Planning a trip to Malta? If Valletta is on your list (and it should be), where you stay can shape your entire experience. That’s why staying just outside the city walls at the award-winning Grand Hotel Excelsior offers the best of both worlds: direct access to Valletta, and the space and comfort to unwind in a peaceful setting.

Why Choose a Hotel Near Valletta Instead of Staying Inside the City?

Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site—historic, vibrant, and full of character. But while its narrow streets and architectural charm are part of the appeal, the city’s limited accommodations and busy atmosphere can pose a challenge for some travellers. Staying just outside the city, along the harbor, offers a more relaxed experience. You’ll still have immediate access to Valletta’s main gate, but with the added benefit of a quieter setting and more spacious rooms. At the Grand Hotel Excelsior, guests enjoy full resort-style amenities without sacrificing proximity to the capital.

Grand Hotel Excelsior – A 5-Star Hotel Near Valletta’s City Gate

Perfectly positioned between the historic city walls and Marsamxett Harbour, the Grand Hotel Excelsior combines five-star comfort with the convenience of staying near Valletta. It’s just a short walk or a complimentary shuttle ride from the city gate, placing you moments from Malta’s capital.

Guests can enjoy a private beach along the harbor, both outdoor and indoor pools, and a choice of sea-view or garden-view rooms, each with its own private balcony.
The hotel offers refined Mediterranean dining along with a relaxed bar atmosphere, ideal for winding down after a day of exploring.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the full-service spa and wellness facilities provide everything needed for a complete retreat.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, you’ll find the space and services you need.

Top Things To See In Valletta Near Our  Hotel

Some of Malta’s most iconic attractions are just a short walk from the hotel. You can visit the awe-inspiring St. John’s Co-Cathedral, stroll through the peaceful Upper Barrakka Gardens, or explore the history inside the Grandmaster’s Palace. Art lovers will enjoy MUZA, Malta’s National Museum of Fine Arts, while Republic Street offers a vibrant mix of cafés, shops, and local culture. After a day in the capital, you can return to the calm and comfort of your hotel by the sea.

Ideal for UK Travellers

With direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, getting to Malta is easy.
The hotel is just 15 minutes from Malta International Airport by taxi or private transfer.

Book Your Stay

The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers five-star service, unbeatable views, and a location that puts you at the heart of Malta’s history and culture.

 

This June, Valletta will glow with something truly special. For the first time ever, Museums by Candlelight Valletta transforms Malta’s capital into a candlelit stage of heritage, art, and live performance. On Saturday, 21st June, from 7:00 PM to midnight, five iconic sites will open their doors for an unforgettable night of discovery.

For just €5, you gain access to all five locations—each illuminated by hundreds of candles and brought to life with music, theatre, and ambience.

Explore Valletta’s Treasured Landmarks

Start your journey at the National Museum of Archaeology, set inside the elegant Auberge de Provence. The museum offers a deep dive into Malta’s ancient roots, featuring artefacts such as the Sleeping Lady, Venus of Malta, and the majestic Gran Salon.

Next, visit the Grand Master’s Palace, a commanding symbol of Maltese history and power for over 450 years. This special night includes the first-ever public unveiling of the restored state carriage—a highlight not to be missed.

Continue on to MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum, housed in the Auberge d’Italie. Spanning six centuries of creativity, MUŻA’s collection blends silverware, painting, sculpture, and antique furnishings—all shaped by Malta’s Mediterranean influences.

Then, step into St John’s Co-Cathedral, transformed by candlelight into a Baroque wonder. Admire its intricate marble floors, Preti’s painted ceilings, and Caravaggio’s only signed masterpiece, The Beheading of St John the Baptist.

End the evening at the Church of St Catherine of Italy. Designed by Girolamo Cassar, this architectural gem is opening to the public for the very first time. It’s the last remaining Hospitaller church still connected to its original auberge.

Plan Your Visit

Tickets for Museums by Candlelight Valletta can be purchased online or at the door. The €5 donation covers all venues and applies to everyone—students, seniors, and Heritage Malta members included.

This is a rare opportunity to see Valletta’s most treasured sites as you’ve never seen them before. Step into the past. Let candlelight guide your way.

Discover the soul of Malta through its fortified gems — the Three Cities Malta.
Nestled across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, these historic towns offer a timeless journey through culture, architecture, and local life.
Our exclusive tour takes you through Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, each with its own story, view, and character.

Vittoriosa (Birgu): The Knight’s Stronghold

Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, is the oldest of the Three Cities and rich in historical importance. Before Valletta existed, Birgu became the base of the Knights of St. John when they arrived in Malta in 1530. They chose it for its strategic position and transformed it into a powerful center of naval and religious command.
Fort St. Angelo, located at the tip of the city, played a crucial role during the Great Siege of 1565. As Ottoman forces tried to take the island, the fort held firm. Its success helped secure Malta’s future. Today, visitors can explore the restored fort and enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
Nearby, the Inquisitor’s Palace offers a rare glimpse into religious and civil justice from centuries past. Originally built as a courthouse for the Knights, it later housed the island’s inquisitors. Now a museum, it holds stories that span hundreds of years.

Senglea (Isla): Views That Take Your Breath Away

Senglea, or L-Isla in Maltese, extends into the Grand Harbour with elegance and strength. It is the smallest of the Three Cities, but its character runs deep. Built in the 1550s and named after Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, the city was part of Malta’s expanding defense system.
During the Great Siege of 1565, Senglea faced continuous attacks. The city never surrendered. That bravery earned it the name Città Invicta — The Unconquered City.
A walk through Senglea feels like turning the pages of history. Narrow streets lead to graceful churches and houses with traditional Maltese balconies. In addition, the harborfront path reveals stunning views of Valletta’s fortified skyline.

Cospicua (Bormla): The Hidden Gem

Cospicua, or Bormla, is the largest of the Three Cities. It has deep ties to Malta’s maritime history. For generations, it was the center of shipbuilding and dock work. Families here supported the island’s naval presence in the Mediterranean.
The city is protected by two sets of massive walls: the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines. The Knights of St. John built these in the 1600s. Their purpose was to guard Malta’s main harbor and its growing urban population.
Inside the fortifications, the city unfolds slowly. Narrow alleyways pass restored stone houses, small chapels, and peaceful courtyards. The atmosphere reflects the rhythm of daily life and the strong local identity that still thrives here.
Recent improvements along the harborfront have opened new spaces to walk and relax. Older buildings now stand beside calm promenades with views across the marina. Though Cospicua has evolved, it remains rooted in tradition and history.

Explore It All with Our Exclusive Excursion

Guests of Grand Hotel Excelsior can experience the Three Cities Malta firsthand with our private South Tour. This curated half-day journey includes visits to Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, along with stops at the Tarxien Temples, Ghar Dalam, Blue Grotto, and Marsaxlokk.

If you’re seeking history beyond the guidebooks, let our team show you the Three Cities Malta in a way that’s personal, memorable, and filled with insight.

The Malta Carnival remains a lively time-honoured spectacle that locals have embraced for almost five centuries, proving that costumes, cake, and a bit of mischief are a winning formula for the Maltese. In 2025, these festivities will run from February 28th through March 4th, delivering five days of rollicking parades, dazzling costumes, and vibrant street shenanigans that will give you plenty to write home about.

 

Head to Valletta for the Biggest Festivities

Valletta’s historic streets transform into a carnival playground, awash with colourful floats, energetic marching bands, and fabulously over-the-top outfits. You’ll see satirical themes woven into the displays—trust the Maltese to poke fun at just about anything. As you wander through the capital, do keep your camera ready for hilarious moments and outlandish get-ups.

 

 

 

Don’t Miss These Quirky Must-Sees

Don’t miss “Il-Parata,” a centuries-old sword dance dating back to the Knights’ era. Then there’s “Il-Qarċilla,” a mock wedding that keeps everyone giggling with its slapstick twists and playful banter. If you’re someone who lives for random belly laughs, you’ll be in your element.

 

Why Nadur Should Be on Your List

While Valletta delivers organised glamour, Nadur in Gozo steals the show with its off-the-cuff revelry. Here, carnival-goers sport grotesque masks and darkly comic costumes, giving the whole town a deliciously eerie vibe. It’s a far cry from the polished parades—think cheeky mischief rather than choreographed performances.

 

Treat Yourself to Maltese Carnival Delicacies

Expect Food stalls to tempt you with “Prinjolata,” a creamy dome of sponge cake, biscuits, almonds, and tangy fruit, crowned with cherries. Meanwhile, pastel-coloured “Perlini” (sugared almonds) get tossed from floats, so keep your eyes peeled for free sweets (and flying projectiles).

 

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be navigating winding streets and bustling carnival routes all day long. On the bright side, all that walking might just help burn off the Prinjolata and Perlini you couldn’t resist!