Landmarks • 8–10 min
Lascaris War Rooms Guide
A focused guide to the Lascaris War Rooms: what they are, why they matter, and how to pair them with Valletta’s harbour viewpoints for a balanced day.
Photo by Reuben Farrugia on Unsplash.
Highlights
- ✦Underground WWII operations complex
- ✦An excellent rainy-day or midday indoor stop
- ✦Pairs well with Upper Barrakka Gardens nearby
- ✦How to fit it into a 2–3 day itinerary
At a glance
- Best for
- WWII history + unique underground atmosphere
- Time needed
- 45–90 minutes
- Best pairing
- Barrakka viewpoints after
- Opening hours (official)
- Mon–Sat 10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
- Tickets (official)
- Adults €20; seniors €19; child (5–15) €7; family €35
What the war rooms are
The Lascaris War Rooms are an underground complex associated with wartime operations. The setting itself—below the city’s surface—adds a visceral layer to Valletta’s story.
Even if you’re not usually drawn to military history, it’s a compelling ‘different’ experience that contrasts with Valletta’s bright streets and viewpoints.
Why they’re worth visiting
They offer context. Valletta is beautiful, but it has also been strategic and contested. A short visit to the war rooms can deepen your understanding of Malta’s place in Mediterranean history.
- Unique: underground atmosphere
- Efficient: focused visit length
- Practical: great midday indoor block
How to pair with viewpoints
A perfect pairing is war rooms → harbour viewpoints. You get the story underground, then you step out into the panoramic view that explains why the harbour mattered.
- Visit the war rooms first (indoors)
- Then go to Upper Barrakka Gardens for the wide view
- Finish with a waterfront walk or ferry detour
Opening hours and tickets (official info)
Because it’s a ticketed indoor attraction, the practical details matter—especially if you’re stacking it with the lift, viewpoints, or a ferry. Always double-check the official visitor page before you go.
- Open: Mon–Sat 10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
- Closed: Sundays and selected public holidays (including 1 Jan, 31 Dec, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, 24 Dec, 25 Dec)
- Tickets listed: Adults (16+) €20; Seniors (60+) €19; Child (5–15) €7; Family (2 adults + 2 children) €35; members free
- Payment note: the official visitor page states the attraction is cashless (card payments only)
Optional add‑on: War HQ tunnel tours
If you want a deeper ‘behind the scenes’ chapter, the official site also lists a guided War HQ tunnel tour as a separate ticketed experience. Treat it as a premium add‑on rather than part of the basic Lascaris visit.
- Duration: about 90 minutes (guided)
- Schedule and meeting point vary—check the official tickets page for the current details
- Fee listed on the official page: €17 per person
Where it fits in your itinerary
In a weekend trip, place the war rooms on day two alongside Fort St Elmo or a museum block. In a three-day trip, it can be a calm ‘depth’ experience that balances your outdoor walking days.
FAQ
What are the opening hours and ticket prices?
The official visitor page lists opening hours as Mon–Sat 10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00), closed Sundays and selected public holidays. Ticket prices listed are €20 (adults 16+), €19 (seniors 60+), €7 (children 5–15), and €35 (family: 2 adults + 2 children)—confirm on the official site before your visit.
How long does it take to visit the Lascaris War Rooms?
Many visitors spend around 45–90 minutes depending on interest and crowd levels. It’s a focused stop and fits well into a larger day plan.