The Mediterranean climate of Valletta ensures the weather is hot and dry during summer (June to September) and slightly cooler in winter (December to March). Summer temperatures can reach 84ºF (30ºC), but the heat tends to be tempered by sea breezes. In spring and autumn, the hot Xlokk wind sometimes brings high temperatures and humidity. Valletta experiences little rainfall, and it occurs only in winter.

English and Maltese are the official languages; Italian is also spoken

The currency was changed to the Euro (EUR) on 1 January 2008. (Maltese lira are no longer accepted.) Banks, ATMs and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands, as well as foreign exchange machines in the tourist areas. Banks generally open mornings Monday to Saturday, but exchange bureaux at the international airport are open 24 hours a day. Many hotels, shops and restaurants accept foreign currency, but currency and travellers cheques can be changed into lira at banks and tourist offices. Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa.

Valletta's nightlife is fairly quiet, with the town emptying out by around 9pm. There are still a few wine bars that retain some atmosphere, including Trabuxu and Maestro e Fresco, and the city centre has venues like the Manoel Theatre (one of the oldest theatres in Europe) and the St James Centre. The Valletta Waterfront is home to popular spots such as Q Bar and V5. The Dragonara Point and Oracle casinos are also entertaining nightlife options in Valletta. In summer, Valletta hosts various festivals, such as Carnival and the feast day of St. Paul, featuring street parties and fireworks. There are nightclubs and more bars in the nearby Paceville and Sliema areas of St Julian's.

Shopping in Valletta features a selection of art and craft shops, boutiques, markets, jewellery stores, high-street fashion outlets and local souvenir shops. Republic Street is the shopping hub of Valletta but there are also a couple of other shopping venues in the city. Most shops open around 9am and close for siesta from 1pm, reopening from 4pm till 7pm. There is a market on Sunday mornings at St James Ditch selling clothing and antiques, while the fresh produce market behind the Grand Master's Palace has great fruit, vegetables and fish for sale. Browse Monti market, as well as the Republic and Merchant street-markets, for clothes, shoes, watches and jewellery. Designer label clothing can be found at the Forni Shopping Complex and in high-street outlets on Republic Street. There is a Marks & Spencer on Strait Street.

The Silversmith's Shop on Republic Street sells gold and silver filigree jewellery, as do the jewellers on Triq Santa Lucija. A popular holiday souvenir from the island is a silver eight-pointed Maltese cross. The Waterfront has a couple of craft shops selling local pottery and glassware, and Gio Batta Delia (near the City Gate) has prints, pottery and old lace. Malta Crafts Centre also sells glassware, ceramics, jewellery and lace, and The Malta Experience has good-quality souvenirs, though you may find cheaper buys elsewhere.

Valletta's attractions revolve mostly around its architecture, with a number of churches, cathedrals and other sacred sites taking centre stage. There are other interesting buildings, including historical residences, palaces, and forts.

Perched on top of Mount Sceberras and surrounded by the sea on three sides, Valletta has many beautiful views. While there are no sandy beaches, the docks and harbourfronts are pleasant areas to stroll along.

For first-time visitors who don't know much about the country, The Malta Experience is worth considering, as for 3.5 Liri you can get an overview of the country's history and culture in roughly half an hour.

St George's Square puts on an evening show with jumping fountains and coloured lights, making a perfect ending to a day of sightseeing.