Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. The town, which has recently been added as the Capital of Culture, is a beautiful place to visit. With an interesting history, this city has a breathtaking landscape and a thriving culture. Even with its small size, Valletta is filled with exciting things to do, making it a favorite destination among tourists. The city boasts of an abundance of historical sites, a lot of fascinating museums, medieval-styled architecture, and the best restaurants and bars, all within walking distance of each other. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Valletta is a beautiful place for your leisure vacation. If you are planning a visit, here are top things to do in Valletta, Malta that you must not miss.
1. Get a look at the ancient stamps in Malta Postal Museum
Malta has been using postal service since as far back as the 16th century. And this recently built museum is dedicated entirely to the history of the country’s postal service. Stylish and built with state-of-the-art facilities, Malta Postal Museum offers its visitors a lot to see. Take an educative tour through the museum, see the historical objects, the old stamps, and stamp designs. Also see the posts used when the British ruled over the country, the vehicles that were used back then, and many more.
Malta Postal Museum
Address: 135 Archbishop St, Valletta VLT 1444, Malta
Website: Malta Postal Museum
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 2pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 6 USD
2. Admire the beautiful landscape at Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are one of the most serene places to visit in Malta’s capital city. The gardens offer brilliant views of the Grand Harbour and overlook the impressive Saluting Battery. Upper Barrakka Gardens is not only about its amazing views but also about its beautiful landscape and gorgeous medieval buildings around it. You can go on a four-hour tour of the city, which starts at this fantastic garden. There are lovely spots to enjoy a quick snack here. These gardens have direct access to the harbor, too.
3. Take a glimpse of the ancient toy collections at Toy Museum
If you are visiting the city with your children, then you must check out this fun-filled place. Toy Museum offers the best opportunity for children to see how much toys have evolved over the decades. Opened in 1998, the museum’s founder, Vincent Brown, had a passion for preserving old toys and rather than throwing them away, he started keeping them. And after he had gathered a collection of old toys and restored them, this museum was born. Children can see the remarkable collections which include vintage Matchbox cars, dolls, train sets, and farmyard animals.
Toy Museum
Address: 222 Republic St, Valletta, Malta
Website: Toy Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 1pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 3pm
Price: 3 USD
4. Experience a captivating history lesson at The Malta Experience
The Malta Experience has been captivating tourists and visitors with its fantastic display of the country’s history for over 30 years now. Situated in a panoramic auditorium, this place offers you a 45-minute long audio-visual journey through the country’s fascinating history. The show is available in 17 different languages and gives you a better understanding of this island nation, its people, and its culture. It is usually one of the first stop places when you take a guided Segway tour of the city.
Book Tours : Valletta Segway Tour and The Malta Experience
5. Watch a spectacular 3D show at Malta 5D
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Feel your way through Malta’s history! Travel through time and re-live the colourful moments that made Maltese...
Posted by Malta 5D on Monday, August 10, 2020
Get a real adventure on a 3D lesson on the rich history and culture of this country at Malta 5D. Malta 5D is a beautiful theater that takes you on a unique journey of the nation’s past in the form of an amazing 3D show. At this auditorium, you enjoy features from moving seats to air blasts, water sprays to even leg ticklers while watching the show. You can enjoy this show regardless of where you come from as it is available for display in 17 different languages.
Malta 5D
Address: 7, Old Bakery Street, Valletta VLT 1450, Malta
Website: Malta 5D
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 2pm; Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm
Price: 7 - 10 USD
6. See the ancient weapons at National War Museum - Fort St Elmo
At the entrance of the city’s peninsula lies Fort St. Elmo. This fort was built strategically to defend the harbors on either side of the town. Historical and monumental, this fort has been recently renovated and restored to its original state. One place to see on your visit to the fort is the National War Museum, especially for history buffs. The museum is home to several exhibitions of weapons, armors, and displays of the conflict and battles that the country saw throughout centuries of foreign rule.
National War Museum - Fort St Elmo
Address: Fort St Elmo, Valletta VLT 1741, Malta
Website: National War Museum - Fort St Elmo
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
7. Be awed by the beauty of Valletta City Gate
Valletta City Gate. #vallettaroadshow #vallettalivinghistory
Posted by Valletta Living History on Sunday, 19 July 2015
Entering the city, you will be welcomed by the magnificent sight of Valletta City Gate. This colossal masterpiece was designed by Renzo Piano to pay homage to both the architectural excellence and beautiful landscape of this ancient and wonderful place. Completed quite recently (in 2013), the gates – which are made of limestone – give you a feel like you are like entering an ultra-modern yet ancient city. It is a great place to visit that encompasses all the country’s unique identity and nature.
Valletta City Gate
Address: Valletta, Malta
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Marvel at the ancient findings at National Museum Of Archaeology
If you love history and you find it fascinating when you hear about fabulous archeological finds, then a visit to this museum should be on the cards for you. See archaeological discoveries that prove that humans have been walking in this country as far back as 5900 BC. Also, you get to see a display of the highly artistic figurines and rock carvings that have been recovered from ancient temple sites in the country. See recovered medieval pottery and statues including the famous “Sleeping Lady” and the “Venus of Malta” statues.
National Museum Of Archaeology
Address: Republic St, Valletta, Malta
Website: National Museum Of Archaeology
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
9. Explore St. George’s Square
St Georges square Valletta
Posted by Colourful Malta on Monday, 22 February 2016
Also known as Palace Square, this place is one of the most visited squares in the city. The square is centrally located on the main street where tourists mostly roam - the street of the Republic. The largest square in the city, St. George’s Square sits right in front of the majestic Grandmaster’s Palace and has exciting features. It is a picturesque place to relax featuring lovely lights, lava paving, and a fountain with synchronized music. You can even go on a traditional Maltese horse-drawn carriage ride here.
St George’s Square
Address: Republic St, Valletta, Malta
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Witness the firing of the gun at The Saluting Battery
The Saluting Battery is one of the historic structures in the city. This place was built and used as a defensive platform by the knights for defending the city against attacks. The Saluting Battery was also used to greet dignitaries and friendly ships as they entered the city’s harbor. On a tour of this place, you can witness and admire the daily short re-enactment of the battery’s functions when one of the restored guns is fired. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
The Saluting Battery
Address: Battery Street, Valletta, Malta
Website: The Saluting Battery
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 2 - 4 USD
11. Relax in the tranquil Hastings Gardens
Hastings Gardens is a public garden in the city. Located close to the city’s gates, this garden has several entrances. Large, beautiful, and serene, Hastings Gardens offer you a quiet place in the town to sit down, rest your feet, and relax. It is never crowded and also offers magnificent views of the city. From this garden, you can observe some of the city’s main landmark attractions without needing to navigate through a horde of tourists. It is spacious and even as big as Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens put together!
Hastings Gardens
Address: Windmill St./ Pope Pius V St, Valletta, Island of Malta, Malta
12. Tour the historic Manoel Theatre
Believed to be the third-oldest active theatre in Europe, Manoel Theater is a place to see. Built in 1731, this majestic theater is housed in a building in the middle of the city. It has a long and fascinating history with a wonderfully decorated interior. Although it is not a frequent occurrence anymore, you can watch the theater come alive every once in a while during a sell-out performance here. You can also enjoy a 30-minute audio-guided tour through the building and its museum, learning about and seeing items from its history.
Manoel Theatre
Address: Old Theatre Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Website: Manoel Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 1pm, 5pm - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 6 USD
13. See the iconic Tritons’ Fountain
Triton’s Fountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the city’s most critical Modernist landmarks and a much-loved icon. This majestic fountain is made up of three giant bronze mermen holding up a platter. It has been welcoming people to the city for over 60 years. It is one of the city’s favorite landmarks, featuring in various events including the Republic Day national festivities. It has even served as a performance stage for concerts. You should not miss visiting this fantastic city monument.
Tritons’ Fountain
Address: Vjal Nelson, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Wander around the majestic Casa Rocca Piccola
Casa Rocca Piccola is the family home of the once-powerful de Piro family. The stunning structure offers its visitors a glimpse of how the aristocrats used to live and give you a chance to see the antiquated furniture and decorated rooms. It’s still the home of the 9th Marquis de Piro, who opened up part of the house to the public as a museum. Enjoy a guided tour of the home, starting on the hour from the courtyard, which also offers access to the home’s WW2 shelter that lies 30 m (98.4 ft) underground.
15. Enjoy a quiet time at Lower Barrakka Gardens
The Lower Barrakka Gardens is located right opposite the Siege Bell War Memorial in the city’s center. It can be easily recognized by the distinctive arches lining the garden’s harbor-facing side. The Lower Barrakka Gardens is not as famous as the Upper Barrakka Gardens so it is less crowded too. It offers a gorgeous and peaceful place to enjoy a quiet time off relaxing by the under the shade. You are also offered great views of the landscape and a place to get snacks and drinks here.
Lower Barrakka Gardens
Address: Quarry Wharf, Valletta, Malta
Website: Lower Barrakka Gardens
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
16. Stay in luxury at Inn of Castille
Auberge de Castille et Leon. Each of the branches of the Order of St John had their own inn or "auberge," and this one, in a prominent position, is now the office of the president of Malta
Posted by Andie Byrnes on Thursday, 10 November 2016
The Inn of Castille, popularly known as The Castille Hotel is a beautiful three-star hotel in the city. The hotel offers you the best place to stay in comfort and luxury in the city. With its 38 rooms, the friendly staff here make sure you have a pleasant and enjoyable holiday in the town. The hotel also boasts of being home to three great restaurants, each serving delicious meals to suit the taste of its visitors. It is located in a great location, giving you the chance to explore Malta’s rich and unique heritage fully.
Inn of Castille
Address: Castille St, Valletta, Malta
17. See the medieval artifacts at Palace Armory
Palace Armoury, Valletta
Posted by Heritage Malta on Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Located in the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Palace Armory is a series of halls that display breathtaking medieval objects from the country’s days of fighting wars. It is home to the world’s most extensive collection of arms and armor that is still kept in its original location. Tour this museum and get a glimpse of the items that remain from battles fought in the previous centuries. There is also an audio guide here which tells you all you need to know about this armory.
Palace Armory
Address: Misrah San Gorg, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1191, Malta
Website: Palace Armory
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 11 USD
18. Savor a delicious meal at Palazzo Preca Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
For the best dining experience in the city, Palazzo Preca restaurant is where you should go. The restaurant is well-decorated and has a warm, friendly ambiance. Enjoy cozy indoor seating, delicious meals, and excellent service at this restaurant. It is located in the heart of the city and offers an extensive food menu and the right choice of wines. One unique thing about the restaurant is that it comes with a glass floor for viewing the wine cellar below. Dining at Palazzo Preca is a must-do activity in the city.
Palazzo Preca Restaurant
Address: 54, Strait Street, Valletta, Malta
Website: Palazzo Preca Restaurant
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 3:30pm, 6:30pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon)
19. Taste great wines at Trabuxu Wine Bar
Nestled in an ancient 400-year-old stone vaulted cellar, Trabuxu Wine Bar is the best place to enjoy premier wine in the city. This wine bar is cozy and private yet always bubbling with life and fun. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Trabuxu offers a great wine list and cheese menu. There is also a great menu of other dishes, local and international. It’s a great place to get a feel of the city’s lifestyle and interact with the locals.
Trabuxu Wine Bar
Address: 2 Strait St, Valletta, Malta
Website: Trabuxu Wine Bar
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 7pm - 12am (closed on Sun & Mon)
20. See the stunning marble floor at St. John's Co-Cathedral
The entire country predominantly shares the Christian-based belief, and this is most evident in the nation’s capital. This city is home to the historic and majestic St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The cathedral is one of the major attractions in the city. This massive building has an unassuming exterior but a pretty fantastic interior. It is so richly decorated on the inside with excellent art pieces, sculptures, stunning architecture, and exquisite, patterned marble flooring. You will have an awe-inspiring experience on your visit to this place.
21. Travel back in time to the days of WWII at Lascaris War Rooms
This place holds a fair bit of history for you to experience. The Lascaris War Rooms are an underground complex of tunnels which was the main point of the British war defense headquarters. This complex is where the country’s defense was coordinated to win victories over Axis forces successfully. It was one of the best-kept secrets of the Second World War. Take a tour of the complex, go back to the days, and get a feel of WWII here. It’s a fantastic place to visit.
Book Tours : World War II Malta Full-Day Walking Tour
22. Get amazing views of the city from Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbor
This UNESCO Heritage-listed city is bordered on both sides by impressive harbors, Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor. These majestic harbors are the primary port entryways into the city and have beautiful views of the city. At Grand Harbor, you have a chance of seeing the town uniquely by going on a 1.5-hour cruise along the city’s coast. The journey takes you through the two principal natural harbors and an additional ten creeks. It is perfect for taking beautiful pictures of the city.
23. Get to know the city further on an exciting discovery game
Explore a different side to the capital city that not even some locals are aware of. Play an exciting self-guided discovery game of the city using the city itself. You will be given a mysterious trail of riddles and clues for you to solve via your phone to uncover hidden gems and unlock forgotten stories across the city. Start your adventure at the City Gates, go through hidden alleyways, mazy roads, and criss-cross streets, trying to solve attached the 12 riddles while discovering the city in a fun way. Enjoy this real-life game!
24. Take a tour of the country’s seat of power at Grandmaster's Palace
The Grandmaster’s Palace was once the seat of power for the Order of the Knights of St. John, and now houses the Office of the President. It was one of the first structures built by the Knights when the city was founded in the 16th century. Expanded and embellished throughout the centuries, the Palace State Rooms (name of the museum), its halls, and rooms are wonders to behold.
Experience the rich Maltese charm in Valletta
Malta has a lot to offer its visitors. With a rich, fascinating history and culture, the city is filled with various places to see and delve into the country’s past and unique culture. Aside from places to visit, there are also loads of things to do in Valletta, Malta that are worth exploring. So come and spend a memorable time in this charming city.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data