The perfect guide to a Valletta city break

09 October 2026

For a city break with plenty to see, eat, and experience, Valletta makes a wonderful choice. Malta’s compact capital is easy to explore on foot, with honey-coloured streets leading to grand palaces, historic churches, and harbour viewpoints. From its impressive fortifications to its lively restaurant scene, Valletta brings together centuries of history and a distinctly Mediterranean way of life, making it ideal for visitors who want more from a short break than simply sightseeing.

The perfect guide to a Valletta city break

Baroque beauty at St John’s Co-Cathedral

St John’s Co-Cathedral should be high on any Valletta itinerary. Behind its relatively restrained exterior is an ornate interior filled with marble floors, gilded details, and elaborate Baroque decoration. The cathedral’s museum also houses Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, the only signed painting by the artist known to exist.

Harbour views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens

When you need a break from the city streets, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Set high above the Grand Harbour, the gardens offer far-reaching views across the water towards the Three Cities, including Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Time your visit for the Saluting Battery below, where the traditional gun salute adds a little ceremony to the panorama. It’s also a lovely place to pause with a coffee before continuing towards Valletta’s museums, palazzos, and waterfront.

From the Grand Master’s Palace to Caffe Cordina

Valletta’s story is written into its buildings, and the Grand Master’s Palace is one of the finest examples. Once the centre of power for the Order of St John, the palace offers a glimpse into more than 450 years of Maltese history. Afterwards, make your way along Republic Street to Caffe Cordina, a Valletta institution with roots dating back to 1837. Its traditional pastries, coffee, and Maltese dishes make it an excellent stop for trying local specialities, from pastizzi to sweet treats made with ricotta, honey, and almonds.

A city break made for food lovers

Food is central to the Valletta experience, whether you are enjoying fresh seafood, Maltese bread, local cheeses, or a plate of rabbit stew in a traditional restaurant. The city also offers a growing choice of contemporary dining, wine bars, and international restaurants, so there is plenty to suit different tastes and occasions.

To book your Valletta city break, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

3 different ways to experience Malta on a city break

09 October 2026

A city break in Malta can look very different depending on how you like to travel. You could check into a five-star hotel and build your days around art, architecture, and Michelin-starred dining. You could slow everything down, wandering through neighbourhoods, stopping for pastizzi, and exploring historic towns. Or you could use the city as a base for hiking, kayaking, diving, and days spent discovering Malta’s coastline. Here are three ways to make a short break in Malta completely your own.

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

02 October 2026

Bhutan offers a rare sense of stepping away from the familiar. On a recent eight-night journey, a group of Travel Counsellors travelled from Thimphu to Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro, experiencing mountain passes, riverside valleys, ancient monasteries, local communities, and peaceful highland landscapes along the way. The itinerary combined significant landmarks with hands-on experiences and quieter moments, offering a thoughtful introduction to a country that still feels wonderfully untouched.

Experience the best of Japan on a small group tour

02 October 2026

Japan brings together futuristic cities, peaceful countryside, remarkable history, and some of the world’s most memorable food. With Inside Travel Group’s 11-day ‘Must-see Japan’ small group tour, you’ll travel from Tokyo to Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and back to Tokyo, following a carefully planned route led by an experienced Insider. It’s designed for travellers who want to see Japan’s headline attractions, while still having plenty of free time to follow their own interests.

The perfect guide to a Valletta city break

3 different ways to experience Malta on a city break

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

Experience the best of Japan on a small group tour

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