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Valletta
Things to Do in Valletta
Lascaris War Rooms

Lascaris War Rooms, Valletta

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Lascaris War Rooms

See all things to do
See all things to do
Lascaris War Rooms
4.5
4,144
#2 of 159 things to do in Valletta
Military Museums • Historic Sites • Battlefields
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10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The Lascaris War Rooms consist of an underground complex of tunnels and chambers that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of Malta was conducted during the Second World War.This secret complex contained operations rooms for each of the fighting services from where not only the air defence of Malta was coordinated, but also some of the greatest battles fought in the Mediterrean during the war. In July 1943, the Lascaris War Rooms served as the advance headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky)by Generals Eisenhower, Montgomery, Alexander and Clark and Air Marshal Tedder and Admiral Cunningham. It went on being used under different forms by both the British services and Nato up to 1977.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,146 reviews
Excellent
3,278
Very good
646
Average
159
Poor
43
Terrible
20
andrew i
Barrow-in-Furness, UK2 contributions
Walking in the footsteps of Eisenhower.
Apr 2022 • Couples
Fascinating visit to this most important historical site of WW2. Walking in the footsteps of the the like of Eisenhower. Highly recommend waiting for the free(after paying entrance) guided tour from the very knowledgeable young curator James, who brought the history of the place to life.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BeneluxBeerHound
Eindhoven, NL21 contributions
Excellent guided tour with Umberto
Mar 2022
On our visit we explored the Lascaris War Rooms on a personalised guided tour led by Umberto (official guide, included in the ticket price). Umberto turned out to be an excellent guide: informative, enthusiastic, and with an in-depth knowledge of historical events that brought the exhibition to life. Highly recommended.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AlexTheJock
Wigston, UK1,168 contributions
Excellent attraction - well worth a visit
Mar 2022
My wife, myself and two long-time friends were visiting Valletta whilst holidaying in Malta and whilst wandering around the streets noticed a sign for the War Rooms. We were a bit off the beaten track and had never heard of this attraction before, but thought that we would give it a go and we’re certainly glad that we did. Even with the signs it was fairly difficult to find the front door probably due to the direction that we had approached from, but we persevered and were soon at the payment counter. It cost €11 each on the Senior Citizens rate, and this was good value for money as there is quite a lot to see. You are given multimedia devices that tells the story pertinent to the room you have entered. This works brilliantly and most times we would take a seat and listen to all of the commentary, which was informative and enhanced the whole experience. The site has been excellently restored to its former glory and it was so interesting that we spent quite a long time looking at all it had to offer. Well worth a visit.
Written April 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mihaz85
Ljubljana, Slovenia9 contributions
Great place to see, confusing entrance and ticketing packages
Jul 2021
We went to see the Battery cannon firing. We loved it, small open-air museum, nice presentation and very cool to see the tradition being kept alive and feel the kick of a cannon.

When we entered the Battery on top-floor from the gardens, I asked a guy how much was the entrance and what is there to see. He told me to see the cannon firing and open air-museum it was 3 EUR per person. When I asked if there was something else to see, I was told no. I paid the money for the whole family and enjoyed it.
When exiting, a guy in front of me bought tickets to see "WAR ROOMS". Ticked was quite expensive, I think 15 something EUR or so. As I wanted to see that part of museum I was a bit pissed that I was not made aware of War rooms from the beginning, because I stumbled across this purely by chance. Secondly, war rooms ticket also apparently includes Battery shooting, so I essentially paid for the battery twice. This should be more clear, and staff should inform visitors better of what is there to see and what is included in a ticket.

Upon arriving to War rooms, we were guided by a tour guide Mike, that was really informative, nice and answered all our questions. He was also very enthusiastic about explaining all of the history behind it all so it was a real pleasure to have a tour guide that actually loves every bit of the place. Highly recommended.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tim K
2 contributions
Interesting and informative.
May 2022 • Couples
Great place to visit - a place that has seen some important events during WW2. The tour guide James was excellent - we recommend taking the guided tour (at no extra cost) rather than self tour as it was very interesting historically. Thank you James for an excellent tour.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
1960CarolineM
Hertfordshire98 contributions
Opt for a guided tour
Jul 2021
Accompanying my husband, who already knew a good deal about Malta's heroic contribution to WW2, we opted for the 10.30 tour (which cost no more than self-guiding, so why wouldn't you?). This proved to be an excellent decision: our guide, James, was fantastic. One could expect him to be knowledgeable, which he was, but his delivery was clear, coherent and engaging, so much so that by the end I felt I had a good understanding of just what an outstanding contribution the men and women 'confined' in Lascaris War Rooms made to Malta's triumph. Located 40m below Upper Barraka Gardens, it's worth combining your visit with Saluting Battery. If you purchase a ticket at the same time as your ticket for Lascaris War Rooms, you are able to watch the firing from alongside the guns (rather than amidst the crowds that gather at the railings in Upper Barraka Gardens). We were also treated to an explanation, by Umberto, of the canons, then join the tour immediately after the 12.00 Salute. Altogether, a great morning's education and entertainment!
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bonnie151
Livingston, UK319 contributions
Try to get a tour with Mike!
Oct 2021
When we arrived we were offered an audio tour or to wait 45 minutes for the next tour. We were quite happy to wait the 45 minutes- there’s a little cafe bit where you can have a coffee while you wait. It was well worth the wait. We ended up being the only people on the tour with Mike. He’d come over to chat with us earlier, giving us recommendations on books to read, and then took us on the tour. He was great- clearly loves doing the tours and brought the war rooms to life. We learned so much about the role of Malta during the war and I’d highly recommend waiting for a tour if you visit.

It’s a great little museum with such friendly helpful staff- the man at the ticket desk was also lovely, giving lots of information and answering questions. At the end of the tour, go back into Valletta via the lift (which was not operating when we were there but there are stairs next to it) instead of from the bottom of the Barraka Gardens for a different perspective.
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roberts69
Northampton, UK16,856 contributions
One of Malta's best kept secrets from World War 2.
Jul 2021
Located 40m under the Upper Barracca in Valletta these 'war rooms' represent one of Malta's best kept secrets from WW2. A network of underground chambers and corridors that were the HQ of the British Command during the defence of Malta and the war that was raging in the Mediterranean. A museum and a military heritage monument 'Lascaris War Rooms' are a fascinating place to visit, especially so, but not exclusively, for those that love military history. The Operations Rooms with their large map tables were particularly interesting. Their is also a well stock gift / book shop. Adult entry cost was €13.00 and it was worth every cent. I highly recommend a visit to this amazing War HQ.
Written November 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Donald R
4 contributions
A Superb Look At The Battle of Malta
May 2022
Located deep within limestone tunnels below Valletta, the command center for the defense of Malta during WWII retains its original look and feel. Brought to life with the outstanding narration of Mike, we walked through the actual plotting of German attack planes and how specific fighters were 'scrambled' to intercept or antiaircraft batteries alerted. The ingenious system enabled the outnumbered British to fend off the German attacks, which were even more intense than the London Blitz. Signs in Valletta were well placed to direct us through the alleys and stairs to the underground tunnels. Ask at the main desk for a key to the toilet outside the tunnel.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
erinpkouwenhoven
Vancouver, Canada3 contributions
Great visit to learn more about Maltas importance in WWII
Feb 2022 • Solo
Super interesting space - with such attention to detail in furniture, etc to give you war room atmosphere. I visited just at the perfect time, a guided tour was starting (included in ticket price) and I was the only one there. My guide Mike was fabulous. He was so knowledgeable and answered all my questions with such detail. He gave a demonstration of how the plotting and command rooms/table were run.
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lascaris War Rooms
Lascaris War Rooms is open:
  • Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Lascaris War Rooms tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Lascaris War Rooms tours on Tripadvisor
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