Strait Street: Valletta's infamous 'Gut' reborn
Explore Valletta's legendary Strait Street: from notorious red-light district to vibrant nightlife and culinary hotspot.
Once Valletta's notorious red-light district, Strait Street, or 'The Gut,' is now a vibrant hub of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Its narrow passage holds a rich history of sailors, jazz, and debauchery, now replaced with a trendy nightlife scene and culinary experiences.
A brief summary to Strait St
- Valletta, MT
Local tips
- Visit in the evening to experience the lively atmosphere with music and entertainment.
- Try local delicacies at the various eateries along the street, especially pastizzi.
- Explore the small shops that sell unique Maltese crafts and souvenirs.
- Look out for the historical plaques that provide insights into the street's past.
Do you manage this location?
Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more
Activate your presenceOther nearby places you may find interesting
Getting There
-
Walking
Strait Street is centrally located in Valletta and easily accessible on foot from most points within the city. From City Gate, walk straight down Republic Street, then turn right onto St. Lucia Street. Strait Street will be the first street on your left. Alternatively, from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, walk down Merchants Street and turn left onto St. Nicholas Street. Strait Street will be on your right. No costs involved.
-
Public Transport
Valletta is the main terminus for buses in Malta. Numerous bus routes connect to City Gate. From the bus terminus, walk straight down Republic Street, then turn right onto St. Lucia Street. Strait Street will be the first street on your left. A single bus journey costs €2 in summer and €1.50 in winter and is valid for two hours, allowing for transfers.
-
Ferry
Ferries connect Valletta to Sliema and the Three Cities (Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa). From the Sliema ferry landing, Route 133 connects the ferry quays with the center of Valletta. From the Three Cities ferry, a ticket for the Upper Barrakka lift is provided, offering complimentary access to Valletta's center. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, walk down Merchants Street and turn left onto St. Nicholas Street. Strait Street will be on your right. Ferry fares are approximately €1.50 single or €2.80 return.
-
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi from the Malta International Airport to Valletta costs approximately €20-30. From anywhere in Valletta, a taxi to Strait Street will be a short ride with a flat fare of €5 for up to three people using the electric mini cabs.
-
Parking
Parking in Valletta can be challenging. The MCP Floriana car park is located just outside Valletta and offers a convenient option. From there, it's a short walk into the city. Parking costs €4-5 for a flat rate. Alternatively, the Valletta Waterfront offers parking at a flat rate of €4-5. Parking within Valletta is subject to the Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) system, with fees applicable during certain hours. Free access after 2 PM between Monday and Friday, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays.
Discover more about Strait St
Explore the best of what Strait St has to offer
More about Birgu
Discover Birgu, Malta's historic gem, where medieval architecture meets vibrant maritime culture, offering stunning views, rich history, and unforgettable experiences.
Tell me more about Birgu
Explore the rich history of Malta's postal services and vibrant local art scene at the Malta Postal Museum & Arts Hub in Valletta.
Discover the Sette Giugno Monument in Valletta, a poignant sculpture commemorating Malta's struggle for democracy and a symbol of resilience.
