If you're thinking about taking a trip to Malta, some of the first things you think of are how are you getting there, where should you stay, and what should you see. In this blog, I'll cover a great alternative to staying in Malta's capital city of Valletta, and instead staying in nearby city of Hamrun.
Here's why I enjoyed staying in Hamrun, Malta instead of Valletta (and you will too):
1. Hamrun accommodations are less costly than Valletta
Anytime you stay in the capital of a country, you can expect accommodations to be more costly than some other places. This isn't always the case, but it's pretty common. Staying in a city like Hamrun, which is only about a 10 minute drive or bus ride away, has stays and restaurants that give you more bang for your buck.
2. Hamrun has many transportation options, just like Valletta
If you're staying in Valletta, there is one main bus hub just outside the walls of the city. There is a bus route that drives around the city of Valletta but it has a very limited path because of the narrow streets, so it's likely where you're staying in Valletta will be somewhere you need to walk to or take a cab to from the main bus station.
As for Hamrun, well, while it may not be the ease of one main bus hub like in Valletta, the bus route options in Hamrun are almost comparable.
Heading to Valletta
If you're taking the bus to Valletta from Hamrun, the majority of bus lines pass through Hamrun, so you will have frequent options from many different bus lines in many different areas of Hamrun to go into Valletta.
Heading Away from Valletta
Because all the buses head towards Valletta by passing through Hamrun, that means they also travel back through Hamrun on their way to wherever their destination is on other parts of the island. So with about a 10-15 minute walk in any direction in Hamrun, you have access to many of the different bus routes that head all over the island. And when you're on your way back home, you get to get off the bus before going all the way back to the Valletta hub. It's a win win!
3. Staying in Hamrun will encourage you to get out and explore more of the island
After having spent a week in Hamrun, I can assure you that had I spent a week in Valletta, I would not have explored near as much of the island as I had since I stayed in Hamrun. Valletta was so captivating that I would have easily been convinced to stick around and walk the streets of this beautiful city day after day.
There is less stuff to do directly in Hamrun, so it made for a great centrally located spot to get out and explore all that this beautiful island has to offer. I didn't have a car either, and I spent each day in a different city throughout the week I was there.
4. Hamrun has more of a local-feel than a touristy-feel
Valletta has gained popularity, and when entering the city walls, you're greeted with a sea of tourists (yourself included). Maybe that's your vibe, but I prefer to go to places that are a mix of tourists and locals, so this made Hamrun the ideal location. There weren't near as many tourists staying there, restaurants weren't overrun with people or overpriced. In fact, I had the cheapest Indian food I've ever had, which is normally the most expensive takeout option I like, and it was delicious!
Hamrun, Malta still has many of the same great qualities as Valletta — small shops, cute streets, bold architecture, and friendly people — and serves as a great alternative to staying in the capital city. I had a great time staying there, and if you give it a chance, I know you will too!