Staying in Valletta puts you inside the walls of Malta’s capital, next to its sights, restaurants and harbour views. Most hotels are smaller boutique and townhouse stays, there are no sandy beaches and the streets can be steep. Here is which part of Valletta to choose and what to expect.
City Gate
The main bus terminus is just outside
Ferries
To Sliema and the Three Cities, plus the Gozo fast ferry
No beach
Swimming is from rocky shores only
Steep
Hilly streets and steps
Where to Stay in Valletta: Best Parts
| Part | What it is like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Republic Street and the historic centre | The old city’s main street and heart | First-time visitors |
| Strait Street and Merchant Street | Lively, with food and drink close by | Couples and food lovers |
| City Gate and Upper Valletta | Next to the main bus terminus | Easy arrivals by bus |
| Valletta edge and Floriana | Just outside the walls | Guests who need parking or road access |
Is it right for you?
Is Valletta a Good Place to Stay?
Good for
- First visits and short city breaks
- Couples, food lovers and older travellers
- Getting around without a car
- Quiet evening streets once the day visitors have left
Watch out for
- Hilly streets and steps, so check the exact street if you have heavy luggage or limited mobility
- No sandy beaches
- It is often pricier than other areas, and budget rooms sell out fast in busy months
- Parking is limited; hotels on the Floriana edge are easier by car
- If noise matters, ask for a rear-facing room or a quieter side street
Getting Around From Valletta
Valletta is Malta’s main transport hub. The main bus terminus is just outside City Gate, ferries link the city with Sliema and the Three Cities, and the Gozo fast ferry also sails from Valletta. Taxis are available for airport transfers and late-night journeys.
- Around Malta: fares, cards and routes are in our Malta bus guide.
- To Gozo: see how to get to Gozo for the ferry and fast ferry.
- What to see: our things to do in Valletta guide covers the 12 best sights.
Check the street
Valletta is small but hilly, so look at the exact street on the map before you book. Rooms on lower, flatter streets and near City Gate are easier with luggage.
Hotels and Apartments in Valletta
Valletta’s hotels are mostly smaller than resort hotels, so check room size and whether there is a lift. Some examples:
- The Phoenicia Malta: a grand hotel that opened in the 1940s, with gardens and a pool overlooking Marsamxett Harbour, just outside City Gate.
- Iniala Harbour House: a design hotel in historic townhouses facing the Grand Harbour.
- Rosselli and Casa Ellul: boutique hotels in converted buildings inside the old city.
Prices, availability and reviews change often, so compare before you book.
Where to Stay in Valletta: FAQ
Is Valletta a good place to stay in Malta?
Yes for history, couples and short city breaks, and it works well without a car. It is not a beach resort, and it is often more expensive than other areas.
Is Valletta noisy at night?
Strait Street and Merchant Street are lively in the evening. If noise matters, ask for a rear-facing room or a quieter side street.
Does Valletta have a beach?
No. Swimming is from rocky shores and deep-water spots, which suit confident swimmers. For sandy beaches, take a bus or taxi to the north of the island.
Is parking easy in Valletta?
No, parking is limited. If you have a car, hotels on the Floriana edge are easier to reach.
Should I stay in Valletta or Sliema?
Valletta for history and evenings among the old streets, Sliema for more choice, shops and a promenade. They are linked by a short harbour ferry. See where to stay in Sliema.
How we wrote this guideThis guide was researched and written by us at Experiences Malta, using the official and local sources listed below, and we review it through the year. Prices, timetables and opening hours change, so please check before you travel. More about Experiences Malta.
Sources: Malta Info Guide: where to stay in Valletta, Malta Public Transport: Airport Direct.