First time · Valletta

First time in VallettaIl-Belt Valletta

Valletta is a morning-and-evening capital: do Republic Street and the Barrakka gardens early, rest through the midday sun, and cross the harbour by ferry for the Three Cities or Sliema.

Everything here is a short version of the Valletta guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Valletta is a fortified grid on a narrow peninsula: everything worth seeing is within 1 km, but the side streets are stepped and there is little shade. The airport is about 6 km away by taxi or bus. What goes wrong is the summer sun, cruise-ship days when Republic Street is full from about 10:00, and Sunday closures. Four short areas cover a first visit; sleep here for the evenings, when the town empties out.

From the airport

Malta International Airport, Luqa (MLA)

Fastest: Taxi or ride-hailing car to the door · about 15 min · about €25 (≈ US$30)
Cheapest: Airport bus to the Valletta bus terminus, then a short walk · about 30 min · about €2 (≈ US$3)

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Republic Street and the Barrakka gardens, Fort St Elmo the next morning
3 days: Four areas on foot, one harbour ferry afternoon
5 days: Four areas + Three Cities by ferry + Mdina half day

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Churches, including St John's Co-Cathedral: shoulders and knees covered, no flash photography.(Survive · red lines)
Summer sun: swim and walk early, carry water, and rest in shade from 12:00 to 16:00.(Survive · safety)
Do not climb on the bastion walls or barriers.(Survive · red lines)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: €35–60 (≈ US$45–70) excl. bed
Cash: Cards work in most restaurants and shops; carry €20–40 (≈ US$25–50) in small notes for kiosks, village bars and boat trips, and use bank ATMs.

Money, SIMs and apps →