Valletta is the capital city of Malta with a legendary past and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2018, this distinguished city became the European Capital of Culture and stands proudly on one of the grandest harbors in Europe, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is often referred to as a city ‘built by gentlemen for gentlemen. Valletta has become a real working city that is packed with vibrant cultural offerings and impressive historic monuments, which makes it a delightful tourist destination. Listed below are some of the things for you to do when you visit the city of Valletta:
1- The Toy Museum
If you want to show children the evolution of toys over the decades, there is no better place than this museum. Its founder Vincent Brown opened the museum in 1988. Vincent developed a passion for preserving toys when he decided to keep some that his friend was throwing away. These toys were not in accordance with the health and safety standards, so rather than giving them to his kids, he restored them and began collecting. He opened the Toy Museum because his love for vintage toys had grown and he had also visited a similar museum in England. The collections you will find in the museum include farmyard animals, train sets, dolls, Matchbox cars, Corgi, and Dinky. It is an eye-opener for kids and a nostalgic experience for their parents.
2- Malta 5D
This theater offers a spectacular 3D show that takes you on a journey of the country’s rich culture and history. Visitors will find the auditorium to be a big treat because it has moving seats, water spray, air blasts, and even leg ticklers, while you watch the film. You can also get unmoving seats if you are unsure. The 20-minute footage is available in 17 different languages and takes you on a fast-paced journey of Malta’s history.
3- Postal Museum
This is a four-floor museum that delves into Malta’s postal history back to the 16th century, during the rule of the Order of St. John. This is basically a Valletta home converted into a museum that has a Baroque-style exterior in accordance with the earliest exhibits. Thanks to EU funding, it was opened in 2016 and it highlights pinnacles in Maltese history regarding the importance of the postal system, especially due to the country’s position in wartime. A museum is a suitable place for the entire family and it also boasts an interactive children’s area, along with educational activities and materials.
4- Valletta Waterfront
Grandmaster Pinto originally developed the stunning Valletta Waterfront for the Knights of St. John and it serves as the home of Valetta’s cruise port today. It is a tranquil location, away from the city’s main center and it still has its original stores. Around 19 of these have been converted into restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines to suit all offices, budgets, and unique shops. The pedestrianized waterfront is awash with bright colors that represent the type of product that was stored originally in every building. It is an excellent place to relax and is accompanied by delicious food and drink.
5- Manoel Theatre
This is considered an important venue for the performing arts and is regarded as one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. The auditorium of Manoel Theatre is oval-shaped and it boasts three tiers of wooden boxes that are decorated with gold leaf and a pale blue ceiling that resembles a round cupola. Even though numerous alterations have been made over the years, the building has managed to retain a number of its architectural features and is extremely beautiful. Shows are still presented in the theatre in Maltese and English, including musicals, pantomime, and opera.
6- Maltese Carnivals
This is one of the oldest annual festivities of the island that dates back to the rule of the Order of the Knights. A national public holiday is celebrated in Malta every February and March where every village participates in its own celebrations. The grandest of the carnivals takes place in Valletta, which lasts for four days. The capital comes to life as fancy dress, marching bands, colorful parade floats, dancers and street performers take to the streets.
7- John’s Co-Cathedral
This is an exuberant work of art, along with being a place of worship. The interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a definition of wealth. The gilded rooms have arched ceilings with paintings donated by the knights and Grand Masters themselves. The Co-Cathedral is also home to Caravaggio’s original paintings and it attracts a number of visitors on a daily basis.
8- Church of Our Lady of Victory
This church dates back to the Great Siege of 1565 and it marks the victory of the Knights over the Turks and it is Valletta’s first church. Originally, Grand Master La Vallette was buried in the church but was later moved to St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The church became the main Parish Church of the Order in Valletta in 1617. It has deteriorated vastly over the years and a four-year restoration project was initiated in 2000 that didn’t just include the building, but also the artwork by Ermenegildo Grech, Franceso Zahra, and Enrico Arnaux.
9- Grand Harbour Cruise
The Grand Harbour Cruise takes two hours and is headed by Captain Morgan. Guests can enjoy the sights of the nearby Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and Sliema. The passengers of the cruise are taken through the Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour, which are the two main natural harbors, along with 10 more creeks. You will also be able to enjoy a detailed commentary during the way and you will not have to miss one because there are a number of trips taken daily. This is considered a marvelous opportunity to enjoy the history of Malta spanning over 7,000 years and it also includes some very beautiful photographic opportunities.
Add these places to your itinerary when you are planning a trip to Valletta and it will be one of the best trips in your life!
