Travel tips · Valletta · Malta
Valletta travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mandyy88, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Malta blends Mediterranean, Arab, Italian and British influences: the Maltese language is Semitic in origin and written in the Latin alphabet, cars drive on the left, and English is spoken almost everywhere. Catholicism shapes the calendar, from Holy Week processions to the summer village festas with fireworks and band clubs.
Key facts
- Language
- Maltese and English
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type G sockets (UK-style three-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink but much of it is desalinated and tastes salty, so…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches; St John's Co-Cathedral may ask visitors to cover up.
- Swimwear belongs on the beach or rocks; put on a top before walking into town or a shop.
- Greetings in English are fine, but 'Bonġu' (good morning) and 'Grazzi' (thank you) are appreciated.
- Queue for buses and let passengers off first; drivers may not stop if the bus is full.
- Festas are religious events as well as parties, so be respectful near processions.
- Book St John's Co-Cathedral ahead: Queues build when cruise ships are in; arriving early or booking online saves time.
- Book Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum ahead: Daily tickets are very limited and often sell out weeks ahead; book on the Heritage Malta site as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Pastizzi and ftira make lunch very cheap; eat your main meal in the evening.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated rather than expected. Around 5–10% in restaurants for good service is normal if service is not already included; round up for taxis.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonġu | Good morning |
| Bonswa | Good evening |
| Grazzi | Thank you |
| Jekk jogħġbok | Please |
| Saħħa | Cheers / goodbye |
What to wear
Light clothing works most of the year, but bring a cover-up for churches, flat comfortable shoes for Valletta's steep, worn limestone steps and a layer for windy winter days.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type G sockets (UK-style three-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink but much of it is desalinated and tastes salty, so many people drink bottled or filtered water.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good across the islands; EU roaming applies to European SIMs, and local SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy.
- Time zone
- Europe/Malta
Valletta is generally calm for visitors. Watch for pickpockets in crowds when cruise ships are in, and take care on slippery limestone steps. Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when crossing; in summer, heat and strong sun are the main concerns.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Malta's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Valletta?
Tipping is appreciated rather than expected. Around 5–10% in restaurants for good service is normal if service is not already included; round up for taxis.
+Can you drink the tap water in Valletta?
Tap water is safe to drink but much of it is desalinated and tastes salty, so many people drink bottled or filtered water.
+What plugs are used in Valletta?
Type G sockets (UK-style three-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Valletta?
Maltese and English.