What To Do In Valletta

This is your free Valletta City Guide! Malta’s vibrant and fortified capital city is packed with great things to do. It was purpose built by the Knights of St John on a rocky outcrop and boasts stunning buildings, an incredible history and great places to eat. Here are our recommendations of what to see…

The Streets of Valletta – Like any historic city, you only really get a feel for the place by walking the streets and soaking up the atmosphere. Valletta is a World Heritage site and inside the ancient walls, are pretty streets, tons of beautiful buildings, attractive churches, historic gardens and lots of ancient defences to deter invaders across the years. Click the link for our guide on what to look out for as you walk around.
The Streets Of Valletta: Read More, What To See, Pictures & Map…
Valletta 3 Hour Walking Tour: Prices & Reviews…

Fort St Elmo – At the forefront of defending the city over the decades has been Fort St Elmo which sits on the tip of Valletta looking out to sea. Its history stretches back to 1552 When it was constructed by the Knights of St John to repel Ottoman invaders. On your visit you will see the additions made over the years as the fort’s role evolved. In particular, it was crucial in WW2. We loved our visit here and thought the audio/visual shows in particular, as part of the National War Museum, were very well done.
Fort St Elmo: Full Review, Opening Times, Ticket Prices, Pictures & Map…

The Malta Experience & Holy Infirmary – Hidden away underground in Valletta is a secret cinema where you can see a film explaining the origins of the island of Malta. It’s a history show essentially, but it’s done really well and even our 7 year old loved it. At the end you’ll certainly feel you have a much better understanding of the island. After the film, don’t miss the tour of the ‘Holy Infirmary’ – a hospital complex dating back to 1574 where the Knights of St John treated the sick. The size of the hospital halls is incredible and our guide completely brought the whole place to life.
Malta Experience & Holy Infirmary: Read More, Show Times, Ticket Prices, Pictures & Map…

Lascaris War Rooms – Malta was controlled by the British during WW2 and the island was crucial for the allies as German and Italian forces were close by. Carved out from the rocks of Valletta, are a series of tunnels and one section was used as a military HQ. The war rooms are now open to the public and it’s fascinating to wander through each section and see how the defence of Malta and the attack on Sicily were co-ordinated.
Lascaris War Rooms: Full Review, Opening Times, Ticket Prices, Pictures & Map…

Upper Barrakka Gardens – These historic gardens have an incredible view over the forts surrounding Valletta and the port area. At noon, make sure you’re in place early to see the firing of a cannon on the Saluting Battery which is a daily tribute to those who have defended Malta over the years.
Upper Barrakka Gardens: Read More, Pictures & Location Map…

Lower Barrakka Gardens – In our opinion, the prettier of the two historic gardens. The view here is just as good, but somehow the Lower gardens feel more peaceful and there are plenty of benches to sit on. The centrepiece here is a small columned structure like something from Ancient Greece. There’s also a superb view of the Siege Bell which was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth and since her death is also known as the Memorial Bell.
Lower Barrakka Gardens: Read More, Pictures & Location Map…

Grand Master’s Palace – Built by the Knights of St John as an appropriate house for their leader, the Grand Master, this building has always been a place where significant political events have taken place in Valletta. It was extended by the British and severely damaged in WW2. Inside are beautiful courtyards, attractive painted ceilings and the most impressive armoury we’ve ever seen.
Grand Master’s Palace: Read More, Opening Times, Tickets, Pictures & Map…

Malta National Library – This was the last building to be constructed by the Knights of St John as they created Valletta from scratch. On the outside its architecture is like a temple to learning and inside, there are oak book cases all up the walls and a high balcony reached by ladders around the top. Admission is free.
National Library of Malta: Read More, Opening Times, Pictures and Location Map…

St Johns Co-Cathedral – Built by the order of the Knights of St John, this cathedral has a central position in Valletta, near all the other main buildings which formed this purpose built city. The cathedral was finished in 1577 and although there is a sizeable admission fee these days, the interior is sumptuous. It also contains a range of artworks, artefacts and notable collections, many donated by Grand Master’s over the years.
St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta: Full Review, Admission Prices, Opening Times, Pictures & Map…

Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – This church is the huge domed structure that dominates the western side of Valletta and once inside the main light comes from the dome itself as there are few other windows. There are many churches you can visit in the city and although this isn’t as old as St John’s, it’s much more accessible and does not charge an admission fee. Plus, you have to see that incredible dome!
Carmelite Basilica of Valletta: Read More, Opening Times, Pictures & Location Map…

Mysterium Fidei Monastery – for 400 years this Monastery has been locked away from public view in the heart of Valletta, as home to an order of nuns. Recently though the doors have been opened so you can explore the life they lead back then and still lead today. The rooms are all accessed from a beautiful central courtyard garden and each room has a different function. The nuns existence is profoundly basic, but we found it to be a moving and peaceful place.
Mysterium Fidei: Read More, Opening Times, Admission Prices and Location Map…

St Paul’s Cathedral – The Church of England cathedral in Valletta is worth a visit. You won’t be inside for long, but it feels like a very British piece of history in Malta. A permanent stamp on the city of British rule. Standing at the front of the building you could easily be in London, with a red telephone box and columned entrance.
St Paul’s Cathedral: Read More, Opening Times, Pictures & Location Map…

Hastings Gardens – This garden is more modern than Upper and Lower Barrakka, but the principal is the same. If you want to get a feel for just how incredible Valletta’s protective city walls are, this is the place to go. From the garden you can see how the walls were built on top of the rocks below. You also get a great view of Fort Manoel on Manoel island next to Valletta.
Hastings Gardens: Read More, Pictures & Location Map…

Game Of Thrones Filming Locations – Much filming took place in and around Valletta for series one of the hit HBO TV series Game Of Thrones. Click the link to see our guide to the various places you can visit and how they were used in the series. Pictured above is the fort where Ned Stark lost his head…
Malta Game Of Thrones Filming Locations…

Mdina & Rabat – The ancient walled city of Mdina, perched on a hill in the middle of Malta is definitely worth the trip from Valletta. The city was once the capital and is characterised by pretty narrow streets and stunning views over the island. Rabat, next door, also has its fair share of historic places to visit so we’d recommend doing them on the same day.
What To See In Mdina & Rabat: Read More, Pictures & Location Map

OUR TOP TIP IN VALLETTA

San Anton Gardens – Another trip out we’d recommend is to the Maltese president’s residence. Although you can’t visit the San Anton palace itself, the gardens are open to the public and are a real oasis of calm. You’ll need this after the bus trip to get here! Expect peacocks, cockerels, historic features and formal flower beds.
San Anton Gardens: Read More, Opening Times, Pictures & Location Map…
San Anton Gardens Tour (plus Mdina & Rabat): Tickets & Reviews…

OUR HOTEL

We stayed a bus ride away from Valletta in Spinola Bay at the Mercure St Julians. This gave us the chance to enjoy enjoy the facilities of the resort when we weren’t walking the streets of Valletta. The direct TD13 bus, took 15 minutes to get in to Valletta whenever we wanted. The hotel has a spectacular roof terrace with a great view towards Valletta and a pool. The rooms were luxurious and if you go for one of the high up ones with a view, you won’t be disappointed.

GETTING AROUND VALLETTA

Although hilly in places, the simplest way to get around Valletta is on foot. it’s compact and easy to walk from one side to the other. If you struggle on your feet at any point, there is a mini bus service around the cramped streets operated by Malta Public Transport. Similarly, public transport around the rest of the island is reliable, regular and economic – especially if you buy a travel card to use. We bought the Tallinja 7 day card with unlimited journeys. Taxis are good too if you’re in a hurry, but bear in mind that traffic jams are common place in Malta!

The airport is located just a few km away from Valetta and there is a regular X4 bus service into the city. Taxis are plentiful too.