Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is not your typical city. Located on the northeastern coast of the country, it is an awesome laid-back city full of character, history, and stunning streets, waiting for you to explore.
Whether you are a history buff wanting to learn more about Malta's rich history, which doesn't get enough attention in the grand worldview of things, or simply in search of some Mediterranean sunshine, Valletta is an awesome place to visit and a perfect base to explore the rest of this wonderful island.
Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Valletta, Malta. Without further ado, here are the 12 best things to do in Valletta for solo travelers. Let's begin by taking a look at the itinerary map below:
- Valletta Itinerary Map
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12 Best Things to Do in Valletta
- Observe the Stunning Details of Triton Fountain
- Admire the Beauty of St. John's Co-Cathedral
- Learn More About Malta at the National Museum of Archaeology
- Hang Out at St. George's Square
- Imagine What Life Was Like As A Maltese Noble at Casa Rocca Piccola
- Learn the History of Malta at the National War Museum and Stroll Around Fort St Elmo
- Visit The Lascaris War Rooms
- Witness the Saluting Battery at Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Enjoy the Sunset at Tigné Point
- Check Out the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Visit the 3 Cities of Malta, Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua
- Go On Day Trips to Explore Malta
- More Valletta Activities
- Where to Stay in Valletta?
- How to get to Valletta?
- Further Reading for Malta
Valletta Itinerary Map
12 Best Things to Do in Valletta
1. Observe the Stunning Details of Triton Fountain
One of the first things you will see when you arrive in Valletta's Old Town is the City Gate Square, a vast square covered with blinding light-brown limestones from the floor to the city gate walls and right at the center, you will find Triton Fountain, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city, and a great place to check out first.
Designed by a Maltese sculptor and completed in 1959, the fountain's design drew inspiration from the mythological figure of Triton, the son of Poseidon, as well as the fountain in Rome with the same name.
The fountain features a group of bronze sculptures depicting Tritons, mythological sea gods, as well as dolphins and other sea creatures, all set on a large circular base with cascading water features.
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While you are admiring the beauty of the fountain, be sure to spend some time and explore the city gate which is attached to massive fortification walls surrounding the city as well. Most of the walls are still in an extremely well-preserved condition which goes to show just how strategically important Malta is for the security of Europe.
2. Admire the Beauty of St. John's Co-Cathedral
One of the highlights of traveling to Valletta is visiting St. John's Co-Cathedral and admiring its incredible interior. Despite the Cathedral's relatively unimpressive exterior in comparison to the grandiose churches found in places like Italy, I can assure you that the moment you step inside, you will be utterly amazed by the breathtaking beauty that unfolds before you.
The cathedral was built between 1573 and 1578 by the Knights of Malta in the beautiful baroque architectural style, and it is considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Europe.
As a result of the Knights of Malta's remarkable defense, which theoretically thwarted the complete Ottoman invasion of Europe through the Mediterranean Sea during the 16th Century, Malta was able to reap significant benefits from the grateful countries and city-states of the continent and ride the wave of the Renaissance that swept across the region.
This is precisely why the church, along with many of the other churches and forts in Valletta, was constructed with such extravagance in design and decoration, as they were all built during the same period.
You can spend almost an hour just exploring the central nave and admire all the little details of the golden-covered stuccos and sculptures as well as all the great artworks and paintings decorated on the walls.
You can also get access to the second level of the church and get up close and personal with the stunning frescoes that adorned the entire ceiling. You can admire all the tiny details of the frescoes from up here.
Expect to spend at least an hour or more inside. The cathedral is open from 9:30 AM to 4 PM every day except on Mondays. The entrance fee is 15 EUR per person and you can buy the ticker from the kiosk at the entrance.
If you want to learn more about the cathedral as well as the other attractions in Valletta, I highly recommend you go on an organized walking tour which will take you all over the city while a local guide explains the history of each stop in greater detail.
3. Learn More About Malta at the National Museum of Archaeology
If you want to learn more about the history of Malta all the way from prehistoric times, you can also visit the National Museum of Archaeology which is located just across the street from St. John's Cathedral.
The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history and culture of the Maltese Islands as well as exhibits from the Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine periods, as well as a collection of artifacts from the Knights of St. John.
The museum is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entrance fee is 5 EUR for adults and 3.50 EUR for students, children, and senior citizens. If you are a history buff, be sure to check out the National Museum of Archaeology.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Valletta? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
4. Hang Out at St. George's Square
As you continue to explore Valletta, you will stumble upon St. George's Square, a public square surrounded by many historical buildings including the Grandmaster's Palace, the Main Guard Building, and the iconic St. George's Parish Church.
Throughout the year, St. George's Square plays host to a variety of events and activities, including concerts, cultural festivals, and markets. The square is particularly lively during the Christmas season when it is decorated with festive lights and a large Christmas tree.
You can spend some time and explore some of the historical buildings here like the Grandmaster's Palace and its nice courtyard, although the place is undergoing renovation at the moment. You can still admire the palace from the outside though.
There are also several restaurants and cafes around the square where you can indulge yourself in. The area is the perfect place to hide from the heat of Malta which can be extremely unbearable in the summer months, and rest before we continue exploring Valletta.
5. Imagine What Life Was Like As A Maltese Noble at Casa Rocca Piccola
If you are wondering what life was like for the nobles living here during the Renaissance then you are going to want to visit Casa Rocca Piccola, a museum inside a 16th-century palace.
The house has been owned by the noble de Piro family for over 300 years. It is a unique example of a nobleman's house and is known for its exquisite architecture, impressive artwork, and stunning collection of antiques.
One of the most interesting aspects of Casa Rocca Piccola is its role during World War II, when it served as a shelter for hundreds of people, including members of the de Piro family, who sought refuge from the bombings.
You can take a guided tour around the house. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day except on Sunday and the entrance fee is 9.5 EUR per person. You can also go on a guided tour leaving every hour on the hour and you will be guided through the house in 45 minutes.
6. Learn the History of Malta at the National War Museum and Stroll Around Fort St Elmo
National War Museum at Fort St Elmo is one of my favorite museums in the city and it is one of the museums I highly recommend you check out while you are in Valletta.
This museum is located inside Fort St Elmo which is a historic fortress built in the 16th century by the Knights of St John, a military order that controlled Malta at the time. The fort played a crucial role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, during which it was under siege by Ottoman forces for over a month.
If you wonder why there are so many forts here in Malta, you will get your answer right here at the museum which will go into detail about why the country is so strategically important to the security of Europe.
The museum houses a vast collection of military artifacts and exhibits, chronicling the military history of Malta and the role it played in major conflicts throughout history, including the two World Wars.
You can explore the many galleries and exhibits, which include displays of military uniforms, weaponry, and all kinds of vehicles from motorbikes and small airplanes.
The museum also features several interactive displays, including a replica of a World War II-era air raid shelter, which provides you with a vivid sense of what life was like for the people of Malta during the war.
The National War Museum is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in history of this part of Europe and wants to get a unique insight into Malta's role in some of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.
You can also spend some time and explore the fort, check out the view of Malta from its formidable walls, and see parts of the fort like the abandoned barracks that were used during the wars.
The museum is open daily except on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and the ticket is around 10 EUR and can be purchased at the entrance. If you have time for only one museum in Malta, make it this one.
7. Visit The Lascaris War Rooms
This is probably one of the coolest war museums I've been to so far. Have you ever wondered what a military headquarter looks like? Well, you will have a chance to see it at the Lascaris War Rooms.
This incredible museum is housed in complex underground tunnels and chambers that served as the British military headquarters in Malta during World War II. The war rooms were used by the British military to plan and coordinate operations in the Mediterranean theatre during the war.
Inside the museum, you can explore the complex freely or with an audio guide and it will take you through several underground chambers, where you will find maps, telephones, and other communication equipment that were used during the war still inside.
One of my favorite rooms here is the war room which is a 2-level room with a massive map of Malta on the table on the first level and the little chess pieces that were used to plan out war tactics.
On the first level, you will also find photos of the people that used to work, mostly women as men were at war. On the second level, there is a commander post with a view of the entire map from above as well as access to the communication rooms, strategy boards, and more.
The incredible amount of information you can learn here is immense and all the rooms are well-kept with equipment donated by the British Army still in place like it used to decades ago.
Walking around each room really makes you feel how incredibly complex and efficient these types of things are. The amount of effort required to make these decisions is mind-blowing.
If you love history and want to learn more about Malta and how it helped the allied forces take back Italy during WW2, this is the museum for you. The museum is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM every day except on Sundays and the ticket price is around 17 EUR per person.
8. Witness the Saluting Battery at Upper Barrakka Gardens
While you are visiting Lascaris War Rooms, be sure to walk up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautiful 16th-Century public garden where you can witness the Saluting Battery ceremony, a traditional firing of cannon salute that has been a daily occurrence here since the mid-19th century.
The ceremony takes place at the Saluting Battery, which is a historic gun battery built in the 16th Century and located on the eastern side of Valletta just below the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Here, you will be able to witness the firing of several cannons in unison, creating a loud and impressive boom that echoes across Valletta and the surrounding areas.
The ceremony is performed by a team of uniformed soldiers, who use traditional techniques to load and fire the cannons. The ceremony takes place every day at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and you can watch the ceremony for free in designated areas in the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
You can also pay for the ticket to be up close and personal with the cannons down where they are firing the guns. The ticket is about 3 EUR per person.
The Lower Barrakka Gardens are also worth a visit if you have the time. The garden is smaller but also much quieter with plenty of green vegetation, fountains, and an old Roman temple in the middle.
9. Enjoy the Sunset at Tigné Point
If you are looking for a nice viewpoint for sunset near Valletta, I highly recommend you visit Tigné Point, an incredible seaside viewpoint where you will be able to see Valletta and all its stunning cityscape across the ocean from the other side.
You can easily take the bus numbered 13,14 and 16 and drop off at Xerri in Sliema and from there, you can walk along the pathway hugging the cliff until you find a stair to go down to the concrete coastline.
I sat here for hours watching the sunset and it was incredible. The Maltese sunset creates an orange hue across the city, making silhouettes out of everyone at the viewpoint. I've seen many sunsets in my lifetime but the sunset here just hits differently.
At the viewpoint, you will see people chilling, exercising, jumping into the water, and just sunbathing here as they witness the sunset. The vibe here is just perfect.
Definitely one of the best things to do in Valletta. If you want a nice photo of yourself and the stunning cityscape of Valletta and its iconic domed cathedral, there is no better place to be than here. Make sure you align your visit right before sunset!
10. Check Out the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the most iconic basilicas in Valletta. It is the dome that towers over the entire city and you can see it from as far as Mdina, a town way inland.
The basilica's entrance is located on a narrow street and can easily be missed but as long as you follow the Google Maps link I provided above, you should find it in no time.
The basilica is open from 6:30 AM to 12 PM and again from 5:15 PM to 7 PM every day except on Mondays when it is open only from 5 PM to 7 PM. Unfortunately, I was there during the mass and I was unable to get in. If you really want to see the inside of this iconic structure, be sure to align your time carefully.
11. Visit the 3 Cities of Malta, Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua
If you have time to spare in Valletta, be sure to check out the 3 Cities of Malta, a collective way to describe the 3 fortified cities in Valletta, Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta.
The Three Cities have a long and rich history, dating back to the time of the Phoenicians, who first settled in the area. They were later fortified by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century to protect the island from attacks by the Ottoman Empire.
Each city has its own unique character and charm. Birgu is the oldest and largest of the three cities and features several historic landmarks, including Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor's Palace.
Senglea is the smallest of the three cities and is characterized by its narrow streets and stunning views of the Grand Harbour. Cospicua, also known as Bormla, is the largest of the three and has a vibrant mix of old and new architecture, as well as several historic churches and chapels.
You won't see as many tourists here as in Valletta and you will be able to get a feel of what life is really like in Malta, outside of touristy areas.
12. Go On Day Trips to Explore Malta
Malta is not very big and since every journey in the country begins in Valletta, it is a good idea to spend some time here and go on day trips to explore the surrounding areas.
Mdina, a fortified city located up on the hill at the center of the island, is an awesome historic city with a beautiful old town you can visit as a day trip from Valletta. The HBO series Game of Thrones was also shot here which is more of a reason to make it to Mdina while you are here.
The history of Mdina dates back more than 4,000 years, and it has been ruled by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Arabs. It was also the capital of Malta until the arrival of the Knights of St. John in the 16th century.
Today, the city is now known as the "silent city", and it is considered to be one of the most well-preserved ancient walled cities in Europe. No wonder why the film crew chose to film Game of Thrones here.
While here, you can explore the narrow streets and alleys of Mdina, which are lined with historic buildings, churches, and palaces.
Some of the highlights of a visit to Mdina include the imposing Mdina Gate, the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, and so much more.
You can take the bus from Valetta Bus Station here and explore the city independently or you can go for an organized tour which will take you to Mdina and back while you learn more about the city from a local guide. Highly recommend it if you are interested in the history of Mdina.
You can also go to places like the Blue Grotto, a stunning natural sea cave located on the southern coast which is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and unique rock formations as well as visit prehistoric temples down there. If you wish to explore the south for a day, I highly recommend you go on this organized tour.
For the north, there's the beautiful remote island of Gozo which is considered to be the hidden gem of Malta. For this, you are going to have to go on an organized tour to get there and back in one day. I highly recommend this Jeep tour to Gozo.
All in all, if you are planning to visit Malta, be sure to spare a few days to do some of these day trips to really see the true beauty of this country.
Where to Stay in Valletta?
Valletta is quite big with the city divided into districts with features that will cater to different people depending on what type of holidays you are planning for this trip. Of course, staying in Valletta's old town will give you the easiest access to most tourist attractions but the buildings there are quite old and so you might not get the best accommodation, especially for the high asking price.
From my experience, I found that the best value-for-money place to stay in Valletta is somewhere around St. Julians and its surroundings. The area is far enough from the old town, not to be inflated by its overly expensive price, while it is lively enough with a ton of restaurants and cafes for you to indulge yourself in.
From St. Julians, you can also take one of the many buses to Valletta in about 15 minutes which is quite convenient. Below are some of my suggested accommodations in and around St. Julians and Sliema:
If money is no object and you want the best experience that requires to least effort, staying in Valletta itself is a great idea. Below are some suggested accommodations in Valletta:
How to get to Valletta?
From abroad, to get to Valletta, you will first have to fly into Malta International Airport (MLA), and while you are at the airport, you can buy the 15 EUR 12 Single Day Journeys bus pass which is the best deal out there for those who are planning to stay between 2 - 5 days here. The bus pass will allow you to take any bus in the country 12 times before it runs out. There should be a kiosk at the arrival terminal you can buy this pass from.
From the airport, depending on where you choose to stay in Valletta, you can take bus #110 to get to St Julians or bus #71, #72, and #73 to get to Valletta. It should take about one hour before you arrive in Valletta. Bus schedules are available here.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Malta
I hope you found this Malta travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Malta, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- For a complete backpacking itinerary for Malta, check out: 4 Days Backpacking Malta Itinerary.
- Mdina, the old capital of Malta and a place where they shot Game of Thrones, is a must-visit while you are here. For the best things to do here, check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Mdina, Malta.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Malta, visit the Malta Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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