Hi, we will be in Malta shortly. We will be seeing the Hypogeum around 3 on a Saturday. While in that area(we are staying in Sliema), we will probably either have lunch or dinner. Can you make recommendations for a great place and what else we should do while there? Thanks.

Before visiting the Hypogeum, you might want to wander around and explore the Tarxien Temples, which is within walking distance from the Hypogeum. As I recall, there was a small admission fee, but it's quite an interesting place to have a look around.

Sorry, can't recommend any restaurants in that area (which actually is quite residential), but you'll have plenty of options in Sliema.

Hopefully you'll have a chance to visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk-the fish served at the restaurants doesn't get any fresher than here!

Hope you enjoy Malta as much as we did!

Debs:
I was in Malta in February 1997 and would like to take my S.O. there. We're thinking of going in November (when it's pretty dreary here in NH). What time of year have you been there? I've checked out various weather archives and it looks like it might be 60s. Any thoughts on possible weather?
BTW, I went to the Tarxien Temples (Hypogeum was closed to the public at that time) and enjoyed it quite a bit but there was virtually no signage then. Maybe it's more informational now, though I doubt it.

Gail - We were in Malta late May-early June, 2004 (gee, has it been that long already). Malta was our 1st trip to the Mediterranean, and we fell in love with it. Like you said, there was limited signage at the Tarxien Temples (it's certainly not a well advertised place and quite honestly wasn't expecting them-nor the Hypogeum to be in residential neighborhoods), but we found them quite interesting and liked the fact you tour at your own pace, unlike the Hypogeum.

Sorry, can't help with the weather forecast, but let me say that it's pretty dreary in Cleveland in November too!

ENJOY!

Hi laurelee,

Enjoy Malta - it's fantastic. I was there in 2004. When you say you're going to the Hypogeum around 3:00 I assume you already have tickets. You do need advance reservations as they only take groups of about 10 at a time.

When you find the street that the Hypogeum is on you'll have to look for the very small sign above the door. I seem to remember that the sign is on the building, not perpendicular to it so it's hard to spot.

We were standing on the street next to the doorway waiting for our tour and several people stopped and asked us where the Hypogeum was so the entrance is not well marked.

I didn't think much of the food on Malta so I can't recommend any restos. I think the best food I had was in St. Julians.

What else to do. Here's a list of my favorites:

Craft village
Aviation Museum
Sunday market at Marsaxlokk
The churches! They're beautiful and there are 360 of them!

I did a long trip report of my 2004 trip. It should come up if you search on Malta.

While in Sliema, check out Mamma Mia, on Tower Road; they don't take reservations at the weekend, and it can get busy but it's well worth the wait.
If you're in Valletta, try the Inspiration cafe/restaurant in the Arts Centre: It's up some steps just behind the opera house ruins,or you can access it from beside the post office near to the Upper Barracca Gardens.
Ta'Marija in Mosta is a fantastic dinner place http://www.tamarija.com has sample menus

Oops! Should have said, the Inspiration is only open for lunch. Sorry.

I was in Malta last November. I found Italian restaurants very good as there is quite a sizeable Italian population. Also a very good restaurant in Sliema owned by a Bulgarian chef! Can't remember the name but it's opposite the Park Hotel near TGF Friday's.