Right, so Valletta. Everyone’s buzzing about it, and for good reason. But when it comes to packing, folks often get a bit, let’s say, sidetracked. They see ‘Malta’ and think it’s just beach, beach, beach. And yeah, there’s sun, but Valletta itself? It’s a whole different beast, a beautiful, historic beast that’ll chew up your feet if you’re not careful.
My Real-Deal Packing List for That City
So, I went there, did the whole nine yards. And here’s what I actually, genuinely found myself needing, or wishing I had more of.
- Comfy Shoes. Period. And I mean COMFY. Not just ‘oh these are kinda cute and I can walk a bit in them’. No. Think sneakers, good walking shoes. Valletta is all hills, man. And cobblestones. I saw so many people hobbling around in flimsy sandals. My first pair? Thought they were good. By day two, I was hunting for a pharmacy for blister plasters. Lesson learned.
- A UK Power Adapter. This one’s a classic. Malta uses those chunky UK-style plugs. My trusty European adapter? Useless. Had a mini-panic when my phone was dying. Don’t be like me. Get one before you go.
- Layers, layers, layers. Even if it’s roasting during the day, the evenings can get a bit breezy, especially near the water or if you’re out late. A light jacket, a cardigan, something you can throw on. I was glad I had a thin windbreaker.
- A Reusable Water Bottle. You’ll be walking a lot. It gets hot. Buying plastic bottles all day is a pain and bad for the planet, you know? There are places to refill. I just clipped mine to my bag.
- Sunscreen and a Hat. Okay, this one IS obvious, but still. The sun there is no joke, even when you’re just wandering the city streets. Don’t skimp.
- A Smaller Day Bag. You don’t want to lug your entire suitcase around. But a decent-sized, secure crossbody bag or a small backpack was a lifesaver for water, snacks, that power adapter (once I bought it!), and any little souvenirs.
What I Learned the Hard Way (or Saw Others Learn)
It wasn’t just about what I packed, but also how I approached it. I initially overpacked on fancy clothes. Big mistake. Valletta is pretty chill. Smart casual is fine pretty much everywhere. Nobody cares if you’re in designer gear while sweating up a hill.
And money. Yeah, cards are widely accepted, but having some cash, some euros, is super handy for smaller cafes, street vendors, or those little local shops. I remember trying to buy a pastizzi from this tiny bakery, and they only took cash. Nearly missed out!
One time, I was sitting having a coffee, and this couple next to me were proper stressed. Their luggage got delayed, and they had literally nothing but the clothes they were wearing. They were trying to buy essentials, and it just looked miserable. Made me double-check my carry-on for a change of clothes and basic toiletries ever since, no matter where I go. Valletta’s no different. Stuff happens, you know?
So yeah, it’s not rocket science, but a bit of thought goes a long way. You want to enjoy the city, not be fussing about sore feet or a dead phone. Trust me on this one. Just get the basics right, and Valletta will be amazing.
