Lascaris War Rooms

You can descend into the underground museum of the Lascaris War Rooms on your own, with an audio guide, or on a guided tour. While the museum exhibits look at many aspects of Malta’s experience during WWII, the main highlight is its exhibition on Operation Husky, the Allied landing in Sicily. Allow at least one hour to explore the bunkers and their exhibits if you visit independently and at least two hours if you’re a WWII buff.

• You can pay for tickets by cash or credit card in person or book online.

• Amenities include toilets, free Wi-Fi, and a café with a seasonal menu.

• Tickets do allow for re-entry for the day they are valid.

• Lascaris War Rooms aren’t accessible for wheelchairs or strollers; people with limited mobility may also struggle with the stairs.

Finding the entrance to the Lascaris War Rooms can be a challenge thanks to the cluttered nature of Valletta. The easiest way to find it is to head to the Saluting Battery in the Upper Barrakka Gardens and follow the signs. You can walk to the war rooms from most parts of Valletta within 15 minutes. Or, take the 133 bus from the bus station one stop to Kastilja to avoid the uphill walk.

The Lascaris War Rooms are open every day except Sundays and public holidays. Try to visit during the shoulder season or in winter, as many attractions in Valletta get busy during July and August. Going early in the morning is also a good way to beat the crowds.

While the focus of the Lascaris War Rooms is the military efforts of Malta during WWII, you can learn about the effect WWII had on the island at the Malta at War Museum in Vittoriosa/Birgu. Plus, at Fort St. Elmo in Valletta, you can visit the National War Museum, which broadly looks at warfare in Malta over its thousands of years of history.

Visitors can spend as much time as they like within the Lascaris War Rooms. Most people allot an hour to 90 minutes for touring the site. The War Rooms are open from mid-morning to late afternoon, Monday-Saturday, with the last entry 30 minutes before close.

Yes, especially for history buffs and those interested in WWII. Restored in 2009, the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta serve as a time capsule where all military maneuvers were monitored in World War II. Here, visitors can experience this pivotal historical site and learn about Malta’s role in the war.

The Lascaris War Rooms, an underground complex of tunnels and chambers in Valletta, Malta, housed Britain’s headquarters in the war (when Malta was a British possession). This is where island defense was conducted in World War II, and it's where Allied commanders directed forces in the Mediterranean Sea.

Because of its location, Malta was an important post in World War II. It served as a stepping stone (or barrier) between Sicily and the Italian colony of Libya in North Africa. As UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill predicted, Malta helped reduce the effectiveness of its enemy's North African push.

Adult admission to the Lascaris War Rooms costs about US$15. There are discounted rates for children and seniors. Visitors can save with the Heritage Pass, which includes admission to Fort Rinella, Malta at War Museum, Lascaris War Rooms, Saluting Battery, and War HQ Tunnels.

Yes. You can explore the Lascaris War Rooms independently for as long as you like. Guided tours are offered throughout the day, and audio guides are available in languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Dutch, Maltese, Danish, Chinese, and Japanese. The museum is accessible via public bus lines.