Valletta, the capital of Malta, was ingeniously constructed in the 16th century by the Knights of St John. Exuding baroque elegance, it is rightfully hailed as an open-air museum due to the number of historic buildings concentrated in the area like St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Harbour, masterfully crafted by the Knights. Within a mere 900m x 630m area, over 25 churches grace the landscape. This remarkable city is an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its cultural significance and architectural splendour.

Just outside the city gate of Valletta lies the Hastings public garden. From here majestic views over Sliema, Floriana, and Manoel Island unfold. The name of the garden comes from the Marquis of Hastings, who was a governor of Malta. He died in 1827 and is buried in the garden.

Part of Atlantis, The Palm, this aquarium carries through the resort’s sunken Atlantis theme with maze-like passages and atmospheric tanks. Inside, you’ll spot everything from sharks and rays to jellyfish and seahorses, all set against a dramatic backdrop of ruins and sculptures. It’s not the biggest aquarium in Dubai, but its design makes it one of the most memorable.