There is an advantage to Valletta being so tiny when compared to other European cities. That is that you can visit most of it in a relatively short time, and you can walk it almost anywhere. Sure, if you want to delve deep into the history, and culture, and what makes its people tick, it will take you much longer. But those are another half a dozen articles for another time!
Today we will be taking a tour of the authentic Valletta. Follow along if you want a very good taste of the colours and vibrance of the city.
Meeting point
We start at the Triton Fountain just outside City Gate. This iconic piece of public art is the work of Maltese 20th Century sculptor Censu Apap. It has a special place in the hearts of many as it has been the backdrop to so many rendezvous and meet-ups for so many teens. If those tritons could speak, they would really tell some great stories. Once here, make sure to get insta-snapping! The newly restored fountain against those crisp blue skies will look stunning – you’re welcome!
Now proceed through the main gate, but don’t go towards Republic Street – take a sharp right, up the stairs! Walk across Castille Square and into the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and go straight to the belvedere. From here you can see the Grand Harbour in all of its glory. Accorss it you can spot the Three Cities of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Cospicua) and Isla (Senglea). You can also see most of the South of Malta. From this vantage point, you will understand the importance of Valletta and the Grand Harbour for Malta’s development through the years, and how they were (and still are), a life-line to the whole country.
Oh those stairs!
Out of the gardens, take a right into St Ursola Street and follow the staired landscape, down to the corner with St John’s Street. In front of you is a beautiful church, locals refer to as ‘Ta’ Giezu’. Pop in and take a minute to admire the amazing art. Valletta’s churches are an oasis of calm and beauty in the heart of a bustling city. A visit is always warranted.
Back outside, keep on going down the steps, take a right, and get to the bridge. And if you get a hint of déjà vu, it’s because you’ve already been here countless times! This is one of Malta’s most popular film locations. It inspires so many international film directors from all over the world.
Proceed across the bridge and take a left. Now you’re on St Barbara Bastions, possibly the most exclusive postcode in Malta. Sadly, the stunning palazzos here have long been turned into super luxury hotels and head office for affluent businesses. Thankfully the street (with that unbelievable view), still looks amazing.
Going into the core of the city
Take your time to enjoy the view while walking along the bastion towards the Lower Barrakka Garden. On your way in, make sure to grab a drink from the kiosk outside, and get your phone for some more instagrammable moments. Once you’ve gone round the garden and taken in all the beauty, head back out and walk down towards the ring-road that surrounds Valletta. A few steps on, and you’ll find a staircase that leads to the sea.
Down here meander through the improvised ‘village’ of rooms and tackle shacks that line the bastion, much loved by the locals. This is where Valletta residents spend their lazy summer evenings to the sound of the gently crushing waves, between a slice of ice-cold watermelon and perhaps a beer.
The siege view
Once at sea-level, follow the shoreline and take a walk underneath For St Elmo. This is what the Ottoman soldiers saw during the Great Siege! The terrain can be rough here, so make sure you’re wearing your comfortable shoes, but its certainly worth the effort. At the tip of the peninsula, you will also get close to the breakwater which protects the mouth of the Grand Harbour from rough weather. The impressive feat of engineering is still quite remarkable today!
Continue walking along the shoreline until you get to what the locals call ‘il-Fossa’. It’s a bit of a shame that this place is turned into a carpark on the daily. In fact, these vehicles are probably enjoying a ‘quality of life’ that is better than that of their owners!
Anyway – keep walking through the tunnel in the bastion, and follow the street through Triq l-Ghajn and into St Nicholas Street. Continue walking until you get to Republic Street. Yes, the same main street of Valletta – but this time we’re seeing it from a completely different perspective.
Walk up the street towards St George’s Square and watch out for the dinosaurs! This square is the filming location for Jurassic World Dominion after all.
Grumble, grumble – that’s your tummy!
Now we’re back in the busy part of the city, and this is where you might want to have a break for lunch – surely, you’ve built up an appetite! Walk up Republic Street up till the Law Courts and take a turn on your left into St Lucy Street and onto Merchant Street. There’s a tonne of restaurants and cafes here to choose from, guaranteed to satisfy all cravings.
Once ready, walk up Merchants Street and take a right into St John’s Square. If you have the time, and are so inclined, do visit the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral. This will stay with you for a very long time!
Otherwise, you may wish to spend some time browsing the shops and get yourself some souvenirs for your loved ones.
