Top 10 Valletta Attractions Recommended By Casa Ellul

The Ellul family have called Valletta their home for many generations, and the authentic experience of this beautiful city is entwined within the history of this family’s formerly home, Casa Ellul.

As true Valletta locals, we at Casa Ellul feel it is our obligation and most certainly our pleasure to discuss the following Valletta attractions – to pass on our knowledge about this fantastic city to our guests, so that they may enjoy every aspect of Valletta whilst visiting Malta.

1. The Grandmaster’s Palace, Triq Ir-Repubblika

You must visit the stunning Grandmaster’s Palace, crafted in the 16^th Century when the Knights of the Order of St John built this city. The interior of the palace is a masterpiece in many ways; it is covered in beautiful art and architecture inspired by the Romans and features exhibitions of the history of Valletta.

2. Upper Barrakka Lift, Upper Barrakka Gardens

We definitely recommend you make use of the panoramic lift from the Grand Harbour to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This is an ideal activity at the beginning of your stay, to get a fantastic view over the city and pick out the beautiful architecture from the skyline before you go on to visit other landmarks.

3. Toy Museum Valletta, Republic Street

Spend some time reliving your childhood at this charming museum with a collection of vintage toys, spread over 3 floors. The extensive collection includes model cars, trains, boats and planes; animal toys and dolls belonging to a private collector.

4. The Harbour Club, Barriera Wharf

The Harbour Club French-Mediterranean restaurant encompasses much of the history of the Grand Harbour and for this reason we consider it as yet another worth visiting Valletta attraction.  It is a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the view of the sea, perhaps with some live jazz music. The club is housed in one of the harbour’s original warehouses created by the 64^th Grand Master, and the interior made from an old ship’s deck.

5. The Saluting Battery at Noon, Battery Street

One of Malta’s most famous attractions is the Saluting Battery, and there is no better time to visit than at gun firing time. Each day at 12 noon and 4pm the canons are fired to acknowledge Malta’s strong military history and to re-enact the tradition of saluting dignitaries and visiting ships.

6. The Valletta Living History show, St Lucia Street

Inside The Embassy you can find a 5D experience of Maltese history. With screenplay, smells and surround sound, you will be swept back through the Great Siege, Ottoman Empire, French and British Rule of Malta and World War II. The show lasts 20 minutes, so is ideal for a short break between sightseeing or resting after shopping.

7. The H.M.S Maori Dive, near Fort St Elmo

If you and your travel partners are experienced divers you must visit this World War II shipwreck. The area is popular for spotting sea horses and scorpion fish.

8. St John’s Co-Cathedral, Triq San Gwann

This Valletta attraction is an exquisite example of Baroque architecture and interior design that is almost too beautiful for words. St John’s Co-Cathedral is the accumulation of grand design and the incorporation of many lavish gifts from the Order of the Knights of St John. A trip to Valletta is not complete without visiting the Co-Cathedral to marvel at its vast beauty.

9. Strait Street

To experience nightlife in Valletta, plan a trip to Strait Street for dinner at one of the many restaurants and bistros; there is something to suit all tastes. You’ll also find many different kinds of bars here too, popular with British and American tourists.

10. Malta Fun Train, from outside St John’s Co-Cathedral

The Malta Fun Train will help you rest your feet for 30 minutes whilst you take in the sights of the city. Children will love riding on the brightly coloured land-train and the commentary will help you pick out Valletta’s key landmarks along the way.

If you have a particular interest, or taste in food during your stay at Casa Ellul, please do not hesitate to approach us for our personal recommendations of restaurants and activities in our home city of Valletta.