8 Tips To Have A Fun Time With Your Kids In Gatlinburg

BY  Sibashree Jan 15, 2026

The common visuals about Fiji have sun-soaked resorts in Nadi and Denarau. Manicured lawns! The warm “Bula greetings!” And the polished facilities! However, if you want to experience the authentic Fijian life or feel the pulsating soul of the nation, you will have to travel east. It is the cultural heartbeat of the South Pacific. It is a sharp contrast if we compare the tourist polish of the West. You will feel that raw energy and colonial grandeur here. Also, it has a truly inclusive scenario with the Indo-Fijians and the indigenous Fijians constituting the majority of the population. Also, you will find part-Europeans, Chinese, and Caucasians. In this Suva cultural guide, I will talk about the raw energy of the city, its ancient seafaring legacy, vibrant markets, and living traditions. These are far from the poolside cocktails.  For more practical tips for a trip to Suva, you can read my Suva travel itinerary. Why Does Suva Claim The Cultural Capital Status?  Suva, despite being one of the most happening urban centers, has preserved its colonial history. Multiculturalism is another major factor in the cultural capital. Here is a deep dive into its history and transformation. Historical Shift To Powerhouse  Suva has not always been the seat of power. In 1882, the colonial leaders chose Suva as the capital over Levuka. The constraints for Levuka were the sea and the steep mountains. It was the beginning of the rise of a small and modest village as a power hub. However, the city, beginning its journey as an administrative epicenter, has now become a land with a multicultural tapestry. It has the headquarters of many regional organizations. It also has the University of the South Pacific, and a site where indigenous iTaukei traditions, Indo-Fijian commerce, and Chinese and European influences coexist. This diversity has solidified its status as the intellectual and artistic heart of the Pacific.  What Are The Top Cultural Attractions In Suva, Fiji? With the Suva Municipal Market, allowing everyone to have a slice of the Fijian life, the city also has many prominent cultural attractions. Also, the city is so particular about preserving its culture that there have been multiple acts and regulations surrounding it. 1. Fiji Museum And Thurston Gardens  View this post on Instagram A post shared by FIJI MUSEUM (@fijimuseum) The lush Thurston Gardens has the Fiji Museum, which preserves the 3700 years of Pacific history. The Fiji Museum Act (Cap 263) governs the operations and administrations of the museum for the curation and preservation of these artefacts. It also complements the Preservation of Objects of Archaeological and Palaeontological Interest Act (Cap 264), covering over 10,000 national heirlooms like traditional items central to Fiji's identity. Nevertheless, Ratu Finau, a massive 13-meter double-hulled canoe (drua), is the main attraction of the museum. It is a telltale of the rich maritime history of the nation. You will even find the Lapita pottery, the distinctive, stamped earthenware that allows archaeologists to trace the migration of the first Pacific Islanders.  Furthermore, the garden was built in the 1880s, and it has over 100 species of lilies and palm trees. 2. Suva Municipal Market  With the right Suva market guide, you will see how Suva comes to life from Thursday to Saturday. The Yaqona or Kava section on the second floor is the place where the city gets Kava roots and powders. Now, Kava is not just a drink. It is a social glue. When buying Kava (Yaqona) as a gift, ask for "Waka" (roots) rather than "Lewena" (stem) for higher respect/potency. On the other hand, the ground floor offers a kaleidoscope of taro (dalo), cassava, and jackfruit. These celebrate the city's Indo-Fijian roots. Furthermore, the air here smells of cumin and turmeric. Arrive from 6 AM to 10 AM on a Saturday to immerse yourself in a beautiful story of Fiji’s daily sustenance. 3. Government Buildings And Parliament Complex  The government buildings and parliament complex, showing the quintessential Art Deco style of the 1930s, face Albert Park. Albert Park is the place where Charles Kingsford Smith landed his Southern Cross in 1928. Here, you will also find the statue of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, the founding father of modern Fiji, whose legacy of land reform and indigenous rights still shapes the nation today.  Furthermore, the striking design of the parliament (after 1987) symbolizes unity. The National Trust of Fiji plays an important role in preserving these government buildings and the parliament complex. Suva Cultural Guide Of The Hidden Gems Off The Path  The Suva Fiji hidden gems are the telltale of the rich cultural and artistic legacy of the South Pacific. These are the places you need to explore. 1. USP Oceania Centre For The Arts  At USP, Epeli Hau'ofa's legacy lives. Catch Oceania Dance Theatre rehearsals, mesmerizing meke dances with stomping feet and ulu chants, or Red Wave Collective's bold canvases challenging colonial narratives. Live music, theatre, and talks pulse here, bridging ancient oral lore with contemporary fire. Free events draw locals and visitors alike. The Department of Heritage and Arts in Fiji plays a key role in safeguarding the nation's intangible cultural heritage, including traditional dances and music.  2. Draiba Cemetery And Sacred Heart Cathedral  Suva's Old Cemetery on Queen's Road whispers of pioneers and chiefs, graves oriented east for resurrection. It is a syncretic blend of Christianity and custom. Nearby, Sacred Heart Cathedral's French-imported sandstone vaults and stained glass offer humid respite. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove hats, and absorb the choral echoes that define Fijian worship. 3. Fiji Arts Council Handicraft Centre  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Asia Pacific Region Crafts (@worldcraftscouncil_asiapacific) You will find certified "Fijian Made" masi barkcloth, kava bowls, and war clubs here. The Fiji Arts Council ensures authenticity, bolstering local artisans against imports. Perfect for ethical souvenirs tying into Heritage Department efforts. Cultural Etiquette: Honoring The Vanua  The Vanua, meaning the land and the kin, is sacred. In villages, offer sevusevu kava to the Turaga ni Koro for entry blessing. Wrap a sulu sarong modestly, men and women alike. Taboos: No head-touching (sacred seat of spirit), no hats indoors, ask before taking photos. The Department of Heritage and Arts safeguards these intangibles, such as dances, music, and pageantry, via UNESCO-aligned inventories, policies, and community revivals despite funding hurdles. A Flavorful Day: 1-Day Itinerary  Morning: Dawn at Municipal Market for produce frenzy, then Fiji Museum for historical grounding (allow 2 hours).  Lunch: Savor lovo, an earth-oven feast of taro, chicken, and palusami or fiery Indo curry at a hole-in-the-wall.  Afternoon: Oceania Centre for Art Pulse, then Colonial Walk: Government Buildings, Albert Park, Grand Pacific Hotel.  Evening: Kava bowl with locals, reflecting on Suva's layers. Total cost: Under $20 FJD sans taxis.  The Taste Of Suva  A Suva food tour will help you know how history flavors every plate of Suva. Fijian lovo buries sustenance in earth ovens; Indo-Fijian curries fuse cumin-heat with dalo; Chinese woks stir-fry cassava. Try kokoda (citrus-marinated fish) or fresh market seafood. Each bite traces the Girmitiya laborers, chiefly feasts, and fusion resilience.  Language Basics: A Suva Cultural Guide Bula! Hello/welcome.  Vinaka. Thank you.  Moce. Goodbye.  Tulou. Excuse me.  Ia bula vinaka? All good? (Ice-bo-la vi-nacka)  Sustainable Travel Tips  Fiji battles plastics  Bring reusables to markets  Support Heritage Department goals by choosing artisan crafts, minimizing footprint in rain-lashed paradise.  Expert Tips For Suva Cultural Travelers  Buy Authentic: Check the "Fijian Made" stamp at the Handicraft Centre.  Taxi Meter: Always ask the driver to turn on the meter. A ride within the city should rarely cost more than $5-$7 FJD.  Umbrella is Essential: Suva is the "rain capital." So, you will need an umbrella.  Respect Sundays: Sunday is a strict church/family time. Most shops are closed. So, you can plan a Suva Nature tour on Sundays.  Ask Before Clicking: Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially vendors in the market.  Suva Cultural Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Suva cultural guide. 1. What Is The Best Way To Get Around Suva For Cultural Sites? Suva is very walkable. So, take a walk and explore the downtown heritage buildings. However, if you don’t want to walk and have a more relaxing experience, you can take a taxi, which is easily available and is cheap. 2. Is Suva Safe For Tourists? Yes, Suva is safe for tourists. According to Numbeo, it has a crime rate of 58.60. However, like any capital city or tourist place, it has its own share of challenges. You have to keep your valuables safe. Also, do not walk alone at night. 3. Do I Need Guide For The Fiji Museum? You can go for a self-guided tour of the Fiji Museum. It will take around 1-2 hours. However, if you want to know about human history and behind the scenes here, you will of course need a guide.For an overseas visitor, an entry to the museum costs around $20, and with an added guided tour, it will be $30. 4. What Should I Wear To The Sacred Heart Cathedral? You have to remove your hat while entering the cathedral, and your knees and shoulders must be covered.You can wear the traditional sarong or a maxi dress. Overall, your dress must be modest. 5. Can I Drink The Kava Offered To me? Yes, it is polite to accept. Clap once, say "Bula," drink in one go, and clap three times after. If you are trying the Kava for the first time, you must choose a low-tide of half a cup instead of a high-tide or a full cup.At first, you may feel like having peppery muddy water. However, the taste grows on you, and it has a mild sedative effect. 6. Where Can I See Traditional Fijian Dancing (Meke)? The Oceania Centre at USP often has rehearsals, or major hotels host distinct cultural nights. Furthermore, the Fiji Museum, being the cultural preservation hub, often hosts Meke. 7. What Currency Is Used At The Markets? Fijian Dollars (FJD) are used at the markets. Cash is king as local vendors do not take cards. However, you can shop with cards at TappooCity, and other large supermarkets accept cards. Also, many locals use an app called M-PAiSA for digital payments. 8. Is The Government House Open To The Public? No, the government house is not open to the public as it is the President's residence, but you can view the changing of the guard from the gate. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place in the first week of every month. 9. How Far Is Colo-I-Suva Forest Park From The City? Colo-I-Suva Forest is about a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the CBD. The journey through the Princes Road covers a distance of around 12 kilometers.You can also take a bus. However, it will take longer because of the multiple stops. 10. What Is The Significance Of The Tabua (Whale's Tooth)? It is the highest cultural token of respect in Fiji, often seen in museum displays but rarely handled by tourists. It is the polished tooth of the sperm whale, and in weddings, it is often the price offered to the family of the bride for asking her hand in marriage. Read Also: A Tucumán Historical Sites Guide: Independence, Incas & Jesuits In Northern Argentina Tucumán Nature Guide: Exploring The Yungas Rainforest And High Andes Tucumán Food Guide: The Capital Of The Empanada And Milanesa

BY  sagnika Apr 19, 2024

Are you planning to visit Australia soon? Tell me it is on your bucket list, and you can't wait to plan your itinerary. Let's check out some of the coolest restaurants across Australia, mostly in Victoria, Sydney, Adelaide, and New South Wales. In the article, you will learn about culinary experiences and planning a food walk or trip across Australia. In 2023, The Gourmet Traveller Team has compiled a list of some of Australia's best restaurants, creating a winning experience. Their team of reviewers has evaluated several restaurants and made a perfect list! If you are a foodie, you will learn so much more about the dining scene of the nation and have a comprehensive pleasure. In this article, you can find more details about the restaurants and learn about the culinary experience. What Are The Restaurants In Australia Worthy To Have An Experience? Let me share some of the best dining experiences these restaurants will offer you. You can read about some of Australia's best restaurants right now! Several dining locations in Australia are quite in demand, such as Sydney, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Melbourne, and others. If you love unique experiences, you can go to restaurants such as Sounds of Silence, Quay, and others. These restaurants are special because they use local produce and curated rare items; thus, they create a beautiful landscape of taste and deliciousness. We must remember the cultural combination of food and the people's culture. I will be sharing some of the best restaurants in Sydney, Australia. Let us get into details about the dishes served on the menu! What ingredients are used in the dishes will give you a better idea about the culinary experience. Alberto's The restaurant Alberto's Lounge is known for serving umami-rich sardines pate on crisp fried crostoli, which are the size of triangles. The snack is quite a popular one among the visitors! They also love the old-school feel of the trattoria, which gives you a beautiful feel with retro posters, personal services, spaghetti western lenses, and natural wines. The restaurant is on Alberta Street in Sydney. Its head chef is Elizabeth Mitchell, who creates beautiful dishes and some eccentricities! I recommend that you make bookings before you visit the restaurant. If you love Italian food, this is the perfect place. They offer delicious custom Italian dishes such as seared tuna with tomato-scented acqua pizza and hand-cut pappardelle coated with beef short-rib ragu. They also add red wine and saffron; imagine the deliciousness of it all! Bar Heather A Parisian-styled joint where the philosophy is wine first and then food! You will receive the menu from which you will order once you have ordered your first drink. Situated on the south side of Byron Bay, the rollicking joint might give an old-school and dim vibe, but every dish on their menu is a beauty. The chicken broth is to die for, as it is quite in demand! Manchego cream with shaved local mushrooms and crisp potato also satisfies the customers who visit this restaurant. The restaurant is owned by Tom Sheer and James Audas, who serve their customers with wine that perfectly pairs with their delicious menu. The chef of this restaurant, Ollie Wong-Hee, has created an interesting menu with Southeast Asian cuisine showcasing his amazing Chinese heritage. One of the knockout food items on his menu is grilled pork wrapped in a betel leaf with lettuce, charred pineapple-chilli sauce, and pickles, so you must try it! Alta Trattoria The restaurant is well known for its small touches, such as fried capers on vitello tonnato or pickled mushrooms! Alta Trattoria is an homage to the northwest region of Italy and its beauty. The chef, Mckay Wilday, brings together Piedmontese cuisine paired well with French, Australian, and Italian items. For example, lemon and chestnut gnocchi and rabbit ragu tossed with tajarin are some of the restaurant's landmark dishes. A group of industry professionals, along with McKay Wilday, the chef, creates the perfect menu to satisfy customers worldwide. It is a delightful trattoria situated on the back street of Fitzroy in Australia. The restaurant is open from Saturday to Sunday for dinner; you can get lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Attica The name on the menu is weird, but the food is delicious as hell! The lasagna, "Eat the Problem," combines buffalo, boar, and venison wrapped in green-ant-studded pasta sheets. You will get to eat Mud crabs and pikelets along with bunya-bunya cream and sea lettuce. Playfulness is a part of a restaurant with beauty, as there is a backyard where you can sip your drink while watching a game. The dining spectrum of the restaurant is significant because, along with the food, the atmosphere is also beautiful. The restaurant is in Ripponlea and features a delightful menu! They also use the cultural aspect of native Australia, as one of the dishes features a gorgeous flower-shaped wafer. The food is quite inventive, and the service is prompt! Quay Chefs Troy Crisante, Tim Mifsud, and Peter Gilmore have created a menu for this Australian restaurant that presents umami depth, a balance between crunch and cream, marine life, and other elusive ingredients. So why do you feel like this place is so magical? The menu includes sweet scallops with shaved abalone, liquorice Kombu, and raw palm hearts with vinegar dressing. The richness of the dishes, such as confit pork jowl paired with smoked trotter broth, will leave you speechless. Please make bookings before you go. You cannot miss the "white coral" dessert with a tart-sweet taste that creates an otherworldly feel! Sounds Of Silence A unique experience, Sounds of Silence creates a magical combination of sounds, sights, and tastes, creating an immersive experience. The background of this experience is the Uluru sunset, creating a fascinating field of light. It is one of the things to do in Australia! You can go for a dinner date to the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, creating a beautiful environment where the music and wine start flowing. From entrees to desserts, you will find the inclusion of indigenous ingredients along with the drinks that accompany them. Even when it comes to drinks, you can have a varied choice, starting from Aussie beer to chilled sparkling wine. Along with this beautiful experience in Uluru, you can have a star talker who talks about the mysteries of planets, zodiac signs, and constellations using a laser pen. Fugazzi A lively restaurant with New York-style Italian culture, Fugazzi has created a space perfect for neighborhood diners! You will find vintage posters along with red booth seating, which has created a cheekier charm. There are several bowl options in their breakfast section, along with some decadent options such as Chorizo scramble croissant, salmon benedict, and Florentina benedict! You can definitely try handmade pasta and pizza which is their specialty. From mushroom tortellini to Wagyu Lasagna, they offer a diverse palate. Culinary Experiences In Australia One of the most unique experiences in Australia is the Aboriginal experience, as Aboriginal cuisine is an integral part of Australian cuisine. You cannot forget the significance of culture and the arts in influencing your perspective and choices of food! You can try out ingredients such as native finger limes, spinach, Kakadu, quandongs, saltbush, and other herbs. Emu and Kangaroo give these spices and herbs a different flavor. You must remember the events and festivals in Australia, which are quite cool! For example, the Canberra Beer & Cider Festival, Wild Harvest Seafood Festival, and other food events create a perfect culinary experience. Visiting Australia will allow you to experience culture, music, comedy, and art at different events where you can celebrate your nationality. Planning A Foodie Trip In Australia Let me give you some tips on exploring the dining scene along with the restaurants discussed in the article. How can you appreciate a foodie trip when making Australian-travel ideas? You can savor the Aboriginal Desert Feast while exploring Uluru; hence, you can add Tali Wiru to your checklist. A blend of nature, cuisine, and culture is available where you can have a 4-course platter inclusive of wine. Some of the street foods in Australia are quite popular, such as! Local food markets in Australia are quite popular as they offer healthy and farm-based fresh produce. Finishing Off... To sum up, regardless of where you stay in Australia, you must visit these places to eat and experience the diverse culture of the country. I will emphasize the vibrant and diverse food culture of the country and encourage travelers to go on a food walk! The art and awe of this experience are great attractions to local performances and events. After reviewing the article, you have picked up little details about the different restaurants and would look forward to making decisions. Comment to let us know if you have already visited one of these restaurants, let us know how your experience was. Learn More About: 6 Tips For A Luxurious Trip To Australia Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia A Beginner’s Guide To Island-Hopping In Greece

BY  Sibashree Dec 1, 2025

Everything great is happening in Valletta's tourism industry these days. 2025 has been a year of growth and recognition for Valletta, the small capital city of Malta, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  In the forest quarter of 2025 itself, Malta received more than 693,000 visitors according to the Tour and Travel World. It was an 18.9% rise from the same period in 2024. Furthermore, in the same period, the tourist spending reached €508.5 million.  This means tourism continues to offer opportunities for local and foreign entrepreneurs who come to set up companies in Malta, with the help of local specialists from BridgWest.  In addition, the World Travel $ Tourism Council has chosen Malta as the venue for the WTTC Global Summit, 2026. The 26th edition of the summit will take place in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs & Tourism and the Government of Malta.  The prominent landmarks of Valletta, such as the Grand Harbour and St. John's Co-Cathedral, and activities such as exploring Victoria's Gate and trying some brilliant craft beer, and cultural richness, have helped Valletta enjoy such growth in numbers and global recognition.  I have been to Malta, and starting from exploring the fortified walls of Valletta to enjoying the serene charm of Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront, the free things to do in Valletta were the highlights for me. On such a shoestring budget, I was able to enjoy the essence of a city, which even enjoyed the status of the European Capital of Culture 2018.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will, of course, talk about the free activities and other fun and interesting things to do in Valletta.  What Are The Things To Do In Valletta? As I started exploring the city of Valletta, I noticed the signature "Pointed Cross" of the Knights protecting this ancient city from everything evil.  If this is something really spiritual, on the other hand, you will see history becoming alive with the post boxes, telephone booths, and British colonial architecture.  Nevertheless, these are the things to do in Valletta. 1. Visiting The St. John's Co-Cathedral Address: Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:15 PM (Monday to Saturday) Entry Fee: Adults: €15, Seniors: €12, Students: €12, Children (Under 12): Free when accompanied by an adult, €5 Extra for a Belfray Tour, Audio Tour Included View this post on Instagram A post shared by St John's Co-Cathedral (@stjohnscocathedral) The St. John's Co-Cathedral is the most prominent example of the Baroque-style architecture of Valletta. The Knights of the St. John built this conventional church for the order in the late 16th century.  You will know about the life of St. John the Baptist from the paintings by Mattia Preti on the ceiling of this cathedral.  Furthermore, there are eight chapels, dedicated to various languages, tapestries, marble floors, and gilded carvings. However, the main focus for me was the painting called "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist." This dramatic work, one of the few artworks signed by Caravaggio, is in the Oratory. 2. Exploring Fort St. Elmo And The National War Museum Address: Mediterranean Street, Valletta, Malta Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: Adults - €10.00, Senior Citizens (60+) and Youths (12-17 Years) - €7.50, Students - €7.50, Children (5-11 Years) - €5.00, Below 5 Years - Free Fort St. Elmo stands as a witness to the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. It has military paraphernalia and many artefacts.  However, the major appeal of the fort is intangible, and it lies in the fact of how it became a refuge for the people of Malta during the attack of the Ottoman Empire under the leadership of Suleiman the Magnificent.  The Knights, only around 500 in numbers, defeated the 6000 strong army of the Ottoman Emperor. Furthermore, the National War Museum inside the fort, spanning over seven sections, celebrates the 7000-year-old history of Malta. Some of the exhibits here date back to the Bronze Age (2,500 BC).  You can even request a guided tour of the museum.  Insider Tip: 2025 marked the 900th year of the Great Siege of Malta. A docu-drama called The Great Siege of Malta 1565 was released in 2025. This 45-minute docu-drama celebrates the bravery of the "Hospitalier Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem."  3. Visiting The Grand Master's Palace Address: St George's Square, Valletta Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: €12 for Adults, €10 for Children Aged 12 to 17 Years and Seniors, Children (6-11): €8, Infants (1-5): Free The Grand Master of the Order of St. John used to rule Valletta from the Grand Master's Palace. The armory here is the main attraction, and it has the accessories and outfits of the Knights.  Furthermore, the symbol of power, with its history of 450 years, is once again in the news with its recent renovation work.  It was also the "seat of the first constitutional parliament of Malta in 1921," and now it is the "Seat of the Office of the President of Malta." 4. A Guided Tour Of Casa Rocca Piccola Address: 74 Republic Street, Valletta, Malta Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM Audio Tours: From 10 AM Guided Tours: From 10 AM to 4 PM (On An Hourly Basis) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Casa Rocca Piccola (@casaroccapiccola) Do you know that the 9th Marquis de Piro still lives in this 16th-century palace? Join the audio tours or the guided tours to see the swanky furniture and unique staircases.  However, for me, the Bomb Shelters were the main attraction. These are not dark tourism spots. These are the living history of World War II.  When 15 air raids took place in 1942, the people of Valletta saved their lives by hiding in these chambers. These shelters were part of the quarry of the 400-year-old house, and they were made from a solid rock foundation.  5. Know The WWII Stories Of Malta At Lascaris War Rooms Address: Lascaris Ditch, Valletta VLT 2000, Malta Hours: 10 AM to 4:30 PM Entry Fee - Adults: €20, Seniors: €19, 5-15 Years Old: €7, Family: €35, Children below 5 Years: Free I love history, and even if you don't, you cannot avoid knowing about WW1 and WW2. These two wars changed the course of human civilization.  At Lascaris War Rooms, you don't just see the exhibits. You live through the moments of war as you explore the tunnels and labyrinths used as protection from the Italian and German attacks during World War 2.  It's like getting transported to the 1940s within a minute.  Insider Tip: I found the War Rooms more fascinating than the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo. Did you know that these War Rooms were used as the headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily or Operation Husky? 6. Visiting The National Museum Of Archaeology Address: Auberge de Provençe, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM (Admission Closes at 6:30 PM) Entry Fee: €5 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heritage Malta (@heritagemalta) I was at a loss for words at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. It has everything you need to know about the prehistoric days of Malta.  Once I entered, the first room had exhibits showing how the earliest people settled here, even before the temple establishment period. It had "Red Skorba ornaments" and some "tools" they used in their everyday lives.  I also got to see exhibits from the Ghar Dalam phase (5200 BC), Tarxien phase (2500 BC), and Bronze Age.  Then, I reached the main hall of the museum. It had the Sleeping Lady and other astonishing sculptures and temple carvings.  Among the collectibles from the Temple Period, the Obsidian Core was the most impressive. It was a headless sculpture, in a seated posture.  Housed inside a Baroque building, this museum is now the main attraction of Auberge de Provençe, which was earlier the home of the Knights of the St. John. Insider Tip: If you are traveling from any other town in Malta, take a bus to the Valetta Bus Terminal. From there, it is a short distance on foot.  7. Visiting The Upper Barrakka Gardens Address: 292 Triq Sant'Orsla, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: Free Home to the Siege Bell War Memorial, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer amazing views of the harbor and the three neighboring cities.  This 16th-century garden was built in the 16th century, and the Knights of the Saint John once used it as a private garden.  Once you are done strolling the Castille Square, you will find the Upper Barrakka Gardens nearby.  Insider Tip: It's great to relax at the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and have a sip of your favorite drink. However, at 12 PM and 4 PM, the officials of the Malta Heritage Society get dressed in military uniforms and fire the cannons at the Upper Barakka Gardens.  Now, I had a cup of hot coffee in my hand, and I was not ready for it. So, it fell out of my hand, and it was a mess.  Nevertheless, this tradition has been continued for more than 100 years, and once you attend it, you will know why it is worth it.  Also, you must use the Barakka Lift to travel between the upper and lower Barakka Gardens quickly.  8. Plan A Visit To The Lower Barrakka Gardens Address: Lvant, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: Free I know people do not talk much about the Lower Barrakka Gardens. However, that's a blessing in disguise. It is way less crowded than the Upper Barrakka Garden.  Now, despite having the name as "Gardens," it is actually a small-scale garden with a few minutes taken to complete the stroll.  However, there is a fort and a waterfront with Greek-style arches overlooking them. You can relax here, have your moments, and make the most of the photo ops. 9. Enjoying The Waterfront The Baroque houses, surrounding the waterfront of Valletta, were earlier used for storing the essentials of the Grand Master. Now, they are bars and restaurants.  I found the promenade the perfect place to relax and cherish a drink with my eyes set on the ships cruising. The place is more magical after sundown, but there is a trick! You have to find a cafe or restaurant that is not crowded by tourists. Find yourself a quiet corner. 10. Watching A Performance At The Manoel Theatre Address: Old Theatre Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta Capacity: 623 Opened In: 1732 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Teatru Manoel (@teatru.manoel) At Manoel Theatre, as a performer of elocution and audio theater for the longest time, I had goosebumps. I was standing at the oldest working theater in Europe.  The wrap-around gallery was the highlight of the building, and I attended an opera performance by none other than Joseph Calleja.  Also, if you want to explore the grand architecture of Manoel Theatre, you can do so every Tuesday. During the summer months, the tours are conducted between 10:30 AM and 12 PM, and during the winter months, these tours continue from 11 AM to 3 PM. Tickets are available at 20.00 €.  11. Trying Local Food  Many people call Maltese ftira a "type of pizza." However, very few people know that it is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the 16th century, when it was first prepared in the ovens of the Knights of St. John.  Furthermore, it is a chosen food because of its versatile fillings and its role as an identity of Valletta and, by extension, of Malta. I also loved the coffee here. It was my best companion while taking a stroll across the roads. Furthermore, if you are in Valletta, don't miss the Lampuki Pie or the signature fish pie.  How To Reach And Move Around Valletta? Valletta is well-connected to the world through the Malta International Airport. It is around 9 km away from Valletta, and the short drive took me close to 20 minutes. I took the bus to the City Centre.  You can also book a shuttle in advance or take a taxi.  The city has a well-connected bus route, and it is a small city that you can cover on foot. However, the transport options are island-specific. You can take a Talinja Card or Flex Card for exploring Valletta and Malta.  Also, you can take a ferry service to the Grand Harbour of Valletta to and from Gozo and the Three Cities. You will even get a ferry service from Sliema to St. Paul's in Valletta. Insider Tip:  I picked the "Gozo Standard Add-On" card for my day trip. I didn't have the time for so many trips. But you can use this add-on to enjoy unlimited tours to Gozo Island.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Valletta? March to May and September to early November are the best seasons to visit Valletta. Valletta has so many historic landmarks and outdoor spaces. The temperature in the early 20s in these months offers you the ideal chance to explore Valletta.  Also, the crowd is quite manageable in these months.  Valletta, At A Glance: Why Does Valletta Offer Such A Rich Experience? The best thing about Valletta is how compact it is! By compact, I mean it has a big heart, accommodating the best museums, well-preserved Baroque architecture, the Grand Harbour, stone walls, and stories.  From the stories of a 16th-century ghost to being the backdrop of many spy thrillers, such as "The Secrets of Malta" by Cecily Blench, and historical novels such as "The Hidden Palace" by Dinah Jefferies, have added stories to each key attraction of the city.  Also, the stories of the city's sustenance during World War II and the Great Siege by the Ottoman Turks in 1565 tell us about human resilience.  Location-wise, this Fortress City, with a soft honey hue, stands on the ocean. It is also the dream of a photographer with the Baroque architecture reaching the sky.  Despite being only 1 kilometer long and 600 meters wide, the city of Valletta is very compact, housing many museums, cobblestones, and architecture, and it became the "European Cultural Capital in 2018.  Valletta is very close to the famous Three Cities. These cities are Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa. The Grand Harbour separates these cities from Valletta.  Valletta was built by the Knights of St. John in 1565 after the Great Siege of Malta. It was one of the best fortified cities in Europe and was built in a very short span. The city got its name from Jean Parisot de La Valette, who was the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. Where To Stay In Valletta? When in Valletta, you must choose a hotel with an amazing rooftop view. The Embassy Valletta Hotel and Palazzo Ignazio are some of the best options to stay in.  The best areas for finding a hotel are the Valletta City Centre, Floriana, The Three Cities, etc.  The hotel charges will be around 300-500 Euros.  Is Valletta Really Worth It? An Honest Confession About The City  Yes, Valletta is a European Capital City with so many historic, religious, and cultural elements. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also has many stories, like the Great Siege of Malta or the attacks of World WW2.  However, the remnants of the British Colonial Rule, like the telephone booths and post boxes, were sore to my eyes and they are a mismatch with the beautiful Baroque architecture and century-old buildings.  Also, it is hard to find a quiet place in Valletta. So, that can be a problem for a solo traveler. Still, the great food and historic thrill of the city make it really worth it! Even if you are in the city for one day, you can enjoy a stroll around the City Square and at least explore the St. John's Co-Cathedral to enjoy a slice of Maltese life. Read Also: A Kotor Montenegro Travel Itinerary For 3 Days: How To Travel Kotor Montenegro On A Budget? “Winter Is Coming!” Where Is Hot In October? Explore Places To Visit In Europe Best Summer Destinations In Europe Beach: Couples Get Ready!