Experience in Valletta, Malta by Liz

What is it like to live in La Valeta? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The city of Valletta has been the capital city of Malta since 1571, built on a peninsular and flanked by two natural harbours, The Grand Harbour on one side and The Marsamxett Harbour on the other, and built in the beautiful Baroque style Architecture. Valletta was strategically built like a fort with bastion walls surrounding its perimeters by the Knights of Malta / the Knights of the Order of St. John. It was named after Grandmaster Jean Parisot de Valette. Valletta is been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. There are many museums, gardens, shopping outlets and entertainment.

What is the student lifestyle like in La Valeta?

Depending on the choice of lifestyle of different students. But most of the nightlife for students takes place in the St. Julians area, about 30 minutes by bus transport. If the students are looking for a quieter lifestyle, then Valletta is full of character... also in recent years, young people are putting in much effort to bring more nightlife to Valletta.

How much does it cost to live in La Valeta?

Student Accommodation costs in the eastern harbour areas including Valletta, Sliema and St Julians, varies very little, perhaps e500/600 for a room p. month, or e1500 for a 2/ 3 bedroom apartment.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in La Valeta? Is there any advice you can give?

Valletta is rather more a commercial centre, however, in the last few years, English Language Schools have encouraged more student accommodation in Valletta.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The typical Maltese cuisine is a mix of Sicilian / Middle Eastern origin, with plenty of garlic, onions, tomatoes and spices. However, restaurants in Malta can vary from French, Italian, German, Czech, Eastern European, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Asian, Turkish, Indian and of course, Kentucky Fried Chicken, as well as Burgers etc... and can be found around the island.

Most dishes are tasty and attractively prepared. In Valletta, Trabuxu wine bar, the Loop Bar offering memories of days gone by, and The Bridge Bar located close to Victoria Gate, at the south end of Valletta, are a few places to visit.

What places would you recommend visiting in La Valeta?

There are many places to visit in Valletta... the streets are long and narrow and also cool in the hot summers.... There are many museums as The Museum if Archaeology, The National War Museum, The Lascaris War Rooms, The Grandmasters Palace and the Palace Armoury, The Barrakka Gardens overlooking the magnificent Grand Harbour, St. John’s Co-Cathedral that houses the only Caravaggio signed masterpiece painting, Fort St Elmo and many event enactments that take place throughout the year as well as the Notte Bianca event once a year.

Is it good to eat out in La Valeta? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Restaurants in Valletta vary in price however, Rubino, Papannis, Piedina, Noni, LaPira, Giannini are all worth a visit.

Is the nightlife good in La Valeta? Where is good to go?

The night life in Valletta is limited, but much is being done at the moment to revive the nightlife in Valletta as more young people are relocating to the city.

What advice would you give future students heading to La Valeta?

As young students, the whole of Malta is packed with various events throughout the year. Malta is a very small island and one can travel from north to south within one hour. Malta has sunshine most days, apart from mid December to end February when it’s mostly rainy, wet and cold. The Erasmus Program as well as the English language Schools in Malta has attracted many young students from all over the world, and Malta being bi-lingual, Maltese / English, all students are able to converse in the universal language English among themselves as well as to Maltese people.