Why Visit the Three Cities?
The “Three Cities” refers to Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). These fortified towns predate Valletta and were the original strongholds of the Knights of St. John before the capital was built. Walking through their narrow streets feels like stepping into Malta’s medieval past but without the crowds. Here you’ll find a mix of harbour views, winding alleyways, traditional balconies, churches, fortresses, and authentic Maltese life. The pace is slower, the atmosphere more local, and the history runs deep.
Getting There from Valletta
From Valletta’s Lascaris Wharf Terminal, you can hop on a traditional dgħajsa tal-pass (seating 6 people) to cross the Grand Harbour. The ride only takes about 10 minutes and costs just €3.
- 🛶 The experience: Unlike a regular ferry, the dgħajsa is small, low to the water, and beautifully painted, giving you a unique perspective of Valletta’s fortifications and the Grand Harbour.
- 📍 Where you’ll land: Most dgħajsa rides take you directly to Birgu (Vittoriosa), the most historic of the Three Cities.
Alternatively, if you prefer something less rustic, you can take the ferry service from Valletta to Cospicua. The ferry leaves from the same spot and costs €2.50. It takes you a bit further inside the port to Cospicua; nonetheless, both stops are a short walk from each other.
Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, taking the ferry might be a more suitable option.
Things to Do in the Three Cities
1. Explore Vittoriosa (Birgu)
In my personal opinion, Birgu is the highlight of the Three Cities.
- 🚶 Birgu’s Back Streets – Start at Victory Square and Main Gate Street, then continue wandering through the surrounding quiet alleyways filled with traditional balconies and Maltese charm.
- 🍷 Birgu Waterfront – Perfect for a relaxing drink or meal overlooking the marina, especially at sunset, or on Sundays when the waterfront comes alive with locals enjoying lunch with their families. It’s the perfect way to soak up the authentic Maltese atmosphere.
If you’re into history and Maltese culture, you won’t want to miss:
- 🏰 Fort St Angelo – A massive fortress that guarded the harbour for centuries, offering panoramic views of Valletta.
- 🏛 Inquisitor's Palace – One of the few surviving Inquisitors’ palaces in Europe, showcasing Malta’s judicial and religious history, as well as its baroque architecture and artistic traditions.
2. Stroll Through Senglea (Isla)
The smallest of the Three Cities.
- 🚶 Harbour Promenade – From the Birgu waterfront, you can walk to the ferry terminal (technically located in Bormla), where you’ll see a footbridge. This bridge takes you across the creek directly into Senglea, making it an easy and scenic walk between the two cities.
- 🌅 Gardjola Gardens – Known for its iconic lookout tower with carved eyes and ears, symbolizing vigilance, Gardjola Gardens offers stunning views over Valletta and the Grand Harbour. Entrance is free, but it’s about a 25-minute walk to reach it from the ferry terminal. Trust me, it’s definitely worth the stroll or, if you prefer, check out my recommendation below! 😉
3. Discover Cospicua (Bormla)
Often overlooked, Cospicua is more of a residential area, so there aren’t as many tourist attractions as in Birgu or Senglea and you won’t need much time here.
- 🧭 Authentic Feel – This is the least touristy of the Three Cities, where you can really soak in everyday Maltese life. Stroll through the quiet streets to admire traditional balconies, colourful townhouse doors, and classic Maltese habbata (door knockers).
Recommendation: The Best Way to Experience the Three Cities
Affiliate disclosure: I use GetYourGuide affiliate links. If you book through them, it helps me keep sharing tips like this (at no extra cost to you). A small favour to ask: If you’re booking on your phone, open the link in your browser (not the app) so it tracks properly. Thank you!
While I haven’t tried this myself, I recommended it to my family after reading glowing reviews from other travellers — and they absolutely loved it! This experience lets you explore the Three Cities (and optionally nearby Kalkara and Smart City) in a self-drive electric car with a pre-programmed GPS and audio guide for up to 4 people.
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, which, in my family’s opinion, is the perfect amount of time to take in the highlights without feeling rushed. The audio guide makes it extra special, sharing fascinating stories and hidden facts that you might easily miss on your own.
It’s also a fun and convenient option if you’d rather skip walking under the scorching Summer sun, want a comfortable way to explore on a rainy day, or are traveling with children, all while staying budget-friendly.
Prefer a Guided Experience?
If you’d rather have everything organized for you, including transfers, this half-day guided tour is a fantastic option. It includes:
- A stop at Gardjola Gardens
- Guided walking tours of Birgu and Senglea (Isla)
- A ride on a traditional Maltese boat across the Grand Harbour
The tour costs €39 and runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it a well-priced and convenient alternative to exploring on your own, especially if you enjoy having a local guide.
Tips for Your Visit
- ⏰ Timing: Morning or late afternoon is best, especially in summer when it’s cooler.
- 💶 Cash: Bring a few euros for the traditional boats, as they don’t accept card payments.
- 📸 Don’t rush: The joy of the Three Cities is in wandering aimlessly.
- 🍝 Food & Drink: Stop at one of the waterfront restaurants in Birgu.
Happy Travels! x
Disclaimer: All content and photos in this blog post are my own unless otherwise stated. Please do not copy, reproduce, or use any images or text without written permission.
Feeling overwhelmed planning your trip? I’ve got you! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—whether it’s via email at journeywithme.mt@gmail.com or over on Instagram @journeywithme.mt, I’m always happy to help.
If you loved this guide and want to help me keep creating travel tips and guides, there are a couple of easy ways to do so: you can book tours through my affiliate links (it doesn’t cost you extra, but it helps me a lot!) or buy me a coffee to show some love. Every little bit keeps the adventures coming! 🫶🏻