Where to Stay in Valletta → 5 Stunning Areas (with Hotels)

Aerial view of Valletta, Malta, showcasing the historic architecture with the prominent St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral and Carmelite Church domes against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea under a clear blue sky.

Do you plan to visit Valletta? If so, I must say I’m so happy for you! This charming capital city full of history and fabulous natural sights has been on my bucket list for ages now!

For this reason, I have researched extensively to find where to stay in Valletta. I must say that the best area to stay is the City Center for its enchanting architecture, history, and culture.

However, I went the extra mile and created a curated list of the best hotels (in all budget ranges!) in the city center and in 4 more areas to help you find a place that meets your budget and travel preferences.

This being said, I strongly recommend you book your stay as soon as you find a suitable hotel. Doing so will help you secure the best spot!

Let’s get started!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Can’t read till the end? No worries! The best area to stay in Valletta is the City Center. Here are the best hotels in it:

Contents

Quick Picks for Your Stay
1. City Center – where to stay in Valletta for the first time
2. St. Julian’s – best place to stay in Valletta for nightlife
3. Sliema – where to stay in Valletta for families
4. Gzira – best place to stay in Valletta for a local vibe
5. The Three Cities – where to stay in Valletta for seclusion
FAQs about hotels in Valletta
Conclusion

Here’s a map so you can visualize the best areas where to stay in Valletta:

1. City Center – where to stay in Valletta for the first time

Colorful traditional Maltese balconies lining a steep street in Valletta, leading down to the sea, with the baroque architecture of St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral in the background.

In Valletta’s city center, the island’s historic charm is around every corner! It’s an ideal place for history and culture enthusiasts. You’ll be nestled in the heart of the city’s heritage, learn about its thousands of years-long history, and indulge in cultural and artistic experiences.

Most of the main sights, like the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Manoel Theatre, National Museum, City Gate (ideal base for city exploration), and Valletta’s Main Square, are located in this area. You can dive into a rich tapestry of baroque architecture just by looking at the surrounding buildings, too!

Don’t miss out on Republic Street and Merchant Street, the 2 main streets of the area, as well as the stunning views of the Grand Harbor.

The historic center is a 15-minute ride from the Malta International Airport.

Other accommodation options in City Center

Things to do in City Center

Take the original Valletta walking tour
Explore Valletta on a segway tour
Learn about Malta’s history in an audio-visual show
Admire St. John’s Cathedral
Roam the Fort St. Elmo from the inside
Visit the National Museum of Archeology and the National War Museum

2. St. Julian’s – best place to stay in Valletta for nightlife

Luxury yachts moored in the calm waters of Portomaso Marina, with the modern Portomaso Business Tower overlooking the traditional terraced apartments and palm trees in St. Julian's, Malta.

St. Julian’s is a great place to experience the best of the island’s nightlife. It’s the hub where all the best bars, late-night restaurants, and clubs are located. Also, you get to stay close to bustling cafés and shops where you can experience true Maltese hospitality.

I recommend The Thirsty Barber Bar for the best cocktails. As for restaurants, try the Michelin-starred Zest for the finest flavors of Asian cuisine in Malta.

The area is easily reachable by public transport and is a great base for visiting the rest of Malta. You’ll still be a stone’s throw from historic sites!

Check out the Spinola Palace in St. Julian’s, a beautiful example of baroque architecture.

Other accommodation options in St. Julian’s

Things to do in St. Julian’s

Rent a boat with snorkeling gear
Go on a Gozo Tuk Tuk tour (hotel pickup)
Take a private parasailing flight
Go on a jet ski adventure with your better half

3. Sliema – where to stay in Valletta for families

Promenade in Sliema, Malta, with a line of palm trees and benches overlooking a view of the marina filled with boats and the urban skyline under a clear blue sky

Valletta, in general, isn’t really kid-friendly, as you do most of the sightseeing on foot. Also, there are very few entertainment options for the little ones. That’s why if you’re bringing the whole family over, Sliema is the best choice.

You can get to Sliema from Valletta’s City Centre by taking a bus, taxi, or the most convenient transportation method – a ferry. The ferry ride doesn’t take more than 15 minutes and is pretty picturesque!

Think of Sliema as a tiny resort town on its own boasting beaches, something you can’t find in Valletta, Malta.

This neighborhood has many restaurants, bars, and many adorable sea-view locations. Plus, you can take the family shopping in the numerous shopping malls. Independence Gardens and the Cat Statue (map) are also popular spots for kids.

Other accommodation options in Sliema

Things to do in Sliema

Stroll down Sliema’s art-filled streets
Go on a cruise around Malta’s harbors
Have the best Lebanese food at BeirutBei
Visit Malta’s prehistoric monuments
Take a wine tour around the island
Shop at The Point Mall, Malta’s top shopping destination
Explore the Crystal Lagoon and other natural sights on a boat

4. Gzira – best place to stay in Valletta for a local vibe

A quiet street in Gzira, Malta, showcasing a contrast between the traditional limestone facade of an old corner building and the modern apartment complexes, with parked cars and empty benches on the sidewalk.

Gzira is your go-to destination to experience the local island vibe. It’s a residential area that sits between Valletta and Sliema and has traces of commercial districts. If you’re looking for a more secluded stay but wish to remain close to where the action is, look no further than Gzira.

You can walk along the promenade or sip drinks from the numerous cafés, restaurants, and bars located all over the place.

When staying in Gzira, you can easily get to Valletta, Sliema, and any other part of Malta. This is why I highly recommend this tiny town with really original features and sights, like the Manoel Island!

Other accommodation options in Gzira

Things to do in Gzira

Visit the nearby Manoel Island
Have a quick lunch at Munchy Moose
Go on a full-day customizable tour around Malta
Attend a Maltese traditional dinner and folklore show (a must!)

5. The Three Cities – where to stay in Valletta for seclusion

Aerial view of the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta at dusk, with the historic Fort Saint Angelo and densely packed buildings along the coastline, and numerous boats and yachts dotting the tranquil harbor waters.

If you climb the Upper Barracca Gardens, you can overlook the Three Cities and their stunning fortresses. Many visitors oversee this place when choosing where to stay in Malta. Luckily, I’m here to tell you that the Three Cities is a great neighborhood to stay in if you value seclusion precisely because it’s less crowded than other places on the island.

The Three Cities include Birgu, Sanglea, and Cospicua. These cities have shaped Malta’s history, and some are even older than Valletta itself!

In Three Cities, you’ll be tucked away in quaint alleys but still remain near the capital and vibrant cafés and restaurants.

Other accommodation options in The Three Cities

Things to do in The Three Cities

Go on a full-day tour of Malta’s natural + cultural wonders
Get lost in the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea
Explore Birgu, offering a blend of tradition and modernity
Visit the Maritime Museum in Birgu

👑 Luxury price:	€350
💵 Mid-range:	€200
🛏️ Budget:	€150
📍 Best area:	City Center
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Phoenicia Malta
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	The Cumberland Hotel
👛 Best budget hotel:	Grand Harbour Hotel

FAQs about hotels in Valletta

A cat walks down the weathered limestone steps of a narrow street in Valletta, Malta, flanked by traditional Maltese balconies and doorways in an array of warm colors.

🤨 Which part of Valletta to stay?

The historic city center is the best place to stay for first-time visitors, history buffs, and those with a larger budget. Osborne Hotel is an excellent accommodation I recommend in the historic city center.

❓ Is it better to stay in Valletta or Sliema?

It depends. Valletta is more expensive but closer to the main attractions. Sliema has cheaper accommodation. Valletta also has more luxury hotels and is ideally located for learning about local history.

🚶 Is Valletta a walkable city?

Absolutely! Walking is the only way to visit the city’s historic part, starting from the City Gate. You can enjoy contemporary comfort in a historic setting. I particularly recommend The Saint John Hotel for its excellent location.

📅 How many days are enough in Valletta?

3 days are enough when visiting Valletta to take in all the beauty and sights without flexing yourself too much.

🇲🇹 Where should I stay in Malta for the first time?

Valletta! You get to explore the island’s capital city and its beating heart. Take day trips for a more insightful experience. The Cumberland Hotel is an affordable accommodation I recommend in Valletta.

Conclusion

Sunset view of Valletta's skyline, featuring the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral dome and the city's ancient sandstone buildings, with the serene Mediterranean Sea in the foreground.

Dear reader, get ready to embrace the Mediterranean vibe and visit Valletta, the very heart of Malta! My main goal for this article was to share the best areas where to stay in Valletta, whether you’re coming for the history, natural sights, or nightlife.

If you’re still not sure which hotel to book, I’ll share 2 of my favorite Valletta hotels:

The Phoenicia Malta – exceptional service, cozy rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and charming gardens make this one of the best hotels in Valletta.
Grand Harbour Hotel – perfect location, free Wi-Fi, and continental-style breakfast, all ideal for a young explorer in town.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of where to stay in Malta, Valletta. Remember to book your stay in advance, and don’t forget to drop a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions!

Safe travels,

Darija

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