Valletta: A UNESCO City, a Hollywood Favourite and the Perfect Place to Dine

There are cities you visit, and then there are cities that stay with you forever. Valletta is one of those rare places. Compact enough to explore on foot yet rich enough to fill days with discovery, Malta's capital has quietly become one of the most talked about destinations in Europe, and for very good reason.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning as a familiar guest, I always love welcoming people to our table at Palazzo Preca after a long and beautiful day spent wandering these historic streets.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Malta boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Valletta is proudly among them, recognised as a glorious cultural capital city of extraordinary historical significance. Valletta was purposely built following the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, dubbed the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen, and its architecture features ornate Baroque buildings, the exuberant St John's Co-Cathedral, and the Grand Master's Palace.

Though small in size, this fortified city is packed with cultural landmarks, sea views, and hidden gems that make it a must-visit destination. One of the greatest pleasures of Valletta is simply wandering its narrow streets slowly, letting the city reveal itself at its own pace.

Valletta on the Big Screen

What many visitors do not realise until they arrive is that Valletta has long been one of Hollywood's best kept secrets. The Malta Film Commission actively promotes film tourism and celebrates the legacy of productions that have shot on the island, including Napoleon, Assasians Creed, Troy, Gladiator, and World War Z. One initiative is the Valletta Film Trail, which showcases 21 locations around the city.

Gladiator (2000) was filmed at Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara, and World War Z (2013) was shot across Fort St Elmo, Valletta, and several surrounding areas. Ridley Scott returned to Malta for Gladiator II (2024), and the production involved close coordination with Heritage Malta, the national agency overseeing cultural sites, to ensure filming respected and highlighted preserved structures in Valletta and surrounding fortifications.

Most recently, Enola Holmes 3 was filmed across Valletta, Mdina, Mellieħa, Ħ'Attard, and Marfa Ridge, with principal photography running from April to June 2025. Valletta served as the beating heart of the film's story, with its steep hills, narrow alleys, and centuries of layered history transformed into a working Victorian set.

Valletta's most distinctive visual feature is the gallariji, the colourful enclosed wooden balconies that line the golden Baroque facades in vivid reds, blues, and greens, and it is easy to understand why filmmakers keep coming back.

What to Do in Valletta

Tourists visiting Valletta often ask the same questions. What should I not miss? How long do I need? Where should I eat?

St John's Co-Cathedral, with its lavish interior, is one of the city's most impressive landmarks, while the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Beyond the major monuments, the city rewards those who simply wander. Hidden squares, colourful balconies and centuries of history reveal themselves around every corner.

Strait Street offers a wide range of entertainment, including quirky exhibition spaces, jazz bars, cabarets and theatres, and it is here, nestled inside a beautifully restored 16th century palazzo, that you will find Palazzo Preca.

Make a Stop at Palazzo Preca

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  Scallops, prawns, tomato, onion, celery, and passion fruit

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  Scallops, prawns, tomato, onion, celery, and passion fruit

After a morning exploring Valletta's streets, monuments, and film locations, there is nothing quite like sitting down to a proper lunch in a beautiful setting. And after a long afternoon of strolling through history, a relaxed dinner is exactly what the evening calls for.

Palazzo Preca is nestled inside a beautifully restored 16th century palazzo on Strait Street, one of Valletta's most iconic and historic roads. Whether you join us for a refreshing midday lunch or settle in for a long and leisurely dinner, we are here to make your time in Valletta even more memorable.

Our menu celebrates the very best of Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine, from fresh local seafood and traditional rabbit to homemade pasta and my mother Stella's signature trifle. Every dish is prepared with the care and passion that has been at the heart of Palazzo Preca since the day we opened our doors.

Valletta deserves to be explored slowly and savoured fully. We would love to be part of your day.

Book A Table

For any questions, please call us on +356 2122 6777 or email info@palazzoprecarestaurant.eu

Frequently Asked Questions About Valletta

Is Valletta worth visiting?

Absolutely. Valletta is one of Europe's most extraordinary capital cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with Baroque architecture, world class museums, stunning harbour views, and some of the finest dining in Malta.

How long should I spend in Valletta?

A full day gives you enough time to cover the main sights. Two days allows you to explore at a more relaxed pace and discover the quieter streets and hidden corners that make Valletta so special.

What movies were filmed in Valletta?

Valletta has been the backdrop for some of Hollywood's biggest productions. According to the Malta Film Commission, notable films include Gladiator, Gladiator II, World War Z, Munich, Troy, and Napoleon. Most recently, Enola Holmes 3 was filmed extensively across Valletta in 2025.

Where should I eat in Valletta?

Palazzo Preca on Strait Street is one of Valletta's most beloved family run restaurants, nestled inside a beautifully restored 16th century palazzo. We serve traditional Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine and welcome guests for both lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.

Is Valletta easy to explore on foot?

Yes. Valletta is a compact city, and most of its major sights are within easy walking distance of one another. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the streets are uneven and hilly in places.

What is Valletta famous for?

Valletta is famous for its extraordinary Baroque architecture, its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, its rich history as the city built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, and its growing reputation as one of Europe's most sought after Hollywood filming locations.