25 Things To Do In Valletta In 2 Days

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My selection of things to do in Valletta will help you plan a trip to Malta’s capital and make the most of this interesting city.

When my friend asked me if I wanted to celebrate her 50th birthday in Malta with her, I said yes eagerly. I had always wanted to travel there, and since there are direct budget flights from Cagliari, our hometown in Sardinia, it seemed like a good opportunity to finally visit.

We only spent 2 days in Valletta (that’s all our flights allowed), but we truly enjoyed the city and its unique atmosphere. Built in the 16th century by the Knights of Malta, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with historic buildings, fortified walls, great museums, and excellent restaurants.

Continue reading to discover the things to see in Valletta, and prepare yourself for a fantastic city break.

Good to know: Valletta is an excellent base to visit other places in Malta, such as Medina and Rabat. We only spent a weekend there, so we didn’t have time for a day trip. The things to see in Valletta that I mention here are strictly based on my experience.

Cannons aligned in Fort Saint Elmo in Valletta.
Cannons aligned in Fort Saint Elmo in Valletta

Unmissable Things To Do In Valletta

Explore Fort Saint Elmo and the National War Museum

Fort Saint Elmo is easily one of the top places to visit in Valletta. It sits at the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula, guarding the entrance to both the Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor.

The fort played a decisive role during the Great Siege of 1565, when it withstood relentless Ottoman attacks for over a month, buying crucial time for the Knights and Maltese defenders. Almost entirely destroyed during the siege, the fort was rebuilt soon after and remained a key military site for centuries.

Today, Fort Saint Elmo houses the National War Museum, which focuses mainly on Malta’s role in the Second World War. Exhibits include personal stories, military equipment, and everyday objects that help us get a better understanding of Malta’s role during the war.

It’s a great place to learn more about Malta’s history – from the Great Siege to WWII. We especially loved the setting: thick walls, bastions, and breathtaking seaviews.

Sacra Infermeria in Valletta.
The Sacra Infermeria

Visit the Sacra Infermeria

The Sacra Infermeria is one of the unmissable things to see in Valletta. This was the main hospital of the Knights Hospitaller (more commonly referred to as the Knights of St. John) in Valletta and one of the most advanced medical institutions in early modern Europe.

Built in the late 16th century, it reflected the Order’s original mission: caring for the sick and wounded, regardless of status or nationality.

The hospital was famous for its long, well-ventilated wards, strict hygiene standards, and surprisingly progressive approach to care. Patients were given individual beds, clean sheets, and proper meals—unusual at a time when hospitals were often overcrowded and unsanitary. Knights personally served the sick, reinforcing the idea of charity as a core duty.

Located along Valletta’s Grand Harbour, the Sacra Infermeria also treated sailors and soldiers injured at sea. Today, the building forms part of the Mediterranean Conference Center, but its scale and layout still hint at its former role as one of Europe’s most respected hospitals.

Enjoy the Malta Experience

One of the best things to do in Valletta to learn about its history is to go to the Malta Experience. It’s a short audiovisual show that offers a clear, chronological overview of Malta’s history. Set in a purpose-built theater just outside the city walls, it’s designed as an easy introduction to the city’s history rather than a deep dive.

The show runs for around 45 minutes and covers Malta’s past from prehistory to modern times, with a strong focus on the Knights of St John, the Great Siege of 1565, and the British period. It’s narrated in several languages and uses large-scale projections, sound effects, and simple animations to keep things accessible.

We visited at the beginning of our 2 days in Valletta, and it helped us place what we saw later—fortifications, churches, and palaces—into a wider historical framework.

Good to know: The Malta Experience is one of the most popular attractions in Valletta, and it’s best to book in advance. You can do that online – for example, this option includes the Malta Experience and a guided tour of the Sacra Infermeria.

Wuestenwind Beach in Valletta.
View of Wuestenwind Beach

Check out Wuestenwind Beach

We came across Wuestenwind Beach as we were taking in the views by Fort Saint Elmo. It was so pretty from above that we decided to check it out more closely. We couldn’t go for a swim – we visited in January, and it was really windy and rainy that day. But even then, we could see that this is a really fun spot.

Wuestenwind Beach is a small, informal swimming spot tucked below Fort Saint Elmo, on the Marsamxett Harbour side of Valletta. It’s not a beach in the classic sense: there’s no sand. However, this rocky shoreline has clear water and easy access to the sea.

Locals in Valletta use it for a quick dip in the hot summer months. It’s one of the few places in Valletta where you can swim without leaving the peninsula. The views across the harbour towards Sliema are a bonus.

We could not spot any facilities, and there’s definitely no shade, so if you visit in the summer, come prepared.

Historic - and still working - fireplace in Casa Rocca Piccola.
Historic – and still working – fireplace in Casa Rocca Piccola

Explore the Casa Rocca Piccola

Of all the things to see in Valletta, Casa Rocca Piccola was our favorite. Casa Rocca Piccola is a 16th-century palace that offers a rare glimpse into Valletta’s noble life, past and present.

Built for a Knight of Malta, the house is still privately owned and lived in by a Maltese noble family, which gives the visit a very personal feel – even more so if you are as lucky as we were to meet the owner (it was pure chance, and we can say he’s a really charming person!).

Inside, rooms are filled with antique furniture, portraits, silverware, and family archives that span several centuries. You move through grand salons, bedrooms, and a formal dining room, all arranged much as they would have been when Valletta was under the Knights.

You can also visit the underground, a network of WWII air-raid shelters dug beneath the house and used during the bombing of Malta.

Good to know: You can get Casa Rocca Piccola tickets at the door. With that, you either get a booklet in your language of choice, which contains explanations about the various rooms and objects, or you can download an audioguide on your phone. Depending on when you visit, however, I recommend getting tickets online in advance. This is a rather popular attraction.

Beheading of St. John the Baptist by Caravaggio inside St. John's Co-Cathedral.
Beheading of St. John the Baptist by Caravaggio inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Admire Caravaggio’s masterpieces at St. John’s Co-Cathedral

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is Valletta’s most important church and the symbolic heart of the Knights Hospitaller. From the outside, it honestly doesn’t impress much, but inside, it is anything but. There’s no doubt that this is one of the best things to see in Valletta.

The cathedral is a dense showcase of Baroque art, with gilded walls, side chapels funded by the different langues, and an extraordinary marble floor made up of tombs of the Knights of St John.

What truly sets the cathedral apart, however, are the works by Caravaggio housed in the Oratory. The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist is Caravaggio’s largest signed painting and widely considered one of his masterpieces. Painted while he was in Malta in 1608, it is unusually dark, restrained, and brutal, marking a turning point in his career.

The companion work, Saint Jerome Writing, is equally powerful, though more intimate.

These paintings are not side attractions—they are central to the cathedral’s importance. Seeing them in situ, in the space they were created for, is an incredible experience.

Good to know: You can get tickets to visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral at the door, but be prepared to stand in line for quite some time (we stood for around 30 minutes at the end of January, and you can expect lines to be longer in peak season). If you want to skip the line, you can get tickets online on the official website, or (even better) a guided tour that includes a visit to the Co-Cathedral. Another great option is to visit the Co-Cathedral after it closes on this guided tour.

Gorgeous corridor in the Grandmaster's Palace of Valletta.
Gorgeous corridor in the Grandmaster’s Palace

Visit the Grandmaster’s Palace

You can’t go to Valletta and skip the Grandmaster’s Palace. It dominates the heart of Valletta and was once the seat of power of the Knights Hospitaller.

The Grandmaster’s Palace was built in the late 16th century, and it served as the official residence of the Grand Master and the administrative center of the Order. From here, Malta was governed for over two centuries.

Inside, the State Rooms are richly decorated with frescoes, tapestries, and portraits that reflect the Order’s military victories and political ambitions.

We especially enjoyed visiting the Palace Armoury, which holds an extensive collection of arms and armour used by the Knights, including ceremonial suits and battlefield weapons.

The building later housed British governors, and today remains an important political site, accommodating the Office of the President of Malta. While parts are still in use, many sections are open to visitors.

Republic Street on a rainy day.
Republic Street on a rainy day

More Great Things To Do In Valletta, Malta

Stroll down Republic Street

Republic Street is Valletta’s main artery, running the length of the city from City Gate to Fort Saint Elmo. Laid out by the Knights Hospitaller in the 16th century, it was designed as a straight, functional spine linking the city’s key buildings (in fact, many of the most important things to see in Valletta are along Republic Street).

Today, you’ll find cafés, souvenir shops, museums, churches, and government offices packed closely together, with people passing by at any time of day. Major landmarks on Republic Street include the Grandmaster’s Palace, St John’s Co-Cathedral, the National Library, and the Archaeology Museum.

We did not find it to be the prettiest street in Valletta, but it’s the most useful if you want to explore.

Good to know: This guided tour visits many places along Republic Street, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral. It also goes to the Lower Barakka Gardens.

Exterior of the National Library of Valletta.
Exterior of the National Library

Check out the National Library

The National Library of Malta is one of the many important buildings located along Republic Street, and faces one of Valletta’s prettiest squares. Founded in the 18th century by the Knights Hospitaller, it was created to house official documents and the Order’s growing collection of books and manuscripts.

The library has a vast archive relating to the Knights of St John, including correspondence, maps, and records dating back to the 12th century. It also holds rare early printed books and manuscripts that document Malta’s political and cultural history under the Order and later rulers.

While it’s still a working research library, some parts are open to visitors. We did not get to visit inside, as it was closed on both days we were there, but if you have a chance, it’s worth popping in, even just for a short while.

Inside the National Archaeology Museum of Valletta.
Inside the National Archaeology Museum

Go to the Archaeology Museum

We decided to visit the National Museum of Archaeology as it was raining, and since it’s so central (it’s on Republic Street), it was very easy to get there.

The museum offers a broad overview of Malta’s ancient past, well beyond its better-known prehistoric temples. Set inside the Auberge de Provence, the museum brings together material from several key periods, including an often-overlooked Phoenician section.

The Phoenician collection includes pottery, funerary objects, and everyday items that reflect Malta’s role as a trading hub in the central Mediterranean from around the 8th century BC. These artefacts help explain how the islands shifted from isolated temple cultures to a connected maritime society.

The highlight for us was the numismatic collection, which traces Malta’s long and complex history through coins.

Good to know: The museum is compact and easy to navigate – it takes about 1.5 hours to explore, but if you only want to see the highlights, 45 minutes are enough.

Main door of Manoel Theater - attending the opera is one of the things to do in Valletta.
Main door of Manoel Theater

Attend opera at Manoel Theater

Manoel Theater is one of the oldest working theaters in Europe. It was built in 1731 by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who wanted a public theater that was “honest entertainment” for the people of Malta.

From the outside, the building is easy to miss – we only realized we had arrived because there was a line to get in for the opera show.

Inside, it’s the opposite. The auditorium is small, oval-shaped, and richly decorated with gilding, woodwork, and painted ceilings. Acoustics are excellent, which is why the theater is still used for concerts, opera, drama, and recitals.

Good to know: You can visit on a guided tour during the day or, better still, see a performance in the evening. Make sure to check out the official website for guided tours, opening hours, and shows.

Siege Bell War Memorial in Valletta.
Siege Bell War Memorial

Find the Siege Bell War Memorial

The Siege Bell War Memorial stands on the edge of Valletta’s bastions, overlooking the Grand Harbour. It commemorates the civilians and service personnel who lost their lives during the WWII, when Malta endured one of the heaviest bombing campaigns of the conflict.

The memorial is quite stark. A tall bronze bell hangs within a stone frame, set against open sea views. Every day at noon, the bell is rung in a short ceremony of remembrance, marking Malta’s wartime suffering and resilience.

The location is quiet, exposed, and slightly removed from the city’s busier streets – it makes for a special stop during your time in Valletta.

Lower Barakka Gardens.
Lower Barakka Gardens

And the Lower Barrakka Gardens

The Lower Barrakka Gardens sit right on the edge of Valletta’s bastions overlooking the Grand Harbor. Smaller and quieter than Upper Barakka Gardens, they are a lovely place to visit.

The gardens are laid out with shaded paths, benches, and simple planting, with wide openings facing the harbor. From here, you get close-up views of the Siege Bell War Memorial and across the water towards the Three Cities.

It’s a good place to pause after visiting Fort Saint Elmo (it’s exactly what we did) or before walking back towards the city center.

Locals use the space to sit, read, or take a break from the heat in the summer months (it was quite chilly and windy when we visited).

Cool views from Victoria Gate.
Cool views from Victoria Gate

Take in the unique views from Victoria Gate

Victoria Gate is the main historic entrance to Valletta from the Grand Harbor side. Built in the late 19th century during the British period, it replaced earlier gates used by the Knights Hospitaller and reflected Malta’s growing role as a naval and commercial hub.

Victoria Gate was designed to manage people and goods arriving by sea. The structure is simple and functional, with restrained decorative details and a clock tower added above the gate.

What we loved about it is the view that you get from the streets around it – a series of bridges and lovely street views that are quite unique to Valletta.

Bridge Bar location in Valletta.
Bridge Bar – this is the place where the bar opens at night

Have a drink at the Bridge Bar

One of the top things to do in Valletta at night is to have a drink in the historic center, and no place is better than the Bridge Bar. It is one of Valletta’s most relaxed and characterful bars, set on the steps just behind the Manoel Theater. There’s no formal interior to speak of. Most evenings, customers spill out onto the stone steps, turning the street itself into the venue.

The atmosphere is casual. Wine is the focus—mainly Maltese bottles. Prices are reasonable for such a central location, and in a city that’s honestly more expensive than we thought. At the weekend, live music is played too.

We only spent a very brief time there as we arrived late at night on Saturday, but we loved the fun vibe. The photo was taken on a Sunday afternoon, when the bar is actually shut.

Arch in the Upper Barakka Gardens.
Arch in the Upper Barakka Gardens

Visit the Upper Barakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka Gardens sit on top of Valletta’s highest bastions and offer the city’s most famous views over the Grand Harbor. Originally laid out as a private garden for the Knights of St John, the space later opened to the public and remains one of Valletta’s best places for views.

The gardens are compact, with arcades, a couple of monuments, and shaded benches. Below, the Saluting Battery still fires its cannons daily at noon, a tradition that dates back centuries.

This is one of the most popular things to see in Valletta, especially around midday and at sunset. Unfortunately, it was raining when we visited, but this still didn’t take away from the incredible views.

Upper Barakka Gardens.
The Saluting Battery is just under the Upper Barakka Gardens

And the Saluting Battery

The Saluting Battery sits directly below the Upper Barakka Gardens, overlooking the Grand Harbor. Built in the 16th century, it was originally used by the Knights of St. John to fire salutes marking the arrival of ships and important officials, as well as to signal time to the city and the harbour.

For centuries, the battery was part of Valletta’s daily rhythm. Cannons were fired to mark key moments, especially midday, when ships would set their chronometers. After years of neglect, the Saluting Battery was restored and returned to working order.

Today, the cannons are fired daily at noon, with an additional firing in the afternoon. It’s a small ritual, but one that connects modern Valletta directly to its maritime past.

Cute corner in the historic center of Valletta.
Cute corner in the historic center of Valletta

Wander the streets of the historic center

One of the things we enjoyed the most in Valletta was wandering aimlessly around the historic center.

The Historic Center of Valletta is compact and walkable. It was laid out in the late 16th century by the Knights Hospitaller. Built on a rigid grid plan, it was designed to be efficient, defensible, and entirely self-contained.

Within a small area, there are churches, palaces, fortifications, the Manoel Theater, and public buildings layered tightly together.

Limestone façades, the enclosed wooden balconies that are typical of Valletta, and narrow streets are all part of the cityscape here.

Check out the Mysterium Fidei Museum

The Mysterium Fidei Museum is hardly one of the most popular places to visit in Valletta, but it’s still worth at least a quick visit. It’s housed within the Church of St Catherine of Italy, just off Republic Street. It focuses on religious art and devotion connected to the Knights Hospitaller, with particular attention to the Eucharist and Catholic ritual.

The collection includes paintings, silverware, vestments, manuscripts, and liturgical objects dating mainly from the 16th to 18th centuries. Many of the pieces were originally used in Valletta’s churches and convents. The setting is also beautiful: rooms are arranged around parts of the church complex.

Balconies of Valletta.
Balconies of Valletta

Admire Valletta’s beautiful balconies

One of Valletta’s most recognizable features is the city’s balconies. Known locally as gallariji, these enclosed wooden balconies project from limestone façades and line many of the historic center’s streets.

Most of the balconies date from the 18th and 19th centuries, when Valletta’s buildings were adapted from austere Knights-era structures into private homes. The balconies provided light, ventilation, and privacy, allowing residents to observe street life without being fully visible.

Over time, they became more and more colorful: you can see them painted in greens, blues, yellows, and deep reds.

Many of these balconies are protected, and original examples are carefully restored. They are one of the most beautiful sights in the city.

Pastizzi, one of the specialties from Malta.
Pastizzi, one of the specialties from Malta

Foodie Things To Do In Valletta

Discover local flavors on a guided food tour

One of the easiest ways to understand Valletta beyond its monuments is through a food tour. Walking between small bars, bakeries, and family-run shops, you taste dishes that reflect Malta’s layered history and everyday habits.

Most tours include classics like pastizzi, ftira, and seasonal sweets, often paired with local wine or Kinnie. Typically, food tours focus on simple, informal food rather than restaurant dining, with stops that locals actually use.

With your guide, you will learn why certain ingredients dominate, how British and Italian influences overlap, and how food fits into daily life in a compact capital.

Good to know: There are many excellent guided food tours that you can book online. I recommend this Valletta street food tour that lasts 3 hours: you will try several local delicacies (pastries and more) and also local drinks.

Caffé Cordina in Valletta.
Caffé Cordina

Have coffee at the historic Caffé Cordina

Café Cordina is Valletta’s most famous café and a long-standing fixture on Republic Street. It’s so central that you simply can’t miss it. Founded in the 19th century, it has been serving coffee, pastries, and light meals for generations, and for many locals it’s tied closely to family rituals and celebrations.

The interior is traditional, with dark wood, mirrors, and display counters filled with cakes and sweets. Outside, tables spill onto the square, making it an easy place to stop while exploring the city.

Cordina is best known for its pastries, including kannoli, imqaret, and seasonal specialities, as well as its ice creams and classic espresso drinks.

It’s not a hidden gem – in fact, it can get busy, especially for lunchtime. Still, if you have a chance, stop there at least for a coffee.

Tal Kafé, a specialty coffee shop in Valletta.
Tal Kafé, a specialty coffee shop in Valletta

Or enjoy a specialty coffee at Tal Kafé

If you are into specialty coffee as much as I am, then you must stop at Tal Kafè. It’s located on St. Christopher’s Street, just off Republic Street, and it’s independently owned. It’s a rather local spot, and the only café in Valletta that serves traditional Maltese coffee (flavored with spices like cloves and cardamom).

They roast various kinds of coffee – my friend and I tried their Ethiopia one, and loved it. You can have it in the form of espresso, French Press, or filter – the owner, Keith, is adamant that filter is the way to go.

You can also have cakes or small sandwiches.

The interior is retro and very stylish. It’s a nice place to stop for a few relaxing moments while you explore the city.

Delicious appetizers at 59 Republic.
Delicious appetizers at 59 Republic

Dine in style at Fiftynine Republic 

We had lunch at Fiftynice Republic for my friend’s birthday, and it couldn’t have been a better choice.

Located in a quiet corner of Republic Street, right in front of the Grandmaster’s Palace, Fiftynine Republic is a Michelin-listed restaurant that offers both indoor and outdoor dining. We chose to dine indoors as it was raining the day we visited.

Food is outstanding: you have a fantastic choice of meat, fish, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, and they are incredibly attentive when it comes to dietary needs (they created a custom dessert for us as we are both lactose intolerant, and my friend is also gluten intolerant).

They have a wide wine selection – including some great bottles of champagne – as well as cocktails.

We also loved the interiors and appreciated the service (caring, but never intrusive), and the easygoing yet sophisticated vibe.

It’s one of the best restaurants in Valletta if you want to celebrate a special occasion – keep in mind it’s not budget-friendly.

Dessert at Aki.
Dessert at Aki

Or at the trendy Aki

We had dinner at Aki during our first night in Valletta, and we truly recommend it.

Aki is one of Valletta’s more refined restaurants (also Michelin-listed), specialising in Japanese cuisine with a contemporary edge.

The menu included a variety of sushi and sashimi dishes, but there are also cooked dishes. The work on the idea that customers will share their dishes – so that they get to try as many different flavors as possible. The wine and cocktail list is very extensive (and there are some very expensive wines too).

The one thing we didn’t fully appreciate was the music, which we found a bit too loud for a dining spot.

It’s not a cheap spot, but it’s definitely worth the price.

Wandering around Fort Saint Elmo.
Wandering around Fort Saint Elmo

Map of Things To See In Valletta

I have created a map of the best places to visit in Valletta to help you get a better idea of where they are located and plan your itinerary more easily.

How to use this “things to see in Valletta” map: This map points out the main attractions you can visit in Valletta in 2 days. To enlarge it, use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. You can also save the map to your Google Maps account by clicking on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, you need to click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.

Lovely cat we saw in the historic center of Valletta.
Lovely cat we saw in the historic center of Valletta

Best Guided Tours of Valletta

To make the most of Valletta, you may want to consider a guided tour. With the help of a guide, you can learn about the history and the culture of the city, and explore even more efficiently.

Here are my recommended tours:

This guided tour includes the Malta Experience and a guided visit of the Sacra Infermeria.

Valletta walking tour – It visits a selection of places along Republic Street, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral. It also goes to the Lower Barakka Gardens.

Guided tour of Valletta that includes a visit to the Co-Cathedral – a great option not only to skip the line at the Co-Cathedral, but also to learn more about Caravaggio’s presence in Malta.

Valletta street food tour – it lasts 3 hours, during which you will try several local delicacies (pastries, pastizzi, and more) as well as local drinks.

view of Victoria Gate from Upper Barakka Garden.
View of Victoria Gate from Upper Barakka Garden

How Many Days In Valletta Should You Spend?

For most travellers, two days in Valletta are enough to see the city properly. The historic center is compact and walkable, and in that time you can comfortably cover the main sights—St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, Upper Barakka Gardens, the Casa Rocca Piccola, a couple of museums, and time to simply wander the streets.

We only had 2 days in Valletta, because the flight schedule did not allow us more time, and we did not feel rushed – but then, we did not try to get out of town.

A single day in Valletta may feel rushed, especially if you want to visit museums or sit down for a proper lunch. Two days give you breathing space and room for small discoveries, from cafés (that’s how we came across Tal Kafé) to quieter side streets.

You’ll need more time if you plan to use Valletta as a base for day trips. Ferries to the Three Cities, buses to Mdina or Rabat, or boat trips around the harbors all require additional time. In that case, four to five days makes sense.

Is Valletta Worth Visiting?

Yes—Valletta is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in history, architecture, and appreciate a walkable city. Despite its small size, the Maltese capital is dense with layers of history, from the Knights Hospitaller to the British period and WWII. Few cities pack so much into such a compact space.

The appeal of Valletta lies in how everything sits together: fortified walls, Baroque churches, narrow streets, cafés, museums, and sea views all within easy walking distance. You don’t need a car, and you don’t need a long stay to get value from it.

After spending just two days in Valletta, we vowed to go again and spend a bit more time there to explore other cities nearby.

Our bedroom at 19 Rooms in Valletta.
Our bedroom at 19 Rooms in Valletta

Where To Stay In Valletta

My friend and I stayed at 19 ROOMS, a fantastic boutique hotel in Valletta close to all the main attractions. It’s located on St. Christopher’s Streeet, steps away from Casa Rocca Piccola and within easy walking distance from Republic Street, where many attractions are located.

Rooms here are spacious, stylish, and comfortable. A fantastic breakfast is served every morning, and you can enjoy an afternoon tea and a glass of local wine in the afternoon, too.

Steep street of Valletta.
Steep street of Valletta

How To Get Around Valletta

Getting around Valletta is super easy, because you can explore almost everything on foot. The historic center is small, compact, and laid out on a clear grid, making it easy to navigate without transport.

Most major sights—churches, museums, gardens, cafés, and bars—are within a 10–15 minute walk of each other. In fact, many are located along Republic Street and are literally steps away from one another.

Walking is also the best way to experience Valletta properly. The city’s details are at street level: balconies overhead, sudden harbour views at the end of streets, and gardens where you can relax.

That said, Valletta is built on a slope. Streets run downhill towards the Grand Harbour and uphill back towards City Gate, so comfortable shoes matter. There are some elevators connecting the waterfront to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which help avoid steep climbs.

Public transport and taxis are useful if you are thinking of getting out of Valletta.

View from the Upper Barakka Gardens.
View from the Upper Barakka Gardens

Best Time To Visit Valletta

The best time to visit Valletta depends on what you value most: weather or space. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the sweet spots, with mild temperatures, long days, and fewer crowds than summer. Walking the city is comfortable, and museums and cafés feel busy without being overwhelming.

Summer brings heat and humidity, and Valletta’s narrow streets can feel intense, especially at midday. It’s lively, but not ideal if you plan to walk a lot or focus on sightseeing.

We visited in January, which is firmly off-season. We had plenty of rain and strong winds. On the upside, Valletta was quiet. Hardly any lines (just to get inside the Co-Cathedral), no cruise crowds, and space to explore at your own pace.

If you don’t mind unpredictable weather and prefer cities without pressure, winter can work well. Just come prepared—and flexible.

St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
Inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral

FAQs on Valletta, Malta

What not to miss in Valletta?

When visiting Valletta, don’t miss St John’s Co-Cathedral, especially the Caravaggio paintings, the views from Upper Barakka Gardens, and a slow walk through Valletta’s historic streets. Add Fort St Elmo for wartime history, and Casa Rocca Piccola to see how the nobles of Valletta used to live, and the Grandmaster’s Palace for a beautiful historic building.

What to do in Valletta in a day?

If you only have one day in Valletta, focus on the essentials:

Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, including the Caravaggio paintings
Explore the Grandmaster’s Palace or the Casa Rocca Piccola
Stop at Upper Barrakka Gardens for harbor views
Explore Fort Saint Elmo

Is Valletta, Malta worth visiting?

Yes. Valletta is worth visiting. The city is compact, walkable, and dense with history, architecture, and sea views. You can see a lot in a short time, without rushing.

Final Considerations

Valletta is small, dense, and easy to navigate, which makes it ideal for short stays. All the most important attractions are close to one another, so it’s easy to see them even if you only have a couple of days.

We had no expectations whatsoever before visiting – the only thing I knew from a friend who had been several times was that she really liked it. And I guess she has a valid point: we really enjoyed it too, and can foresee going back (perhaps in shoulder season to enjoy better weather).

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Here are the best things to do in Valletta  - via @clautavani
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Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Italy, but she also lived in New York, Denver, and London. She's a professional travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips, sharing travel hacks, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of My Adventures Across The World, solo traveler, cat mom to Minnie. Claudia has been featured by the Lonely Planet and the Huffington Post. She has visited more than 80 countries.

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