Covering just about one square kilometer, Valletta is the smallest capital in the European Union. Yet, this compact city is packed with history, culture, and attractions. Here are some tips to help you get around Valletta—whether you are visiting or settling in as an expatriate.
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a beautifully designed city that makes the most of the natural landscape of the Sciberras peninsula on which it was built. The streets form a grid pattern, with the outer streets also running along the entire perimeter of the peninsula.
Built by the Knights of St. John starting in 1566, Valletta is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2018.
Exploring Valletta
Valletta is best explored on foot. The grid layout makes it easy to navigate, so much so that getting lost in this small city is quite difficult.
However, keep in mind that the peninsula is quite hilly, with many ups and downs, as well as several staircases along the streets. This is something to consider if you are not comfortable with these terrain variations.
Taxis in Valletta
Due to the small size of the capital, taxis are not widespread in Valletta. Most stop at the city gates to drop off passengers. However, small electric taxis are available for getting around Valletta. A ride in one of the "" costs up to €5, regardless of the number of passengers.
Cycling in Valletta
Many roads have very steep slopes, with some featuring staircases rather than smooth roadways. You can still get around by bike if you are careful, but it is not really recommended: Valletta lacks dedicated bike lanes. The congestion of pedestrians during the tourist season makes the city almost impassable.
If you wish to cycle in Valletta, you can rent bicycles near the Triton Fountain at the city entrance. This public bike-sharing system is managed by .
Driving in Valletta
Driving in Valletta is somewhat tricky. The entrance to the capital is equipped with a video surveillance system called "Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA)", which records vehicles upon entry and exit. This system calculates the fee for access and parking based on the duration the vehicle remains in the capital.
You will encounter many tight turns and one-way streets in Valletta. This can be quite challenging if you choose to drive before familiarizing yourself with the city layout.
Finding parking spaces in Valletta can also be very difficult, as the city is frequented by foreign professionals as well as locals on weekdays. The number of street parking spaces is limited at all times of the day.
But if you still wish to drive, you will find underground parking lots in the capital, and it is possible to park on the street. You just need to be patient and willing to squeeze into small spaces.
Good to know:
There are parking lots at the city entrance, as well as some parking spaces along the outer roads that run alongside the water. For example, near the entrance to Valletta, you will find the public parking (located next to the Floriana football field) and the MCP Parking Garage.
Public transport in Valletta
Valletta has a bus station located just outside the city's main gate, which serves as a hub for routes across the country. If you are taking a north-south route, you will most likely need to change buses in Valletta before continuing your journey.
Within the city itself, there are few buses, as most streets are not compatible with their size. However, they can be found along the outer roads that run alongside the water. Malta Public Transport operates two minibuses in Valletta: line 130, which goes to the Waterfront, and line 133, which circles the city.
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