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Latest update: 11 May 2023
The yellow limestone glows golden in the sun, and the balconies are painted cheerful colors. You’re in Valletta, Malta. The smallest capital in Europe. That means that it’s easy to oversee and highly walkable. Find out what to do in Valletta.
If you go to Malta on holiday, you should definitely visit the capital. In fact, you could even come to Malta just for a weekend in Valletta. The country’s capital has plenty to offer for a short city trip. Wander through the streets and take a picture of yet another brightly colored door or balcony, visit the museums, and above all, enjoy the sun! I have collected 14 great tips for a visit to Valletta for you. Have fun!
Walking tour, bike tour, or segway tour in Valletta
A walking or cycling tour is always a great way to discover a city. Explore Valetta with a guide who will tell you all about the city’s history and point out the most beautiful spots.
There are different providers for tours. Some providers have themed tours, but choosing the right one for you depends on the date and time you have available too. For example, you can book bike tours at Baja Bikes. For walking tours, check out:
- GetYourGuide: 3-Hour Walking Tour, 2-Hour Walking Tour, Walking and Eating, and more!
- Freetour: for free walking tours, but you do tip the guide.
- GuruWalk: also for ‘free’ walking tours.
Prefer to go without a guide? Then there is also a self-guided tour for a few euros. Buy it here.
You can also discover Valletta by Segway. So put on your helmet and go! Book your segway tour here. A segway is really fun and also exciting. It’s all about keeping your balance, but it’s not that hard once you get the hang of it.
Valletta Waterfront
Valletta Waterfront is where the cruise ships dock. It is also called Pinto Wharf. All kinds of restaurants and cafes cater to the cruise ship passengers. But even if you didn’t come by cruise ship, you can, of course, enjoy a drink and bite at one of the outdoor cafes.
Up or down with the Barrakka Lift
If you want to walk to or from the Valletta Waterfront, consider the Barrakka Lift. It ends in the Upper Barrakka Gardens and costs only one euro. There is quite some height difference between the harbor and the city, so this is an excellent, not-so-strenuous solution. The lift is just under 60 meters high, and you get up or down in 23 seconds.
Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery
The Upper Barrakka Gardens have a garden with a fountain and viewing platform. From here, you have a panoramic view of the harbors and the Three Cities (consisting of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua).
From the viewing platform, you can see the Saluting Battery below you. It has a row of cannons that are fired daily at 12 o’clock. Especially around that time, you might want to consider buying a ticket to enter the area. You can also do a guided tour which only costs a few euros.
Visit the Lascaris War Rooms
If you follow the signs clockwise from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you will find the tunnel that takes you to the Lascaris War Rooms. I arrive at precisely the right time and can join a tour of about an hour. And that is really very interesting. Guide Mark talks about the role of the Lascaris War Rooms during World War II: how the enemy was monitored, how the people worked together, and how the attack on Sicily was planned and carried out.
Tip! There is more than Valletta. Find out what else you can do in Malta.
Triton fountain, city gate, and open-air theatre
Valletta begins at the city gate, although the people of Valletta still like to count the Triton fountain as part of their area. The fountain consists of three tritons holding a large bowl. A triton? Yes. That’s the Greek god of the sea – I had to google it too.
If you want to walk into the city, you pass the city gate via a bridge. Actually, those are just two huge blocks of stone. I’m not really impressed by them – sorry. Once through the gate, you will see the modern parliament building on your left and the ruins of the Royal Opera House next to it.
Actually, the building opposite the Royal Opera House is much nicer. The architect of this building hoped to get the contract to construct the Royal Opera House. But that was not granted to him, so he decided to make the building opposite so beautiful that the Royal Opera House would be overlooked. Mission accomplished.
Shopping in Valletta: Republic Street
The main shopping street is Republic Street. It starts at the city gate and goes all the way to Fort Saint Elmo. Valletta is Europe’s smallest capital, so you can imagine it getting jam-packed here. Especially in the afternoon, it is super crowded. So escape into the side streets for some quieter and more unique shops.
Get your non-typical souvenirs
Magnets, t-shirts, mugs, shot glasses… all junk I don’t need. And now I didn’t buy anything there, but a souvenir shop called ‘Souvenirs That Don’t Suck’ is worth a visit anyway. You can buy the typical souvenirs, but made fun. Designed by Maltese artists, so a lot more unique.
Visit Studio 47. Artist Winston Hassal loves to welcome you to his small studio. The Brit came to Malta a long, long time ago and never left. You can take home a print of his work for a small price. Safely packed in cardboard and with a friendly chat.
The bling-bling cathedral: St John’s
According to my walking tour guide, St John’s Cathedral is what you get when a rapper and the Pope meet. Gold, bling-bling, baroque. Had I known that, I wouldn’t have been discouraged by the huge queue the day before. The outside does not reveal the abundance of gold, paintings, and ornaments on the inside. But it’s not a cheap visit. It is best to buy a ticket in advance. You do that on the site of the cathedral.
Mysterium Fidei Monastery Museum
You can only visit the Mysterium Fidei monastery museum since 2023. After four centuries, it is finally open to the public. Or, well, the garden and rooms on the ground floor. Because three nuns still live upstairs. At its peak, no less than 104 nuns lived in St. Catherine’s convent. They stayed within the monastery walls their entire life, not even going out for some groceries or an evening walk.
So now you can see what life as a nun looks like. I especially find the ‘cells’ where girls who did not want to become nuns, but their families made them, were held impressive. The nuns talked to the girls until they surrendered to living the nun life.
Grandmaster Palace
The Grandmaster Palace was built by the Knights of St John (the order of knights that ruled Malta for centuries until Napoleon came). The Maltese Parliament took a seat in it for a while. Now, the President of Malta still has an office here, and a large part is open to the public. But not when I was there: renovations were in full swing. Is it worth a visit? Judging by the photos online, I’d say yes.
On the outside of the palace, you can see the balconies. These are reportedly the very first balconies in Malta, and all other balconies are inspired by those of the Grandmaster Palace. Better a good copy than a bad original, right?
Lower Barrakka Gardens and Siege Bell Memorial
Well, if you have the Upper Barrakka Gardens, then obviously, there must also be the Lower Barrakka Gardens. Slightly smaller, but the views are equally pretty to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. In the middle of the garden is a kind of temple. It’s dedicated to Alexander Ball, a high-ranking British admiral.
From the gardens, you can see the Siege Bell Memorial. This is a memorial place for the victims of the Second World War. The clock weighs no less than ten tons!
Fort Saint Elmo and war museum
The Saint Elmo fortress is at the very tip of Valletta, right on the sea. Today it is also a war museum. It consists of seven rooms in which you discover the war history of Malta. The fort was built in 1552, so there’s much history here! Most of the museum is about World War II. It is a fairly large complex with fantastic sea views from several spots.
You can buy tickets at the box office or online.
Eating and drinking in Valletta
Oh, if only I had more time in Valletta because I saw so many lovely eateries and cafes! Unfortunately, I didn’t have time for it, but I would have loved to do this food walking tour. So if you have the chance…
I do have a few tips for coffee and snacks for you. For example, go to Coffee Circus Lisboa: an espresso bar with delicious pastel de nata as you know it from Lisbon. The baristas are very helpful, and you can sit both inside and outside.
Café Berry is a good place for a healthy breakfast or lunch. Most options are vegan. There are only a few spots outside, but they have also created a nice seating area inside.
Chocolate lover? Head over to Sunday in Scotland, famous for its chocolate. Homemade and in the craziest / tastiest flavors. In addition, they have many cakes and delicious coffee.
Need a quick snack on the go? Then find a pastizzeria and order a pastizzi with ricotta or peas. You usually pay less than one euro. It is a typical Maltese snack: savory and made from puff pastry. So count on greasy fingers!
How to get to Valletta from Sliema?
A ferry runs between Valletta and Sliema. Here you get on in Sliema, and here you get off in Valletta, or vice versa, of course. The crossing is fast, and you pay € 1.50 in cash. That’s a good deal for a quick crossing and pretty views.
You can also go by taxi. Choose a Bolt taxi, because it usually has the best rates. And great offers too! For example, I went with an electric tricycle from Sliema to Valletta for less than € 6. If you have not used Bolt before, you will find a discount code here.
Hotels in Valletta
I noticed that hotels in Valletta are on the pricey side. That is why I went for accommodation in Sliema. But maybe you can spend a night in a more upscale hotel and then move? Or stay in a fancy hotel the whole time, of course: you’ve earned it! For example, check:
- The Coleridge Boutique Hotel In Valletta
- 19 ROOMS
- Melior Boutique Hotel
- Casa Ellul
- SU29 Boutique Hotel
More Malta inspiration?
Useful links for your Malta trip
- Accommodation. Still favorite: Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. For ‘free’ walking tours, try Freetour.com or GuruWalk and for bike tours, Baja Bikes offers excellent service.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Boat. For ferries in Malta, check Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. My go-to car rental companies are EasyTerra and Sunny Cars as they have all-inclusive / worry-free offers. You could also check Discover Cars for good deals.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Momondo, Transavia, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip to Malta? There is plenty of choice all over. For the Dutch: ANWB vakanties, Tui or Vakantie Discounter. Or maybe D-Reizen or Sunweb.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel gear. Buy your gear at Bever or Decathlon, or simply at Bol.com.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Bol.com and Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Malta!
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.
