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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 looking for reasons to visit Maitland? Or are you already in Maitland and looking for some of the best restaurants in the city? These restaurants and cafes offer passionate and delicious cuisine on a regional and international level. You can enjoy diverse food types while experiencing culture and people. If you are a fan of a chic-looking environment, international food, friendly service, a supportive personal experience, and others, Maitland is it for you! Keep reading the article to learn more about the top restaurants in Maitland Australia! This will help you better understand the cuisine, and which is most perfect for a family outing or dates with your partner or girlfriends. Top Restaurants In Maitland Australia, That Give You Culinary Delights! According to the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG), the top seventeen restaurants in Maitland, NSW, are listed in it. Maitland offers a diverse range of cuisines, such as modern Australian, Korean, Italian, Mexican, and American. You can find almost any type of food and check out new places. Maitland is well known for its vibrant murals, artists, local culture, and delicious food! Vibrancy is integral to their culture, and they have several touring exhibitions and artworks. It is an immersive journey regarding food, history, street art, and architecture that you must attend. Fascinating heritage buildings such as East Maitland Court House and Caroline Chisholm Cottage are integral to heritage tours, adding to the aesthetic appeal of culinary delights while traveling to Maitland.  Some of the popular restaurants in Maitland are The Cunning Culinarian, Lavenders Riverside Cafe, and Fratelli Roma! We will discuss these restaurants in Maitland Australia in-depth and how fun they are to visit. History Of Maitland City, Australia! A historic Hunter Valley region, Maitland is in New South Wales, Australia, and is the main gateway for exploring architecture, food, culture, and people. If you are planning to visit Maitland, you can drive from Sydney. These restaurants in Maitland Australia will provide you the perfect environment to go on a date or hang out with friends and family! The heritage buildings, colonial-style buildings, and cute wooden shophouses show beautifully preserved history! Read about some of the top restaurants and cafes that you can visit when you reach Maitland. Several local craft shops galore, along with exhibitions, are part of the established culture! 1. Fratelli Roma The restaurant Fratelli Roma is in Maitland, Australia, known for its authentic Italian dishes. One of the best dining experiences as the owners, Christine and Daniel, offer some of the best quality dining experiences since 2007. Please make reservations when you visit this restaurant. Everything is included, from fresh pasta to gnocchi, made with quality local produce. You can have both takeaways along with dine-in offers for all customers. They produce seasonal pasta, which you can buy along with them serving international wine and a comprehensive collection of regional drinks! 2. The Cunning Culinarian It is a cafe with the unique name “The Cunning Culinarian,” which offers a cozy dining experience! It is quite popular in Maitland for its light meals and delicious coffee. An elegant cafe, it offers a range of exquisite coffee and fine foods. This restaurant is known as one of the best restaurants in Australia!  The dining area offers home-cooked treats and coffee. The atmosphere is intimate, cozy, warm, roomy, and bright. Several local stock products are also available in the cafe. Another fun thing you can do in this cafe is host various cooking classes. So, you can either have a cooking class date with your partner, girlfriend, or mom! The chic Western Sydney interior will give you a great experience. Furthermore, you can also order your caffeine fix in the cafe's front window. 3. Lavender Riverside Cafe The restaurant is known for its modern Australian culinary delights and offers Alfresco dining with beautiful views of the Hunter River. The Lavender Riverside Cafe is on the top of the Maitland Heritage Mall. Locals love this venue, and if you visit it, you can bask in the warm sunshine in the courtyard! You can stroll around the banks of the river with a group of friends or family! You can, therefore, order pineapple juice or have coffee with brunch. The cuisine in this restaurant is made with local produce, incorporating a gourmet twist that has a delicious taste.  One of the top restaurants in Maitland Australia is Lavender Riverside Cafe! Some dishes are quite popular in this venue, such as a breaky burger of rissole, fried eggs, baby spinach, choron sauce, and onion relish. You can also try the beer-battered flathead tails with seafood sauce, chips, and salad! How can we forget the sweet treat of a cake cabinet, indulging in some of the beautiful culinary experiences? 4. El Chapo The restaurant El Chapos is Mexican, and it is quite popular for its flavorful Mexican cuisine. The place is quite lively and provides a beautiful dining experience due to the vibrant atmosphere! El Chapo serves authentic Mexican street food in the heart of Maitland. You can visit this place for casual lunch and dinner because the lower area of the restaurant is designed for that! You can sit and enjoy a meal or pack the food to take and go! The upstairs area of El Chapo is intended for you if you want to enjoy a cozy and intimate experience. If you take your family, you can have a candlelit Mexican experience, which is a little dark for you. However, if you are taking your partner for an intimate candlelit dinner or an anniversary dinner, this is it for you! 5. The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar A cafe, The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar combines two interesting things: coffee culture and cycling! The restaurant is family-owned, which creates a unique experience especially when delicious food and a fun and interesting activity are integrated. The local community hub on High Street in Maitland, NSW, brings espresso bars and a bike workshop. It is quite popular for sauerkraut, corned beef, seeded mustard, and Swiss Cheese on toasted seeded sourdough! They serve the Swiss Cheese with crisp and pickle sides. The cafe sells several high-quality speciality bikes, accessories, and parts. The atmosphere is homely, with white subway tiles, eclectic artwork, and a full glass frontage. So, now you know you can service your bike while you settle down with a toasted sandwich or a Portuguese chicken salad wrap along with a mango smoothie! Casual Dining Options In Maitland Various casual dining options in Maitland cater to the diverse requirements and necessities of visitors' and travelers' preferences. Contemporary American cuisine, seafood, Italian, and others are all available in Australia’s Maitland. You can include these options when you create your budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia!  Some of the coolest and most in-demand places in Maitland are Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen & Bar, Bar Italia, and Cheddar’s Casual Cafe! There is also a beautiful place in Maitland called Riverside Levee, which is like a collection of restaurants, small bars, cafes, and boutiques. You can visit the Riverside Levee, where you can indulge in delicious food at Boydell’s, a restaurant with a cellar door inside an 1820s slab hut. There, you can also experience pastries and decadent cakes from Icky Sticky Patisserie! Another popular bar in Maitland is The Rigby, which gives you the feeling of a Melbourne party scene. What's more, there is an amazing place with unique ideas. Along with food, you can also order a tattoo! Isn’t that an adventure? So, now you know the next time you visit Maitland, what places you have got to check out. Whether you go with your family, partner, or friends, you know you can visit any one of these restaurants or cafes! Finishing Off... To sum it up, the top restaurants in Maitland Australia, offer a diverse culinary scene that ranges from casual to fine dining eateries. The city is perfect for domestic and international visitors, whether they want to go out on a date or hang out with friends or colleagues on the weekend. Maitland is obviously a place that provides delicious, unique, and trendiest culinary experiences! Several restaurants offer international cuisine. After reading details about these restaurants and cafes, you can decide which one you want to go to! I am sure you will be able to explore several options, from casual eateries to dining! Comment on which restaurant you want to dine at, or is there any specific cuisine you are craving? Learn More About: 6 Tips For A Luxurious Trip To Australia Top 5 Used Japanese Vehicles In Australia 10 Things You Have To Do When You Visit Australia

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!