The historic capital of Malta is a vision with its grand buildings and 15th-century walls, but there’s more to do than just marvel at Valletta’s past. If you’re visiting the city with children in tow, they’ll be as enchanted with the family-friendly attractions on offer as you are with the baroque landmarks.
Gaze In Wonder At The Interior Decoration Of St John’s Co-Cathedral
From the outside, St John’s Co-Cathedral doesn’t look like much, but that just makes the breathtaking interior all the more awe-inspiring. Dripping in gold and immaculate frescoes, it was constructed between 1572 and 1577 for the Knights of St John, who used it as a church. It wasn’t until the 1820s that it became a co-cathedral, with the same importance as the one in nearby Mdina. You can visit the cathedral on an offshore excursion with MSC.
Discover The Lascaris War Rooms
Peel away the layers of history at these impressive tunnels within the bastion walls of the city. Originally used as slave quarters for the Order of St John, they went on to play a crucial role in the Second World War when they were the secret headquarters of the British and Allied Mediterranean forces.
General Eisenhower spent his days commanding Operation Husky, which led to the successful invasion of Sicily, inside these walls. That may have been back in 1943, but evidence of the clandestine work can still be seen, with plotting tables, original maps and innovative communication systems on display.
Enjoy A Pastizz With A View
Our onboard speciality restaurants will give you a taste of many cuisines, but food in the city is a wonderful window into a culture and trying a traditional Maltese snack is a must-do during your time on the island. Pastizzi are delicious savoury pastries that are usually filled with either ricotta cheese or a pea paste. You can buy freshly made pastizzi from a kiosk within the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Once you have purchased your pastizz, settle down to enjoy the view, which takes in the Grand Harbour and the Saluting Battery. As you’ll be able to see, the battery was perfectly positioned by the Knights of St John to defend the natural harbour from attack or welcome visiting dignitaries.
Jeep Tour around Valletta
It can be difficult to get the kids excited about the history or culture of a city, but with an exciting jeep tour excursion that takes you to all the best spots in northern Malta, the whole family is bound to have a great time. From the Gadira Bay that holds the square-shaped St Agatha’s Tower, which had been completed in the 17th Century. Then you can enjoy the sights during your drive along a scenic off-road route to a stretch of fine sandy beach called the Golden Sands Bay.
See Valletta’s Sights From The Water
You may have just stepped off a cruise ship when you arrive in Valletta, but some people simply can’t get enough of the water. Since the city is home to two harbours - the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour - it presents the perfect place to view some of Valletta’s most beautiful vistas.
You’ll get an overview of the city, with the chance to take in the skyline from a distance, complete with domes and honey-hued buildings. An additional set of creeks will allow you to travel further afield and see the likes of Sliema, which sits across the harbour from Valletta.
Book a cruise to Valletta on a Meditterranean