20 Things To Do In Valletta

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1. Upper Barrakka Gardens

1 km from city center

Garden & Park

Upper Barrakka Gardens, located in Valletta, Malta, is a historic public garden offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Originally built in the 16th century as a private retreat for the Knights of St. John, it now serves as a peaceful urban oasis. The gardens feature elegant archways, lush greenery, and historic monuments, including the Saluting Battery, wh (Read More)ere a ceremonial cannon firing takes place daily.

0 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a Baroque masterpiece located in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s capital city. Built in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, it features a richly decorated interior with gilded walls and Caravaggio’s famous painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Situated near Republic Street, it is one of Malta’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks.

0 km from city center

Garden & Park

The Lower Barrakka Garden in Valletta is a serene public garden offering stunning views of the Grand Harbour and the historic Siege Bell Memorial. Known for its peaceful ambiance and picturesque setting, the garden features shaded paths, vibrant flowers, and a striking neoclassical monument dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball, a prominent figure in Malta’s history.

Top Attraction

10 km from city center

Cave

The Blue Grotto is a series of stunning sea caves located on the southern coast of Malta near the village of Żurrieq. Known for its vibrant blue waters and striking rock formations, it is best explored by boat, particularly in the morning when sunlight enhances the water's color. The grotto is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and photography, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean (Read More)and the nearby cliffs.

1 km from city center

Avenues & Promenades

The Valletta Waterfront is a historic promenade located along the Grand Harbour, just below the city’s fortifications. Originally built in the 18th century as warehouses, it has been transformed into a lively destination with restaurants, bars, and shops housed in colorful facades. Known for its views of the harbor and cruise ships, it serves as a vibrant hub for dining and entertainment, especial (Read More)ly in the evenings.

0 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Fort St. Elmo is a star-shaped fortress located at the tip of the Valletta peninsula in Malta, overlooking the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. Built in 1552, it played a pivotal role during the Great Siege of Malta and now houses the National War Museum, showcasing Malta’s military history. Its strategic position offers visitors historical insights and panoramic views of the harbors and surr (Read More)ounding cityscape.

7. Hagar Qim Temple

10 km from city center

Historical Site

Hagar Qim Temple is a prehistoric megalithic complex located near Qrendi, southwest of Valletta. Perched atop a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the islet of Filfla, this UNESCO World Heritage site dates back over 5,000 years to the Ġgantija phase (3600–3200 BC). Excavated in 1839, it is renowned for its unique architectural features, including a central passage paved with stone s (Read More)labs leading to chambers with beaten earth floors.

30 km from city center

Museum

The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta is housed within Auberge de Provence on Republic Street. This museum offers a comprehensive overview of Malta's rich prehistoric and early historic periods, showcasing artifacts from the Neolithic era through the Phoenician period. Notable exhibits include the 'Sleeping Lady' from the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the 'Venus of Malta' from Hagar Qim.

9 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Casa Rocca Piccola is a 16th-century palazzo located in the heart of Valletta, Malta, near Republic Street. It is the private home of a noble Maltese family, offering guided tours that showcase its lavish rooms, historical artifacts, and underground World War II shelters. The house provides a glimpse into Malta’s aristocratic heritage and features unique collections of art, silver, and furniture.

0 km from city center

Light & Sound Show

The Malta Experience is an engaging audio-visual show located at the historic St. Elmo Bastions on Mediterranean Street in Valletta. This 45-minute presentation offers visitors a comprehensive overview of Malta's 7,000-year history, highlighting significant events and cultural milestones that have shaped the islands. The presentation is available in 17 languages.

1 km from city center

Museum

The Lascaris War Rooms are an underground complex in Valletta, Malta, located beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Used as the Allied headquarters during World War II, they housed operations for the defense of Malta and the coordination of the Mediterranean campaign. Visitors can explore the original command rooms, equipment, and displays detailing their pivotal role in wartime history.

0 km from city center

Shows & Theatres

Teatru Manoel is a theatre and eminent performing arts venue in Old Theatre Street in Valletta. It is the oldest operational theatre in the Commonwealth of Nations & the third-oldest working theatre in Europe. It is an architectural marvel with a white Carrara marble staircase and Viennese chandeliers.

1 km from city center

Garden & Park

Hastings Gardens is a public garden located in Valletta, Malta, situated atop St. John's and St. Michael's Bastions on the west side of the City Gate. The garden offers panoramic views of Floriana, Msida, Sliema, and Manoel Island. Within the garden stands a monument dedicated to Francis, Marquis of Hastings, a former governor of Malta who died in 1826 and is buried in the garden.

0 km from city center

Historical Site

Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta, Malta, features two notable courtyards: Neptune's Courtyard and Prince Alfred's Courtyard. Neptune's Courtyard is distinguished by the prominent statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea; while Prince Alfred's Courtyard is notable for its clock tower, featuring the Moors Clock along with three additional dials.

Day Trip

3 km from city center

Day Trip

Three Cities of Malta—Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla)—are a trio of historic fortified towns located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. They can be reached via the Valletta Ferry Service from the Grand Harbour. The ferry ride takes just 10 minutes and offers stunning views of the harbor. These cities are known for their breathtaking fortifications.

3 km from city center

Historical Site

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is an ancient underground burial site located in Paola, Malta. Dating back to approximately 4000 BC, it is among the world's oldest and best-preserved subterranean structures. The Hypogeum was used both as a sanctuary and a necropolis, with archaeologists estimating that it once contained the remains of over 7,000 individuals.

0 km from city center

Libraries

The National Library of Malta, also known as the Bibliotheca, is a prominent reference and research library located in Republic Square, Valletta. Established in 1776 by Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc, it has been a legal deposit library since 1925, preserving a vast collection of manuscripts, books, and archives that chronicle Malta's rich history.

0 km from city center

Commercial Street

Republic Street (Triq ir-Repubblika) is the main thoroughfare running through the heart of Valletta, Malta's capital city. Stretching from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo, it spans approximately 1 kilometer and is lined with historic landmarks, boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and cultural attractions. As a pedestrianized street, it provides a lively and bustling atmosphere.

0 km from city center

Monument

Siege Bell War Memorial is a prominent monument, situated on the lower part of St. Christopher's Bastion, overlooking the Grand Harbour. Erected in 1992, it commemorates the over 7,000 individuals who lost their lives during the relentless bombings of Malta in World War II. Tourists visit this site not only to honor the fallen but also to appreciate its historical significance and to enjoy panora (Read More)mic views of the harbor and surrounding fortifications.

Street Food & Drinks

Food tours in Valletta typically combine guided walks through the city's historic streets with stops at various eateries, allowing participants to sample traditional Maltese dishes and learn about the island's gastronomic heritage. Most tours commence at central locations in the city, such as the City Gate or near prominent landmarks like St. John's Co-Cathedral. These usually last between 2.5 to (Read More)3 hours, covering multiple tasting stops interspersed with cultural and historical commentary.