Valletta
City Guide
Explore Valletta’s historic streets, grand
architecture and stunning harbour views.
Where golden limestone streets meet Mediterranean charm and centuries of history. Discover Valletta’s most authentic and unexpected sides.
Where is Valletta?
Valletta is the capital of Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, located between Sicily and North Africa. The city sits on a peninsula on Malta’s northeastern coast, surrounded by the impressive Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.
Founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, Valletta is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, baroque architecture, and stunning sea views. Its central location also makes it a great base for exploring the rest of Malta, with many of the island’s top attractions just a short drive or ferry ride away.
How to get to Valletta?
Thanks to its central location and excellent transport connections, getting to Valletta is easy. Whether you’re arriving by plane, ferry, or from another part of Malta, the capital is one of the island’s most accessible destinations.
By Plane
Most visitors arrive via Malta International Airport, the country’s only international airport. Located about 8 km (5 miles) from Valletta, the journey to the city takes around 15-25 minutes by taxi, transfer, or public bus.
By Ferry
One of the most scenic ways to reach Valletta is by ferry. Regular ferry services connect the capital with Sliema and the Three Cities, offering beautiful views of the harbor and Valletta’s historic skyline along the way.
Arriving by Ferry in Valletta!?
Although most visitors arrive in Malta by air, traveling by ferry is a great alternative, especially if you’re already exploring Southern Italy. Regular high-speed ferries connect Sicily with Malta, offering a comfortable and scenic journey across the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a popular choice for travelers who prefer to avoid flying or want the flexibility of bringing their own vehicle to the island.
The main international ferry route operates between Sicily and Malta, with arrivals at the Valletta Waterfront. From there, the city center is just a short walk, taxi ride, or bus journey away.
📍 Departure Port: Port of Pozzallo (Sicily)
📍 Arrival Port: Valletta Waterfront
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Price: Usually from €30-€100+ per person, depending on the season, departure date, and ticket type
Operator: Virtu Ferries
Can you take a car?
Yes! Cars, motorcycles, campervans, and bicycles can be transported on board, making the ferry an excellent option for travelers planning a road trip around Malta.
Our Malta Essentials
Places to Visit in Valletta
Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
One of the most famous churches here is the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which dominates the cityscape of Valletta. The Roman Catholic church can be seen from far away and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Very impressive from the outside and inside and with its large dome, it is one of the most famous churches in Valletta. It is usually open daily and can be visited.
👉 Why the Basilica Is a Must-Visit in Valletta:
The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is not just for architecture lovers or religious visitors, it’s for anyone who wants to understand Valletta on a deeper level. From a travel perspective, it’s one of those places where history, culture, and visual beauty collide effortlessly.
- Iconic dome view: One of the most photographed silhouettes in Valletta
- Rich history: Rebuilt after WWII with deep cultural significance
- Peaceful interior: A quiet escape from the busy city streets
- Perfect location: Right in the heart of Valletta, easy to include in any walking route
Lower Barrakka Gardens
Lower Barrakka Gardens is a small, pretty park. It was created by French troops at the end of the 18th century. A beautiful green oasis in the middle of the city, around 800 meters from Upper Barrakka Gardens. It’s a great place to linger and you have a great view of Valletta’s harbor.
A Perfect Escape Inside the City Walls
Valletta can feel intense in the best way, steep streets, golden limestone, constant history at every corner. That’s why Lower Barrakka Gardens feel almost essential. It’s the kind of place where you pause your walking route, sit on a bench, and let everything settle.
We found ourselves staying longer than planned. Watching the ships move through the harbour, the sunlight shifting over the water, and the city quietly continuing around us.
👉 Why You Shouldn’t Skip Lower Barrakka Gardens
- Uncrowded viewpoint: A calmer alternative to Upper Barrakka
- Epic Grand Harbour views: One of the best perspectives in Valletta
- Historic atmosphere: Home to monuments and layered history
- Perfect walking break: Ideal stop between Valletta’s main sights
Fort Saint Elmo
Fort Saint Elmo is a fortress that was built during the reign of the Order of St. John. The fortress is located on the northern tip of Valletta and is now home to the National War Museum. There are several interesting exhibition rooms and great views.
Tickets are available directly at the entrance or via Heritage Malta. No advance booking usually needed.
🎟️ Entry (approx.):
Adults: around €10
Students/Seniors: around €7–8
Children under 12: often free
🕒 Opening times:
Summer: 09:00 – 18:00 (last entry ~17:30)
Winter: 09:00 – 17:00 (last entry ~16:30)
Closed: 24, 25, 31 Dec & 1 Jan
👉 Why Visit Fort Saint Elmo?
- Epic panoramic views over the Grand Harbour
- Deep dive into Malta’s military history & WWII stories
- Home of the National War Museum
- One of the most atmospheric spots in Valletta
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Upper Barrakka Gardens, like Lower Barrakka Gardens, is a beautiful park with great views of the Grand Harbour, among other places. The park is located at the highest point of the city walls and there are also various works of art and monuments here. It is a great place that is particularly busy around midday when the cannon shot is fired from the Saluting Battery. There is also a small café where you can get snacks, hot and cold drinks.
👉 What Makes It Special
The gardens sit right on top of the city walls, turning what used to be a military platform into a peaceful public space. Today, it’s a mix of locals, travelers, and photographers all sharing one of Malta’s best views.
Right below the terrace, you can also watch the famous Saluting Battery cannon firing, a tradition that still happens daily.
Saluting Battery (Don’t Miss This)
- Firing times: usually 12:00 & 16:00 daily
- Short historical cannon ceremony with full harbour echo
- One of the most photogenic moments in Valletta
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
One of the most famous churches in Malta is St. John’s Co-Cathedral in the heart of Valletta. It is called a co-cathedral because it serves as the second seat of the Archbishop of Malta alongside St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina. The church was built in the mid-late 16th century. You can buy tickets online on the official website or on site for 15€.
👉 What You Shouldn’t Miss Inside:
Every step reveals something new, it’s one of those places where you naturally slow down just to take it all in.
- Caravaggio’s masterpiece: The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
- Incredible gold-covered baroque interior
- Ornate marble floors with tombstones of Knights
- Side chapels dedicated to different European “langues”
Saluting Battery
For almost 500 years, the Saluting Batteries have protected the harbor from ship attacks and are one of the oldest saluting cannons still in use in the world. Every day at 12:00 and 16:00, shots are fired from the well-preserved cannons at the Upper Barrakka Garden. A very cool and loud experience. Tickets cost €3 per person and can be purchased online in advance or on site.
👉 Cannon Firing Times
- Daily firing: usually 12:00 noon & 16:00
- Short ceremony with historical explanation before the shot
- Extremely loud, you feel the echo across the harbour
👉 Tickets & Opening Hours
Tickets can be bought at the entrance or combined with Upper Barrakka access depending on current setup.
- Entry:
Adults: around €3 – €5
Children: reduced or free in some cases - Opening times:
Typically open 10:00 – 17:00/18:00 (depending on season)
Closes shortly after the last firing
Sliema
Just across the harbour from Valletta, Sliema is one of Malta’s most modern and lively coastal towns. While Valletta feels historic and compact, Sliema is all about seaside promenades, shopping, cafés, and sunset views back towards the capital.
It’s also one of the most convenient places to stay if you want easy access to Valletta while having more restaurants, nightlife, and beach spots nearby.
👉 Our Tip: Take the ferry from Sliema to Valletta early in the morning or at sunset. The views of Valletta’s skyline from the water are unforgettable and easily one of the best photo opportunities in Malta. The ferry to Valletta takes only around 10-15 minutes.
National Library of Malta
The National Library of Malta is not only a beautiful building but also a treasure trove of Maltese history dating back to the Crusaders. It is located in Republic Street and is home to several hundred thousand works.
👉 Good to know:
Taking photos is not allowed in the library. You must show your ID card at the entrance. Entry to the library is free.
Hastings Gardens
Hastings Gardens is one of Valletta’s quieter viewpoints and a great little escape from the busy streets of the city center. Located on the western side of the city walls, it offers peaceful green space with wide views over Marsamxett Harbour and Floriana.
It’s not as famous as Upper Barrakka Gardens, which is exactly what makes it special, fewer crowds, more calm, and a more local feel.
👉 Good to Know:
- Easily reachable on foot from Valletta’s City Gate area.
- Much quieter than Upper Barrakka Gardens.
- Best visited in the late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures.
- Facilities are limited, so it’s more of a short stop than a long stay.
Streets of Valletta
The many unique streets in Valletta are a sight in themselves. Uniquely beautiful with many colorful balconies, countless good restaurants, bars and shops. One of the most famous streets here is Strait Street. The center of the city used to be a red light district and artists’ district. Today the street is lined with many good restaurants and bars offering great evenings out.
👉 Streets of Valletta Highlights:
- Narrow historic streets full of character
- Iconic Maltese wooden balconies (gallarija)
- Hidden staircases and quiet backstreets
- Small cafés, wine bars, and local shops
- Beautiful sea views between buildings
Grandmaster's Palace
The Grand Master’s Palace is located in the center of Valletta at the end of Republic Street. Throughout history, the palace, which was built in the 16th century, has served as the official residence to many rulers. Today it is the residence and office of the President of Malta. The palace is partially accessible and is one of the most popular attractions in Valletta and Malta.
👉 Good to Know:
- Entrance is paid (ticket required for museum areas).
- Part of the building is still used for official government functions.
- Photography may be restricted in certain rooms.
- It can get busy during peak tourist hours.
💡 Our Tip: Combine your visit with a walk along Republic Street and a stop at nearby St. George’s Square. The Armoury is especially worth it if you’re into medieval history or unique collections of weapons and armor.
Valletta Waterfront
The Valletta Waterfront is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Valletta. Located along the Grand Harbour, this historic promenade is lined with colorful 18th-century buildings that now house restaurants, cafés, and bars.
It’s the perfect place for a relaxing stroll, a waterfront dinner, or simply enjoying the views of the harbor.
👉 Good to Know & Highlights:
- Located just below Valletta’s city walls
- Easily reached via the Barrakka Lift
- Can get busy when cruise ships are in port
- Stunning Grand Harbour views
- Colorful historic buildings
- Great restaurants and cafés
- Perfect spot for sunset
- Starting point for boat tours
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Our Interactive Travel Maps
When we travel, we always save the best places we discover from hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and must-see spots. To make trip planning easier, we created interactive travel maps with all our favorite locations in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we personally visited.
Note: The buttons and images above link to our interactive travel maps hosted on Rexby, where you can explore all saved locations in detail. Thanks for your support friends!
Where to Stay in Valletta
Choosing where to stay in Valletta is surprisingly easy because the city is compact and highly walkable. Most attractions, restaurants, and viewpoints are within walking distance, making Valletta the perfect base for exploring Malta.
If it’s your first visit, we recommend staying within the historic city walls. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful architecture, charming streets, and some of the best sunset views on the island.
Areas We Recommend
If possible, book accommodation with a balcony or rooftop terrace. Watching the sun rise over Valletta’s limestone buildings or seeing the city light up after dark is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Malta.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or using Valletta as a base for a longer Malta itinerary, staying in the capital puts history, culture, and some of the island’s best views right on your doorstep.
- City Centre – Best for first-time visitors and sightseeing
- Near the Grand Harbour – Incredible views and historic atmosphere
- Republic Street Area – Close to restaurants, cafés, and shops
- Waterfront Side Streets – Quieter location with beautiful sunsets
The Embassy Valletta Hotel
For a comfortable and stylish stay in Malta’s capital with an awesome rooftop terrace, we chose the *Embassy Valletta Hotel. Located just a short walk from the historic city center, it’s the perfect base to explore Valletta’s golden streets, cafes, and waterfront views.
Whether you’re visiting for history, culture, or just a Mediterranean escape, we would say that the Embassy Valletta Hotel makes exploring the city easy and enjoyable.
Where to Eat in Valletta
Maltese cuisine is a unique mix of many cultural influences and is part of Mediterranean cuisine. The dishes here are mostly vegetable-focused but also range from hearty pies to delicious seafood dishes and fresh, hearty stews. Valletta is the perfect place to indulge in culinary delights.
Best for Breakfast
- Pastizzi is a traditional savory pastry with ricotta or pea filling
- Balbuljata are Maltese scrambled eggs with tomatoes
- We had breakfast at Caffe Cordina, which has been here in Valletta since 1837. Here you can also find many traditional pastries, including delicious Pastizzi.
Best for Lunch and Dinner
- Stuffat Tal-Fenek is considered a national dish and is a kind of rabbit stew
- Ftira is a traditional Maltese bread filled with tuna, cheese, sardines, capers, olives and more
- Aljotta is a traditional Maltese fish soup
- Hobz biz-zejt is an open maltese sandwich
- Bigilla is a traditional Maltese dish, made from mashed beans
- Ġbejna is a typical goat cheese made on Gozo
- Lampuki is a mackerel and one of the traditional ingredients of Maltese cuisine
- Bragioli are a type of Maltese beef roulade
- A restaurant that we can definitely recommend is the Rampila Restaurant. It is picturesquely located on the city walls of Valletta. You should definitely make a reservation in advance.
For a meal with a view, head to the rooftop terrace of the Embassy Valletta Hotel. The food is a little more expensive, but you’re really paying for one of the best views in Valletta. If you time your visit for sunset, you’ll be treated to incredible views over the city rooftops and the Mediterranean, easily one of our favourite spots for an evening drink or dinner.
👉 Tip: Especially during peak season, you should definitely reserve a table if possible.
Valletta may be small, but it has an impressive food and nightlife scene. From traditional Maltese restaurants to trendy rooftop bars, there is something for every taste.
One of our favourite spots for drinks is 33 Steps Bar on the iconic Santa Lucia Street. The colourful staircase and charming surroundings make it one of the most unique places to enjoy a cocktail in Valletta. It’s especially atmospheric in the evening when the historic streets start to light up.
Another great area for food and drinks is Strait Street, once famous for its lively nightlife and now home to a variety of stylish bars, wine lounges, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend an evening hopping between venues and soaking up Valletta’s unique atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a casual drink, a romantic dinner, or a lively evening out, Valletta offers plenty of fantastic options within just a few minutes’ walk.
How to get Around
Despite being one of Europe’s smallest capitals, Valletta is incredibly easy to navigate. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets on foot, hopping on a ferry, or taking a bus to other parts of Malta, getting around is simple and affordable.
Explore Valletta on Foot
Walking is by far the best way to experience Valletta. The city is compact, and most major attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
We loved wandering through the narrow streets, discovering hidden corners, colorful balconies, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the Grand Harbour. Just keep in mind that some streets can be quite steep, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Take the Ferry
One of the most scenic ways to get around Valletta is by ferry. Regular services connect Valletta with Sliema and the Three Cities, offering fantastic harbour views along the way.
If you’re staying outside the city center, the ferry is often faster and more enjoyable than traveling by road.
Use Malta's Bus Network
Valletta is the main transportation hub of Malta, making it easy to explore the rest of the island by bus.
The central bus terminal is located directly outside the City Gate, and routes connect Valletta with popular destinations such as Mdina, Marsaxlokk, St. Julian’s, Mellieħa, and Golden Bay.
Buses are one of the cheapest ways to travel around Malta, although delays can occur during peak tourist season and rush hour.
👉 Popular Day Trips by Bus from Valletta:
- Mdina
- Marsaxlokk
- St. Julian’s
- Mellieħa
- Golden Bay
- Popeye Village