What Are The Things To Do In Valletta? Spending An Action-Packed Vacation In The Capital City Of Malta
BY
Sibashree
Dec 1, 2025
Everything great is happening in Valletta's tourism industry these days. 2025 has been a year of growth and recognition for Valletta, the small capital city of Malta, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the forest quarter of 2025 itself, Malta received more than 693,000 visitors according to the Tour and Travel World. It was an 18.9% rise from the same period in 2024. Furthermore, in the same period, the tourist spending reached €508.5 million.
In addition, the World Travel $ Tourism Council has chosen Malta as the venue for the WTTC Global Summit, 2026. The 26th edition of the summit will take place in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs & Tourism and the Government of Malta.
The prominent landmarks of Valletta, such as the Grand Harbour and St. John's Co-Cathedral, and activities such as exploring Victoria's Gate and trying some brilliant craft beer, and cultural richness, have helped Valletta enjoy such growth in numbers and global recognition.
I have been to Malta, and starting from exploring the fortified walls of Valletta to enjoying the serene charm of Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront, the free things to do in Valletta were the highlights for me. On such a shoestring budget, I was able to enjoy the essence of a city, which even enjoyed the status of the European Capital of Culture 2018.
In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will, of course, talk about the free activities and other fun and interesting things to do in Valletta.
What Are The Things To Do In Valletta?
As I started exploring the city of Valletta, I noticed the signature "Pointed Cross" of the Knights protecting this ancient city from everything evil.
If this is something really spiritual, on the other hand, you will see history becoming alive with the post boxes, telephone booths, and British colonial architecture.
Nevertheless, these are the things to do in Valletta.
1. Visiting The St. John's Co-Cathedral
Address: Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:15 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Entry Fee: Adults: €15, Seniors: €12, Students: €12, Children (Under 12): Free when accompanied by an adult, €5 Extra for a Belfray Tour, Audio Tour Included
View this post on Instagram A post shared by St John's Co-Cathedral (@stjohnscocathedral)
The St. John's Co-Cathedral is the most prominent example of the Baroque-style architecture of Valletta. The Knights of the St. John built this conventional church for the order in the late 16th century.
You will know about the life of St. John the Baptist from the paintings by Mattia Preti on the ceiling of this cathedral.
Furthermore, there are eight chapels, dedicated to various languages, tapestries, marble floors, and gilded carvings. However, the main focus for me was the painting called "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist."
This dramatic work, one of the few artworks signed by Caravaggio, is in the Oratory.
2. Exploring Fort St. Elmo And The National War Museum
Address: Mediterranean Street, Valletta, Malta
Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Adults - €10.00, Senior Citizens (60+) and Youths (12-17 Years) - €7.50, Students - €7.50, Children (5-11 Years) - €5.00, Below 5 Years - Free
Fort St. Elmo stands as a witness to the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. It has military paraphernalia and many artefacts.
However, the major appeal of the fort is intangible, and it lies in the fact of how it became a refuge for the people of Malta during the attack of the Ottoman Empire under the leadership of Suleiman the Magnificent.
The Knights, only around 500 in numbers, defeated the 6000 strong army of the Ottoman Emperor.
Furthermore, the National War Museum inside the fort, spanning over seven sections, celebrates the 7000-year-old history of Malta. Some of the exhibits here date back to the Bronze Age (2,500 BC).
You can even request a guided tour of the museum.
Insider Tip:
2025 marked the 900th year of the Great Siege of Malta. A docu-drama called The Great Siege of Malta 1565 was released in 2025. This 45-minute docu-drama celebrates the bravery of the "Hospitalier Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem."
3. Visiting The Grand Master's Palace
Address: St George's Square, Valletta
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: €12 for Adults, €10 for Children Aged 12 to 17 Years and Seniors, Children (6-11): €8, Infants (1-5): Free
The Grand Master of the Order of St. John used to rule Valletta from the Grand Master's Palace. The armory here is the main attraction, and it has the accessories and outfits of the Knights.
Furthermore, the symbol of power, with its history of 450 years, is once again in the news with its recent renovation work.
It was also the "seat of the first constitutional parliament of Malta in 1921," and now it is the "Seat of the Office of the President of Malta."
4. A Guided Tour Of Casa Rocca Piccola
Address: 74 Republic Street, Valletta, Malta
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Audio Tours: From 10 AM
Guided Tours: From 10 AM to 4 PM (On An Hourly Basis)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Casa Rocca Piccola (@casaroccapiccola)
Do you know that the 9th Marquis de Piro still lives in this 16th-century palace? Join the audio tours or the guided tours to see the swanky furniture and unique staircases.
However, for me, the Bomb Shelters were the main attraction. These are not dark tourism spots. These are the living history of World War II.
When 15 air raids took place in 1942, the people of Valletta saved their lives by hiding in these chambers. These shelters were part of the quarry of the 400-year-old house, and they were made from a solid rock foundation.
5. Know The WWII Stories Of Malta At Lascaris War Rooms
Address: Lascaris Ditch, Valletta VLT 2000, Malta
Hours: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry Fee - Adults: €20, Seniors: €19, 5-15 Years Old: €7, Family: €35, Children below 5 Years: Free
I love history, and even if you don't, you cannot avoid knowing about WW1 and WW2. These two wars changed the course of human civilization.
At Lascaris War Rooms, you don't just see the exhibits. You live through the moments of war as you explore the tunnels and labyrinths used as protection from the Italian and German attacks during World War 2.
It's like getting transported to the 1940s within a minute.
Insider Tip:
I found the War Rooms more fascinating than the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo. Did you know that these War Rooms were used as the headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily or Operation Husky?
6. Visiting The National Museum Of Archaeology
Address: Auberge de Provençe, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta
Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM (Admission Closes at 6:30 PM)
Entry Fee: €5
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heritage Malta (@heritagemalta)
I was at a loss for words at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. It has everything you need to know about the prehistoric days of Malta.
Once I entered, the first room had exhibits showing how the earliest people settled here, even before the temple establishment period. It had "Red Skorba ornaments" and some "tools" they used in their everyday lives.
I also got to see exhibits from the Ghar Dalam phase (5200 BC), Tarxien phase (2500 BC), and Bronze Age.
Then, I reached the main hall of the museum. It had the Sleeping Lady and other astonishing sculptures and temple carvings.
Among the collectibles from the Temple Period, the Obsidian Core was the most impressive. It was a headless sculpture, in a seated posture.
Housed inside a Baroque building, this museum is now the main attraction of Auberge de Provençe, which was earlier the home of the Knights of the St. John.
Insider Tip:
If you are traveling from any other town in Malta, take a bus to the Valetta Bus Terminal. From there, it is a short distance on foot.
7. Visiting The Upper Barrakka Gardens
Address: 292 Triq Sant'Orsla, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Home to the Siege Bell War Memorial, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer amazing views of the harbor and the three neighboring cities.
This 16th-century garden was built in the 16th century, and the Knights of the Saint John once used it as a private garden.
Once you are done strolling the Castille Square, you will find the Upper Barrakka Gardens nearby.
Insider Tip:
It's great to relax at the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and have a sip of your favorite drink. However, at 12 PM and 4 PM, the officials of the Malta Heritage Society get dressed in military uniforms and fire the cannons at the Upper Barakka Gardens.
Now, I had a cup of hot coffee in my hand, and I was not ready for it. So, it fell out of my hand, and it was a mess.
Nevertheless, this tradition has been continued for more than 100 years, and once you attend it, you will know why it is worth it.
Also, you must use the Barakka Lift to travel between the upper and lower Barakka Gardens quickly.
8. Plan A Visit To The Lower Barrakka Gardens
Address: Lvant, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
I know people do not talk much about the Lower Barrakka Gardens. However, that's a blessing in disguise. It is way less crowded than the Upper Barrakka Garden.
Now, despite having the name as "Gardens," it is actually a small-scale garden with a few minutes taken to complete the stroll.
However, there is a fort and a waterfront with Greek-style arches overlooking them. You can relax here, have your moments, and make the most of the photo ops.
9. Enjoying The Waterfront
The Baroque houses, surrounding the waterfront of Valletta, were earlier used for storing the essentials of the Grand Master. Now, they are bars and restaurants.
I found the promenade the perfect place to relax and cherish a drink with my eyes set on the ships cruising. The place is more magical after sundown, but there is a trick!
You have to find a cafe or restaurant that is not crowded by tourists. Find yourself a quiet corner.
10. Watching A Performance At The Manoel Theatre
Address: Old Theatre Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Capacity: 623
Opened In: 1732
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Teatru Manoel (@teatru.manoel)
At Manoel Theatre, as a performer of elocution and audio theater for the longest time, I had goosebumps. I was standing at the oldest working theater in Europe.
The wrap-around gallery was the highlight of the building, and I attended an opera performance by none other than Joseph Calleja.
Also, if you want to explore the grand architecture of Manoel Theatre, you can do so every Tuesday. During the summer months, the tours are conducted between 10:30 AM and 12 PM, and during the winter months, these tours continue from 11 AM to 3 PM. Tickets are available at 20.00 €.
11. Trying Local Food
Many people call Maltese ftira a "type of pizza." However, very few people know that it is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the 16th century, when it was first prepared in the ovens of the Knights of St. John.
Furthermore, it is a chosen food because of its versatile fillings and its role as an identity of Valletta and, by extension, of Malta. I also loved the coffee here. It was my best companion while taking a stroll across the roads.
Furthermore, if you are in Valletta, don't miss the Lampuki Pie or the signature fish pie.
How To Reach And Move Around Valletta?
Valletta is well-connected to the world through the Malta International Airport. It is around 9 km away from Valletta, and the short drive took me close to 20 minutes. I took the bus to the City Centre.
You can also book a shuttle in advance or take a taxi.
The city has a well-connected bus route, and it is a small city that you can cover on foot. However, the transport options are island-specific. You can take a Talinja Card or Flex Card for exploring Valletta and Malta.
Also, you can take a ferry service to the Grand Harbour of Valletta to and from Gozo and the Three Cities. You will even get a ferry service from Sliema to St. Paul's in Valletta.
Insider Tip:
I picked the "Gozo Standard Add-On" card for my day trip. I didn't have the time for so many trips. But you can use this add-on to enjoy unlimited tours to Gozo Island.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Valletta?
March to May and September to early November are the best seasons to visit Valletta. Valletta has so many historic landmarks and outdoor spaces. The temperature in the early 20s in these months offers you the ideal chance to explore Valletta.
Also, the crowd is quite manageable in these months.
Valletta, At A Glance: Why Does Valletta Offer Such A Rich Experience?
The best thing about Valletta is how compact it is! By compact, I mean it has a big heart, accommodating the best museums, well-preserved Baroque architecture, the Grand Harbour, stone walls, and stories.
From the stories of a 16th-century ghost to being the backdrop of many spy thrillers, such as "The Secrets of Malta" by Cecily Blench, and historical novels such as "The Hidden Palace" by Dinah Jefferies, have added stories to each key attraction of the city.
Also, the stories of the city's sustenance during World War II and the Great Siege by the Ottoman Turks in 1565 tell us about human resilience.
Location-wise, this Fortress City, with a soft honey hue, stands on the ocean. It is also the dream of a photographer with the Baroque architecture reaching the sky.
Despite being only 1 kilometer long and 600 meters wide, the city of Valletta is very compact, housing many museums, cobblestones, and architecture, and it became the "European Cultural Capital in 2018.
Valletta is very close to the famous Three Cities. These cities are Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa. The Grand Harbour separates these cities from Valletta.
Valletta was built by the Knights of St. John in 1565 after the Great Siege of Malta. It was one of the best fortified cities in Europe and was built in a very short span.
The city got its name from Jean Parisot de La Valette, who was the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John.
Where To Stay In Valletta?
When in Valletta, you must choose a hotel with an amazing rooftop view. The Embassy Valletta Hotel and Palazzo Ignazio are some of the best options to stay in.
The best areas for finding a hotel are the Valletta City Centre, Floriana, The Three Cities, etc.
The hotel charges will be around 300-500 Euros.
Is Valletta Really Worth It? An Honest Confession About The City
Yes, Valletta is a European Capital City with so many historic, religious, and cultural elements. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also has many stories, like the Great Siege of Malta or the attacks of World WW2.
However, the remnants of the British Colonial Rule, like the telephone booths and post boxes, were sore to my eyes and they are a mismatch with the beautiful Baroque architecture and century-old buildings.
Also, it is hard to find a quiet place in Valletta. So, that can be a problem for a solo traveler. Still, the great food and historic thrill of the city make it really worth it!
Even if you are in the city for one day, you can enjoy a stroll around the City Square and at least explore the St. John's Co-Cathedral to enjoy a slice of Maltese life.
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