Valletta: A Small Capital with Big Character
Valletta might be one of Europe’s smallest capitals, but it packs a serious punch. Sitting right on the edge of the Mediterranean, our sun-soaked city is full of charm, think golden facades glowing in the sun, quiet backstreets, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean. If you’re into history, food, or just soaking up the views, Valletta won’t disappoint.
If You’re Short on Time
Visiting on a cruise stop or only have a few hours? Joining a walking tour is the best way to make the most of your visit:
- Ben Good Tour offers a tip-based walking tour led by a local, running Saturday to Monday at 5 PM. It lasts around 2 hours, with a suggested minimum tip of €12 per person.
- There’s also the option of a daily 2.5-hour walking tour at 10 AM, priced at €20 per person. Book here to secure your spot.
- Or, if you're like me and love exploring through food, I highly recommend this Street Food and Culture Walking Tour. It runs daily at 9:30 AM, lasts 3 hours, and costs €55. Along the way, you'll discover Valletta’s landmarks, delve into local history and food culture, and enjoy tastings of traditional favorites like pastizzi, ftira, Maltese sausage, Kinnie (our beloved softdrink), Cisk (local beer), and imqaret (a delicious date-filled pastry). Go hungry!
Have More Time? Explore Valletta at Your Own Pace
The DIY walking tour below highlights some of my absolute favorite spots, must-sees whether it’s your first visit or your fifth.
Getting Your Bearings
- Arriving by public transport or Bolt? You'll start at the Triton Fountain, just outside Valletta’s City Gate
- Arriving by cruise ship? You'll disembark at the Valletta Waterfront, then take the Barrakka Lift up to Upper Barrakka Gardens.
- Taking the ferry from Sliema? You'll arrive at Marsamxett Harbour, your tour begins from there.
No matter where you start, the route is circular. For simplicity, we’ll begin at the Triton Fountain.
Your DIY Valletta Walking Tour
- Triton Fountain: a popular meeting point at the entrance to Valletta
- Parliament Building: designed by Renzo Piano, this modern structure blends contemporary design with the city’s historic charm
- Castille Square: home to Auberge de Castille, one of Valletta’s grandest Baroque buildings and the current Office of the Prime Minister
- Upper Barrakka Gardens: offers panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. One of Valletta’s most scenic spots and easily my personal favourite
- St. Ursula & Battery Streets: wander towards Bridge Bar and explore the Saint Barbara Bastion area. Think picturesque views, traditional Maltese balconies, and unique religious door plaques that range from charming to quirky (I'll let you decide)
- Victoria Gate: a 19th-century arch that once served as the main gateway from the Grand Harbour.
- (Optional) Lower Barrakka Gardens: Another peaceful garden overlooking the harbour.
- St. Lucia Street: known for its changing, seasonal decorations and street charm
- Walk through Merchant Street, one of the main shopping streets, filled with shops, cafes and restaurants
- Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral: designed by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar and completed in 1577, it has a plain facade that hides its lavish interior. Be sure not to miss the only signed Caravaggio painting in the world: The Beheading of St John the Baptist. Buy your tickets online.
- Continue along Republic Street, Valletta’s bustling main street, until you reach Caffe Cordina, the city’s most iconic café (since 1837)
- Pass through St. George’s Square to St. Catherine’s Monastery, a peaceful 16th-century cloistered convent with an underground complex, peaceful gardens, and possibly the last generation of nuns. It's a rare and authentic experience that’s well worth a visit. Book your tickets here.
- Turn the corner onto Strait Street: once Valletta’s red-light district, now a lively hub of nightlife, history, and live music.
- (Optional) Detour through Old Bakery Street, a picturesque street of historic charm, then head to Marsamxett Harbour for a ferry to Sliema or return to the Grand Harbour for a Three Cities tour.
- End your tour at Hastings Garden, offering elevated views over the Triton Fountain and the city entrance. From here, descend back to the Triton Fountain for your bus or taxi.
Tickets & Prices
- St John's Co-Cathedral: €15
- St Catherine's Monastery and Gardens: €10
- The Malta Experience: €14
- Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour Cruise by Night: €20
Fun Fact: Valletta has 28 churches packed into just under 1 km²—perfect for architecture lovers and history buffs alike.
Local Tip: Time your visit to Upper Barrakka Gardens for noon or 4 PM (Monday to Saturday) to catch the Saluting Battery cannon firing over the Grand Harbour.
Local Tip: Hop on a harbour boat tour in the evening and watch the bastions come to life under the glow of the city lights, it’s a magical way to experience Valletta and the three cities from the water.
Spending the night in Valletta? It's an excellent choice, with plenty of bars featuring live music. Some of the best spots can be found along Strait Street and Merchant Street.
Hungry? Check out my Must Try Food Spots in Malta blog for the best bites around.
Need to store your luggage? Store Your Luggage
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.
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