Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565, Valletta is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whole city measures roughly 1 km by 600 m, so you can walk it in a day. But its churches, palaces, bastions and harbour views reward a much slower visit.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Valletta, from the unmissable to the hidden.
1. St John’s Co-Cathedral
Plain on the outside, dazzling inside. Every surface is gilded or carved, the floor is covered in marble tombstones of the Knights, and the oratory holds Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, the only painting the artist ever signed. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and arrive early to avoid cruise groups.
2. Upper Barrakka Gardens & the Saluting Battery
The best view in Malta: across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities. Below, the Saluting Battery fires its cannon daily at noon and again at 4 pm, a tradition that once set the time for ships in the harbour.
3. Lower Barrakka Gardens & Siege Bell Memorial
Quieter than the Upper Gardens, with a small Doric temple and views over the harbour mouth. The nearby Siege Bell Memorial honours those who died during the WWII siege of Malta.
4. Fort St Elmo & the National War Museum
This star-shaped fort at the tip of the peninsula played a key role in both the Great Siege and WWII. The National War Museum inside tells Malta’s military story, including the island’s George Cross. Learn more in our Malta WWII history guide.
5. Lascaris War Rooms
Hidden deep beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, these tunnels served as the Allied command centre during WWII, including during the planning of the 1943 invasion of Sicily. The original operations rooms are atmospheric and fascinating.
6. Grandmaster’s Palace
The former seat of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John, later used by Malta’s British governors and today home to the Office of the President. Its State Rooms and the Palace Armoury, one of the world’s great collections of arms and armour, are open to visitors, but check opening times before you go.
7. Take the ferry to the Three Cities or Sliema
Ride the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront and hop on the ferry, or a traditional dgħajsa, across to Birgu. The ferry to Sliema from Valletta’s other side is just as scenic, with a great view of the city skyline.
8. Casa Rocca Piccola
A 16th-century noble palazzo still lived in by a Maltese aristocratic family. Guided tours reveal antique-filled rooms and the family’s WWII air-raid shelters carved into the rock below.
9. MUŻA, the National Museum of Art
Housed in the Auberge d’Italie, MUŻA tells Malta’s story through art, from Baroque masterpieces to modern Maltese works.
10. Manoel Theatre
Opened in 1732, the Manoel is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. Take a guided tour of its gilded oval auditorium, or better still, catch a performance.
11. City Gate, Parliament & Pjazza Teatru Rjal
Renzo Piano’s modern City Gate and Parliament building make a bold contrast with the old city. Next door, the ruins of the Royal Opera House, bombed in 1942, have been turned into an open-air performance space.
12. Strait Street
Once Valletta’s notorious sailors’ entertainment strip, narrow Strait Street is now a charming place for wine bars and evening drinks.
13. Republic Street & Merchants Street
Valletta’s two main streets run the length of the peninsula, lined with shops, cafés, churches and grand buildings. Stop at Caffe Cordina on Republic Square for a classic Maltese café experience.
14. Walk the bastions at sunset
Follow the walls around the city from the Upper Barrakka to the Marsamxett side for golden views over Manoel Island and Sliema. The Hastings Gardens near City Gate are a lovely, little-known viewpoint.
15. Eat like a local
Try pastizzi (flaky ricotta or pea pastries), ftira sandwiches, rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek) and fresh local fish. Pair them with a Kinnie or a glass of Maltese wine. See our Maltese food guide and restaurant guide.
Practical tips for visiting Valletta
- Wear comfortable shoes: Valletta is built on a hill, with steep streets and steps
- Go early or late: cruise passengers fill the centre from mid-morning
- Sunday is quieter: some shops close, but the churches and gardens are peaceful
- Getting there: buses from across Malta terminate at City Gate; ferries link Sliema and the Three Cities
Arriving on a cruise? See our Malta cruise excursions guide for how to fit Valletta into a port day.
See Valletta with a local guide
A local guide brings Valletta’s 450 years of history to life and gets you to the right places before the crowds. Browse Valletta tours, Malta city tours or book a private driver to combine Valletta with Mdina in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you need in Valletta?
One full day is enough to see Valletta's highlights, including St John's Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Fort St Elmo. Two days let you add the war rooms, museums and a ferry to the Three Cities at a relaxed pace.
What time does the Valletta cannon fire?
The Saluting Battery below the Upper Barrakka Gardens fires its cannon daily at 12 noon and at 4 pm. Arrive a few minutes early for a good view.
Is Valletta walkable?
Yes. Valletta is small, around 1 km long, and best explored on foot. Expect steep streets and steps, and wear comfortable shoes.
Is there a dress code for St John's Co-Cathedral?
Yes. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees. Stiletto heels are not allowed, to protect the marble floor.
Can you visit Valletta from a cruise ship?
Yes. Cruise ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront, right below the city. You can walk or take the Barrakka Lift up into Valletta, or book a private driver to see more of Malta during your port call.
