Central Valletta

Central Valletta has baroque architecture, museums, and cafes along the main pedestrian street. It's safe during the day and early evening with good English levels, though the hills are steep and side streets get very quiet at night.

Central Valletta runs along Republic Street, the main pedestrian street with baroque buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants. You'll find St. John's Co-Cathedral (with Caravaggio paintings), the National Museum, and lots of Knights of St. John architecture. The area is busy during the day with tourists, office workers, and shoppers. You'll see people eating alone in outdoor cafes, reading or on laptops - it's normal here. Restaurant staff speak English and deal with tourists constantly. Streets are well-lit at night with visible police, so walking Republic Street in the evening feels safe. The Barrakka Gardens have harbor views and quiet spots. After 10pm the main street gets much quieter, though it's more empty than threatening. Side streets are poorly lit and deserted after dark though, so stay on the main roads. The whole area is built on steep hills with lots of stairs - atmospheric but tiring in summer heat.