Luggage Storage Valletta City Gate

About Valletta City Gate

In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea close to the coast of North Africa, Malta has always been of great strategic importance for the various powers that have tried to rule the Mediterranean. As a result, Malta’s history has been one of warfare and repeated conquest. If ever a city needed substantial defenses, Valletta did.

The legacy of these defenses is the walls that surround the city and the imposing city gate that lets visitors in. Standing on the southwestern edge of Valletta's Old Town, the gate is where buses from the airport drop off the millions of tourists that visit every year. While the first gate at this location was built in 1569, the current incarnation dates to 2014 and is the work of Italian architect Renzo Piano. The gate incorporates design elements of the Baroque city while using elements of steel to give it a more modern flare. As the door to the city, Valletta city gate offers a perfect introduction to the many contradictions of the city and the unique country it's part of.

Things to do near Valletta city gate

As well as being one of Europe’s most southern capital cities, Valletta is one of the smallest. Although the city has outgrown its ancient walls, the parts of most interest to tourists are still behind the gate. As a point of entry to Valletta, the gate is close to many of the city’s main attractions. From here, you can:

• Come face-to-face with a masterpiece at St. John's Co-Cathedral. This ornate church is a grand monument by itself, but is best known for containing two paintings by legendary Baroque artist Caravaggio. Hired by the Knights of Malta who used to rule the city, the artist was eventually forced to flee in disgrace, but not before leaving some of his best work in this magnificent church.

• Dive deep into the past at the National Archaeological Museum. Malta is home to some of the oldest human settlements, not just in Europe but anywhere in the world. The incredible artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum date back to 5200 BC and offer a rare opportunity to learn about the culture of our distant ancestors.

• Take in sweeping views at Upper Barrakka Gardens. For all its historical importance, Valletta is also an incredibly scenic city. The Upper Barrakka Gardens celebrate this fact by offering a panoramic view of Valletta's Grand Harbour. Don't miss the Saluting Battery to see the cannons fire over the harbor every day at noon and 4 PM.

• Relive a tense time in history at the Lascaris War Rooms. Malta's strategic importance meant it played a significant role in the Second World War. The bunker from which war operations were run during 1940s has been preserved just as it was at the time.

• Take a sunset cruise through Valletta's Grand Harbour. The Baroque architecture of the city never looks better than when it catches the fading light from Malta's reliably sunny sky. The tour guide will explain the importance of what you're seeing while you drink in the perfect weather and the ambiance of this fascinating city.

• Treat yourself to some pastizzi. This traditional Maltese savory pastry is filled with spiced peas and is absolutely delicious. While you can get these treats just about anywhere in Valletta, see if you can get an outdoor table at Caffe Cordina, a Valletta institution that has been in business for over 175 years.

Transit options at Valletta City Gate

• From Valletta City Gate, bus route 133 runs through the Old Town, visiting the most popular tourist attractions.

• Bus routes X2, X3, and X4 run from Malta International Airport to Valletta city gate.

• Valletta city gate has a large bus station where you can catch buses to take you all over the island, including to the nearby cruise ship terminal.

Luggage storage at Valletta City Gate

No matter how you get to Malta, chances are your exploration of the capital city will start at Valletta city gate. This small city is highly walkable, but there are plenty of steep hills and staircases to climb as you explore. For that reason, you don’t want to carry any more than you absolutely need to.

Leaving your luggage near Valletta city gate will allow you to explore not just the city, but the rest of this small country in comfort. As well as the attractions of Valletta, there is plenty more to see in Malta. Track down a Bounce location and drop off your things so you can travel light.

Attractions and activities near Valetta

• Blue Grotto: Malta's famous Blue Grotto is a beautiful sea cave on the south coast of the island. Only accessible by water, you can pay local operators to bring you there and admire Malta's ruggedly beautiful coast and gorgeous warm sea. The photos you'll capture are incredible, and Malta's reliably sunny weather means you can participate in this activity almost year-round. The small boat is no place for large bags, so make sure you leave them at a luggage storage service  in Malta before heading out on the water.

• Malta temples: Malta is home to Stone Age temples that are some of the oldest buildings on earth. The mysterious temples at Hagar Qim and Ggantija were already ancient before the pyramids were built. We may never know the true purpose and function of these monuments, but it's fun to explore and speculate. Visiting the temples can mean a substantial walk on rough trails, so leave your heavy bags at a luggage storage in Valletta and take a journey back in time.

• Malta Marine Park: With its warm and crystal clear seas, Malta is one of Europe's top destinations for swimming. But at Malta Marine Park, you can take things up a notch by swimming with dolphins. The 30-minute adventure allows you to get up and close with these friendly marine mammals in the controlled environment of a pool. This popular activity should be booked well in advance.