Top 12 Things that San Francisco is Known for!

BY  Sibashree Jun 13, 2025

With Jekyll Island being named the best travel destination in Georgia by Travel+Leisure, the beach tourism industry in the state is once again grabbing all the attention. Furthermore, Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta, has been in the news recently. Macey Rewis, an artist focused on marine life, is raising funds for the Tybee Island Marine Science Center’s conservation and educational programs. She has been working with Low Country Grit to offer support to the museum. “I shared with her what we were doing, and she said I already give a portion of my proceeds back to foster conservation and clean water on the coast. She was in. Tybee Marine Science Center was in. It was like a perfect partnership, and I found out her turtle was the original Ike that they had first rescued.” - Alexa Frame, Founder, Low Country Grit Additionally, Tybee Island is elevating its food scene a few notches with The Window. This grab-and-go window for breakfast and lunch opened by Ryan and Randy during the Memorial Day Weekend has become an instant hit. The Window is serving the best Chicken Biscuits, Bacon, Egg and Cheese, sausage egg, ham, and more. So, now you have more reasons to visit Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta. However, Atlanta has many other nearby beaches, such as South Walton in Florida and Edisto Island in South Carolina. In this Tour and Travel Guide, let’s explore the best beaches near Atlanta. However, before that, let’s know what the perfect time is to plan a beach trip near Atlanta. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Closest Beach To Atlanta? Tybee Island, the closest Gulf beach to Atlanta, is a popular summer destination for many. However, high temperatures and surging crowds are the main challenges for a summer visit to Tybee Island. So, plan a trip during spring (April to May) or the fall season (September to November) to enjoy the island’s beauty and outdoor activities to the fullest. Do you want to visit the island in any other month? Here are the temperature and rainfall details of Tybee Island by month. MonthsHighest TemperatureLowest TemperatureDays of RainfallJanuary1565February1696March20117April22155May25214June29259July31259August302510September27247October25204November18145December16106 What Is The Closest Beach To Atlanta? Know The Best Beaches Near Atlanta For Planning The Perfect Coastal Getaway The nearby beaches are a major reason to visit Atlanta. So, let’s start with Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta, and then explore other beach attractions. 1. Tybee Island, Georgia: The Closest Ocean Beach To Atlanta Distance from Atlanta: 265 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours What is the easiest beach to get to from Atlanta? It’s Tybee Island. Located on the easternmost part of Georgia, Tybee Island has shopping, dining, and a vibrant nightlife vibe. Furthermore, this barrier island is known for its laid-back vibe. It also has a historic lighthouse, and when at Tybee Island, you must spend some time at the Marine Science Center. 2. South Walton, Florida: A Beach With A Unique Dune Lake Ecosystem Distance from Atlanta: 302 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours South Walton is the closest beach to Atlanta in Florida by car. Visit Rosemary Beach in South Walton to indulge in the quintessential French Quarter feel. Grayton Beach, on the other hand, has an inimitable hippie vibe. However, the most happening feature is the dune lake ecosystem. 3. Jacksonville, Florida: The Closest Beach To Atlanta With An Intracoastal Eco Tour Distance from Atlanta: 346 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours Jacksonville is one of the best Florida beaches close to Georgia. With Neptune and Atlantic Beaches, Jacksonville also offers a white sand stretch of 22 miles. Don’t miss the Intracoastal Eco-Tour here if you love spending time in nature. Further, explore the Shipwreck Island Waterpark for the ultimate family fun. Jacksonville also has a happening nightlife. 4. Jekyll Island, Georgia: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Mini Golf Matches Distance from Atlanta: 422 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours 40 Minutes Jekyll Island is a top attraction in Georgia if you think summer is the best time to visit Savannah beaches. Jekyll Island is peaceful and ideal for a family vacation. Furthermore, you will enjoy the mini golf matches and dolphin tours here. 5. Gulf Shores, Alabama: Explore 32 Miles Of White Sand Stretches Distance from Atlanta: 354 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours Gulf Shores, combined with Orange Beach, features 32 miles of white sand stretches. The quartz from the Appalachian Mountains is used to create this sand. The beaches near the town center are busier, and you will find the quieter ones to the west. 6. Daytona Beach, Florida: The Original American Beach Distance from Atlanta: 433 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes Daytona Beach will be one of your top choices if you are looking for family-friendly beaches in Florida. It also has the nickname of the “Original American Beach.” You will find the tallest lighthouse in Florida here. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art and the Boardwalk & Pier are other popular attractions here. Moreover, the best outdoor activities here are playing golf and zip-lining. 7. Edisto Island, South Carolina: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Spotting Turtles Distance from Atlanta: 287 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours If you love interacting with wildlife, Edisto Island will be your favorite beach closest to Atlanta. You will spot turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife on the island. Moreover, you can take a bike ride or a boat ride here for adventure. 8. New Smyrna Beach, Florida: Closest Beach To Atlanta With Traffic-Free Family Zones Distance from Atlanta: 450 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes With a stretch of 13 miles, New Smyrna Beach is a favorite of surfers. Further, it has traffic-free zones for families. River cruising, kayaking, and boating are other popular attractions on the beach. 9. Panama City Beach, Florida: The Spring Break Capital Of The World Panama City Beach, or the Spring Break Capital of the World, has close to 28 miles of sugar-white sand beaches. It is also one of the closest beaches to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Furthermore, the beach, where you can collect the most beautiful shells and spend the whole day swimming, becomes the most vibrant at night. Also, it has exciting theme parks, and the city authority is planning to establish it as the most family-friendly destination in Florida. 10. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Dolphin Spotting Distance from Atlanta: 282 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours 30 Minutes There are a lot of things to do in Hilton Head. It is especially a delightful location to explore marine life with kids. The dolphin-watching excursion or a zip-line ride over the waterways and forests are the best adventure activities here. Moreover, you will love kayaking, biking, and cruising here. 11. Ossabaw Island, Georgia: The Most Pristine And Closest Beach To Atlanta Distance from Atlanta: 247 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours Ossabaw Island is the third-largest barrier island in Georgia. Further, around 13 miles of its seashore are underdeveloped. So, if you want to enjoy a pristine charm, Ossabaw Island will instantly become your favorite. The distance between Atlanta and Savannah is around 250 miles. You can take a boat ride for just 20 minutes to reach Ossabaw Island from Savannah. Also, if you have enough time, you must explore the unique things to do in Savannah to learn about the culture and history of Georgia and the USA.   12. Perdido Key, Florida: The Best Beach With Golf Areas Distance from Atlanta: 335 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours Perdido Key is one of the most family-friendly beaches near Atlanta. You will love the stretches of white sand here. Also, it has golf areas, recreation zones, and the Perdido Key State Park. 13. Wilmington, North Carolina: Home To 3 Beautiful Beaches Distance from Atlanta: 416 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach call Wilmington their home. Carolina Beach is the most happening among them, thanks to festivals and a beautiful boardwalk. Further, Wrightsville Beach is famous for watersports. Also, you will love the relaxed vibe of Kure Beach with the aquarium. What Are The Best Beaches Near Atlanta For Families? Are you planning a family trip to Atlanta? Visit the following family-friendly beaches near Atlanta. Tybee Island - Gentle waves, relaxed vibe, exploring wildlife at the Marine Science Center. Jekyll Island: Calm waters, dolphin tours, mini golf matches. Neptune Park on St. Simons Island: Mini golf course on the beachfront, hunting hidden tree spirits. Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Hilton Head Island: Scenic beauty, The Sandbox Children's Museum. What Are The Best Pet-Friendly Beaches Near Atlanta? Morningside Nature Preserve is the best pet-friendly beach near Atlanta. It remains open from 6 AM to 11 PM every day. Your pawsome friends will love cooling off at the shallow creek zones. Also, this 33-acre place has a suspension bridge. Herbert Taylor Park & Daniel Johnson Park are other pet-friendly beaches near Atlanta. It is safe for pets in the gentle waves. The Closest Beach To Atlanta: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the closest beach to Atlanta. 1. What Cities Are 2 Hours From Atlanta? Chattanooga, Suches, and Blue Ridge are the cities located at a 2-hour distance from Atlanta. 2. What Beach Is 4 Hours Drive From Atlanta? Tybee Island is a 4-hour drive from Atlanta. It is also close to Savannah. 3. What Beach Is 1 Hour From Atlanta? There is no beach at a distance of 1 hour from Atlanta. Tybee Island is the closest beach to Atlanta, and it is located at a distance of 4 hours. 4. What Is The Closest Ocean Beach To Atlanta? Tybee Island is the closest ocean beach to Atlanta. The distance between these two places is 265 miles.

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 18, 2024

It's challenging to cram so much perfection into a location that can be accessed without a passport. However, Puerto Rico, a small US territory that is the smallest of the Caribbean's Greater Antilles, has almost 300 miles of coastline and an equal number of sandy beaches. Puerto Rico is home to numerous natural wonders. Their fried favorites like mofongo and decadent rum drinks are world-famous. This is the place where the piña colada originated, after all. In addition to some of the best beaches in the world, there are three bioluminescent bays. It is also home to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States. These are the best beaches in Puerto Rico to look for on your next trip, featuring pristine white sand shores, snorkeling havens with plenty of coral, and secret coves accessible only by boat. Best Beaches In Puerto Rico If you are looking for some sun and beach in Puerto Rico, there is no shortage of those here. This island country is filled with pristine beaches and clear blue water. Carolina's Isla Verde Beach For exciting days by the sea, Carolina's quaint beaches on Puerto Rico's northeast coast are the best. El Alambique, Balneario de Carolina, and Pine Grove Beach are the three distinct beaches that make up Carolina's Isla Verde Beach. It is a highly popular urban shore. Nearby El Alambique has lots of restaurants, Pine Grove is popular with surfers. Balneario de Carolina is a quiet beach by week that comes alive on weekends with live music and regular festivals. This bustling shore is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It features a beach volleyball court, food vendors, and a kid-friendly water park. Isabela Isabela is a beach town on Puerto Rico's northwest coast that attracts those looking for a laid-back beach day. It offers something for everyone, from the intense surfing waves at Middles Beach to the serene waters of Pozo Teodoro. Explore the abundant marine life at Shacks Beach, take a horseback ride along the sandy shores of Isabela, or simply relax at Montones Beach. Families like this naturally occurring pool because of its shallow, clear water. It is shielded from the Atlantic Ocean by a sizable volcanic rock formation. To experience a shift in tempo, visit Jobos Beach. This lively cove, which is near eateries and bars, is great for swimming; however, watch out for rip currents. It is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. Luquillo Beach Luquillo, sometimes referred to as the "Sun's Capital," has more than 12 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline. Visitors can swim and sunbathe at Balneario La Monserrate, also called Luquillo Beach, with the El Yunque National Forest as a backdrop. Families love this lively beach because it has lots of facilities and is close to the Luquillo Beach kiosks. They have a row of family-run shops selling food and trinkets. Choose the calmer Playa Azul for the best paddleboarding, kayaking, and kitesurfing. If you prefer challenging waves for surfing, La Pared offers exactly that. Cabo Rojo Of all the Puerto Rican municipalities, Cabo Rojo has the most coastline, making it a beach lover's paradise. Families particularly like Playa el Combate, Balneario de Boquerón, and Buyé Beach. They all have serene waters and picture-perfect scenery. Combate's northern end draws large crowds due to its colorful island houses, easily accessible facilities, and close proximity to restaurants. Whereas its southern end is more isolated. Otherwise, head to La Playuela for some of the best waves for bodyboarding and surfing. This secluded beach, also called Playa Sucia, is well-liked for its striking limestone cliffs and immaculate white sand. Crash Boat Beach This town on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico was designed for lazy days by the sea. People come to Crash Boat Beach in the summer to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, thrilling games of beach volleyball, and scuba diving. Surfers flock to this action-packed shoreline in the winter, hoping to catch the next big wave. Enjoy a beverage and some food from a nearby vendor while you observe thrill-seekers jump off the distinctive pier at Crash Boat. Families will enjoy Rompeolas Beach's gentle waves, but Peña Blanca and Survival Beach are also excellent choices if you're seeking more privacy. Little Girl Island The little sister of Puerto Rico, known to poet Luis Llorens Torres as "Isla Nena" (Little Girl Island), is a romantic haven located about ten miles off the mainland. Sail around the world's brightest bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay, in a kayak, or lounge next to the wild Paso Fino horses of Vieques. Snorkelers should go to Esperanza Beach and La Chiva for their glass-like waters, while families can enjoy Sun Bay Beach's amenities, which include food vendors, lifeguards, and camping space. The black sand beach of Playa Negra is the ideal spot to dip your toes for a memorable experience. This is another one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. Fajardo With its handy location close to numerous islands and cays, Fajardo makes an excellent starting point for day trips. See Playa Seven Seas, a well-liked beach with calm water perfect for swimming and snorkeling, if you're searching for a beach with lots of amenities. Beach-goers seeking a more private setting will appreciate Playa Colorá and Playa Escondida. Fajardo offers an abundance of breathtaking landscapes to choose from. Whether you're kayaking around Laguna Grande's bioluminescent bay. Or boarding a catamaran charter to Cayo Icacos. Or even trying to capture the ideal Instagram shot at La Zanja's natural swimming pool. Rincón Rincón, a popular surfing destination, has a number of beaches that are ideal for riding waves. Because the waves at Domes Beach, Maria's Beach, and Steps Beach can reach up to 20 feet high, surfers swarm to these locations during the winter. As summer arrives, the waves calm down, making these beaches ideal for snorkeling, sea glass collecting, and tanning. In the meantime, swimmers are drawn to Rincón Balneario, and Sandy Beach's well-liked coastline is cherished for its close proximity to dining establishments, bars, and hotel choices. You're in for an amazing sunset no matter where you choose to spread your towel. Island of Culebra The Island of Culebra, which is about 20 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico's mainland, has some of the most stunning beaches in the archipelago—if not the entire world. When searching for the best beaches in Puerto Rico, the Island of Culebra takes the cake. Flamenco Beach dazzles with its glistening white sands and placid water that changes color from aquamarine to white throughout the day. Families and snorkelers love this beach, which also has a campground and beach vendors serving real Puerto Rican food. Snorkeling with sea turtles and manta rays at Playa Tamarindo is a great experience for underwater enthusiasts. However, if you would rather relax under a palm tree, Zoni Beach is a better choice. Wrapping Up With that we gave you a look at some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico in this article and help you choose which one to visit on your next vacation. It is understandable why so many people travel to this Caribbean island for a beach vacation each year. With its soft sand, clear water, and stunning scenery, it truly is a scenic heaven. With a variety of beaches to choose from, the island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and the Caribbean Sea in the south. There is a beach in Puerto Rico for everyone, from quiet coves to busy tourist destinations. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best beaches in Puerto Rico, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Family Fun In The Gulf Of Mexico: Beaches, Boating, And More These Are The Closest Beaches To Ohio That You Need To Go For A Dreamy Vacation! The Best Getaway: Check Out These Beaches That Are Closest To Tennessee’s Knoxville!

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!