12 Best Things To Do in Valletta, Malta

Discovering the best things to do in Valletta means navigating a living museum where 16th-century Baroque grandeur meets Mediterranean charm in Europe’s smallest capital city. This UNESCO-listed fortress city packs an astonishing 320 historic monuments into just 0.8 square kilometers—the highest concentration of historical sites in any capital worldwide.

Wander through St. John’s Co-Cathedral, where limestone exteriors give way to an explosion of gilded ornamentation and Caravaggio masterpieces, or climb to Upper Barrakka Gardens, where the midday cannon fires dramatically over Grand Harbour’s azure waters, the same view that has greeted sailors for five centuries.

We’ve curated this list through traveler reviews and our own repeated explorations of the city’s limestone streets. We prioritized sites that showcase Valletta’s Knights of St. John heritage, reveal hidden corners beyond typical tourist paths, and deliver authentic Maltese experiences.

From secret tunnel networks beneath fortifications to harborside restaurants serving rabbit stew and lampuki pie, these twelve experiences capture the essence of a capital city where every stone tells a story of Mediterranean crossroads.

Highlights at a Glance

Here are three popular places to stay in Valletta:

Luxury Hotel in Valletta, Malta: The Embassy Valletta Hotel offers elegant accommodations with a rooftop pool, fitness center, and city views, located near Valletta’s main landmarks like Upper Barrakka Gardens and Manoel Theatre.
Mid-Range Hotel in Valletta, Malta: Casa Asti offers charming accommodations with air-conditioned rooms and an on-site restaurant, located in the heart of Valletta near Upper Barrakka Gardens and Manoel Theatre.
Budget Hotel in Valletta, Malta: Tritoni Harbour Suites features air-conditioned apartments with private entrances, fully equipped kitchens, and balconies or terraces offering city or sea views, all located close to landmarks like Upper Barrakka Gardens and Valletta Waterfront.

Here are three things you don’t want to miss in Valletta:

Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral – This is Valletta’s most visited tourist attraction.
Admire the views from Upper Barrakka – Upper Barrakka is well known for its lush gardens and picturesque surroundings.
Explore Casa Rocca Piccola – Casa Rocca Piccola is one of Valletta’s most beautiful buildings.

Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend

Planning a Malta trip but indecisive? Valletta’s wonders await. Which bucket-list gem will steal your heart?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Best Things To Do in Valletta, Malta Ride the Barrakka Lift

Ride the Barrakka Lift 1/5

Best Things To Do in Valletta, Malta Explore Casa Rocca Piccola

Explore Casa Rocca Piccola 2/5

Best Things To Do in Valletta, Malta Visit Lower Barrakka

Visit Lower Barrakka 3/5

Best Things To Do in Valletta, Malta Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral 4/5

Best Things To Do in Valletta, Malta Admire the Views From Upper Barrakka

Admire the Views From Upper Barrakka 5/5

Results

Ride the Barrakka Lift

9 12

Explore Casa Rocca Piccola

10 11

Visit Lower Barrakka

12 9

Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral

8 13

Admire the Views From Upper Barrakka

11 10

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Table of Contents

Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is the most visited tourist attraction in Valletta. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, this grand Catholic cathedral was built between 1573 and 1578. It’s famous across Europe for its beautiful Baroque architecture and lavish interior.

Before you head inside the cathedral, make sure you take some photographs of its facade. Its stunning facade features two large bell towers, spires, doorways lined with Doric columns, and a balcony. After that, you can go inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral and admire the treasures that lie within.

The cathedral features elegant paintings, ornate marble columns, intricate carvings, and an elegant altar. St. John’s Co-Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 16:45. Adult tickets cost €15 ($15.80).

Tickets and Hours: St. John’s Co-Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM. Tickets are €15 ($15.80) for adults and include an audio guide. Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially during tourist season.
Don’t Miss the Caravaggio: Inside, be sure to see Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist,” located in the Oratory. It’s one of the cathedral’s most famous treasures and considered one of his greatest works.

Admire the Views From Upper Barrakka

Visiting Upper Barrakka is one of the most popular activities in Valletta. Upper Barrakka is a public garden best known for its breathtaking views and beautiful surroundings. While the panoramic views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour are the main draw to the gardens, you’ll also enjoy a stroll around them.

Walking around the gardens, you’ll pass vibrant flower beds, lush lawns, and ornate water fountains. Most days, at 12:00 and 16:00, visitors can also witness cannons firing below the gardens in the Saluting Battery. You can find Upper Barrakka just off Castille Square.

The gardens are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00, and admission is free.

Timing the Visit: Arrive before 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM to watch the Saluting Battery cannons fire, a unique experience that adds more excitement to your visit. Be sure to secure a spot early to get an unobstructed view.
Best Photography Spot: For panoramic shots of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, head to the terrace on the far side of the gardens. The golden hour (just before sunset) is perfect for capturing the harbor in soft light.

Visit Lower Barrakka

During your Valletta city break, you should also walk around Lower Barrakka. Like Upper Barrakka, this popular location is a public garden with epic harbor views, lush gardens, and plenty of places to sit and relax. However, these gardens are usually quieter.

Better yet, you can enjoy stunning views of the Siege Bell Memorial, Fort Ricasoli, and Fort St. Angelo. Lower Barrakka is only a 10-minute walk from Upper Barrakka, so you can easily visit both gardens in one or two hours. When you’re walking around Lower Barrakka, make sure you look out for the early 19th century Sir Alexander Ball monument.

This unique monument is designed to look like a Greek temple. Lower Barrakka is open daily from 7:00 until 21:00; entry is free.

Combine with Upper Barrakka: It’s just a 10-minute walk between Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, so visiting both in one trip is easy. Take the winding path along Mediterranean Street for scenic views of the waterfront.
Don’t Miss the Sir Alexander Ball Monument: This striking monument, styled like a Greek temple, is one of the main highlights of Lower Barrakka. Bring a wide-angle lens or step back to capture it with the lush gardens as a backdrop.

Explore Casa Rocca Piccola

Casa Rocca Piccola is one of the most historic tourist attractions in Valletta. This 16th-century palace, located in the city’s heart, is home to the noble Maltese family de Piro. It is best known for its exceptional architecture, luxurious facilities, and grand decor.

Casa Rocca Piccola is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 until 17:00. You can explore the palace independently or on a tour. However, you’ll benefit from an expert guide on a guided tour. Having said that, you can download a free audio guide and roam at your own pace.

Either way, you’ll explore royal standard rooms, ornate corridors, vibrant gardens, and a labyrinth of underground tunnels. For a more unique/luxury experience, stay in the palace’s on-site B&B.

Opening Hours and Tickets: Casa Rocca Piccola is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last tour starting at 4:00 PM. Tickets cost €9.50 ($10.23)for adults.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the underground tunnels and bomb shelters, a highlight that offers a glimpse into Malta’s role during WWII. If you have time, enjoy refreshments at the small café in the palace’s courtyard garden.

Ride the Barrakka Lift

Riding the Barrakka Lift is one of the most entertaining things to do in Valletta with children. It was constructed in 2012 on the site of a former lift that operated from 1905 to 1973. The lift connects Upper Barrakka with Lascaris Wharf, next to the Grand Harbour.

The Barrakka Lift is 190 feet (58 meters) high. As such, it offers outstanding harbor and city views. Admittedly, the ride is short, but you’ll enjoy the epic views and the lift’s historic surroundings.

For a long time, the lift was free to ride, but people must now pay €1 ($1.10) for the pleasure. However, you can ride the lift for free if you have a ferry ticket.

Best Time for Views: Ride the lift in the late afternoon for stunning panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and soft golden light perfect for photographs.
Combine with Nearby Attractions: The lift connects Upper Barrakka Gardens with Lascaris Wharf, making it a convenient option when exploring both areas. Pair the ride with a visit to Upper Barrakka Gardens or a ferry trip to the Three Cities.

Tuck Into Traditional Maltese Cuisine at Is-Suq Tal-Belt

Tucking into traditional Maltese cuisine at Is-Suq Tal-Belt is one of the best things for food enthusiasts to do in Valletta. This lively food market is located in a beautiful 19th-century building in central Valletta. It features a food court, food market, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

As a result, it’s an excellent place to sample Maltese cuisine. However, before tucking into local cuisine, we recommend walking around the food market part of Is-Suq Tal-Belt. That way, you can enjoy the sights and smells of local grocery stands.

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After that, it’s time to eat. If it’s a restaurant meal you’re after, visit Merkanti. They do a delicious Maltese platter and fresh seafood dishes. Alternatively, try a selection of local delights at the food court, such as Ftiras and Pastizzi.

What to Try: At the food court, don’t miss pastizzi, crunchy pastries stuffed with ricotta or peas, and ftira, a traditional Maltese flatbread often topped with fresh tuna, olives, and capers. For a sit-down meal, head to Merkanti and order the Maltese platter, which typically includes local cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and gbejniet (sheep’s milk cheese).
Pro Tip: Before eating, stroll through the grocers’ section on the ground floor to admire local ingredients like honey, herbs, and fresh fish. You can purchase Maltese salt or olive oil as a unique souvenir.

Learn More About the Second World War at the Lascaris War Rooms

The Lascaris War Rooms are one of the most fascinating sights in Valletta. Located 492 feet (150 meters) under Upper Barrakka, this unique attraction was Malta’s best-kept secret during World War II. It is a complex of tunnels and chambers that served as Britain’s Maltese war headquarters.

This magnificent tunnel complex had an operations room for every branch of the fighting services, including the RAF Sector Fighter Control Room. From this room, all air and sea operations were controlled and monitored. Visitors to the War Rooms can explore the former operations rooms and learn about the headquarters’ role in World War II.

Many rooms have been restored to their original appearance, featuring large maps, switchboards, and military artifacts.

Opening Hours and Tickets: The Lascaris War Rooms are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. Tickets cost €20 ($21.54)for adults and. Guided tours are included in the ticket price.
Guided Tours for Deeper Insight: Guided tours run every 30–60 minutes and provide detailed stories about Malta’s strategic role during WWII and life inside the war rooms.

Walk Around Fort St. Elmo

Walking around Fort St. Elmo is a must during your Valletta city break. This star-shaped fort was built in 1552 in a strategic location at the tip of the Sceberras Peninsula. It divides Marsamxett Harbour from Grand Harbour.

The fort was constructed to hold back the Ottoman invasion. Today, the fort is one of Valletta’s most historic landmarks, making it well worth exploring. Walking around Fort St. Elmo, you can admire its impressive architecture, including two chapels dedicated to St. Anne.

You can also explore the National War Museum, which covers 7,000 years of Maltese military history through several exhibitions. Fort St. Elmo also offers uninterrupted views of the city, bay, and harbors. What’s not to like?

Best Views: For stunning views of Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, walk along the fort’s outer walls. Aim to visit during the late afternoon for softer light and quieter crowds, ideal for photos.
Plan for the Museum: Allocate at least 1.5–2 hours to explore the National War Museum, which features artifacts spanning from ancient times to WWII, including the George Cross awarded to Malta in 1942.

Go On a Boat Tour

12-Warm-Destinations-in-Europe-in-September-Valletta-Malta — © ecstk22 / Adobe Stock

No trip to Valletta is complete without going on a boat tour. Valletta is lucky enough to have a stunning stretch of coastline with sparkling waters and sunny skies. Therefore, it would be criminal not to experience it during your vacation.

With that in mind, why don’t you head out on this 1-hour harbor cruise? This scenic boat trip starts and ends in Sliema. You’ll embark on a cruise around Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour aboard a comfortable boat with an open-top deck.

During the trip, you can expect glorious city and coastal views. You’ll pass many popular attractions, such as Fort St. Elmo, Valletta Waterfront, and Fort St. Angelo. Furthermore, you’ll learn about the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942 from an expert guide.

What to Bring: Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the open-top deck gets plenty of sun. A camera or smartphone is a must for capturing panoramic views of notable landmarks like Fort St. Angelo and the Valletta Waterfront.
Food and Drink Options: Most 1-hour harbor cruises departing from Sliema or Valletta do not include food, but some boats have small snack bars or kiosks where you can purchase light refreshments like soft drinks, water, or snacks (e.g., chips, nuts).

Explore the National Museum of Archaeology

History buffs wanting to learn more about Malta’s rich history must visit the National Museum of Archaeology. This popular museum is dedicated to the Maltese Island’s prehistory and early history. Its vast collection of artifacts dates from Malta’s Neolithic period (5900 to 25000 BC) until the early Phoenician period (8th to 6th century BC).

The ground floor of the museum covers the Neolithic period. It displays early examples of tools and vessels used by prehistoric people and impressive pieces of artwork excavated from Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. A highlight is the famous ‘Sleeping Lady of Malta.’

On the upper floor, you’ll find artifacts from the Bronze Age and Phoenician period, including ritual vessels, golden objects, and a terracotta sarcophagus.

Highlights to See: Don’t miss the ‘Sleeping Lady of Malta’, an intricately carved figurine dating back to the Neolithic period, and the Bronze Age tools and terracotta sarcophagus on the upper floor. Plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the exhibits.
Pro Tip: Pair your visit with a trip to one of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ħaġar Qim or Mnajdra Temples, which are directly linked to exhibits in the museum.

Enjoy a Tour On the Malta Fun Train

Going on the Malta Fun Train is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Valletta with children. This exciting tourist attraction allows families to explore Malta’s capital city on a family-friendly train. They’re an excellent way to see most of the city’s famous sights without making your children walk around all day.

The Valletta Fun Train departs St John’s Co-Cathedral between 10:00 and 16:00 seven days a week. Tours last 30 minutes and include an English-speaking audio guide. Tickets cost €7 ($7.50) for adults and €5 ($5.40) for children.

During the train ride, you’ll visit many historic sites, including the Grand Harbour and Auberge de Castille.

Bring Essentials: Pack sunscreen, hats, and water for the ride, especially on sunny days. Don’t forget your camera to snap photos of key stops like the Grand Harbour and the Auberge de Castille.
Tickets and Departure Location: The train departs hourly between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM from St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Tickets are €7 (7.50)for adults, and can be purchased directly at the departure point—arrive early during busy periods to secure your spots.

Watch the Sunset at the Siege Bell War Memorial

One of the best ways to end your Valletta trip is to watch the sunset at the Siege Bell War Memorial. Opened in 1992, this stone monument and bell are dedicated to the memory of the many Maltese people who fought and died during World War II, specifically during the siege of Malta.

The memorial was opened in 1992 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malta’s receiving the George Cross for its bravery during the attacks on the island. Therefore, the Siege Bell War Memorial is not only an excellent place to watch the sunset but also a hugely significant landmark.

However, regarding sunset views, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Harbour with fiery skies above it.

Combine with a Nearby Visit: Pair your trip to the Siege Bell War Memorial with a walk around Lower Barrakka Gardens, which is just a 5-minute stroll away and offers similarly beautiful harbor views.
Pro Tip: Bring a light jacket if visiting during cooler months, as the harbor breeze can be chilly in the evening.