Valletta Waterfront

Eyebrows were raised, and the more sceptical among us quaked with dread, when it was announced that a row of deeply historic warehouses on Valletta harbourside was to be redeveloped. "This could be disastrous," we collectively thought. Well, we couldn’t have been more wrong! So credit where credit is due … this new development in the capital is fantastic!

When the completed project was unveiled, our flabbers where collectively gasted! They’d only gone and got it absolutely spot on! The developers had created an immensely attractive promenade – one that has fast become a hugely popular leisure spot and one of our very favourite parts of the island for a meal out or a drink!

The Knights of Malta’s 68th Grand Master, Manoel Pinto da Fonseca, must surely never have imagined that the 19 warehouses he built 250 years ago would have turned out this way.

But judging by the care and passion the Portuguese leader clearly showed in their construction at the height of the Baroque period in Malta, you’d like to imagine that this renowned lover of Valletta would surely applaud the way their refurbishment was carried out.

The warehouses stretch out along the water’s edge at the back of the historical Quay Wall, where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their vessels. They have retained their original bright coloured doors, which were painted that way to indicate to the sailors, many of whom couldn’t read, which cargo needed to be delivered through which door.

The resulting sandy-coloured development is a mix of retail, dining and leisure experiences, conveniently sited close to where half a million cruise passengers disembark each year. In fact, on many occasions when you visit your view of the magnificent Grand Harbour might well be blocked by an enormous ocean liner.

The various bars, restaurants and night clubs housed here offer a unique experience to patrons who wine and dine in this majestic setting within Malta’s Grand Harbour – a natural deep water port, which for many thousands of years was the epicentre of Malta’s maritime activity. This harbour provides a truly exceptional and outstanding backdrop and, provided there is no giant boat in the way, you’ll need to travel a long way before you find somewhere to eat that provides a better view than here!

The Valletta Waterfront has also served as a splendid venue for open-air concerts, where various internationally-acclaimed artists including Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and Italian versatile blues singer Zucchero have enthused thousands at al fresco gigs. It has also become the official venue for the highly-acclaimed Malta Jazz and Rock Festival.

In the shops you’ll find a vast array of typical Maltese souvenirs and handcrafts like Mdina Glass and Gozo Glass products, traditional filigree and lace weave known as ‘bizzilla’, as well as classic statuettes of the Knights. In addition, there is also a wide selection of delicate gifts to suit everybody’s tastes.


Valletta Waterfront is the gateway to Malta’s capital city and is a great place to visit for a memorable meal.