So we’ve asked international travelers what they love most about Valletta and Leeuwarden. *
Valletta, a European Capital of Culture in 2018
The capital city of Malta was once described as “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”. While Valletta retains much of the grandiose atmosphere and architecture from its early days, today the city is enjoyed by all sorts of travelers.
City walks
Find your own path through the city streets
The peninsula Valletta is built on is only a few kilometres long, making the city easy and rewarding to explore on foot.
Travellers looking for a well appointed place to stay adore the Palazzo Consiglia, which is just a short, scenic walk from the city harbours.
History
St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta in Malta
Valletta played a vital part in the Allied defenses during World War Two and remnants of this time are scattered throughout the city.
Visitors should take a chance to admire St John's Cathedral exterior and then wander inside to marvel at the ornate, Baroque interior.
Food
First buyers at Marsaxlokk market
Maltese food is a mouth-watering mix of Mediterranean cuisines and they love their seafood.
The Marsaxlokk fish market is where chefs from all over Valletta go to select the freshest catch of the day for their menus.
The centre of the Leeuwarden Old Town
Leeuwarden is the capital city of the States of Friesland and birthplace of Mata Hari, the dancer who became an infamous wartime spy. We asked international travellers what they love about this new European Capital of Culture.
Shopping
The city centre of Leeuwarden
Kleine Kerkstraat was recently voted the best shopping street in The Netherlands, thanks to its combination of big name stores and artisan boutiques.
As Leeuwarden is only 90 minutes from Amsterdam it’s a popular day trip among North Hollanders, especially those on the lookout for local crafts.
Museums
Palace Prinsessehof
Palace Prinsessehof in the historical center of Leeuwarden is a city museum of ceramics in Leeuwarden , with pottery studios clustered throughout the town and in the impressive Dutch Ceramic Museum.
Housed in a 17th-century palace, the museum has examples of pottery dating back over two centuries.
Cafés
Friesland on a spring day
The restaurants and cafés of Leeuwarden tend to favor seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, which makes autumn an especially good time to visit. September and October see the city’s terraced squares fill with residents, hoping to soak up the last of the summer sun. The Stenden Hotel is highly endorsed by travelers for its culinary options and also offers amazing views of the city.
** Data compiled by our partners at Booking.com
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