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Valletta Waterfront: A Blend of History and Modernity

Experience Malta's history and vibrant culture at the Valletta Waterfront, offering dining, shopping, and stunning Grand Harbour views.

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The Valletta Waterfront, located in Floriana, Malta, is a vibrant promenade combining historical architecture with modern entertainment, dining, and shopping. Originally built in the 18th century by Grand Master Manuel Pinto de Fonseca, the area features nineteen baroque warehouses, now restored and painted in symbolic colors, offering stunning views of the Grand Harbour.

A brief summary to The Valletta Waterfront

Local tips

  • Explore the waterfront's historical buildings and learn about their original purpose by observing the color-coded doors.
  • Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants offering diverse cuisines, from traditional Maltese to international fare.
  • Check the Valletta Waterfront's event calendar for festivals, concerts, and other cultural activities.
  • Take a stroll along the promenade to enjoy the scenic views of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding fortifications.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Valletta's city center, the Valletta Waterfront is approximately a 15-minute walk. Head southeast towards the Lower Barrakka Gardens, then continue along Triq il-Vittmi Furjaniżi tal-Gwerra. The waterfront will be on your left. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the Valletta Bus Terminus, take bus route 130 towards 'Pinto'. The bus ride is approximately 10 minutes. A single journey ticket costs €2. The Valletta Ferry circular route, Route 133, connects the ferry quays with the center of Valletta.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Valletta. A taxi ride from the city center to the Valletta Waterfront typically takes 5 minutes, costing approximately €10-€15.

  • Parking

    If driving, ample parking is available at the Valletta Waterfront. Options include the Atrium Car Park and the Quay Car Park, with flat rates of €4 before 7 PM and €5 from 7 PM to 11 PM on weekdays, and €5 on weekends and public holidays. Free parking is also available on the road, but availability may be limited.

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Discover more about The Valletta Waterfront

The Valletta Waterfront is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends Malta's rich history with contemporary leisure. Constructed in 1752 by Grand Master Emanuel Pinto da Fonseca, the waterfront boasts a series of nineteen warehouses designed in the Baroque style by Andrea Belli. These warehouses, known as the Pinto Stores, were originally used by the Knights of Malta and other merchants to store goods, boosting harbor activities. The iconic doors of the Pinto Stores are painted in different colors, each representing the type of goods that were once stored within: blue for fish, green for agricultural produce, yellow for wheat, and red for wine. This colorful detail adds to the waterfront's unique charm and historical significance. Adjacent to the Pinto Stores are the Forni Stores, which predate them, having been built in 1626 and 1720. In 1810, the British Navy converted the Forni Stores into a bakery, which supplied ship biscuits to the growing navy. Badly damaged during World War II due to its proximity to the Malta Dockyard, the Valletta Waterfront has been meticulously restored. While some buildings were completely rebuilt with parking lots behind their facades, others were restored to their original design. Today, the Valletta Waterfront is a bustling hub featuring restaurants, bars, retail outlets, and a cruise passenger terminal. It hosts various events, including the Malta Jazz Festival and the Malta Fireworks Festival. The Church of the Flight into Egypt, built in 1752 along with the stores, was also damaged during the war but has been faithfully restored.

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