Home / Malta / Valletta
Valletta, the capital of Malta
Flag of Malta Capital of Malta

Valletta

Valletta is the capital city of Malta, nestled between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. Known as Città Umilissima, this compact European capital is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and café culture.

Photo: Mandyy88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
5,721 (city)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
English, Maltese
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
11:39:31

Hotels in Valletta

Valletta offers a selection of intimate boutique hotels perfect for exploring Malta's capital. Properties like Manoel Boutique Hotel, The Embassy, AX The Saint John Boutique Hotel, The Barrister Hotel, and The Coleridge Boutique Hotel provide distinctive stays in this historic Mediterranean city. See all hotels →

Manoel Boutique Hotel
92 m from centre
The Embassy
118 m from centre
4 ★
AX The Saint John Boutique Hotel
123 m from centre

Airports in Valletta

Valletta is served by Ajruport Internazzjonali ta' Malta, the main international airport for the region. For helicopter services, Il-Heliport tax-Xewkija provides an alternative transport option to and from the capital. See all airports →

Ajruport Internazzjonali ta' Malta
6.4 km from centre
Il-Heliport tax-Xewkija
26.0 km from centre

Car Hire in Valletta

Valletta offers several car hire options for visitors looking to explore Malta. Companies such as Smarter Car Rentals, UniCar, Active Car Rental Sliema, Car Hire Vince, and Albert's motorbike/scooter hire provide flexible rental solutions for your stay. See all car hire →

Smarter Car Rentals
988 m from centre
UniCar
1.8 km from centre
Active Car Rental Sliema
1.8 km from centre
Car Hire Vince
2.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Valletta

We're still gathering things to do listings for Valletta — check back soon.

Restaurants in Valletta

Valletta offers a diverse selection of dining experiences, from traditional pizzerias like Casa Sotto Pizzeria to upscale establishments such as Wagyu and 59 Republic. Whether you're seeking contemporary cuisine or local flavours, the capital's restaurant scene caters to all tastes and occasions. See all restaurants →

59 Republic
38 m from centre
Black Bull Cave & Terrace
52 m from centre
Wagyu
japanese · 54 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Valletta

Valletta offers several swimming facilities for visitors and residents. Notable options include Cottonera Indoor Swimming Pool, Malta Marriott Lido, Qui Si Sana, Pixxina Nazzjonali, and Valletta United Water Polo Club. See all swimming pools →

Valletta United Water Polo Club
350 m from centre
Qui Si Sana
1.3 km from centre
Pixxina Nazzjonali
2.4 km from centre

Spas in Valletta

We're still gathering spas listings for Valletta — check back soon.

Nightlife in Valletta

Valletta offers a lively nightlife scene with venues such as Tigullio, Club 22, Havana, Footloose, and Liquid catering to those seeking evening entertainment. Whether you're looking for dancing, drinks, or live music, the capital's nightlife destinations provide diverse options for visitors and locals alike. See all nightlife →

Tigullio
3.1 km from centre
Club 22
3.2 km from centre
Havana
3.5 km from centre

Bars in Valletta

Valletta offers a variety of bars where visitors can enjoy drinks and socialise. Venues like Rocks, Oxygen Bar and Lounge, City Crown, Tico-Tico Bar, and Kunċett Art Kafè provide different atmospheres for an evening out in Malta's capital. See all bars →

Rocks
52 m from centre
Oxygen Bar and Lounge
59 m from centre
City Crown
61 m from centre

Cafes in Valletta

Valletta's cafe scene offers a blend of traditional and contemporary dining experiences. From established institutions like Café Cordina to modern bistros such as Babel Bistro and Charles and Ron Café, the capital's cafes provide welcoming spaces to enjoy local flavors and Maltese hospitality. See all cafes →

Shopping in Valletta

Valletta offers a variety of shopping destinations for visitors and locals alike. From established retailers like M&S Outlet and Matalan to shopping centres such as The Point and Plaza, there are plenty of options to explore in Malta's capital city. See all shopping →

M&S Outlet
53 m from centre
The Point
1.0 km from centre
Plaza
1.4 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Valletta

Valletta offers several serene green spaces where visitors can enjoy nature within the historic capital. The city's gardens, including Lower Barracca Gardens, Il-Barrakka ta Fuq, and Hastings Garden, provide peaceful retreats with views over the surrounding landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Misraħ Mattia Preti
321 m from centre
Lower Barracca Gardens
388 m from centre
Il-Barrakka ta Fuq
478 m from centre
Hastings Garden
544 m from centre
Herbert Ganado Gardens
734 m from centre
Pjazza Papa Ġwanni XXIII
941 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Valletta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The city benefits from its coastal location between two harbours, which moderates temperatures throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Valletta — Weird & Wonderful

  • Valletta is the southernmost capital city in Europe.
  • At just 0.61 square kilometres, it is the European Union's smallest capital city.
  • The city is strategically positioned between two major harbours: the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west.
  • Also known as Città Umilissima, Valletta serves as Malta's primary commercial centre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Valletta

What currency is used in Valletta?

The Euro is the official currency of Malta, including Valletta, as Malta is part of the European Union.

What language is spoken in Valletta?

Maltese is the official language of Malta and Valletta, though English is widely spoken by residents and in tourist areas.

Is Valletta really the smallest capital in the EU?

Yes, Valletta covers just 0.61 square kilometres, making it the smallest capital city in the European Union.

What is Valletta's population?

As of 2021, Valletta's population was 5,157 residents, though it is one of Malta's 68 council areas.

What makes Valletta unique geographically?

Valletta is the southernmost capital of Europe and is uniquely positioned between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.

What can visitors do in Valletta?

Valletta is a commercial centre offering shopping, dining, bars, and café life, making it an ideal destination for visitors.

Map of Valletta

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors