When it comes to European cities that are small but mighty, you can’t look past Malta’s stunning capital, so I’ve compiled this list of the top things to do there to help you get this most form this destination.
Covering just a tiny area (only 1 sq km tiny!), Valletta is actually jam-packed with enough fab things to do to keep you busy for days – in fact I recommend at least 2 for the historic centre of this city alone.
Founded in 1566 by the Knights of St John, Valletta’s old town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and rightly so!), with beautiful forts, palaces, lookouts and churches across a series of undulating, cobbled streets.
But it’s not all about history, Valletta also has a fantastic café culture, excellent markets, and a stunning waterfront that brings the city and its local community feel to life.
Add panoramic viewpoints, a packed events calendar, and gorgeous gardens into the offering, and you’ve got a wonderful destination to explore on foot, the perfect spot for a cultural city break, and the starting point for your Malta adventure.
And the best part for us budget travellers?
Valletta has tons of many free or low-cost activities too!
So if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful European capital, here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Valletta, including those must-see attractions and fantastic freebies you can’t visit Malta without experiencing!
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#1 See the Triton Fountain
There are so many things to see in Valletta that kicking this list off was a bit intimidating, but honestly, you can’t visit this capital without stopping at the Triton Fountain that sits just beyond the main city gates.
Dating back to the 1950’s, Triton Fountain is Valletta’s grand entrance and has three bronze sea gods (Tritons) holding up a massive basin, plus a super beautiful water display.
If you visit at night, the fountain will be beautifully illuminated and is, of course, free to enjoy!
The perfect welcome to Valletta, if you’re leaving the city in the hot afternoon, this fountain also offers the perfect opportunity to cool down with the water jets and mist!
#2 Admire the City Gate and Parliament Building
And just beyond the Triton Fountain, the City Gate marks the formal entrance to Valletta’s amazing historic centre.
Having been reconstructed several times throughout history, the current gate was designed by architect Renzo Piano in 2014, who also designed the new Parliament building at the same time – busy man!
Valletta’s Parliament Building’s modern design differs greatly from the city’s traditional Baroque architecture, but is well worth a look, especially because it’s free to visit too.
#3 Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral
St John’s Cathedral is an absolute masterpiece that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Valletta – definitely a must-see attraction in the city.
Originally built in the 1570s by the Knights of St John, it has a baroque design, amazing carvings, and some seriously beautiful vaulted ceilings.
Since then, the cathedral has become more elaborate over the years, with grandmasters and knights making huge contributions to its improvements, so that it’s now the sort of place you walk into and gasp!
Don’t forget to look down after you enter too.
The entire floor of the cathedral is made up of elaborately decorated marble tombstones, each marking the final resting place of some of the most prestigious knights.
However, the real highlight for me here was Caravaggio’s famous painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, which takes pride of place in the Oratory.
In fact, there’s a few Caravaggio pieces around the Cathedral, as well as a fantastic Caravaggio exhibition in a separate wing, which has some interesting digital explanations about how his paintings have been analysed and restored over the years.
Don’t miss them – they are free to view with a regular Cathedral entrance ticket, which can be bought online, or at the Cathedral in person, – I recommend online as you can skip the queue outside the church.
The only part of the Cathedral you need to buy an additional ticket for is the Belfry Tower – these can only be bought inside the Cathedral at the designated help desk by the exit.
St John’s Co-Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday, 9am – 4:45pm, with last admissions at 4:15pm.
#4 Go on a Walking Tour and Uncover Hidden Gems
The best way to explore Valletta is definitely on foot – not only because of the city’s traffic, but also because it’s absolutely the most enjoyable way to take in the beautiful architecture.
Even better is the fact this city is compact and pedestrian-friendly – literally perfect for a walking tour!
Exploring the cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways, and beautiful squares, a walking tour will give you an easy overview of Valletta’s top attractions and sights, including the Grandmaster’s Palace, St. Paul’s Church, and various historic auberges (inns) that once housed the knights.
A great way to get your bearings and learn about the history of Valletta too, you’ll also get the inside scoop and stories from a local expert, plus visit places you may not have come across if you walked around without a guide.
As well as walking tours focusing on history, you can also enjoy food walking tours in Valletta, which are ideal if you want to sample local street snacks and get a taste of Malta’s cuisine – think fresh swordfish, pastizzi (a pea-filled pastry that I loved) and even rabbit stew!
Check out the best Valletta history walking tour here and the best Valletta food walking tour here.
#5 Explore 33 Steps Street
Valletta’s narrow, steep streets are part of the beauty of visiting this charming city and are perfect for Instagram shots, if you’re so inclined!
And no street is more beautiful than 33 Steps Street, with its picturesque views, brightly coloured balconies and beautifully decorated doorways.
The steps are lined with flower pots, and even local cats add to the scene as they laze around in the sun!
The golden hour light creates the perfect ambience for photos here, thanks to the colour of the stone buildings, which perfectly reflect the sun’s warm, orange light at this time.
Just be warned however, this street does get very packed at this time and in the evening, so if you were hoping for the place to yourself, you might have to rethink!
TIP: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds of cruise ships, or hit the steps at night when many local bars set up tables on these stunning steps.
#6 Wander Republic Street
One of Valletta’s main thoroughfares, Republic Street is packed with the city’s major landmarks, shops, and cafes.
It’s 1km long and a good place to get a feel for the city’s modern atmosphere – after all, people still live here and need to shop, eat and drink!
From the City Gate entrance all the way down to Fort St Elmo, this pedestrianised street has hidden gems around every corner, otherwise the main drag is filled with shops and eateries.
Commercialised, rather than charming, is probably the description I’d give this street, but nevertheless you’ll pass by many of Valletta’s must-see attractions as you wander it, including the Grandmaster’s Palace and Casa Rocca Piccola.
If you’re keen for some souvenirs, then Republic Street is also good; although I honestly preferred to use it more for orientation, and then escape to the side streets for coffees, snacks and snaps.
#7 Visit the Valletta Royal Opera House
British architect Edward Middleton Barry designed the Valletta Opera House, which opened in 1866.
Unfortunately, like much of Valletta, a bomb during World War II tragically destroyed it.
These days, the Opera House has been restored as an open-air theatre called Pjazza Teatru Rjal, where you can watch concerts and theatre performances.
If you visit during the summer, make sure you look at the calendar to see whether you can catch a live performance.
Check out the programme here.
#8 Explore the Grandmaster’s Palace
Another must-visit attraction in Valletta, you can’t skip the Grandmaster’s Palace if you’re interested in this history of this unique nation.
One of Valletta’s most famous landmarks. and former home of the Grandmasters of the Order of St. John, the Governor and, later, even the House of Representatives during British Rule, this building is now the President’s office and a museum.
As you explore, you’ll find rooms filled with exhibitions about the story of Malta and its journey to becoming an independent country.
The Palace Armoury – which sits at the top of a different set of stairs that lead up from the central courtyard – is particularly fascinating, holding an impressive collection of weapons and armour used by the knights.
Don’t forget to look up at the beautifully decorated ceiling!
Here you can also learn about the lifestyle of Malta’s former rulers and the role of the knights in defending Valletta, before heading back down the stairs to finish your visit amidst the beautiful Orangery.
The Heritage Malta Multisite Pass, can help you save money if you plan to visit a lot of museums and historic sites across Malta, including the Grandmaster’s Palace. Learn more here.
#9 Experience the Saluting Battery
The Saluting Battery offers one of Valletta’s best viewpoints above the Grand Harbour.
Every day at noon, you can watch the ceremonial cannon firing over the water towards the 3 cities, a tradition that dates back to when Valletta’s walls needed to be defended against invaders.
It’s a short but impressive show, and offers the perfect opportunity to snap some stunning photos of the harbour.
However it does get insanely crowded!
If you really want to get a good view of the canon, I’d recommend arriving before 11:30am for a front row position.
Otherwise, hang back after the canon firing and you’ll be treated to one of the best panorama’s in the whole of Valletta – ideal selfie background material!
While you’re here, make sure you also explore the Upper Barrakka Gardens too, which were initially built as a leisure space for the Knights of St John.
There are shaded paths and plenty of benches here, so it’s ideal snacking and people-watching territory.
You’ll also find statues, memorials, fountains, and a neoclassical shrine.
A lift from the waterfront to the Upper Gardens is a quick and easy way to get up and down from the harbour area.
At 58m tall, and made of glass, it really allows you to take in the vast views, and is free if you’re heading down and just €1 to go up – bargain!
Make sure you don’t miss the Lower Barrakka Gardens either.
To get there, walk along the edges of Fort St Elmo, next to the Mediterranean Conference Centre, until you reach the gardens.
#10 Gambrinos for Pastizzi
A trip to Valletta wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of Malta’s famous street food, pastizzi.
These delicious pastries, filled with ricotta or mushy peas, are a favourite local snack.
For the best pastizzi in the city, head to Gambrinos, a well-known pastizzeria where you can indulge with the locals!
Pull up a chair inside or out and soak up the atmosphere for a bargain price!
Must-Try: Pair your pastizzi with an espresso costing just €2.65!
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#11 MUŻA – The National Museum of Fine Arts
A visit to Valletta’s MUŻA, the National Museum of Fine Arts, is another great activity in this city – especially in the cooler months if you want to warm up, or in the hotter months if you want to cool down!
The museum is housed in a historic 16th-century building (Auberge d’Italie), which was once the seat of the Italian Knights, and has now been restored as a museum featuring amazing Maltese and European art.
You’ll find everything from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works by local artists here, so allow at least an hour for your visit.
There are masterpieces by Mattia Preti and Antoine de Favray, as well as some impressive religious works.
#12 Tour Casa Rocca Piccola
A hidden gem in Valletta, Casa Rocca Piccola is a 16th-century palace still home to a noble Maltese family.
Today, it is the ONLY privately owned Palazzo in Malta you can visit.
Tickets can be bought online or in person, and include access to a free audio tour that will take you through the beautifully decorated rooms filled with antique furniture and family portraits, as well as to the WWII shelter, found 3m underground in the courtyard. You could call it a living museum!
You can also enjoy a guided tour in person of the house and bunker, which start on the hour from the courtyard and allow you to enter the chapel, library, and dining room.
On very special occasions, as I was lucky enough to experience, the Lord and Lady of the house (who still live on the top floor) give tours themselves, and hearing them recount personal tales of their family members and the property is quite incredible.
If you want to follow in their footsteps, you can now also stay in Casa Rocca Piccola, with 5 rooms having been restored to their original glory, you can now rent and stay in.
These include the Santiago Room, where the bed once formed part of the decoration of a church in Lisbon!
You can also opt to stay in the Cosimo Suite, the Elephant Room, the Clock Room or the Pineapple Room.
Although there is a hefty price tag, this is a really unique and memorable Malta experience.
#13 Dine at Legligin Restaurant
This cosy spot, with its beautiful red shutters and a cute interior, serves traditional Maltese dishes with a Mediterranean flare from cherished family recipes.
Popular dishes include the Aljotta (fish soup), slow-cooked meats and tapas options, but as the menu at Legligin changes regularly, you never know what you might get!
Offering bursts of local flavours and unique Maltese ingredients, this place is very popular, so make sure you reserve your table in advance.
You can also opt for a tasting menu at both lunch or dinner, which comes with or without local wine pairings.
#14 Walk Around Valletta’s Waterfront
And if it’s food you’re after, then don’t miss strolling Valletta’s waterfront.
Once a series of abandoned 18th-century warehouses, this seaside promenade has now been transformed into one of the city’s most beautiful places.
The colourful doors of the waterfront buildings were painted to match the types of goods formerly stored in each warehouse —yellow for wheat, blue for fish, and green for produce —and today, they add a splash of colour to this coastal promenade.
With some fantastic restaurants and bars here, this waterfront area is the perfect place to stroll and play spot the super yachts!
#15 Explore Fort St Elmo and National War Museum
Right on the edge of Valletta, Fort St Elmo is a must-visit if you want to learn more about this capital’s wartime history.
Covering pre-history, right through to WWII, what becomes clear through this powerful display, is that Malta’s narrative (as a much-sought after and strategic island), is very much one of conflict.
Originally, the Knights of St John built the fort in 1552, and this star-shaped fortress formed a major part of Valletta’s defences during the Great Siege of 1565.
Nowadays it retains a military aesthetic feel, with canons on display and ramparts with views stretching out across the bay.
Inside you’ll find room after room of fascinating displays, including the National War Museum, World War II memorabilia, and an incredible collection of artefacts from the Bronze Age dating back to around 2,500 BC.
Some of the highlights include the original George Cross, awarded to the people of Malta for their courage and resistance during the bombings of World War II, as well as unique wartime documents, uniforms, and weapons.
Don’t miss heading out to the fort’s battlements too. The views from here are absolutely breathtaking—the panorama vista of Valletta’s walled city, the Grand Harbour, should not be missed.
St Elmo also has a chapel, the resting place of knights who died in battle.
Tickets for the museum can be bought at the door or online here.
Guided tours are also available.
#16 Tour St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral
The spire of this beautiful cathedral is visible from almost anywhere in Valletta and is one of the first things you see when approaching the city by boat.
St Paul’s is named after the Apostle Paul, who, according to legend, was shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD and introduced Christianity to the Maltese people.
When you visit, you can tour the cathedral using an audio guide or brochure, and explore the visitor centre, which is located in the basement.
Entry is free, but it’s recommended that you leave a donation for any photos you take.
#17 Visit the National Museum of Archaeology
The Archeology Museum in Valletta takes you on a journey through Malta’s ancient history, with exhibits dating back to the Neolithic period.
Highlights include the “Sleeping Lady” and the “Venus of Malta” — prehistoric figurines considered some of the earliest depictions of humans.
This museum is a great chance to learn about Malta’s early history and the ancient civilisations that have left their mark on the island, so it’s a stop well worth adding to your itinerary.
#18 Discover the Lascaris War Rooms
Hidden deep within Valletta’s city walls, the Lascaris War Rooms are a fascinating network of underground tunnels and chambers that served as the British military’s headquarters during World War II.
Here, operations for the defence of Malta and the Mediterranean were coordinated, and visiting the war rooms gives an insight into Malta’s role during the conflict.
Guided tours of the war rooms include a look at the original maps, equipment, and even a wartime operations room that has been left as it was at the war’s end.
They make for an unforgettable experience as you step back in time and learn even more about Valletta’s wartime history.
Travel Tip: The Lascaris War Rooms are cool and dark, so bring a light jacket even if you’re visiting in the summer.
#19 Take a Boat Trip to the Three Cities
One of the best ways to explore Valletta’s surroundings is to take a boat trip across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua.
These are the cities that can be seen, across the water, from the Saluting Battery.
Wander through the charming narrow streets here, visit the forts and churches, and enjoy the stunning views.
Lots of the shorter boat trip options are onboard Maltese dgħajsa.
Otherwise, you can opt for a tour of the Grand Harbour, where you can see St.Angelo’s Fortress, as well as the Lower and Upper Barakka Gardens, and then get a water taxi to one of the three cities.
#20 Visit the National Library
If you love reading, make sure you visit the National Library in Valletta, where you can see a plethora rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents—some of which date back hundreds of years.
Tucked away in central Valletta in an 18th-century building, within the library you can also explore grand reading rooms and see amazing ancient texts.
One of the highlights is the original records of the Knights of Malta – a hidden gem certainly worth popping to see!
#21 Valletta Postal Museum
If you’re looking for a quirky yet fascinating thing to do in Valletta, the Malta Postal Museum is a surprisingly great find!
Tucked away on Archbishop Street, this little museum will teach you even more about Maltese history, as told through its postal service, which is actually far more interesting than it sounds!
Spread over two floors, this quirky museum does a fantastic job of weaving together the story of Malta’s communication systems, from the time of the Knights of St John to the present day, so you’ll find old letters, stamps from every era, and even vintage postal equipment here.
But the real gem has to be the entire collection dedicated to the island’s role during World War II, when getting a message delivered could mean the difference between life and death.
And even better, the postal museum is rarely crowded – a surprise delight for a touristy city like Valletta!
#22 Sail to Sliema
And finally, my last recommended thing to do in Valletta comes when it’s time to leave this city.
if you want to make the perfect exit from Malta’s capital, then catching the ferry to Sliema is the ideal way to do it.
Not only is this affordable (ferries cost just a few euros) and frequent (there’s at least 2 sailing an hour), but it means you also get to enjoy the fabulous afternoon golden light brilliantly illuminating historic Valletta from the water – the ideal finishing snapshot.
Quick Travel Guide to Malta
When to Visit Malta?
The shoulder season months of May or September are best for cooler temperatures, thinner crowds and better prices.
How to Get There?
Arrivals at Malta’s only international airport are frequent from across Europe.
Check out Skyscanner for the best deals.
How Long to Stay?
7 days is a good amount of time to explore Malta and Gozo.
Where to Stay?
I stayed at the AX Odycy – a large 4* hotel with excellent facilities and a good price tag.
How to Get Around?
Use the free local Tillanja app for bus timetables and journey planners.
Bolt journeys average around 15€ for 20 mins.
Otherwise, it can be a good to hire a car if you want to explore independently. Check out these great car rental deals.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money
Malta uses the Euro as its currency.
I always travel in Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper, with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Wise cards works just like a debit card and link easily with Google and Apple pay – grab yours here.
eSIM for Malta
I recommend Holafly.
Get 5% off with my exclusive discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS.
Top Malta Tours
Check out some of the best 5-8 day tours of Malta and Gozo that come with top ratings here.
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Valletta might be small, but there are many things to see and do.
Whether you’re fascinated by history, eager to explore the hidden gems, or just want to take in the atmosphere of this beautiful city, Malta’s capital is the perfect place for a cultural city break.
With stunning viewpoints, delicious dining spots, and some of the most impressive historic landmarks in Europe, this is a city it’s hard to forget!
Make sure you leave time to explore other areas of Malta outside the capital city too.
Amidst the Maltese archipelago, Mdina and the the beautiful island of Gozo – are other must-visits.
My trip to Malta was sponsored by Malta UK Tourism but, as always, all views are my own.
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