Strait Street, Valletta: Address, Phone Number, Strait Street Reviews: 4/5
Strait Street
Strait Street
4
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Top ways to experience Strait Street and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
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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
4.0
605 reviews
Excellent
202
Very good
261
Average
114
Poor
23
Terrible
5
kenrockape4241
Stoke-on-Trent, UK86 contributions
How Strait Street has changed!! Back in the day, it was 'The Gut' where members of the UK Armed Forces spent their hard-earned wages on beer and cheap bottles of Marsavin wine - 2/6d a bottle in 1970 (25p in today's money). The Gut of my day was the bottom end of Strait St, starting where the public toilets used to be. It's good to see that the top end has been revitalised and is a very pleasant place to stroll through, with several restaurants. The bottom end is still relatively underdeveloped and if you look carefully, you can spot some of the old bar signs.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrei I
Valletta, Malta9 contributions
Wonder down to the bottom end of Strait Street and you will come across one of the best locations on the island for food, drink and entertainment. The place has been re-named by the old name of Strait Street, The Gut and there you will find a number of authentic, well designed and fun places. At the corner one finds N Japenese Bistrot, followed by Alchemy Cocktail Bra, S:UN Korean Gastro Pub, Silver Horse by Sonni and Kennedy BAr and Bistro. If you're lucky you'll catch some live band performing on the outside stage or on the theatrette inside the Silver Horse. For any tourist visiting Malta, this is a place not to be missed.
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LondonKiwi73
London, UK21 contributions
It is a buzzy area at night, with plenty of choices for food and drink. It seems equally popular with locals as well as tourists. Worth going there for a meal and drink, but before 21:00 as the places start shutting at about 22:00. As it is a popular area, advance bookings are a good idea.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
shir1027
New York City, NY96 contributions
It's a super touristy and busy street. The shops/restaurants here are a mix bag. But they sure did a great job decorating it for Christmas and New Years. We like going through the side streets since they are less busy, but at night, Strait Street does make for a very romantic stroll (especially with the Christmas lights!)
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coryy20
Port of Spain, Trinidad4,582 contributions
Solo
This is one of the main tourist streets in Valletta. There you can find tourists from around the world. This street has everything you may need from souvenirs many restaurants and fruits shops and stored of every type. Lovely coloured balconies decorate this street. Just look up and enjoy.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scubapro1957
Sandhurst Berks2,245 contributions
I first went to Strait Street back in the early 70's while I was in the Royal Navy. To a mere lad of 16 in those days it was known as "The Gut".
Strait Street runs parallel to Republic Street and in those days was full of bars from one end to the other. When the Fleet was in it was full of sailors spending their wages on wine, women and song. .. We wasted the rest! Women of ill repute and "sticky greens" ah what times we had.
I also took my share over the years of being part of the Naval Patrol picking up the drunken sailors to return them to their ships to sleep it off. Strait Street was the main meeting place and every matelot knew where it was.
I was based in another part of the world when the Fleet pulled out of Malta and never went back for years. I have, however, been back to Malta a couple or few times every year for the last 11 years and it was only about 2 years ago I returned to Strait Street and the place of my mis-spent youth. It was sad to see. Not even a shadow of its former self. Now broken down and in dis-repair with the fading bar names over the doorways it was spooky. The Fleet had gone and the bar owners of The Gut had just pulled the shutters closed and gone home.
I did, however, meet with one of the bar owners while trying to peer through the ajar door of one of the shut down bars. I was so surprised to see this man mopping out the bar that had been shut for more than 20 years. I was invited inside and stood in awe. The place was ready for the Fleet to return. The spirits still on the back shelf and the beer pumps cleaned although I doubt any of the stuff was fit for consumption. Photographs of the various ships of the 50's, 60's & 70's adorned the walls along with cap ribbons and ships plaques. While speaking to the man (I'm so sorry I forgot his name) he told me that there wasn't anything else to do with the property so he might just as well keep it as his own type of museum.
After my visit to the bar I continued down the hill and couldn't believe that the tatoo shop was still open. I had been tatooed there the day after my 17th Birthday. A sailing ship with "Homeward Bound" written under it. I went into the shop to see if I recognised anything. I didn't . What did happen though is the tattooist recognised his grandfathers work on my arm (That made me feel really old then!) and we just chatted a while and looked at some photographs of the old family handiwork.
Although everything in Strait Street was quite nostalgic the place these days is derelict and really should be redeveloped. It was a great walk down memory lane but I doubt I will again ever do much more than stand at the top and look down that sad street once so full of fun & drunken sailors as far as the harbour wall at the far end.
Unfortunately I cannot recommend Strait Street as a general visitor attraction but even after walking along it just a short distance would be a must for any nostalgic old matelot for one last look before it falls apart completely.
Strait Street runs parallel to Republic Street and in those days was full of bars from one end to the other. When the Fleet was in it was full of sailors spending their wages on wine, women and song. .. We wasted the rest! Women of ill repute and "sticky greens" ah what times we had.
I also took my share over the years of being part of the Naval Patrol picking up the drunken sailors to return them to their ships to sleep it off. Strait Street was the main meeting place and every matelot knew where it was.
I was based in another part of the world when the Fleet pulled out of Malta and never went back for years. I have, however, been back to Malta a couple or few times every year for the last 11 years and it was only about 2 years ago I returned to Strait Street and the place of my mis-spent youth. It was sad to see. Not even a shadow of its former self. Now broken down and in dis-repair with the fading bar names over the doorways it was spooky. The Fleet had gone and the bar owners of The Gut had just pulled the shutters closed and gone home.
I did, however, meet with one of the bar owners while trying to peer through the ajar door of one of the shut down bars. I was so surprised to see this man mopping out the bar that had been shut for more than 20 years. I was invited inside and stood in awe. The place was ready for the Fleet to return. The spirits still on the back shelf and the beer pumps cleaned although I doubt any of the stuff was fit for consumption. Photographs of the various ships of the 50's, 60's & 70's adorned the walls along with cap ribbons and ships plaques. While speaking to the man (I'm so sorry I forgot his name) he told me that there wasn't anything else to do with the property so he might just as well keep it as his own type of museum.
After my visit to the bar I continued down the hill and couldn't believe that the tatoo shop was still open. I had been tatooed there the day after my 17th Birthday. A sailing ship with "Homeward Bound" written under it. I went into the shop to see if I recognised anything. I didn't . What did happen though is the tattooist recognised his grandfathers work on my arm (That made me feel really old then!) and we just chatted a while and looked at some photographs of the old family handiwork.
Although everything in Strait Street was quite nostalgic the place these days is derelict and really should be redeveloped. It was a great walk down memory lane but I doubt I will again ever do much more than stand at the top and look down that sad street once so full of fun & drunken sailors as far as the harbour wall at the far end.
Unfortunately I cannot recommend Strait Street as a general visitor attraction but even after walking along it just a short distance would be a must for any nostalgic old matelot for one last look before it falls apart completely.
Written April 25, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ELear
Ancona, Italy3,163 contributions
Solo
In the old days, when thousands of British airmen were based on the island and Royal Navy ships used regularly to call in, Strait Street, known as "The Gut", was Valletta's red-light district, where rouged and be-henna'd ladies of the night used to lounge in doorways enticing drunken sailors and airman. When I went though, one December morning last year, it seemed to have gone depressingly respectable. I wonder if it livens up at night.
Written March 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
728sid
Islamabad, Pakistan2 contributions
Solo
If you are walking down the block that runs between Archbishop and St Christophers Street and a little woman aged about 70 appears from a doorway on the left, telling you she will show you a good time for 30 Euros,tell her you're having one already and RUN!!.
Written March 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
redfishuk
Leeds, UK1 contribution
Friends
I was in the Navy,and this was where all sailors made it know as The Ghut ,and we had some good times and it was cheap .sailors pay was very poor
Written November 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
world_is_your_oyster
Somerset, UK285 contributions
Couples
It is a street like many more in the city. If you want a picture of a straight up / down hill road here it is. A shade of it's 'former glory' but that is a good thing to some. Great to say you have been or seen it
Written October 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Strait Street
- We recommend booking Strait Street 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 6 Strait Street tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Strait Street:
- Valletta City of Gentlemen guided walking tour (From $21.22)
- Fantastic Valletta Self-Guided Audio Tour (From $15.29)
- Valletta: Historic Walking Tours + Entry to Malta 5D (From $21.22)
- Valletta Ghost Hunt: Haunted City Exploration Game (From $10.60)
- Valletta Audio Self Guide Walking Tour (Mobile App) (From $7.96)
- Hotels near Strait Street:
- (0.01 mi) Valetta Knights
- (0.01 mi) Casa Cornelia
- (0.01 mi) INDEPENDENCE RUBY - 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT - CHURCH AND SEA VIEW
- (0.02 mi) Valletta Spacious Duplex Apartment New on the market
- (0.03 mi) The Barrister Hotel
- Restaurants near Strait Street:
- (0.00 mi) The Circle
- (0.01 mi) The Ladybird Gourmet Store
- (0.01 mi) The Circle's Bar and Coffee Shop
- (0.03 mi) Da Pablo Trattoria di Mare
- (0.03 mi) La Giara