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There are enough things to do in Valletta to fill a good three days. In fact, there’s an increasing number of tourists who decide to make Valletta their home base for their entire stay in Malta, simply because of the sheer number of places of interest, events, and dining options available.
That’s also because other major locations like Mdina, Gozo, Comino, The Three Cities and some of the better beaches are within easy reach with the main hub of public transport (bus routes) sitting right outside the city.
The below are my 20+ ideas for what to do and what to see in Valletta. In other words, if you have limited time to spend in Malta’s capital city, these would be my top choices.
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Location: St. John’s Street (visitors’ entrance from Republic Street)
Opening hours: Mon-Friday: 09:30-16:45h (last admission at 16.00hrs). Sat: 09:30-12:45h (last admission at 12). Closed on all Public Holidays.
Entrance fee: €15 for adults, Children up to 12 years: Free
If you were in any doubt over how important religion and worship were to the Order of the Knights of St. John, a visit to the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is the ultimate proof. Without a doubt, it’s probably the best point of interest in Malta and should be at the top of your list of things to do in Valletta.
With an unassuming exterior, you would never expect to find a place so richly decorated inside its walls and entering the cathedral for the first time is an awe-inspiring experience.
Having served as the conventual church of the Knights for over 200 years, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a prime example of the artistic impression of the High Baroque era.
Location: St. George’s Square (within the President’s Palace)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-16:30h. Closed: 24, 25 & 31 Dec, 1st Jan & Good Friday
Entrance fee: €10 (adults) or €5 (children)
The Grandmaster’s Palace was once the seat of power for the Order of the Knights of St. John, served as the Governor’s Palace during British rule and nowadays houses the Office of the President. Until recently it also housed Parliament until the new Parliament building near City Gate was built.
The Palace was one of the first buildings to be erected by the Knights soon after the foundation stone to the city was laid in the 16th century. Expanded and embellished throughout the centuries, the Palace State Rooms (name of the museum) and its halls and rooms are something to behold.
The Palace Armoury (accessible through a separate entrance to the side of the Palace’s courtyard) houses the world’s largest collection of arms and armour that is still housed in its original location. The collection is a fascinating glimpse into some of the physical artefacts that remain from past centuries and battles fought.
TIP: From time to time the State Rooms may be temporarily closed due to government functions and some of the rooms are currently (2016) undergoing renovation. It’s best to call beforehand.
Location: Triq il-Mediterran (Building forms part of the Malta Conference Centre, with the main entrance located opposite Fort St. Elmo)
To this day, the primary mission of the Order of St. John (or Knights Hospitaller) is to care for the sick and poor. In fact, around the time of their presence in Malta, their practice of medicine was well ahead of its time. La Sacra Infermeria was one of the earliest hospitals they built and it played an important role as the Knights’ main hospital and medical facility.
It was also known as one of the foremost educational institutions in the field of medicine in Europe.
The building still stands proudly on the seafront of the edge of one of the bastions surrounding Valletta and makes for good viewing. Especially its 155-metre main ward, the longest in Europe at the time of construction is impressive.
There are two ways to visit La Sacra Infermeria: Through the Reliving the Sacra Infermeria Experience (an Augmented Reality tour which is great fun for families with kids, as well as for adults – highly recommended) or as part of The Malta Experience.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance fee: €6 for adults, €4 for children
Reliving the Sacra Infermeria provides an engaging and interactive museum experience through an app-guided tour whereby visitors use a phone or tablet to find their way through the building. Thanks to Augmented Reality, the visitors will have the opportunity to relive episodes in the same places where they took place centuries ago, during the time of the Order of St. John. A perfect attraction for families with children, offering the right balance of education and entertainment.
You can get a preview of the tour by downloading the (free) app and using the Preview feature: Android app | iOs app.
You can also get a regular (but short) tour of La Sacra Infermeria as part of a combo ticket with the audiovisual show The Malta Experience, which provides an introduction to Malta’s history.
Tickets are sold on location and the fee includes a short guided tour of La Sacra Infermeria, with the highlight being the main ward of the old hospital (pictured).
Showtimes (every hour): Mon-Fri 11 am – 4 pm (last show). Tours commence at the end of the 45-minute audiovisual show.
Entrance fee: €16 (adults), €6 (children). Covers both The Malta Experience show and Sacra Infermeria tour.
Location: St. Elmo Place
Opening hours: Daily from 9:00-16:30h. Closed: 24, 25 & 31 Dec, 1st Jan & Good Friday
Entrance fee: €10 (adults), €5.50 (children)
At the tip of the peninsula on which Valletta was built lies Fort St. Elmo, strategically placed to defend the harbours on either side of the city.
The fort played an important role during the Great Siege of 1565 in which the Knights and their allies managed to ward off an invasion by the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey). The fort held up just about long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
The present-day fort was built to replace the ruins of what was left after the siege and although it fell into disrepair over the centuries it’s been magnificently restored recently.
Apart from exploring the fort, you can visit the National War Museum to get a glimpse of the conflict and battles that Malta’s seen throughout centuries of foreign rule.
You don’t need to be a history buff to find something of interest here, it’s one of the best points of interest that Valletta has to offer.
TIP: The actual George Cross that’s visible on the Maltese flag is on display in this museum. It was awarded to the people of Malta by King George V of Great Britain in 1942 “to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history”.
Location: Fort St. Elmo
When? Sundays at 11am
Taking place in the centre square within Fort St. Elmo, usually on Sundays at 11 am, the In Guardia Parade is a series of reenactments depicting processions from the time of the Knights.
Taking place at Fort St. Elmo and lasting around 45 minutes, some 50 reenactors in authentic uniforms and armour of the day carry out military drills and sparring fights to demonstrate their readiness for battle.
Don’t forget to bring your camera! It’s one of the best opportunities to capture some action!
Location: To the east of Castille Place
Opening hours: 7:00-22:00h daily
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are one of the more tranquil spots in Malta’s capital with a brilliant view out over Grand Harbour, also overlooking the Saluting Battery (more below).
With a small kiosk and terrace around, it’s a great spot to enjoy a quick snack and coffee as a stop to rest tired legs. Their pastizzi are pretty good so it’s a good opportunity to sample a typical Maltese snack.
With direct access to/from the harbour quay below, the Upper Barrakka Lift is also an entry/exit to Valletta, particularly for cruise passengers disembarking for the day near the Valletta Waterfront.
Location: Upper Barrakka Gardens
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00h
Entrance fee: €3 (adults) and €1 (children)
Built and used as a defensive platform by the Knights, the Saluting Battery functioned both as an artillery platform to defend against attacks taking place within Grand Harbour as well as to greet dignitaries and friendly ships entering the harbour.
At noon and 4 pm sharp, through a short re-enactment, one of the restored guns is fired. It’s quite a spectacle to admire and you should definitely try to time witnessing this event as part of your itinerary for things to do in Valletta.
You can view the action from underneath the arches of the Upper Barrakka or you can choose to pay a small fee and get access to the battery and its facilities for a guided tour (including a multi-lingual audio guide).
Location: Xatt il-Barriera
The bell was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 to honour over 7,000 people who lost their lives during the WW2 Siege of Malta, between 1941 and 1943 and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross of Bravery by King George V.
It’s a good photo opportunity with some lovely views out over the harbour.
The bell is rung at noon sharp, daily. If you happen to visit the location around that time keep your distance and cover your ears!
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Location: Triq Lvant
Opening hours: 8:00-21:00h daily
Located right opposite the Siege Bell War Memorial and easily recognised by the arches lining its harbour-facing side, lie the Lower Barrakka Gardens.
Less popular than its Upper cousin, the Lower Barakka Gardens are a peaceful little haven to have a quick break and enjoy the views (and shade!) with a drink and a snack from the kiosk present near its entrance.
Location: Bottom of Triq San Mark
Opening hours: Tue & Fri 10:00-16:00h
Entrance fee: €2
Explore the ingenious plans and designs behind the city of Valletta and its fortifications, from the towering high bastions to the strategically placed forts and its surrounding harbour area and fortifications.
The Fortress Builders exhibition is a bit of a hybrid between a museum and an information point, with a lot of knowledge on display, through audiovisual presentations and interactive, multi-lingual touch-driven displays to help you explore and learn.
Location: 115, Old Theatre Street
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 1-3 pm and Fri 10 am-3 pm (theatre visits) and guided tours every 30 minutes between 10 am and 12:30 pm (Mon-Thu only)
Entrance fee: €5 (tour)
The Manoel Theatre is a majestic building in the heart of Valletta with a long and rich history.
Although seeing what is believed to be the third-oldest active theatre in Europe (built in 1731) come to life during a sell-out performance is a lovely experience, events aren’t organised very frequently here.
The next best thing is getting a 30-minute audio-guided tour through the building and its museum, at a modest €5 fee. The theatre’s interior is something to behold and its survival throughout the centuries is remarkable.
Location: 36, Old Treasury Street
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-16:30h / Sat 8:30-12:30h (1st Oct – 15th Jun) and Mon-Sat 8:30-12:30h (16th Jun – 30th Sep)
Entrance fee: Free
The National Library was one of the last buildings erected in Valletta by the Knights.
With an already extensive library of books built up over the centuries, mostly books donated to the order by deceased Knights, it was built in 1776.
The building’s neoclassical design and the tall book-lined stacks are worth admiring and taking in, as are some of the authentic old documents on display.
You’ll also find temporary exhibitions there from time to time. Keep an eye out for updates on upcoming events on their website.
Location: 74, Republic Street
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00h
Entrance fee: €9.50 (adults) and Free for children. Includes guided tour.
Casa Rocca Piccola is the family home of the de Piro family that offers you a glimpse of how the aristocracy lived, with age-old furniture and loads of little treasures and decorated rooms. It’s actually still the home of the 9th Marquis de Piro, who opened up part of the house to the public as a museum.
A very capable and friendly tour guide takes you through the home, starting on the hour from the courtyard, which also offers access to the home’s WW2 shelter that lies 30m underground.
Location: Triq in-Nofsinhar, around the corner from Castille Place
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:45-16:00h, Sat 10:00-16:00h and Sun 10:00-13:00h
Entrance fee: Free (donations appreciated)
The foundation stone of Valletta was laid on the site of this small 16th-century church, which was the first building to be erected in Valletta and still stands proudly today, having benefited from recent restoration works.
Although small in size, there’s some gorgeous art to admire, primarily the ceiling paintings that depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Location: Castille Place
Right behind the Church of Our Lady of Victories, lies one of the oldest fortifications buildings in the city, St. James Cavalier. The building was one of the original fortification buildings planned by the Knights and its carbon copy, St. John’s Cavalier sits roughly in the same position relative to the main entrance to Valletta (City Gate).
Originally functioning as a gun platform to defend Valletta from landward attacks, the build now functions as the Centre for Creativity. Having undergone major restoration in the late-1990s, St. James Cavalier offers local artistic talent by offering exhibition space and facilities to host events and performances.
Apart from regular exhibitions and events, it’s worth having a little walk around inside the building.
Location: Xatt Lascaris (below Upper Barrakka Gardens)
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:30h
Entrance fee: €14 (adults) and €7 (children)
The Lascaris War Rooms are an underground complex of tunnels that formed the heart of the British war defence HQ. Believed to be one of WWII’s best-kept secrets, this is the location from which Malta’s defences were coordinated in a successful victory over Axis forces.
A tour of the complex takes you back to the days of WWII and despite the simple waxwork figures, it’s quite a vivid impression you’re left with.
The museum is located below the Upper Barrakka Gardens. With your back facing the entrance to the gardens, turn to your right down Triq Sant’ Orsola, take the first turn to the right and head down the road and steps and follow the signs.
Location: To the North of St. Elmo
If you’re not very adventurous or steady on your feet this one may not be for you. If you’re up for a little walk across some of the rocky shoreline around For St. Elmo, you can get to the Breakwater bridge for some stunning views out over Grand Harbour.
Before heading down there, however, it’s worth checking that the bridge is actually open as it may be closed to the public at times. Personnel at the ticket office of Fort St. Elmo or the Malta Experience (Sacra Infermeria) should be able to tell you.
You can find your way around from the east, which is a short but rocky route with a few tricky places. The safer and easier route is entering from the west, although you’ll need to take quite a detour to get down to sea level.
Location: 135, Archbishop Street
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00h and Sat 10:00-14:00h
Entrance fee: €7
This is a fairly new museum dedicated fully to the history of the postal service in Malta since the 16th century. Modernly laid out, there’s a lot to see here in terms of historical objects, stamps and stamp design, vehicles used, post during British rule, etc.
Location: Auberge de Provence, Republic Street
Opening hours: Daily 10:00-16:30h. Closed: 24, 25 & 31 Dec, 1st Jan & Good Friday
Entrance fee: €5 (adults) and €2.50 (children)
Malta’s human history dates back to around 5900 BC and numerous artefacts have been found across sites that date back to the early periods, telling a story of Malta’s earliest inhabitants.
Moreover, you get a glimpse of some of the highly artistic figurines and rock carvings that have been recovered from the sites of some of the Neolithic Temples around Malta.
Location: 7, Old Bakery Street
Showtimes: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:30h every 30 mins (last show at 16:30h)
Ticket prices: €10 (adults) and €6 (children)
An audiovisual alternative to the Malta Experience, Malta 5D presents the story of Malta’s history in a more technologically advanced way with 3D visual and physical special effects.
Wondering what to do in Valletta apart from visiting places of interest and museums? Here are my best suggestions.
If you prefer a guided tour instead of visiting these places of interest yourself, here are a few options to consider:
In the past decade or so there’s been a lot more activity in Valletta than in the recent past, with more and more annual events being organised. If you can time your visit to coincide with one of these events, you might get a little bonus:
Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.
As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.
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Can you advise me if the In Guarda parade will be held on 16 April (Easter Sunday), this year?
Hi Andrew, according to the tourism authority’s events calendar the In Guardia parade will not be held on Easter Sunday this year.