What to Do in Valletta: The Must-See Attractions

Following our article on things to do in Malta, let’s take a closer look at Malta’s capital: Valletta. This comprehensive guide covers the best things to do in Valletta and the practical information you need to plan your visit. For context, I spent 12 days traveling around the Maltese archipelago. To be honest, I did not know what to expect from Valletta. On previous island trips, I had often assumed that the capital would not be the most appealing place. This time, however, I was pleasantly surprised. Valletta has real character, and there is plenty to see and do despite its compact size. It is tiny, covering about 0.8 km², with a population of only a few thousand residents.

Its fortified historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often described as an open-air museum. The designation applies to the city as a whole rather than to individual streets. It is also home to several remarkable historic monuments, which I’ll cover below. To give you a comparison, Sliema and St Julian’s, which are coastal towns right next to the Maltese capital, have populations of around 14,000 and 17,000 respectively. Once you are in Valletta, however, it rarely feels quiet or sparsely populated. The city attracts large numbers of visitors and commuters. Even in early April, some central streets were already busy.

This article is designed as a guide to Valletta’s must-see sights. I spent both my first and last days in Valletta. I still left wishing I had given myself more time to explore the capital and its attractions.

Just so you know, there are lots of other towns and villages in Malta that are well worth a visit, each with their own unique charm and atmosphere.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Valletta’s most recognizable landmarks. It is also one of the capital’s most important historic buildings. Although the exterior is relatively restrained, I still found it impressive. It immediately draws your attention when you enter the square. Inside, the lavish Baroque decoration, gilding, and marble create a striking contrast.

Unfortunately, I was not able to visit because the line was too long that day. The queue stretched well beyond the entrance. If the interior is a priority, arrive early and book your ticket online in advance. Admission currently costs €15 for adults, while children under 12 enter free when accompanied by an adult.

For historical context, Malta’s cathedral is in Mdina, while St. John’s in Valletta has the status of a co-cathedral. Mdina served as Malta’s capital before Valletta was founded. St. John’s was built for the Knights of the Order of St. John and later became a co-cathedral. That is where its present title comes from. It is a useful detail for understanding Malta’s religious history.

This is another landmark associated with the Order of St. John. While walking past, I witnessed an unusual official scene. Suddenly, there was a lot of movement as an official procession formed, with police and military personnel lining up. Within seconds, everything fell into place and a diplomat was escorted to his car. Everything happened so quickly that I didn’t have time to get my phone out! I just had time to recognise the flag of Bangladesh. I then did some research and found out that it was the High Commissioner of Bangladesh. Although it is a historic monument, it also remains the official seat of the President of Malta.

Several parts of the palace are open to visitors. The visit includes the State Rooms and Palace Armoury, subject to closures for official events. Adult admission currently costs €12. Information panels and the audio guide make it easy to explore independently.

However, if you really want to visit, check that all the rooms will be accessible on your chosen date, as this depends on official events. Even if you don’t go inside, the Grand Masters’ Palace is well worth a look! You might even be lucky enough to witness a special event!

Surrounded by the typical stone buildings of Valletta and Malta in general, the Upper Barrakka Gardens provide a welcome touch of greenery. At first glance, it may seem like a small and pleasant public garden. Once you reach the terrace, however, the sweeping view over Grand Harbour and the Three Cities makes the setting exceptional. In fact, I would even say that it’s one of the most beautiful gardens on the whole island.

It is a steep climb from the waterfront, but the Barrakka Lift provides a quick connection between the harbor level and the gardens. I used it at the end of a long day of walking and found it extremely convenient. And even if you’re afraid of heights, it’s a quick ride, so don’t worry!

The Saluting Battery below the gardens traditionally fires ceremonial guns at noon and 4 p.m., subject to the daily operating schedule. If you are not expecting it, the sound can make you jump. But once you know about them, you almost get used to them. The noise is so loud that you can hear it from the Three Cities on the opposite shore. When the 4 pm cannon was fired, I was right opposite in Senglea. The ceremony attracts plenty of visitors to the gardens. These cannon shots date back to a military tradition that goes back several centuries. In short, it’s an almost obligatory stop in Valletta, particularly for the incredible view from the gardens. It’s also a good place to take a break in the shade.

From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you can see the famous Fort Saint Elmo at the tip of Valletta. It faces Fort St. Angelo across Grand Harbour, on the Vittoriosa side. Its position at the tip of the peninsula was strategic, and the fort played a decisive role during the Great Siege of 1565. Frankly, it looks quite imposing from the outside.

If you are curious to learn more, you can visit the National War Museum inside the fort. It traces the island’s entire military history up to World War II. History buffs will be delighted. I personally chose to visit the older Fort St. Angelo instead. The National War Museum is still worth considering for its uniforms, personal accounts, weapons, and broader military history.

The ramparts also offer excellent views over the sea and Grand Harbour.

Strolling through the streets of Valletta was a real pleasure! Valletta’s limestone buildings and narrow street plan help create shade and airflow during the hot summer months. The narrow streets feature typical Maltese balconies in bright colours, usually red, blue and green, which contrast nicely with the golden stone. The worn paving and historic facades make parts of the city feel frozen in time.

Some people think that everything is old, but that’s what gives Valletta its charm and makes this European capital unique. In fact, this fortified style has been deliberately preserved. They form part of Valletta’s UNESCO-listed historic urban fabric. At the beginning of April, the streets were already busy. Well, it depended on the street; some were quiet and peaceful. A special mention goes to the narrowest pedestrian streets, which offer magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Three Cities. These streets often have steps that you immediately want to climb down to get closer to the sea. Climbing back up, however, is a different story!

There are also livelier streets around Republic Street, which I’ll tell you more about below. What struck me was that even though these streets are small and narrow, they are full of sights, with little hidden cafés and laundry hanging on the balconies. Although you’re in a capital city, it feels like a small Mediterranean town. I really like this atmosphere!

If you’re looking to do some shopping in Valletta, I’d recommend heading to Republic Street and Merchant Street, which are the two main shopping streets in the city centre. Even if you don’t have anything specific in mind, it’s always nice to just stroll around. I can assure you that the atmosphere is vibrant. Although it’s busy, you can still walk around in April without feeling too overwhelmed. However, as in all crowded places, be careful of pickpockets.

On Republic Street, you’ll find everything from clothing stores and jewellery shops to more local boutiques. The great thing is that there are some wonderful ice cream parlours and cafés where you can take a break. Merchants Street is often a little quieter and is known for shops, market activity, and places to eat. This is the place to go if you want to pick up a gift for yourself or a loved one!

As an added bonus, at the end of the day when the golden light reflects off the stone facades, it’s really pretty. Even if you’re not shopping and you don’t mind the crowds, it’s worth a visit!

For a cultural break, MUŻA is one of Valletta’s most interesting museums. It occupies the historic Auberge d’Italie, once used by the Italian langue of the Order of St. John. The façade alone is magnificent, with its stunning architecture! It is both modern and ancient, and it is this combination that makes it so beautiful!

The collection includes works by Maltese and European artists, ranging from religious art to more modern pieces. If that sounds appealing, don’t hesitate to go! Adult admission currently costs €10. Special free-entry days may be offered occasionally. If you plan to visit several Heritage Malta sites, compare the current combination tickets and passes before buying individual admission. It’s well worth it!

It’s easy to miss from the outside because it’s not very imposing. But I really liked the façade — you can tell it’s an old building! It dates back to the 18th century. Once you step inside, you’ll find that it’s small and made entirely of wood, with gilding and rounded balconies. It is one of Europe’s oldest working theaters.

You can attend a performance or take a daytime tour. Tour prices and availability vary, so check the theater’s official program before visiting. The price of the plays depends on the troupe and whether it’s a weekend or weekday evening. Performances may be in English, Maltese, or another language depending on the production. If you’re passing through Valletta, I think it’s worth a visit! Personally, I’d prefer an evening show. From what I’ve seen, the prices are quite reasonable!

If you’re visiting Valletta, be sure to check out Malta’s Three Cities too! They’re just across the water, only a seven-minute ferry ride away. That’s what I did, but it was almost too quick to enjoy the views and take photos. But it was still a nice addition to the trip. For a more traditional experience, consider taking one of the harbor taxi boats known as dgħajjes. On the day I was there, the sea was a bit rough, haha!

Once you’re there, it’s much quieter than in Valletta. There are very few tourists and no traffic. You’ll arrive in Cospicua, which connects the other two cities: Vittoriosa and Senglea. I must admit that I fell in love with Vittoriosa and Cospicua, but I was a little disappointed by Senglea. In Vittoriosa, you can really sense its age, especially when you visit the famous Fort St. Angelo. As I said, it’s definitely worth a visit! With its historical aspect and views of the Grand Harbour, the port of Vittoriosa and Senglea opposite, it was fantastic. I liked Cospicua’s typical narrow streets, which are colourful and quieter than those in Valletta.

I visited Valletta and the Three Cities on the same day. It was a busy day, but entirely feasible if you want to see all the main attractions! However, if you prefer to take your time, I recommend spreading the visits over two days.

If I’ve inspired you to discover Malta’s Three Cities, I invite you to read our dedicated article.

Next are two of Malta’s most atmospheric towns. They are neighbours and each offers a very local atmosphere. Despite Mdina’s popularity with tourists, I was still able to enjoy its unique atmosphere, which is why it is known as the City of Silence. Walking through the narrow, tall, golden stone streets, I was struck by the calm. I had a good feeling about the place!

To be honest, even though the most interesting part of the fortifications can be visited in less than two hours at a leisurely pace, I could have stayed longer. Perched on a hill, Mdina’s ramparts offer magnificent panoramic views as far as the eye can see. In fact, a scene from Game of Thrones was filmed here.

Neighboring Rabat feels livelier and more everyday by comparison.

Mdina and Rabat make an excellent combined excursion from Valletta. Mdina, nicknamed the City of Silence, was once the island’s capital. As soon as you step through its gates, you are struck by its unique atmosphere of narrow streets, golden stone palaces and an almost religious silence. It’s a real pleasure to lose yourself here on foot. It’s easy to see why it was chosen as the setting for Game of Thrones!

Just next door, Rabat is a more lively and authentic place, and is just as interesting. There are many catacombs to visit here. History buffs will love it! It’s also the perfect place to relax on a terrace, sample local specialities and soak up the culture. Honestly, these are two cities that left a lasting impression on me and are well worth a visit, whether for half a day or longer.

I’ll admit, the Blue Lagoon isn’t exactly next door to Valletta, since it’s on the island of Comino. However, some guided Blue Lagoon excursions, depart from Valletta or nearby harbors, especially in summer. Another option is to travel north to Ċirkewwa or Marfa and take a shorter ferry or boat transfer. In reality, I don’t think it takes that long to hop over to another island.

The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known natural attractions. Since 2025, visitors who plan to step ashore must also reserve a free official time slot unless their authorized operator already includes access. The water is a translucent, postcard-perfect turquoise. It’s amazing to have such scenery just a 2½-hour flight away! As you might expect, it can get busy on site. But in the off-season, it remains quite reasonable. If you take a guided boat excursion to the Blue Lagoon, I recommend staying on board and swimming around the boat. This can feel much calmer than joining the crowds on shore. That is what I did, and I really enjoyed it.

Calling all food lovers: you won’t be short of restaurant choices in Valletta! Here are a few places to consider:

• Noni: For a refined dinner in an elegant setting, this is one of Valletta’s standout options. The dishes are inspired by Maltese specialties, reimagined with flair. Reviews are unanimous: the service is highly professional and the food is delicious. The restaurant currently holds a Michelin star.
• Zero Sei: A 100 % Italian restaurant serving authentic carbonara (no cream, of course, haha). The portions are generous ! It’s a convivial spot where you’ll eat well.
• Rubino: This time, you’ll find a restaurant offering exclusively local dishes. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample the flavors of Maltese gastronomy ! The dishes are simple but expertly prepared. That’s all you could ask for, really. Fun fact : this restaurant has been around for over a century.
• The Harbour Club: As the name suggests, this restaurant overlooks Valletta’s Grand Harbour! Just imagine the view. Whether for lunch or dinner, the setting is top-notch ! You can even drop by for a drink on the terrace and admire the sunset. On the menu are varied Mediterranean dishes—you’re bound to find something you love!

If you’re tempted to visit Valletta or use it as your starting point to explore Malta, here are a few accommodation suggestions.

For a luxury experience in Valletta:

• The Gomerino Hotel: This 4-star hotel in the heart of Valletta blends historic charm with modern comfort. The rooms are well-appointed and high-end! And the cherry on top: there’s a rooftop pool offering an incredible view over the city.
• Palais Le Brun: Another top-tier hotel set in a 17th-century palace! It features a contemporary‐baroque style, huge rooms—some even with private jacuzzis—and a dreamy rooftop pool.

If you’re looking for comfortable, good-value accommodation:

• Hotel Castille: A cosy, well-equipped hotel whose real strength is its location—you can explore the entire city on foot! The décor could use a refresh, but that’s part of its character.
• Barrakka Suites: As the name suggests, this small establishment sits next to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. It’s cosy, with several well-furnished studios—perfect if you want more autonomy. The location is ideal and the hosts are very welcoming.

Finally, for budget-friendly stays in Valletta:

• Grand Harbour Hotel: A simple hotel but very well located! Some rooms offer magnificent views of Valletta’s harbour. Even though it’s affordable, it remains a reliable choice.
• The Manoel Boutique Hotel: A small, peaceful hotel on a typical Maltese street. It offers great value without compromising on comfort. It’s the perfect base for exploring the city at your own pace without breaking the bank!

To find more places to stay, check out our guide on where to stay in Malta.

Getting around Valletta is straightforward. The city covers less than one square kilometer. Most sights are easily reached on foot. That’s what I did, and I really enjoyed it. I strolled through the colourful streets with their stairways and, in some cases, sea views.

Although I was staying in Saint Paul’s Bay, I parked my rental car in a car park the first time I went to Valletta. It’s a secure car park that costs €4 for the whole day. Honestly, it’s worth it! The second time, I found a white-lined parking space closer to the center. Always check local signs and restrictions, as road markings alone do not guarantee that parking is permitted.

If you do not have a car, Valletta is the main hub of Malta’s bus network. You won’t have any trouble finding one. Within the historic center itself, however, walking is usually faster than taking a bus. The Barrakka Lift is especially useful for traveling between the Grand Harbour waterfront and the upper city. Honestly, it’s super convenient! I can tell you I was relieved when I discovered this option. Otherwise, I was ready to take a taxi, haha. By the way, you always have that option to get around Valletta. Ride-hailing fares are often reasonable, although they vary with demand.

I almost forgot: there are also the famous double-decker buses for a Valletta city tour. It’s not very practical if you only want to visit Valletta itself, since the historic center is very compact with narrow streets. If you want to take that kind of tour, I recommend adding other towns, spots, and must-see sights to your itinerary.

You now have a clear overview of Malta’s capital. You now know the main things to see and do in Valletta.

As I mentioned, I was pleasantly surprised by this city. Although some buildings may look weathered at first glance, the consistent limestone architecture gives Valletta much of its character. That visual identity is one of the things that sets it apart from other European capitals.

More broadly, I’ll let you discover our complete guide on: things to do in Gozo. You might be planning a visit. I even suggest spending several days there to uncover all its hidden treasures: the salt pans, small coves, basilicas, megalithic temples (older than the Egyptian pyramids!), churches, cliffs, caves, and hiking trails. It is well worth giving Gozo several days if your itinerary allows.

See you soon for more travel ideas from the Maltese archipelago.

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

Thanks to you, our readers, our blog can continue to grow. This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep offering you more and support our work!

Despite our vigilance, an error may have slipped into this article. If you spot one, please let us know so we can correct it and keep our information up to date!