Valletta hotels

Hotels in Valletta

The capital city of Malta is made up of winding streets and beautiful open Baroque piazzas. Simply talk a walk through the island's cultural heart and come across interesting churches and museums, such as the St John's Co-Cathedral and the Saint James Cavalier, stunning palaces, like the Grandmaster's Palace, and a buzzing youth culture nightclubs and jazz bars.

Whether you plump for a grand coastal resort of a cosy city-centre stay, Valletta hotels will give you the chance to understand why Valletta has been designated the European Capital of Culture for 2018 as soon as you step outside.

Heritage sites

The site of Saint James Cavalier, an historic fortification in the city walls of Valletta, has been transformed into the city's Centre of Creativity. As well as being able to explore the structure's striking architecture, the building is now host to an art gallery, a small theatre and cinema, and a variety of cultural exhibitions.

Valletta is home to one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Europe in the form of St John's Co-Cathedral of the 16th century. The Cathedral boasts an imposing façade with ornate and intricately designed interiors and chapels, which are usually open to visitors during the week excluding Sundays. You can also see the famous ‘Beheading of Saint John the Baptist' here, painted by Caravaggio in his recognizable Baroque style.

The Grandmaster's Palace of the 16th century is now the office of government and the presidential palace for Malta. Upon visiting the site you will find lavish, historic interiors boasting the likes of Baroque ceiling paintings, the extensive portrait gallery of the Maltese rulers and the huge weapon collection of the Knights of Malta.

Music and evening entertainment

Jazz makes up a large part of the vibrant music scene in Malta since its introduction by visiting sailors during both world wars. Head to the long and narrow Strait Street, known by locals as ‘The Gut' and as the home of the Malta Jazz Festival, to hear the city's best musical sounds in dark jazz clubs, such as The Bridge Bar, as well as lively wine bars and cheap eateries.

In the week in February leading to Ash Wednesday visitors will be treated to the colourful and vibrant activities that fill the streets of Valletta during the Maltese Carnival. Fancy dress, a ticker-tape parade, masked balls, marching bands and raucous late night parties are all part of the fun.