City Gate & Parliament Building
Valletta's modern gateway, where Renzo Piano's architecture meets ancient fortifications and the grand Triton Fountain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical golden light
City Gate & Parliament Building
Best Time
Magical golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Valletta's modern gateway, where Renzo Piano's architecture meets ancient fortifications and the grand Triton Fountain.
"A striking modern entrance to a historic city, offering panoramic views and vibrant atmosphere."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Valletta is hilly with many stairs. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
📸 Golden Hour Views
Visit before sunset for breathtaking golden light on the fortifications.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
City Gate Entrance
Main entrance to Valletta
Renzo Piano's modern stone gateway, a striking contrast to ancient fortifications.
Triton Fountain
In front of City Gate
A grand centerpiece offering panoramic views and a lively meeting point.
Parliament Building
Adjacent to City Gate
Modern architecture blending with historic ramparts, a unique visual experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Hills and Stairs
Embrace the Tourist Buzz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Just returned from Budapest: impressed with the city, and already want to come back! The parliament is equally beautiful and massive : 268 m (879 ft) long and 123 m (404 ft) wide. Its interior includes 10 courtyards, 13 passenger and freight elevators, 27 gates, 29 staircases and 691 rooms.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Valletta is hilly with many stairs. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
📸 Golden Hour Views
Visit before sunset for breathtaking golden light on the fortifications.
Hungarian Parliament in Budapest last night
Tourist questions - folk shows, parliament tours, attractions and the bath house!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
🥪 Affordable Bites
Grab sandwiches and pastries from food trucks near Triton Fountain.
Help visit the city like a native
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Valletta is hilly with many stairs. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
📸 Golden Hour Views
Visit before sunset for breathtaking golden light on the fortifications.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
🥪 Affordable Bites
Grab sandwiches and pastries from food trucks near Triton Fountain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Valletta's City Gate and Parliament Building area as a striking modern entrance to a historic city, highlighting the impressive architecture and the vibrant Triton Fountain. The area is noted for its panoramic views, especially at sunset, and the convenience of nearby cafes and food trucks. However, some find the summer months to be very crowded.
"Valletta must be visited! Be prepared to do lots of walking up and down steep roads and lots of stairs. Filled with quaint cafes and shops. Also be ready for lots of tourists during the summer months."
Angela Hiscutt
"This represents the entrance of the fortified town of Valetta and the old houses and streets, leading to Fort St Elmo.
You can see the 2 modern structures in big blocks of stone and the ancient ones.
There is a huge place with a wonderful fountain in the center. There are some small food trucks on the side, where you can buy some affordable sandwiches, pastries and drinks of all sorts."
Oliver K
"A nice and clean place. Quite peaceful, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops. It’s very safe, without undocumented individuals posing as doctors or engineers like in Western Europe."
Dobrica Indjic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The City Gate is the main entrance to Valletta, so it's hard to miss! If you're arriving by bus, most routes terminate at the main bus station just outside the city walls, a short walk from the gate. Taxis are also readily available.
Parking in Valletta can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or park outside the city and walk in.
Yes, if you're arriving by cruise ship, it's a pleasant walk uphill to the City Gate. Be prepared for a bit of an incline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the City Gate, Parliament Building area, and Triton Fountain are public spaces and free to access.
While the exterior is always accessible, tours of the Parliament Building may have specific hours. It's best to check the official Maltese Parliament website for current tour schedules and booking information.
The Triton Fountain is a public monument and does not have an entrance fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This area is the gateway to Valletta's historic streets, filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants. It's also a great spot to admire the architecture and the Triton Fountain.
The main plaza around the City Gate and Parliament Building is relatively flat, but many of Valletta's streets have inclines and stairs, which can be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs.
Public restrooms are typically available in the vicinity, often near the bus station or within nearby cafes and restaurants.
Admire its modern design from the outside, which contrasts with the ancient fortifications. For a deeper understanding, consider booking a guided tour if available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find numerous cafes and restaurants just beyond the City Gate as you enter Valletta. There are also affordable food trucks near the Triton Fountain selling sandwiches and pastries.
Yes, the food trucks near the Triton Fountain offer economical choices like sandwiches and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the contrast between the modern City Gate and the historic fortifications. The Triton Fountain also makes for a great foreground element.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers beautiful lighting. Early mornings can also provide softer light and fewer people.
Photography rules inside the Parliament Building may vary. It's best to check with the tour guides or staff if you plan to take interior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Contrast: Old Meets New
Visitors often remark on how the modern elements don't detract from, but rather enhance, the historical context of Valletta. The Triton Fountain, a grand Baroque-style fountain, sits prominently in the plaza before the City Gate, serving as a vibrant meeting point and a beautiful backdrop. The area is a testament to Valletta's ability to embrace the new while honoring its rich past, making it a dynamic and visually engaging part of the city.
Navigating Valletta's Terrain
While the main entrance area around the City Gate and Parliament Building is relatively accessible, venturing into the narrower streets requires a certain level of physical fitness. Many travelers advise planning routes that minimize excessive uphill climbs if mobility is a concern. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning views and charming hidden corners.
Social
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