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Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities

4-Day Valletta Itinerary

Malta is a collection of three small islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily. With sandy beaches, historic landmarks, and delicious Mediterranean food at every turn, this island is bursting with excitement and flavor. With a population of about 500,000, it’s a small but charming locale. When it comes to choosing where to stay in Malta, you don’t necessarily need to stay in the capital to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

The capital of Malta is the stunning Valletta however because it is small, it’s encouraged to spend nights in the surrounding cities where you may have more choice when it comes to accommodations. We’ve handpicked five cities in Malta to give you the low-down on where to stay in Malta and the best areas in Malta to look for accommodations in.

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities

Pro-Tip: Once you’ve booked your plane tickets to Malta, be sure to check out our list of the top 10 Essential Things to do in Valletta as well as our Valletta Transportation Guide.

Here are the five best areas to stay in Malta:

Valletta:

Valletta is the capital of Malta, and at 800,000 square meters, it’s only the size of Buckingham Palace! What Valletta lacks in size, it makes up for in attractions. Valletta is the home of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a baroque cathedral from the 16th century filled with masterpieces of art and gilded rooms of gold and silver. You can also find the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, a lavishly decorated palace featuring a Palace Armoury and Palace State Rooms.

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities

While Valletta is the major city in Malta, accommodations can be quite limited. There are a ton of options in the city and if you do want to stay in Valletta- be prepared to pay for it. Most hotels will run you about US$200 – US$300 a night. Travelers may want to opt to look into Airbnbs for a cheaper option. Staying in Valletta will allow you to easily walk to most attractions, most day tours depart from Valletta so you can also easily book tours to nearby locations.

Pros: Pedestrian-friendly, convenient, walkable to attractions

Cons: Pricey, limited options

Best for: First-time visitors

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities

$ – Affordable accommodations

Luciano Valletta: Enjoy a five-minute walk to the sea views at the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Sleep restfully in elegant but casual rooms and take in the city from the rooftop terrace.

Address: 21 Merchants St, Valletta, Malta

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

The Cumberland Boutique Hotel: Set in a classic, historic building, this boutique hotel offers guests a rooftop hot tub, a great location to easily get around the city from, and attractively-designed rooms.

Address: Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta

 

$$$ –  Luxury accommodations

AX The Saint John Boutique Accommodation: While the facade of this building is a 17th-century structure, on the inside, you’ll find modern and chic bedrooms. The hotel sits across from  16th-century Church of the Circumcision of Our Lord, and after a day of sightseeing head to the hotel bar and creperie for a yummy dessert.

Address: 176, Triq Il-Merkanti Valletta VLT, 1174, Malta

 

Sliema:

Sliema is a resort town on the east coast of Malta, north of Valletta, and a popular place for tourists to stay. It’s close to Valletta (where you will do most of your sightseeing), as well as St. Julian’s, known for its bustling nightlife. The city was once a fishing village and is now home to charming architecture, restaurants, and cafes, and about 17,000 inhabitants.

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities
Photo by Andrey Gaverdovsky via flickr

In Sliema, you can find yourself at Fort Tigne. Built by the Order of Saint John between 1793 and 1795, it’s one of the oldest polygonal forts in the world. Contrary to Valletta, Sliema serves up a range of accommodation types for a variety of travelers. Sliema won’t offer as many attractions and because it is a popular spot for tourists to stay and it can be busy, however, you can delight in sun-filled seaside walks along the parks.

Pros: More accommodation options, easy travel to other cities

Cons: Not many attractions in the city, can be touristy

Best for: All types of travelers, those looking to save a little money and appreciate the seaside

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities
Photo by Shepard4711 via flickr

$ – Affordable accommodations

Two Pillows Boutique Hostel: With dorm and private rooms available, this hostel located in a townhouse. With dining and nightlife options nearby, and just a hop, jump, skip away from Valletta, this hostel is the best of both worlds.

Address: 49-50, Triq San Piju V Sliema SLM, Malta

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel: Choose a studio, apartment, or room at this boutique accommodation. Outfitted with a hot tub, sit back and relax on the terrace and admire the city below.

Address: 89 The Strand, Triq Ix – Xatt, Tas-Sliema SLM 1022, Malta

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

LABRANDA Rocca Nettuno Suites: With a rooftop pool and slick settings, this hotel is in a low-key section of Sliema and not too far from the majestic Tarxien Temples- an archaeological complex in that date back to 3150 BC.

Address: Matthew Pulis Street Sliema SLM, 3052, Malt

 

St. Julian’s Bay:

St. Julian’s Bay caters to tourists; if you’re looking for a hotspot getaway, this might be the place for you. You won’t necessarily find museums but you will find restaurant chains, casinos, shopping, and contains a clubbing district called Paceville. If you’re staying in St. Julian’s Bay, Valletta is only a bus ride away and Sliema can be accessed via ferry. There are a number of accommodation styles for different traveler types and traveler budgets.

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities
Photo by Karen Bryan via flickr

Pros: Rambunctious nightlife, casinos, and shopping

Cons: No major beaches, you won’t find much in the way of local life or cultural monuments

Best for: Travelers who want to take in the nightlife or escape winter

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities
Photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo via flickr

$ – Affordable accommodations

Marco Polo Hostel: Relish in the lively atmosphere of this hostel and enjoy the company of fellow guests. Head out on day trips to Sliema or Valletta then head home to sip on drinks on the rooftop bar.

Address: Triq Ross, San Ġiljan, Malta

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Hotel Valentina: Situated in Paceville, this modern and sophisticated hotel is prime real estate for partying.

Address: Dobbie, Paceville, St Julians, Malta

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta: Dance the night away at packed clubs, sing out your heart at local karaoke bars, or drink away at one of the many Paceville bars before heading back to your room at The Westin Dragonara Resort in Malta.

Address: Dragonara Road St. Julian’s STJ, 3143, Malta

 

Three Cities:

The Three Cities are: Birgu, Senglea, and Bormla and the areas are steeped in history. Birgu is the oldest of the three and existed before the arrival of the Knights of St John. From Valletta, you can spot The Three Cities on the other side of the Grand Harbour. The three cities are within walking distance of each other so no matter which you choose to stay in, you’ll be able to explore the others.  

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities

Three Cities itself is a popular attraction, so it makes for a good option when looking for where to stay in Malta. It’s a fairly easy and quick bus ride in Valletta and features enchanting buildings as well as delicious local cuisine. Within The Three Cities, you can discover the Inquisitor’s Palace, the Maritime Museum, as well as numerous churches. You can catch sight of local life in these cities, hotels aren’t exactly cheap but you’ll find that prices for restaurants will probably be lower.

Pros: Has attractions within the cities, but close to Valletta

Cons: Not as close to the more modern aspects of Malta like St. Julian’s Bay

Best for: Families and couples, those looking for an ‘off-the-beaten’ path vacation

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities
Photo by worldaroundtrip via flickr

$ – Affordable accommodations

Nelli’s B&B: Admire the landscape of Birgu, Senglea, and Bormla from your hotel at Nelli’s B&B. A perfect location for sightseeing and checking out the local flavor, and a comfy bed for resting your sore feet at night!

Address: Triq Santa Tereza 36, Cospicua BML 1821, Malta

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Julesy’s BnB: Set in an 18th-century building, this charming and European building is a stylish B&B with balconies and a rooftop terrace. Within 10 minutes, you can make your way to St. Helen’s Gate in Cospicua or the ferry terminal.

Address: 105 Triq San Gorg, Bormla, Malta

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

Locanda La Gelsomina: Book a luxurious suite at this fashionable hotel, in Birgu, Malta. Enjoy the historic sights nearby, or unwind in the hotel’s spa or yoga studio.

Address: 3 Triq Il-Kunsill Popolari, Birgu BRG 1131, Malta

 

Gzria:

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities
Photo by Mike McBey via flickr

Gzira is a short walk or bus ride away from Sliema but offers much more local experience. You won’t find a ton of restaurants, bars, or shopping options in Gzira but there are some, and you can always head over to a neighboring city for a bite. Gzira isn’t a major hub of activity, you’ll more likely find examples of Malta-natives enjoying daily life, but the city is picturesque and the prices for accommodations won’t break the bank. Tourists can enjoy Gzira’s waterfront, a quirky duck farm, and Manoel Island- home to Manoel Fort (built in the 1720s).

Pros: Get a feel for daily Maltese life, inexpensive accommodation options

Cons: Not too many amenities or attractions in Gzira

Best for: Couples, experienced travelers who don’t mind travel, travelers on a budget

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas and Cities
Photo by Vicki Burton via flickr

$ – Affordable accommodations

Holidays in Malta Isola del Mar: A basic, but tasteful abode, Holidays in Malta Isola del Mar aren’t luxurious but they’ll provide the necessities for a successful vacation: a comfy bed, Wi-Fi, and a bar!

Address: 28 Triq Henry F. Bouverie, Il-Gżira GZR 1220, Malta

 

$$ – $$$ Mid-range – luxury accommodations

Blubay Apartments by ST Hotels: A lovely townhouse boasting apartment-style accommodations and modern furnishings. Bask in the sun poolside or enjoy a meal in your own kitchenette.

Address: 50 Sir F. Ponsonby Street, Il-Gżira GZR 1071, Malta

Bayview Hotel by ST Hotels: For those who don’t want any fuss or muss, reserve a room at the casual Bayview Hotel by ST Hotel. This hotel delivers its guests an incredible shore view, overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Delight in a rooftop terrace, complete with pool!

Address: Triq Ix -Xatt Il-Gżira GZR, 1026, Malta

Pro-Tip: Malta is a pedestrian-friendly city so walking to tourist destinations and discovering the city by foot is encouraged. With all the walking you’ll do, be sure to grab a SIM card before you depart to keep your much-needed maps apps working!

 

Book a trip to Malta and explore not just Valletta, but the many surrounding, enchanting cities! Choose to stay in the bustling capital, or opt to experience in the local life- whatever your choice, make use of the Malta transportation options to plan out your itinerary. Venture around the island and get a dose of modern Malta in St. Julian’s or step back in time in Valletta or Gzira. See it all before retiring at the end of the day at your cozy hotel!

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