stars.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Valletta. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Visiting Valletta in Spring (Best)

Spring is the best time to visit Valletta, offering perfect weather, vibrant street life, and a lively cultural scene. From March to May, temperatures hover comfortably between 17°C and 25°C, ideal for wandering through the city’s cafés, coastal promenades, and open-air markets. The Malta International Fireworks Festival, usually held in late April, lights up the Grand Harbour with spectacular displays, while the Valletta Green Festival transforms city squares with colorful floral carpets. It’s a season when Valletta feels fresh, bright, and full of energy.

Visiting Valletta in Summer

Summer in Valletta brings long, sunny days and a festive, buzzing atmosphere. Between June and August, expect temperatures around 30°C and plenty of open-air events. The Malta Jazz Festival, held every July, draws international performers to the city’s scenic waterfront. Beaches and nearby swimming spots are at their most inviting, though the heat can be intense during midday — perfect for a leisurely afternoon in a shaded café or a dip in the Mediterranean.

Visiting Valletta in Autumn

Autumn is a relaxed and pleasant time to experience Valletta, with warm weather lingering through October and fewer crowds than summer. Cultural life continues to thrive, with the Notte Bianca festival in early October filling the streets with art, live music, and late-night performances. The softer light and cooler evenings make this season ideal for enjoying rooftop dining or exploring the city’s quieter corners.

Visiting Valletta in Winter

Winter in Valletta is mild and peaceful, with average temperatures around 15°C and a calm coastal atmosphere. It’s a wonderful season for soaking up the city’s creative side — galleries, boutique hotels, and cozy wine bars offer warmth and charm. The Valletta New Year’s Eve celebrations and festive lights through December bring a joyful sparkle to the streets, making it a serene yet celebratory time to visit Malta’s stylish capital.

Nearest airports: The main gateway for reaching Valletta is Malta International Airport (MLA), located about 8 kilometers (roughly 20 minutes by car or taxi) from the city center. It’s the only airport on the island and serves as Malta’s hub for international travel.

Air connections: The airport is well connected to major European cities such as London, Rome, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, with regular flights operated by both full-service and low-cost airlines. Seasonal routes also link Valletta to Mediterranean destinations like Athens, Barcelona, and Nice.

Transfers to the city: Visitors can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or public bus directly into Valletta. The X4 bus line offers a convenient route to the city’s main bus terminal, while taxis and ride-hailing services provide the quickest and most comfortable transfer.
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Travelling Around Valletta

Car rentals: Major rental agencies operate at the airport and throughout Malta, offering easy access for day trips beyond the capital. Visitors can explore coastal towns, fishing villages, and scenic countryside all within an hour’s drive.

Parking and access: Valletta has limited parking within its historic core, so most drivers use the multi-story car park near City Gate or park outside the city and walk in. Traffic is manageable but narrow streets require care, and much of central Valletta is pedestrianized.

Valletta is compact and best explored on foot, with most attractions, cafés, and viewpoints within easy walking distance. For longer trips, Malta’s public bus system connects Valletta to other towns and beaches across the island. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available, while ferries link Valletta to the nearby areas of Sliema and the Three Cities — a scenic and efficient way to travel across the harbor.