🌍 Valletta, Malta

Things to Do in Valletta

Top attractions, hidden gems, and free activities. Everything you need for the perfect Valletta experience.

8
Attractions
0
Free Activities
14h
Total Time
$80
Top 10 Cost

Must-See in Valletta

#1
🏰
St John's Co-Cathedral

Baroque masterpiece built by the Knights of St John, famous for its marble floor of tomb slabs, gilded interior and two Caravaggio paintings. Audio guides explain the Order’s history and symbolism.

⏱️ 1.5h
#2
🌄
Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery

Terraced gardens at the highest point of Valletta with panoramic views over Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. At noon the Saluting Battery below fires a cannon, drawing crowds to the balcony.

⏱️ 1.5h
#3
Valletta City Gate & Parliament Square

Modern entrance to the historic city, redesigned by architect Renzo Piano with a contemporary parliament building, open-air theatre in the old opera house shell and views along Republic Street.

⏱️ 1h
📅
If You Have 1 Day
The essential Valletta experience
  • 1St John's Co-Cathedral1.5h
  • 2Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery1.5h
  • 3Valletta City Gate & Parliament Square1h
  • 4National Museum of Archaeology2h
Total: ~6 hoursEst. cost: ~$40
🗓️
Weekend Itinerary
2 days of Valletta highlights

Day 1

  • St John's Co-Cathedral
  • Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery
  • Valletta City Gate & Parliament Square
  • National Museum of Archaeology

Day 2

  • Lascaris War Rooms
  • Three Cities Harbour Walk
  • Manoel Theatre
  • Grand Harbour Boat Tour
Total: ~14 hoursEst. cost: ~$80
💰

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* Estimates based on typical entry fees. Actual prices may vary.

All Attractions

🏰

St John's Co-Cathedral

historical

Baroque masterpiece built by the Knights of St John, famous for its marble floor of tomb slabs, gilded interior and two Caravaggio paintings. Audio guides explain the Order’s history and symbolism.

⏱️ 1.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🌄

Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery

viewpoint

Terraced gardens at the highest point of Valletta with panoramic views over Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. At noon the Saluting Battery below fires a cannon, drawing crowds to the balcony.

⏱️ 1.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center

Valletta City Gate & Parliament Square

architecture

Modern entrance to the historic city, redesigned by architect Renzo Piano with a contemporary parliament building, open-air theatre in the old opera house shell and views along Republic Street.

⏱️ 1h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏛️

National Museum of Archaeology

museum

Museum in a baroque auberge displaying artefacts from Maltese prehistory to the Phoenician period, including statues from the neolithic temples and intricate Bronze Age objects.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏰

Lascaris War Rooms

historical

Underground complex of tunnels and operations rooms below the Upper Barrakka used by the British to coordinate Malta’s WWII defence and later NATO operations. Guided tours bring the history to life.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
📍

Three Cities Harbour Walk

neighbourhood

Stroll or short boat ride across the harbour to Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, exploring fortifications, narrow alleys, marinas and views back to Valletta’s skyline.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
📍

Manoel Theatre

culture

One of Europe’s oldest working theatres, dating to the 18th century. Visitors can tour the ornate auditorium and, if timed right, attend concerts or plays in an intimate setting.

⏱️ 1.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
📍

Grand Harbour Boat Tour

entertainment

Harbour cruise visiting creeks and fortifications around Grand Harbour with commentary on Malta’s sieges and maritime history. Great way to understand the island’s strategic position.

⏱️ 1.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🗺️

💡 Sightseeing Tips for Valletta

1

Book popular sites in advance. Major attractions sell out weeks ahead—book online to avoid disappointment.

2

Go early or late. Major attractions are packed midday. Visit at opening time or after 5pm for smaller crowds.

3

Look for free entry days. Many museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings.

4

Get a city pass. If you're visiting multiple attractions, city passes often save money and include transport.

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