Valletta is the little capital of Malta. Encompassed by historic walls, where everything is within reach.
The summertime daydream is a treat for the eyes. Everything is lovely, from gardens and churches to butterscotch architecture. An open-air museum enclosed in the deep blue mediterranean sea.
Uncover its Roman Catholic heritage, Baroque masterpieces and expansive past.
These are the best things to do in Valletta.
Republic Street
Valletta’s busiest strip is indisputably Reuplicic Street. Whether your aim or not, at some point during your visit to the capital you are bound to pass through this important road.
As the through-pass between the city centre and City Gate, this makes a fantastic stop-off even if it isn’t your plan for the day.
The busy strip is a favourite with both tourists and locals for its vast selection of eateries and shops, as well as its pinnacle of some of the most important attractions in the city.
Look beyond the amenities and you will find pic picturesque architecture of the time before in the form of sand-hued buildings and the Triton Fountain.
Amongst the immediate peaks of interest, keep your eager eyes peeled for palaces, churches and even the Houses of Parliament. Between them is the Old Theatre ruins, bombed during WWII and only to be rebooted in recent years into an open-air theatre.
Call in for a performance before heading on to the museums for a look into the area’s past.
Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
Searching for paradise? Stop right there because Barrakka Gardens has you covered!
Take in the vistas from the best viewpoint on the island. The Upper Gardens look right out over a panoramic stretch of Malta and beyond. Meanwhile from Lower Barrakka, you can soak up the harbour views and the sights of the Three Cities. What’s not to love?
Bring a picnic for the most serene lunch spot you will ever find. Bathe in the 17th-century grounds or take to the shade of a sheltered bench on the Lower grounds. And if you get a little peckish, the Upper Garden will invite you to a cafeteria where you can refuel your engines.
It is worth hanging fire to watch the traditional cannon that’s set off every day at 12 pm and 4 pm from the Saluting Battery. The age-old ceremony is a bit of a wow factor.
Not to mention, the Upper Barrakka Lift will take you straight from the Gardens to the Grand Harbour in a matter of seconds for just a euro.
What’s more, entry to the Barrakka Gardens is completely on the house.
The Three Cities
History buffs would fall short to miss the original three cities of Malta. Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua are home to the three medieval fortresses restored to their former glory, which can be spotted from Fort Elmo.
Explore them on foot, or via a hop-on-hop-off bus tour that shows you all the need to know including the lookout points within the wall fortifications. It is best to allow a full day to truly admire the cities both day and night and take a deep breath of the impressive medieval history.
For less than €3 per person for a return on the ferry, it would be a huge shame to miss out on this day trip.
Those who care little about the cities’ history can still enjoy exploring the twists and turns of the narrow streets and the cafes and culture they provide. Situated opposite the Grand Harbour, from there you can get a dazzling view of Valletta’s coastline.
Merchant Street
Merchant Street is the ideal place to head to discover Valletta’s culture. One of the longest stretches of road in the city. Here you can taste traditional dishes, admire the beautiful architecture and stroll in the shade of palaces and balconies all the way to the National War Museum.
You will find an array of shops including a lip-smacking sweetshop which is a favourite of just about everyone. From high-end to local legends, make sure you pack your purse for this visit.
If you find a little extra time on your hands, head to the Sunday market for a meander at the gift ideas.
Valletta Waterfront
Valletta’s harbour is loaded with historical charm. See where the boats have docked along the waterfront for hundreds of years. Dip into which every of the converted stores pricks your interest.
As the main entrance to the island, you will find this is where most cruise ships dock for a Maltese pitstop. If this is you, be sure to stop for a meal whatever your circumstance. Their freshly-caught seafood is particularly ravishing.
You can enjoy fine dining at a whole host of restaurants, including Brown’s which is a long-established choice for shellfish lovers. Be sure to wash it down with a refreshing glass of DOK wine.
Head out for a relaxing stroll along the promenade both day and night for some heartwarming vistas and a perfect roundup for the start or end of your trip. The sand-coloured buildings with red green and blue shutters are sure to whisk you away to a world of extravagance.
Teatru Manoel
Head to one of Europe’s oldest running theatres to see a performance or take on the twice-hourly guided tour.
The Manoel Theatre is where you can go to see one of the best depictions of Baroque-style architecture in Valletta. Its oval-shaped room and gilded furniture are something of a dream and is one thing everyone should see on their trip to Malta.
We strongly suggest you at least peek inside. Opt for a tour to learn about the history of the important building and allow yourself to be tempted to spectate an opera or theatrical show in this spectacular venue. Though sensational, we doubt you will be able to keep your eyes on the show!
Its central location and low entry fee make it a no-brainer for anyone spending a day in Valletta. Check the website for show times.
St John’s Co-Cathedral
It would be an immense shame to miss out on a visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral. So central, perched behind Republic Street, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding call-ins you will ever make.
The Baroque masterpiece is one of the most elegant Cathedrals of its time in Europe and it’s outside will blow you away, its interior is far beyond too exquisite for words.
16th-century tiles, beams and arches of gilded frescoes adorn every inch of the church. Its marble flooring is breathtaking alone. Your neck will ache contently from craning in every direction to take it all in.
There are a million things to admire inside St John’s Co-Cathedral and all we can say to urge you anymore is to say that missing it is the biggest mistake you will ever make!
It is best to visit early in the day since you can dodge the expectant crowds and make the most of its inspiring interior.
Grand Master’s Palace
One of the oldest buildings in Malta is also one of the most popular attractions in the city centre. They are already two crucial reasons not to miss the Grand Master’s Palace!
Set in Malta’s Old City, the interior will sweep you way back into 1571. While its sand-coloured arches, bushes and square are already everything you need for a 16th-century swoon, prepare yourself for what lies inside…
Phenomenally intricate tapestries, ceiling frescoes and tiles make time stand still for hours. Not to mention the suits of armour guarding the halls stripped from the furious battles of the 16th century.
The €10 entrance fee is worth every penny of your time. You could easily watch an afternoon go by in the Palace.
The Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum
Museum-lovers listen up! Valletta is the place to go if you enjoy discovering the history of the city around you.
Wedged between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour is where you can enjoy learning about the entirety of Malta’s war history from 2500 BC up to WWII.
Compiled into bitesize videos, this is the easiest museum you are yet to experience.
Visual aids such as knights’ armour, the World War George Cross Medal for Gallantry and a battle-scarred warplane, not to forget the venue everything is housed inside, all work to paint a picture of Malta’s many years of bravery.
Fun fact, you may recognise the George Cross from the Maltese flag. It might interest you to see the original in person!
The National Museum of Archaeology
Helpfully positioned on Republic Street, you cannot miss the National Museum of Archaeology.
Housed inside the eye-capturing baroque home of the Knights of the Order of St John, this important building is unmissable even simply for its innards and outs.
Once you’ve pulled your eyes away from the incredible living space of Valletta’s most famous knights, you will see the museum paints a picture of prehistoric Malta and how it came to be.
Make the most of the audioguides as you explore the artefacts and discover how life used to be during Malta’s early years.
See prehistoric tools and the architecture they created and the prehistoric obese statue of Venus of Malta, which represents fertility. Marvel at the ancient Hornus and Anibus pendant and the 5000-year-old clay sleeping lady discovered at a nearby site.
Tritons Fountain
Immediately before the entrance to Valletta’s city centre is the iconic Tritons Fountain.
While marvellous to see in its full splendour in daylight, we strongly recommend you also make a stop during the evening, when its blue water is amplified by shining lights. After an evening meal, a walk to the fountain adds the final pizzazz you need to round off your day.
Be sure to snap a photo on its elegant rim and capture the historic city backdrop. The Tritons Fountain is a thing of summer dreams.
To top it off, during the day you can find some excellent ice cream stalls on the pizza. So you can enjoy a cooling scoop while you cast your wishes into the special water feature.
