Sight guide · Valletta · Malta
Visiting Lascaris War Rooms
Tunnels cut deep beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens served as the British command centre for the defence of Malta in WWII and as a headquarters for the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Pi3.124, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Lascaris War Rooms is a historic site in Upper Valletta, Valletta. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Upper Valletta
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, rainy day and kids
- Best months
- November–January
About Lascaris War Rooms
Tunnels cut deep beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens served as the British command centre for the defence of Malta in WWII and as a headquarters for the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily. The operations rooms are restored with plotting tables and maps, and guides explain how the air battle over Malta was run.
Tip: Combine it with the Saluting Battery above; the entrance is down the steps from the gardens.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Upper Valletta, city Gate, Republic Street and the cathedral end of the capital.
Best time to visit Lascaris War Rooms
Lascaris War Rooms is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- January: 16°C (61°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, very quiet crowds.
- December: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- November: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Valletta has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Valletta itinerary visits Lascaris War Rooms on day 3, together with National Museum of Archaeology, MUŻA – National Community Art Museum and Strait Street.
- No. 6 of the 16 sights in our Valletta things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in valletta on a rainy day.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Valletta.
- A family favourite in Valletta with kids.
Near Lascaris War Rooms
Also in Upper Valletta, so you can walk between them:
- National Museum of Archaeology — 1 hour, low cost
- MUŻA – National Community Art Museum — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
- Grandmaster's Palace — 1–1.5 hours, mid-priced
If you like Lascaris War Rooms
- Fort St Elmo and National War Museum — Lower Valletta, 2 hours
- Casa Rocca Piccola — Lower Valletta, 1 hour
- Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — Paola, 1 hour
- Tarxien Temples — Paola, 45 minutes
Staying near Lascaris War Rooms
Stay in Upper Valletta ($$$$) to walk here: city Gate, Republic Street and the cathedral end of the capital. All areas to stay in Valletta.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Lascaris War Rooms?
Plan 1–1.5 hours. With National Museum of Archaeology nearby, it fits a half-day in Upper Valletta.
+Is Lascaris War Rooms free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Lascaris War Rooms?
November–January, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Combine it with the Saluting Battery above; the entrance is down the steps from the gardens.
+Do I need to book Lascaris War Rooms in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Lascaris War Rooms good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Valletta. Malta is easy with children: English is spoken everywhere, distances are short, and forts, boat trips and the noon gun are a hit.