A weekend in Malta - recommendations

[Gareth1974]

I'm off to Malta next weekend, have got three nights there. Staying in Birgu, just over the harbour from Valletta.

I've been to Valletta before, on a cruise that departed from there, but only had about three hours there before the boat sailed, and thought I'd go back for a better look.

We have two full days and an evening there. Was thinking of spending a full day in Valletta, but I'm unsure what to do on the second full day and would welcome recommendations. Current thoughts are a day trip to Gozo, and visit the Cittadella in Victoria, or stay on Malta and visit Mdina?

[the-norseman]

To be honest unless your the kind that stops and looks at every poster on every wall etc, you can do a lot of stuff in Malta in 1 day. Depends how your getting about though, by bus can take ages these days.

[Pilotguy]

A Sunday Brunch by the harbour at Marsaxlokk is a big local tradition. Visit the ‘Twin cities’ of Rabat/Mdina at sunset and explore the winding stone alleys. The Grand Master’s Palace & Order of St John Armoury in Valletta are recommended. Lascaris War Rooms are very interesting. Last time I was there they were preparing to open the Cold War NATO Command Centre. Fort St Elmo worth a visit. Swim with the locals in the evening in the cove at Qrendi and have amazing seafood in a rooftop restaurant. The Hagar Qim ancient monument archeological site is good too.
Look at the events happening in the open-air theatre in the Pjazza Theatro Real - might be a bit early in the year though. Late-night economy is based around St Julian’s, from Spinola Bay to St George’s Bay.
Spend the rest of your time enjoying the lovely bars and excellent restaurants in Valetta - a stroll along Replubik Street is where you find the cafes and shops in the evenings - they really know how to ‘do’ customer service in hospitality in Malta.

[clive_candy]

Get over to Mdina. Otherwise, wander, chill.

[RicksAlfas]

We had three days before Christmas. Stayed in Senglea so almost opposite Birgu.
First day we had a walking tour of Valletta (I know they're not everyone's cup of tea but we really enjoy a walking tour when we go somewhere for the first time). Very interesting city.
Second day taxi to Mdina. Great lunch at Trattoria AD 1530. Bus to Dingli Cliffs and a wander about. Taxi back.
Third day wandered about Birgu - really lovely place, especially with the Christmas trimmings. I think we would look at staying there if we went back so would be interested to hear how you find it. Malta at War and air raid shelter museum in the afternoon.

Had a couple of great evening meals in Novita (which looks like it might currently be closed) https://www.instagram.com/novita.restaurant/?hl=en
and a pizza in Sotto Pinsa in Valletta. https://zeroseimalta.com/stores/sotto-pizzeria/ .(It's in the cellar so doesn't have a shopfront as such but was tasty and reasonably priced).

There's loads to see just mooching about the old streets and harbours. Download and setup the Bolt taxi app before you go. Seemingly you're never more than three minutes from a Bolt. I also downloaded the Tallinja bus app. Have a great time, we loved it!

PS You need to try a Kinnie. It's the local soft drink. It's like Tizer with Angostora Bitters!

[raceboy]

Had a long weekend in Valletta at the end of November, was quite chilled visiting St Johns Cathedral and the MICAS Contemporary Art museum, stunning building but the art was a bit lacking, a good walk all the way round to St Julians, and then the ferry back which was a lot quicker, just embraced a relaxed pace of life, and a few drinks in Oliver Reeds last haunt.

RicksAlfas said:

and a pizza in Sotto Pinsa in Valletta. https://zeroseimalta.com/stores/sotto-pizzeria/ .(It's in the cellar so doesn't have a shopfront as such but was tasty and reasonably priced).

We nearly ate in there, but it was 'just' pizza so went a few doors up to Pupi was lucky to get a table on spec, but was so good we booked a table as we left for the next night.

[RicksAlfas]

raceboy said:

We nearly ate in there, but it was 'just' pizza so went a few doors up to Pupi was lucky to get a table on spec, but was so good we booked a table as we left for the next night.

Looks good!

[hairy vx]

If you're into historical monuments, I would recommend Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex

[Gareth1974]

Many thanks for the recommendations, some good suggestions

[Truckosaurus]

RicksAlfas said:

... a pizza in Sotto Pinsa in Valletta. https://zeroseimalta.com/stores/sotto-pizzeria/ .(It's in the cellar so doesn't have a shopfront as such but was tasty and reasonably priced)....

I went there on my last trip. It is Roman style 'pinsa' pizza and very good.

I'd definitely put Fort St Elmo on the list, it gives a good history of the island through its centuries of invasions and sieges.

The best thing I did was the 'Underground Valleta' tour where you descend through a man hole in the middle of a busy square and go through a load of tunnels and old reservoirs than date from the building of the city up through WW2.

(There's also another tunnel complex at the WW2 Museum on the Three Cities side of the harbour.)

[Arkose]

Yes, do Mdina and Rabat other than that just do what you feel like!

[Old Merc]

[quote=Truckosaurus]
I'd definitely put Fort St Elmo on the list, it gives a good history of the island through its centuries of invasions and sieges.
................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

There is lots to do at Fort St Elmo.
The In Guardia parade and performance is definitely worth watching. Then part of the ticket is entry to the National War Museum.

https://heritagemalta.mt/whats-on/in-guardia-fort-...

Edited by Old Merc on Thursday 15th January 10:38