Valletta and Mdina are best explored on foot, and with a local guide they come alive. Here's what to expect from historical walking tours, food tastings and evening tours of the "Silent City".
Valletta historical walking tours
Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage city just 1 km long. A typical guided walk lasts 2–3 hours and covers:
- City Gate and Renzo Piano's Parliament building
- St John's Co-Cathedral (entry fee, and home to Caravaggio's Beheading of St John)
- The Grandmaster's Palace and Republic Street
- The Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Saluting Battery, with views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities
Tip: time your walk to reach the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the noon gun salute. See Valletta tours and our list of things to do in Valletta.
Food and wine tasting tours
Maltese food mixes Sicilian, Arab and British influences. A food tour is a fun way to try it with someone who knows where locals actually eat. Typical tastings include:
- Pastizzi: flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Read our pastizzi guide
- Ħobż biż-żejt / ftira: Maltese bread rubbed with tomato and topped with tuna, capers and olives
- Ġbejniet: small sheep's cheeses, fresh or peppered
- Bigilla (bean dip), sun-dried tomatoes and local olive oil
- Maltese wine: look for the local grapes Għirgentina (white) and Ġellewża (red), and try Cisk lager or a Kinnie
- Sweets: qagħaq tal-għasel (treacle rings), imqaret (date pastries) and nougat
For more, read our Maltese cuisine guide, or visit a vineyard on a Malta wine tour.
Mdina: day and evening "Silent City" tours
Mdina, Malta's former capital, is a walled medieval city on a hilltop in the centre of the island. Only residents can drive inside, which is why it's called the Silent City.
- By day: St Paul's Cathedral, the bastion views over the island, and the narrow, winding lanes
- By evening: once the tour groups leave, Mdina becomes quiet and atmospheric under its lanterns. Evening tours often share legends and stories of the noble families. A dinner afterwards in Mdina or Rabat makes a lovely night out
- Add Rabat: St Paul's Catacombs, St Paul's Grotto, and the famous pastizzi at Is-Serkin (Crystal Palace) by Mdina's gate
See Mdina tours, Rabat tours and our Mdina Silent City guide.
Which tour is right for you?
| Tour | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Valletta history walk | 2–3 h | First-timers, cruise passengers |
| Valletta food tour | 3–4 h | Foodies, couples, groups |
| Mdina & Rabat day tour | 3–4 h | History lovers, families |
| Mdina evening tour | 2–3 h | Couples, photographers |
| Wine tour | 3–5 h | Wine lovers, special occasions |
Tips for walking tours in Malta
- Wear comfortable shoes with grip. Valletta has steep streets and steps, and Mdina's stones can be slippery
- In summer, choose morning or evening tours, and carry water and sun protection
- Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) if you plan to enter churches
- Tell your food tour operator about allergies or dietary needs when you book
Getting to Mdina by bus can take time from Sliema or St Julian's. A private driver makes evening tours easy, with no waiting for the last bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there food tours in Valletta?
Yes. Valletta food tours usually last 3–4 hours and include tastings of pastizzi, ħobż biż-żejt, ġbejniet cheeselets, local wine and traditional sweets.
Is Mdina worth visiting at night?
Yes. Once the day-trippers leave, Mdina becomes quiet and atmospheric under its lanterns, which is where the 'Silent City' name feels most real. Evening tours and dinner in Mdina or Rabat are popular.
How long does a Valletta walking tour take?
Most guided walks take 2–3 hours and cover City Gate, St John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
What food should I try in Malta?
Try pastizzi, ħobż biż-żejt, ġbejniet, rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek), timpana, lampuki pie in season, and local wine, Cisk lager and Kinnie.
