17 Best Things To Do In Valletta, Malta

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Last updated: 14th July 2026

For Garth’s birthday, we decided on a week long trip to Valletta in Malta – the perfect mix of a relaxing holiday and a European city break. It’s been on our bucket list to experience Malta’s beautiful baroque capital, Valletta. We stayed across the water in nearby Sliema, which we think is one of the best places to stay in Malta thanks to its nice waterfront, cheaper accommodation and very easy ferry access across to Valletta. In this post we’ll show you our 17 best things to do in Valletta.

 

About Malta

So let’s tell you a little bit about Malta. It’s a tiny island nation sitting in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, close to Italy and Tunisia. Its unique location has helped shape Malta into one of the most fascinating cultural blends in Europe, combining influences from Italy, North Africa, Britain, and the Middle East. Over the centuries, the Maltese islands have been ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Knights of St John, French, and British – all of whom left their mark on the country.

From 1800 until 1964, Malta was under British rule, and you’ll still notice those influences everywhere today. Cars drive on the left, English is one of the official languages alongside Maltese, the national language, and classic red phone boxes and post boxes appear surprisingly on every corner throughout Valletta, especially down Republic Street, and wandering around reminded us both of when we visited Gibraltar.

The islands themselves are made up of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta may be small, but it packs an incredible amount into such a tiny space. Malta also enjoys one of the warmest climates in Europe, making it a brilliant year round destination. Summers are hot and sunny while winters remain surprisingly mild compared to the UK, which is one of the reasons Malta has become such a popular European escape with us Brits.

 

 

About Valletta

There are some cities that completely exceed your expectations and Valletta was one of them for us. Before visiting Malta for the first time, we knew surprisingly little about the country’s capital. What we discovered was a city packed with history, beautiful architecture, hidden side street bars and some of the most stunning harbour views we’ve seen anywhere in Europe.

Although Valletta is officially Europe’s smallest capital city, measuring just 0.3 square miles, it has an incredible amount to offer. Founded by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, the city is a where grand Baroque buildings, historic churches, hidden courtyards and panoramic viewpoints sit around almost every corner. We loved wandering the narrow streets lined with honey coloured limestone buildings and the traditional painted wooden balconies that have become a symbol of Malta.

One thing that really surprised us was how affordable Valletta felt compared with many other European city break destinations. Whether we were enjoying a waterfront drink, a coffee in a historic square or a three-course evening meal, prices were often noticeably lower than cities such as Rome, Barcelona or Paris.

Valletta is home to 5,700 residents and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 300 historic monuments, yet you can walk across most of it in less than 20 minutes. We really loved just wandering around, not just for its incredible history, but we loved finding hidden gems. One minute you’re admiring centuries old fortifications, the next you’re sitting outside a tiny bar right on the side of the road in some tiny back street, soaking up the atmosphere and people watch, brilliant!. It’s historic without feeling boring, beautiful without feeling overly polished and honestly one of our favourite city breaks in Europe.

 

 

17 Best Things To Do In Valletta

1. Visit The Upper Barrakka Gardens

If there’s one viewpoint you absolutely can’t miss in Valletta, it’s the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Perched high above the Grand Harbour, the views across the water towards the Three Cities are incredible, especially when the sunlight hits Malta’s golden limestone buildings. After spending a few hours wandering Valletta’s steep streets, the gardens also provide a welcome break from the crowds and heat. Phil loved the shade from the trees and liked the fountain, Garth enjoyed the displays of flowers. Honestly, it’s a nice place to chill for a bit.

Just before midday, the atmosphere completely changes as big crowds begin gathering for Valletta’s famous daily gun salute at 12 noon. There’s actually 2 ceremonies a day one at 12 and again at 4pm. We went to the noon gun salute but the crowds were massive, couldn’t see anything, so we went back half an hour before 4pm which is the perfect time to secure a space at the front. Then suddenly – BOOM!  The cannon fires across the harbour with a bang far louder than we expected, like really loud and dramatic. Phil loved the pre show pomp and ceremony, easily one of the most memorable things we experienced in Valletta, Malta.

If you’re wondering why? the cannon was fired at noon between 1824 – 1923 to serve as a signal for mariners in the harbour to check and regulate their ship clocks. The 4pm gun used to be fired to announce the closing of the city gates and lifting of the bridges for the night.

 

 

2. Victoria Gate

Victoria Gate is the only surviving historic entrance to Valletta and one of the prettiest areas to wander through near the harbour. Built in 1885 during British rule, it perfectly captures the blend of Maltese and British influences you’ll notice throughout the city. The winding streets around the gate are lined with some of Valletta’s most photogenic streets – colourful balconies, flags, flower boxes, and the occasional classic red British phone box. We walked from here to towards St Barbara’s Bastion to see the fabulous houses overlooking the Grand Harbour, and then continued walking up the road to the Lower Barrakka Gardens.

 

 

3. Relax At The Lower Barrakka Gardens

While most visitors head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lower Barrakka Gardens often feel far quieter and more peaceful. With sea views, arches overlooking the harbour, and a small neoclassical temple at its centre, it was one of our favourite places to escape the crowds for a little while. Like much the rest of Valletta, the gardens aren’t huge, but that’s part of the charm. We grabbed some ice cold water, found a free bench overlooking the Grand Harbour to slow down from the heat, it averaged around 33°C every day!

 

 

4. Wander Valletta’s Back Streets

Honestly, most of our favourite moments in Valletta came from doing absolutely nothing. No itinerary, no attractions, just wandering. Valletta is incredibly photogenic and you’ll constantly stumble across hidden staircases, colourful balconies, tiny churches, and unexpected viewpoints. The city’s grid layout also feels very different from many European capitals, allowing for long dramatic views up the steep streets or all the way down towards the sea.

The maze of narrow alleyways branching away from the busy main roads hides some of the city’s best photo spots, like St Ursula Street, St Lucia Street and South Street. With colourful balconies, steep staircases, and glowing limestone buildings, it perfectly captures Valletta’s charm.

 

 

5. Walk Down Republic Street

No visit to Valletta is complete without walking along Republic Street. Stretching all the way from the City Gate to Fort St Elmo, this is Valletta’s main thoroughfare and the heart of the city. It’s lined with cafés, shops, restaurants, churches, and many of Valletta’s biggest attractions. It’s also busy, very busy. At times we genuinely felt like we were being swept along by a human current of cruise passengers and tourists moving in both directions.

But it’s fine because the moment you duck down one of the quieter side streets, Valletta suddenly transforms. One minute you’re surrounded by crowds, the next you’re completely alone wandering peaceful alleyways lined with old wooden doors, and tiny cafés. That contrast is part of what makes Valletta so special. If you want the best photos, head here early in the morning before the cruise ship crowds arrive.

 

 

Beautiful Objects, Valletta

At the bottom end of Republic Street you’ll find Beautiful Objects one of Valletta’s coolest little hidden gems of a shop.  Tucked away down one of the city’s quieter streets, it’s filled with stylish homeware, handcrafted ceramics, prints, books and art and beautifully curated objects. Garth loved all the graphic design items, like individual A-Z letter frames made up from old street signs, he really wanted a stylish keepsake, but sadly they didn’t have the letter ‘W’ we were after.

 

 

6. Grand Master’s Palace

For over 450 years, the Grand Master’s Palace was the political heart of Malta and home to the leaders of the Knights of St John. Today, it remains the official residence of Malta’s President and parts of the palace are open to visitors, including the State Rooms and really impressive armoury collection, we’ve never seen any collection on this scale before. Inside, you’ll find grand corridors, historic paintings, more suits of armour, cannons, and beautifully restored interiors that really showcase the power and wealth of the Knights. The famous Gobelin Tapestries inside the Council Chamber are particularly impressive. While the museum itself isn’t huge, the building is absolutely stunning and well worth visiting if you want to better understand Malta’s fascinating history.

 

 

7. Take A Traditional Water Taxi

One of the best things we did in Valletta was hopping aboard a traditional Maltese water taxi. The small wooden boats leave from below the Upper Barrakka Gardens and transport passengers across to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua) in just a few minutes. Or you can use the same boats to cross over to Valletta from Sliema, which is what we did. It’s incredibly cheap, surprisingly peaceful, and gives you some of the best views of Valletta anywhere in Malta. Watching Valletta’s skyline rise above the water genuinely felt cinematic.

 

 

8. Three Cities Harbour Tour

One of the best ways to appreciate Malta’s rich maritime history is from the water. We took a 90 minute harbour cruise around the ‘Three Cities’ – Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua. We booked the 90 minute Stella Maris boat cruise which departs on the hour, because it has the best upper open-air decks views, unlike other boats which are covered for shade. It offers a unique perspective of the island’s impressive fortifications, historic dockyards and limestone buildings. As you glide through the Grand Harbour, it’s a relaxing way to see a different side of the island while learning about the pivotal role these historic cities played in Malta’s past with the onboard commentary. Going past the ridiculously massive cruise ships docked up and seeing various oil ships in the repair docks Phil found fascinating as an engineer.

 

 

9. Day Trip to Victoria, Gozo

Take a day trip to Victoria, the capital city of Gozo. Known locally as Rabat, the town was officially renamed Victoria in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It’s really easy to get to with the fast ferry like we did from Sliema, and takes 1 hour. When you arrive at the Gozo ferry terminal take the 301 bus to the town centre which takes 15 minutes.

We had a lazy lunch at the one of the nice eateries on the square right next to the stunning St. George’s Basilica. We could see towering above the town the magnificent Cittadella, an ancient fortified city that has watched over Gozo for thousands of years, but we chose to explore the small streets and do some shopping instead before catching the bus back to the ferry.

 

 

10. St John’s Co-Cathedral

To be honest we usually get a little ‘churched out’ on European city breaks. But St John’s Co-Cathedral completely blew us away. From the outside it actually looks fairly plain, which somehow makes the interior even more shocking when you step inside. The moment your eyes adjust, you’re surrounded by gold leaf, marble, enormous ceiling frescoes, and some of the most elaborate Baroque decoration we’ve ever seen.

Built by the Knights of St John in the 1570s, the cathedral was designed to showcase the wealth and power of the Order, and they definitely succeeded. The marble floor itself is extraordinary, made up of hundreds of tombstones belonging to the Knights of Malta, while the cathedral also houses Caravaggio’s famous masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Even if churches aren’t normally your thing, this is absolutely one of the best things to do in Valletta.

 

 

7 Best Valletta Restaurants, Cafes & Bars

One of the things we loved most about Valletta was the food and drink. Maltese cuisine combines so many Mediterranean influences to create something completely unique. Here’s a rundown of our favourite places to eat in Valletta:

 

 

1. Legligin

If you’re looking to try traditional Maltese cuisine, Legligin is one of the best restaurants in Valletta. Featured in the Michelin Guide and tucked away on St Lucia Street, it’s known for its generous tasting menus and cosy atmosphere. We opted for the 5-course lunch tasting menu at 4.30pm and honestly couldn’t have eaten another bite by the end! It’s a fantastic way to sample a variety of local dishes in one sitting, paired with local wine and very reasonably priced.

Our meal began with a selection of Maltese starters including sheep’s milk cheese, rabbit liver pâté, sausage, olives and bread, served alongside Legligin’s famous tapenade made from sun-dried tomatoes, olives, walnuts, anchovies and capers. Next came a traditional Maltese fish soup with sea bream, vegetables, rice and herbs, followed by linguine with a rich rabbit sauce. For the main course we enjoyed slow cooked pork collar with rosemary, garlic potatoes and vegetables. Phil said the pork simply melted in the mouth, while Garth loved the rosemary flavour running through the dish. We also loved the eclectic mix of tableware, which made the experience feel personal rather than corporate.

By dessert we were completely stuffed and even asked for a 15-minute break before sharing a portion of Pudina Tal Hobz, a traditional Maltese bread pudding. Topped with coconut and candied fruit and served with custard, it was the perfect way to finish the meal. It tastes just like an English Christmas pudding.

Pro Tip from us: go for the 5-course lunch menu if you can. If that’s anything to go by, the 7-course evening tasting menu must be an epic feast!

 

 

2. Rampila

Built into Valletta’s historic fortifications, Rampila is far more than just a restaurant. Parts of the dining area occupy sections of the original defensive walls constructed by the Knights of St John in the 1500s, giving the whole place a unique sense of history. Whether you’re dining beside the illuminated ramparts or inside the atmospheric stone tunnels, it’s one of the most memorable restaurant settings we found in Malta.

This was our favourite restaurant in Valletta for the quality of food, atmosphere and location. We shared a starter from the specials menu of seared scallops served on raisin purée with a basil oil. For our main Phil had corn fed chicken chasseur with tomato, mushroom and tarragon jus. Garth ordered the sea bass fillets with samphire and romesco sauce, both served with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. For drinks Phil had an oak aged Chardonnay and Garth stuck to glasses of prosecco.

 

 

3. Caffe Cordina

Caffe Cordina is a Valletta institution, serving coffee, cakes, and traditional Maltese desserts since 1837. Located on Republic Square, it’s one of the best places in the city for people watching, whether you sit outside on the large terrace or inside beneath the elegant old interiors. The café is famous for its pastries and desserts, especially the traditional Diplomatica cake, Cordina’s version of a Sicilian vanilla slice – layers of puff pastry filled with cream, rum-soaked sponge and green marzipan. It’s rich and completely delicious. The millionaire shortbread with a chocolate mousse topping was particularly good.

 

 

4. Café Jubilee

After a morning of exploring Valletta’s steep streets and historic landmarks, Café Jubilee is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a proper Maltese lunch. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this cosy restaurant is full of character, with vintage décor, quirky artwork, and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu focuses on traditional Maltese dishes, making it a great spot to try local food for the first time. We tried the rabbit stew which was full of bones, but tender and delicious. It’s authentic, welcoming, and exactly the kind of place you hope to stumble across while travelling through Malta.

 

 

5. Grano

Located on one of Valletta’s prettiest streets, Grano is the perfect spot for lunch,  famous for it’s indulgent sandwiches. Set along the steps of St Lucia Street the atmosphere here is lively, but relaxed. There are not many tables, but we got lucky just as we arrived. Compared to the busier Republic Street, this area feels far more intimate and atmospheric, especially in the evening when the restaurants spill out onto the cobblestones and the whole street comes alive.

The sandwiches are served hot like a panini and so tasty, and very Instagrammble as they are jam packed with assorted fillings. Garth had the Brontese – mozzarella and ham with lashings of pesto and Phil had the grilled mushrooms Fungosa with melted mozzarella.

 

 

6. Cafe Society

Tucked away on the corner of Triq San Gwann steet, Café Society is one of Valletta’s most colourful and welcoming bars. Known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, the venue has become something of an institution in the city, with rainbow flags fluttering above the famous stepped street outside and crowds gathering on the staircase for drinks.

We stumbled on Café Society by accident and stopped inside for a couple of cocktails where Phil was grateful for the cool air-conditioned interior. Most people grab a seat outside on the steps, but we loved escaping the heat and soaking up the quirky atmosphere inside. Garth loved the artwork and eclectic décor. The cocktail menu is great and they serve quite boozy cocktails! excellent!

 

 

7. Ginscal

If you’re a fan of tequila or mezcal, Ginscal is a bar you won’t want to miss. Tucked away in the heart of Valletta, it specialises in agave spirits, with an impressive selection from Mexico and beyond. Agave is a succulent plant native to Mexico, and it’s the key ingredient used to produce spirits such as tequila and mezcal. We stopped by for a tasting flight of 3 shots and then tucked into a trio of tacos – Tinga chicken with chipotle chilli, Del Pastor pork with chilli and pineapple and Barbacoa slow cooked beef with various spices. Delicious! We loved it here for the people watching whilst enjoying some spicy cocktails.

 

 

Traditional Maltese Food & Drink To Try

Maltese cuisine is a delicious mix of Mediterranean influences, blending Italian, North African, British, and Middle Eastern flavours into something uniquely Maltese. The food here is hearty, rustic, and heavily focused on fresh seasonal ingredients. Some must-try dishes include rabbit stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek), flaky pastizzi pastries, lampuki pie, grilled octopus, and fresh local seafood like swordfish and tuna. We’d also recommend wandering through Merchant Street Market to try local favourites like ftira bread and traditional snacks. If you enjoy wine, make sure to try a glass of local Ġellewża – Malta’s famous red wine.

• Fenkata – Slow cooked rabbit stew and one of Malta’s most famous national dishes.
• Kapunata – Malta’s version of ratatouille made with Mediterranean vegetables and olive oil
• Bigilla – A thick broad bean dip typically served with fresh Maltese bread.
• Bragioli – Beef rolls stuffed with herbs, egg, and breadcrumbs in a rich tomato sauce.
• Timpana – A rich baked macaroni pie wrapped in pastry and covered in tomato sauce.
• Lampuki Pie – Traditional Maltese fish pie usually made with lampuki fish, spinach, olives, and capers.
• Kusksu – A hearty broad bean and pasta soup packed with warming local flavours.
• Imqaret – Deep-fried pastries filled with sweet dates and usually served warm.
• Diplomatica – One of Malta’s most indulgent desserts made with layers of puff pastry, cream, sponge cake, rum, and marzipan.
• Pastizzi – Malta’s iconic flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Cheap, delicious, and found everywhere.

And yes, Maltese food is definitely heavier and meatier than we expected!

 

 

Phil & Garth’s Top 15 Valletta Travel Tips

• Tip #1: Valletta’s tiled and polished concrete pavements walking up or downhill can be a death trap! So slippery! They must be a nightmare when it’s wet. Wear shoes with grips, that’s all we can say!
• Tip #2: Summer in Malta enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate, so pack plenty of sunscreen.
• Tip #3: Valletta is much hillier than it looks – wear comfortable shoes because the streets are steep, uneven, and full of stairs.
• Tip #4: Many swimming spots in Malta are rocky rather than sandy, so water jelly shoes are a must especially around Sliema and Comino.
• Tip #5: Bolt is Malta’s version of Uber. A cheap, and reliable taxi service for getting around.
• Tip #6: Cruise ships can make Valletta very busy during the middle of the day, so mornings and evenings are the best times to explore.
• Tip #7: Tap water is safe but it really doesn’t taste great. We bought bottled water for brushing our teeth and drinking.
• Tip #8: Malta Is smaller than you think, most places are within 30–45 minutes of each other, making day trips really easy.
• Tip #9: Sunday hours are different – some shops, supermarkets, and cafés close earlier on Sundays.
• Tip #10: Blue Lagoon and Comino cruises sell out quickly in summer, especially the smaller boat tours.
• Tip #11: Don’t try to do too much in one day – Malta looks tiny on a map, but the heat and hills can make sightseeing surprisingly tiring.
• Tip #11: Valletta has hidden bars everywhere – some of the best places are tucked down side streets or under old staircases.
• Tip #12: Look beyond Republic Street – the quieter side streets around Strait Street and St Ursula Street are where you’ll find some of Valletta’s best bars, restaurants, and photo spots.
• Tip #13: It’s against the law for women to wear bikinis or men go topless in the streets of Malta.
• Tip #14: Use the Valatta Barrakka Lift – It saves you walking up one of Valletta’s steepest hills from the waterfront and ferry terminal.
• Tip #15: English and Maltese are the official languages, making communication easy.

 

 

Is Valletta and Malta Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Malta completely surprised us in the best possible way. This tiny Mediterranean island packs so much into such a small space – historic cities, crystal-clear water, beautiful architecture, incredible food, and some of the warmest weather in Europe. From wandering Valletta’s golden streets to taking boat trips around the coastline, Malta offers the perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and adventure. It’s easy to travel around, full of stunning scenery, and honestly one of the most underrated destinations in Europe.

 

 

When To Visit Valletta

There’s really no bad time to visit Valletta. Malta is one of the sunniest destinations in Europe, with warm weather for most of the year. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing thanks to the comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds, while summer brings long sunny days and temperatures regularly climbing above 30°C. If you’re visiting during peak summer, we’d recommend staying somewhere coastal like Sliema or St Julian’s, where you’ll have easier access to pools, beaches, and swimming spots. Winters are quieter and cooler, but still far milder than most of Europe, making Valletta a brilliant year-round city break destination.

 

 

How We Did It:

We stayed at 1926 Les Bains in Sliema with an in-room sauna!  We booked a package holiday with Jet2.com as Garth worked out it was cheaper rather than booking everything individually for 7 nights. Sliema is one of Malta’s most popular seaside areas, known for its stylish waterfront, boutique shopping, lively restaurants, and relaxed beach clubs overlooking the Mediterranean. It has a rocky coastline, so it’s not the place to be if you want a sandy beach.

 

 

Ferry From Sliema To Valletta

The Valletta ferry from Sliema takes around 10 minutes and gives you incredible views of Valletta from the water. It was one of our favourite experiences watching Valletta’s golden limestone skyline slowly rise out of the harbour ahead of us. The short crossing is cheap, easy, and honestly one of the best views in Malta – especially in the evening when the soft light hits the city walls and domes. Even if you’re staying elsewhere, we’d definitely recommend taking the ferry at least once during your trip.

 

 

Sliema Eats & Drinks

La Luz

If you fancy a break from traditional Maltese food, La Luz in Sliema is a great spot for Mexican food, cocktails, and a fun atmosphere. Expect yummy tacos, loaded nachos, spicy margaritas. It’s the perfect place to head for relaxed evening drinks by the waterfront after a busy day exploring Valletta.

 

 

Ta’ Kris

If you want to try rabbit stew and other traditional Maltese dishes then Ta’ Kris is the best place in Silema. It has a basic setting on the roadside, but don’t let the surroundings fool you as the homemade dishes are excellent and generous portions.

 

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