Top 9 Best Things To Do in Valletta 

Discover the charm of Malta’s capital with these 9 best things to do in Valletta. From St. John’s Co-Cathedral to the Grand Harbour, explore an island city rich in Baroque architecture, deep religious devotion, and history. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer vacation, make the most of your stay with these experiences.

Valletta, Malta's sun-drenched capital, enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year. Sitting on the Mediterranean's edge, it's the perfect destination for your next vacation in Europe. While Malta gained pop culture attention for its role in "Game of Thrones," Valletta shines for reasons all its own—rich history, stunning architecture, and fascinating culture.

Valletta should be on your travel list for its rich history and a list of other reasons. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city brilliantly preserves its heritage, which you can explore through the wide range of tours and experiences in Valletta. 

A trip to Valletta promises unforgettable experiences. Explore the city’s deep religious devotion—fun fact: Malta has 359 churches, nearly one for each day of the year, with 28 of them located in Valletta. Beyond the stunning churches, you’ll discover lush gardens, captivating museums, centuries-old architecture, and breathtaking harbor views.

Planning your trip to this beautiful city doesn’t have to be complicated. The top vacation packages in Valletta offer an effortless way to experience Malta’s capital. These packages include a selection of the best Valletta accommodations, placing you steps away from the city’s beautiful sandstone-paved streets.

Excited yet? Get ready to discover the best things to do in Valletta. This guide will have you planning your next vacation in no time!

9. Enjoy the Local Flavors at the Is-Suq tal-Belt Market

Is-Suq tal-Belt is a must-visit Valletta attraction, especially for food lovers. This beautifully restored Victorian-era market hall, set in the heart of the city, was once a bustling merchant hub and is now a big food hall. Inside, you’ll find a mix of food stalls offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet delights.

Grab a drink from one of the central bars and sample some of the freshest Maltese specialties—think fried mahi-mahi and rabbit stew. You’ll also find an array of international bites.

After savoring the market’s flavors, take your foodie adventure up a notch with a Valletta street food tour. You’ll get to taste local favorites like pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas) and hobz biz-zejt (a traditional Maltese sandwich), all while discovering hidden culinary gems around the city.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Valletta, exploring Is-Suq tal-Belt and the local street food scene is a delicious way to experience the city.

8. Admire the Architecture of the Grand Master's Palace

One of Malta's most grandiose palace interiors is the Grand Master’s Palace, an unmissable Valletta attraction. Interestingly, this magnificent structure wasn’t originally meant to be built here. It first took shape as three separate houses and later merged into the grand palace we see today. 

Today, it serves as the official seat of the Office of the President of Malta. And if you're lucky (or unlucky!), you might catch whispers of ghostly residents lingering in its halls.

Commissioned by Grand Master Jean de la Valette, the founder of Valletta, the palace once served as the official residence of the grand masters of the Knights of St. John. Its stunning facade and traditional balconies reflect the power and prestige of the noble order that once ruled Malta. 

Inside, visitors are met with lavishly decorated halls, ornate frescoes, and impressive armory displays, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. If you're looking for the best things to see in Valletta, the Grand Master’s Palace is high on the list. 

The best way to experience its grandeur? Join a guided Valletta walking tour, where you’ll get to admire this historic masterpiece up close and hear fascinating stories about its past, including its rumored hauntings!

7. Catch a Performance at the Manoel Theatre

If you're looking for unforgettable things to do in Valletta, the Manoel Theatre should be high on your list. Built in the 18th century, this stunning Baroque venue is one of the oldest working theaters in Europe.

Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena ordered its construction to entertain the Knights of St. John. Today, you can still spot the Latin motto above the entrance: “Ad honesta populi oblectaconem”—“for the honest recreation of the people.”

The theater is at the heart of Malta’s cultural scene and one of the best Valletta attractions. Whether you catch a concert, a musical, or a play, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Even if there’s no performance during your visit, take a guided tour to soak in the opulent interiors and learn about its rich history.

A visit here pairs perfectly with other cultural tours in Valletta. Situated on Old Theatre Street, the Manoel Theatre is just a short walk from the Palace Armoury and other landmarks. After enjoying the theater, take time to wander through historic palaces, admire art-filled museums, or dive into the city’s grand history.

6. Watch the Sunset at the Valletta Waterfront

Looking for free things to do in Valletta that offer stunning views? Head to the Valletta Waterfront, where golden sunsets paint the sky over the Grand Harbour. 

Once a bustling port where the Knights of St. John and merchants unloaded their wares, this historic spot has since transformed. Today, it stands as one of the best things to see in Valletta.

Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca commissioned the colorful Baroque-era warehouses that line the waterfront. They now house lively restaurants, bars, and unique shops. You can grab a drink at a terrace restaurant or simply stroll along the promenade. The mix of old-world charm and cruise port energy makes for an unforgettable scene.

Many sightseeing tours in Valletta include a stop here, thanks to the breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. So after joining a tour, unwind by the water, watch the sun dip below the horizon, and soak in the relaxed evening vibe.

5. Explore Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum

If you're looking for a must-see in Valletta, Fort St. Elmo is one of the city’s most significant historic landmarks. It bore the brunt of the Ottoman siege in 1565, resisting fiercely before it finally fell. 

Over the centuries, the fort was expanded with barracks, chapels, and a lighthouse, becoming one of the most important Valletta attractions. Under British rule, it was upgraded for modern artillery and played a key role in Malta’s defense during World War II.

Today, you can walk through its massive stone walls, explore the National War Museum, and see two beautiful chapels dedicated to St. Anne. The museum is divided into seven sections, covering 7,000 years of Malta’s military history, from ancient times to the present.

To fully appreciate not just Fort St. Elmo’s story but Malta’s broader history, consider getting tickets to “The Malta Experience.” This audiovisual show brings the island’s past to life, giving you a deeper understanding of landmarks like Fort St. Elmo and the battles that shaped the country.

4. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology

No trip to Valletta would be complete without a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s past, showing artifacts from the Neolithic period (5900-2500 BC) to the early Phoenician era (8th–6th century BC). 

It’s the perfect stop on your Valletta sightseeing journey, allowing you to connect with the ancient cultures that shaped the Maltese islands.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Sleeping Lady, a delicate sculpture discovered at the Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni, just outside Valletta. This impressive piece reflects the skill and artistry of Malta’s prehistoric people, showcasing their advanced craftsmanship.

To enhance your knowledge of Maltese history, complement your museum visit with Valletta walking tours. This way, you’ll gain a 360-degree view of Malta's fascinating heritage, as you’ll get to experience its rich past through both artifacts and the living history of the streets.

Visiting the National Museum of Archaeology, with its captivating exhibits and remarkable artifacts, is undeniably one of the best things to do in Valletta. Make sure to add it to your itinerary for a deeper understanding of Malta's fascinating heritage. 

3. Unwind at the Lower Barrakka Gardens

One of the best things to do in Valletta is to unwind at the Lower Barrakka Gardens, one of the city’s tranquil gems. Originally a recreational spot for the knights of the Order of Saint John, the gardens opened to the public after the French occupation ended in 1800. Now, these lush gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views over Valletta’s harbor.

If you're considering city breaks in Valletta, whether long or short, the gardens definitely deserve a spot in your itinerary. 

In the Lower Barrakka Gardens, you’ll find a Doric temple honoring Sir Alexander Ball. He's the British Royal Navy officer who played a key role in capturing Malta from the French. On a nice afternoon, stroll around the flower beds, which bloom year-round, and enjoy the well-maintained walkways, artificial well, and snack bar. 

The gardens are open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, offering a lovely space to unwind—and after dark, the harbor lights create a magical view.

The Lower Barrakka Gardens are a peaceful spot to relax, and if you’re looking to explore more of the city afterwards, why not take a Valletta Segway tour? It’s a fun and easy way to cruise around the city while taking in all the sights like the gardens and beyond.

2. Wander Through the Upper Barrakka Gardens

If there’s one spot in Valletta that truly takes your breath away, it’s the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Taking in the panoramic views from this lush green escape, perched at the highest point in the city, is one of the best things to do in Valletta. 

Getting here is part of the fun—you can either climb the stairs or take the Barrakka Lift, which whisks you up from the waterfront in just a few seconds.

People often debate whether the Upper or Lower Barrakka Gardens offer the better experience, but it really depends on what you’re after. 

The Upper Gardens are bigger and higher and come with an incredible bonus: the Saluting Battery. Right below the terrace, you’ll spot a row of historic cannons still fired daily at noon and 16:00. Time your visit right, and you’ll get to witness this thrilling tradition firsthand. 

For just 2 EUR, you can even descend to the battery platform itself to watch the cannons being loaded and hear the history behind one of the most fascinating Valletta attractions.

If you can’t decide which garden to visit, why not see both? A customized private tour of Valletta lets you explore at your own pace, so you can linger in the gardens, soak up the views, and decide for yourself which garden steals the show.

1. Explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral

There’s a reason why St. John’s Co-Cathedral always tops the list of Valletta’s attractions. From the moment you step inside, every inch of this Baroque masterpiece demands your attention. 

The floor? A mesmerizing mosaic of marble tomb slabs. The vaulted ceiling? A spectacular canvas of paintings by Mattia Preti, depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist. But the real showstopper lies in the Oratory, home to not one but two masterpieces by Caravaggio, including “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist”—the only painting he ever signed. 

Adjacent to the cathedral, you’ll also find the Cathedral Museum, which reopened in 2020 after a stunning renovation. It houses a rare collection of 16th-century choral books, Flemish tapestries based on Peter Paul Rubens’ designs, and an exhibit dedicated to Caravaggio’s tumultuous life. 

The cathedral isn’t just about grandeur—it has historical significance, too. In 1816, the pope granted it the same status as St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, Malta’s original archbishop’s seat. Rather than replacing it, both were given equal importance, which is why it’s called a co-cathedral.

For a deeper understanding of its history, consider joining one of the cathedral tours in Valletta. Guided visits provide fascinating insights into its art, architecture, and the powerful order that once ruled Malta.

Since this is a place of worship, dress modestly, and leave the stilettos at home to help preserve the delicate marble floors. If you're exploring the best things to do in Valletta, this is one spot you won’t want to miss!

What is Valletta famous for?

Valletta is renowned for its impressive concentration of 320 monuments, all nestled within just 0.21 square miles (0.55 square kilometers), making it one of the most historically rich areas in the world. Often referred to as an "open-air museum," the city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018.

How many days do I need to explore Valletta?

Many cruises make stops in Valletta, so it’s not uncommon for visitors to have an itinerary that lasts just a few hours. However, to truly experience the city, three days will give you a good glimpse of its main attractions, including the cathedrals, gardens, and museums. 

For a deeper dive into Valletta’s history and culture, consider a longer stay, such as a 4-day Valletta city break or even a week-long visit.

What other cities can I explore from Valletta?

From Valletta, you can easily explore other cities and towns in Malta by ferry, bus, or even a traditional Maltese water taxi. Popular destinations include the historic Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua) and the medieval walled city of Mdina.