The City of Valletta, Malta

The upcoming edition of the European Social Services Conference will take place in the city of Valletta – a historic and dynamic capital at the heart of the Mediterranean. World-renowned for its cultural heritage, architecture, and resilience, Valletta offers an inspiring setting to reflect on the future of social services and community well-being.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta has stood for centuries as a symbol of solidarity, openness, and cultural richness. Delegates will have the opportunity to come together in this remarkable city to explore meaningful dialogue, innovative ideas, and collaborative approaches in the fields of social care, inclusion, and public welfare.

The ESSC will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers for engaging talks, interactive workshops, a vibrant exhibition, and numerous opportunities to connect where care meets innovation.
 

THE CITY AND REGION

As Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta is a small yet vibrant city that captures the essence of Mediterranean culture, history, and resilience. With a population of around 6,000 residents, Valletta is situated on a peninsula overlooking the Grand Harbour, offering breathtaking views, walkable streets, and a rich concentration of monuments and historic sites.

Founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John, Valletta is one of Europe’s earliest planned cities, designed with innovation and defence in mind. Its Baroque architecture, majestic fortifications, and narrow limestone streets reflect centuries of cultural influence—from Italian and British to Arabic and French. Today, Valletta is not only the political and administrative centre of Malta but also a hub for arts, diplomacy, and civic life.

Malta is a unitary state made up of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and is governed at the national level through a centralised parliamentary democracy. Local governance is carried out by 68 local councils, which support the delivery of services within communities across the country. While the islands are small, Malta maintains strong investment in education, health, social care, and digital innovation to improve quality of life for all residents.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on expanding community-based services, promoting independent living, and addressing the needs of an ageing population, persons with disabilities, and other groups requiring targeted social support. These efforts are reflected in national strategies that seek to promote social inclusion, resilience, and access to care in both urban and rural areas.

PLACES TO EAT

During the conference, the city of Valletta offers a wide range of dining experiences within walking distance from most central locations. We recommend booking a table in advance, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours, as Valletta’s popular restaurants and cafés can get busy.

Valletta is best known for its lively café culture, local bakeries, and traditional Maltese restaurants nestled among historic streets. These stand alongside a growing number of international and contemporary eateries that reflect the city’s cosmopolitan character.

Suggested places to eat in Valletta:

• Legligin – A cosy, family-run wine bar that serves a tasting menu of Maltese tapas-style dishes. 
• Rubino – A long-time Valletta favourite, Rubino is set in a historic old confectionery cellar and offers traditional Maltese and Italian dishes with a friendly, informal vibe. 
• MUŻA Restaurant – Housed inside Malta’s national art museum, MUŻA blends creative Mediterranean cuisine with a unique setting across historic dining spaces, including a courtyard and former kitchen. 
• Trabuxu Bistro – A cosy, stone-walled bistro on South Street offering seasonal Mediterranean dishes and an excellent wine list, perfect for relaxed dinners in an intimate setting. 
• Balzunetta – A laid-back gastropub near the Triton Fountain, known for its wood-fired pizzas, local beers, and casual outdoor seating ideal for warm evenings. 

If you’re looking for organic dining options, here are some additional suggestions:

• Soul Food – A popular spot offering organic, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly dishes with global influences, all prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Gugar Hangout & Bar – A relaxed café-bar with a focus on vegetarian light meals, fresh juices, and local art, just off Republic Street. 
• Bistro 516 – Offers thoughtful vegetarian and gluten-free options, attentive to dietary restrictions and widely appreciated.

Or if you are looking for a good cup of coffee, check out these places:

• Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters – Known for its high-quality, ethically sourced coffee beans roasted on-site. A favourite among coffee lovers looking for specialty brews in a minimalist setting.
• Coffee Circus – A quirky, independent café near Upper Barrakka Gardens, offering expertly made coffee and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere—great for a break between sessions.
• Caffe Cordina – One of Malta’s most historic cafés, located in a grand 19th-century building in Republic Square. Enjoy traditional coffee with a pastry while soaking in the elegant surroundings.