The Best Things to Do in Valletta, Malta, in One Day [2024]

You have chosen Malta for your next trip, and now you are wondering what to do in Malta’s capital. In this article, I will walk you through some of the best things to do in Valletta in one day to help you make the best of your time in this city. The city offers many great attractions and beautiful spots that are worth visiting. And if you are ready to explore the town by yourself, it won’t be so difficult. Valletta is one of the smallest capitals in Europe. Therefore, the ideal way to start your journey in Valletta is by walking around the most important sights in the capital. If you are confused about what to visit first, I will help you below with a list of the best things to do in Valletta.

The Best Things to Do in Valletta on Foot

Start Your Day at Republic Square

Let’s imagine it is Sunday morning! Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a traditional Maltese pastizzi, a savory pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas, in one of the lovely cafes at Republic Square. These pastizzi are a staple of Maltese cuisine and a must-try for any visitor. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check the Internet about upcoming events in Malta because the island offers many fun opportunities. Watch how the city gets busier with all the tourists taking photos and the locals meeting with friends to chill and gossip. Yes, it is an absolute heaven for people-watching.

Stroll Through the Baroque Streets

Go for a walk from Castille Place to Fort St. Elmo on Merchants Street and find a bit of everything. On the longest street in Valletta, you will see historic buildings, churches, cafes with street terraces, and many famous and local shops. Take some side streets, and you’ll happily lose yourself in some of the windy roads around. Don’t worry about losing yourself– Valletta is small, and all the streets lead to the sea. So, you will definitely find your way back. (I think exploring the city on foot is one of the best things to do in Valletta and feel its charm. I love roaming around the capital and exploring new hidden gems every time.) And watch out for the traditional Maltese colorful balconies and strange doorknobs on Valletta’s houses. Have you already noticed these unique decorations? Yes? Great! Take a photo!

Take Some Photos at Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens

The next places on the list of the best things to do in Valletta are the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. Built in the 1560s, these gardens can easily be considered a jewel in Valletta. The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens offer some of the most spectacular views, where visitors can admire the beauty of the Grand Harbor, the Three Cities, Marsa, and Floriana. Sitting on a bench with your loved one is a great experience, especially at sunset. Don’t forget to capture these stunning views for your Instagram feed!

Watch the Saluting Battery Attraction

One of the most exciting things in Valletta is the Saluting Battery attraction. This historical site, located at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, is a testament to Malta’s rich military history. Find your place at the Upper Barrakka Gardens and watch the Saluting Battery fire at noon or 4 pm. Come here a little earlier at noon to witness the short commentary before the firing and learn more about the old battery, which has protected the harbor for almost 500 years. You can also go down and see it closer.

A Walk to Remember – Valletta’s Waterfront

Take the lift from Upper Barrakka; in just 10 minutes, you will be on the Valletta Waterfront. Just outside Valletta, you will find a small area on the harbor side with buildings used for storage and customs. The restored stores now house several restaurants and entertainment establishments with a lovely view over Grand Harbor. It is maybe one of the best things that you can do in Valletta, especially at sunset, and it can be very romantic.

Have a Break at Hastings Gardens

Take a break at Hastings Gardens, next to St. John’s Bastions, near the City Gate. The panoramic views of Floriana, Sliema, and Manoel Island are simply breathtaking. These gardens, designed in honor of Lord Hastings, are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Legend has it that they were built in just four hours! Can you believe that?!

Feel the Nature at Argotti Botanical Gardens

Wait! I’m still not ready with everything you should do in Valletta. But I promise this is the last stop from my favorite gardens here. The Argotti Botanical Gardens are located in Floriana, a few minutes from Valletta. They were designed in the 18th century. Now, the University of Malta uses them to grow medicinal herbs and exotic collections of plants typical for the Mediterranean climate. The garden is trendy among locals and tourists who want to sit back and have a peaceful time.

Check the View From Breakwater Bridge (St. Elmo Bridge)

If you’re more adventurous and don’t mind heading off the beaten path, you can reach the Breakwater Bridge (St. Elmo Bridge) at the entrance to Grand Harbor with a short walk around Fort Saint Elmo. Unfortunately, the access to the end of the breakwater bridge is usually closed. But the view you get out over the harbor and the location itself is impressive and worth it.

Explore Some Temples in Valletta

Malta is home to many impressive churches (around 360). If you’re a temple fan, the Saint John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is the place for you, and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Valletta. This Roman Catholic Co-Cathedral was built in the 16th century for the Order of the Knights of St. John. This masterwork in Baroque style expresses the wealth of The Order at that time. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. You can also see two original masterpieces by Caravaggio in the oratory. I recommend taking the audio guide to get great details about the church’s history and artifacts.

Food and Drink Experience – Top Places to Visit in Valletta

If you’re wondering where to bite or drink something in Valletta, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of places and variety to choose from. You will find not only many traditional restaurants but also some offering delicious Mediterranean dishes. 

Favorite Places

Here are some of my favorite places:

1.On Republic Street, you can have your morning coffee or cappuccino with some tasty Maltese desserts. I love Caffe Cordina, a place with over 175 years of excellence. Make sure to check out the unique interior of this old palazzo as well.

2.What do you want for breakfast? Grab a couple of traditional Maltese pastizzi from “Malta Pastizzi” on Merchant Street and try Malta’s favorite snack. It is cheap and delicious.

3.If you are a food lover like me, don’t miss the capital’s culinary experience at the Is-Suq Tal-Belt food market. Here, you can experience international culinary specialties from around the globe under one roof.

4.Oh, this hot summer! It’s time for ice cream! Homemade gelato with quality ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors. Where? Find your taste at Amorino—fantastic ice cream lovingly crafted into a flower shape on top of the cone. Should I eat it, or can I just watch this ice cream masterpiece? Oh, wait a minute to post this photo on Instagram.

5.Have dinner by the sea at one of the restaurants facing Valletta’s Waterfront and try a fresh Mediterranean dish. Browns Restaurant or Bistro 516 are waiting for you with their delicious specialties.

6.More whiskey, please! It’s time for a party night. Let’s start with a glass of excellent whiskey. StrEat Whisky Bar in Valletta offers a variety of whiskeys you can try.

Go on a Culinary Food Tour

Are you a big food fan like me? If you want to know where the locals dine, go on a food tour with local guides. The tour will take you to Valletta’s best street food spots and can definitely be one of the best things to do in Valletta.

The Best Things to Do in Valletta – Find the Best Tours

Around Valletta, on a Boat – Cross the Marsamxett Harbour

Do you want to feel the wind in your hair? Then, cross Marsamxett Harbor by ferry and get to Sliema or Gozo from Valletta. Or you can take a boat tour around the Grand Harbor. Or take a quick ferry trip to Birgu and Senglea on the other side of Valletta. There are many things to do in Valletta on your holiday here.

Take a Day Trip

Grand Harbour Boat Tours

The Grand Harbour is a beautiful spot, offering incredible views from the sea. Being one of the largest natural harbors in Europe, this area has a lot of history. Such an excursion provides a memorable moment to see and experience two of Malta’s most popular tourist attractions. The tour includes a cruise around Grand Harbor with sea views of the island’s fortifications. You can appreciate the beauty of the Three Fortified Cities as well.

Private Tours Around Valletta

Visit some of the most famous sites in Valletta, Malta’s capital city with a private tour around Valletta. Your guide will provide an in-depth understanding of Malta’s history and way of life. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Listed Baroque architecture and see the outside of the stunning Saint John’s Co-Cathedral.

Valletta Walking Tour

You can best explore the capital of Malta on a walking tour. I recommend going on a guided tour to learn about this beautiful city in detail.

Ghost Tour

Valletta has plenty of beauty and history, but would you like to go back in time and learn more about the mysterious stories from the city’s past? Explore the dark side of Valletta and take a Ghost Tour around the city in the evening. Hear some legends about Valletta, the Knights of St. John, and their Order.

Night Tour

Malta is like a giant open-air museum. Take this tour at night and experience it yourself. You will visit unique places (Valletta, Mosta, and Mdina) by night and get a different picture of the island and its cities.

The Best Things to Do in Valletta During the Year – Annual Events

Yes, the Maltese love celebrating, and they organize many festivals every year. Check the most popular celebrations in Valletta below, and if you are in Malta during this time, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate with the Maltese. Which one of these fits you best to include in your day trip to Valletta?

Valletta Baroque Festival (January)

In January, visit the Valletta Baroque Festival, which features an impressive selection of local and international artists and classical music from Monteverdi to Bach and beyond.

Carnival (February)

Admire the colorful carnival floats in Valletta during the February Malta Carnival celebrations. These days are full of parties, concerts, attractions, and people from everywhere.

Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck (10th of February)

The Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck is a notable local religious celebration in St. Paul’s honor. Like a regular village feast in Malta, band marches, fireworks, and a generally festive atmosphere liven up the area around the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck during the weekend.

Malta International Fireworks Festival (April)

One of the best things to do in Valletta is attend the Malta International Fireworks Festival. It is held at the end of April. You can see a bright show with music and fireworks in the sky over Grand Harbour. It is really impressive.

Isle of MTV (Summer)

Join the fun at the annual Isle of MTV open-air concert on the square in Floriana, right outside Valletta, and meet famous world-class singers.

Malta Jazz Festival (July)

Are you a jazz fan? The Malta Jazz Festival brings together famous jazz musicians in a concert, usually held at the harbor side at the end of July.

Malta International Wine Festival (June)

The Malta International Wine Festival is Malta’s first international wine festival. It showcases wines from Malta and around the world. If you are a wine enthusiast, you will find an exciting event – entertainment, a relatively low entrance fee (including a glass of wine), and a friendly crowd.

Notte Bianca (October)

Notte Bianca is an essential festival with real success that attracts many people in early October. It’s great that various museums keep their doors open until late in the evening, and you can see performances and exhibitions on every corner of Valletta’s streets. It’s a lovely event to attend. (It reminds me of Nights of the Museums in Bulgaria, which I love visiting).

Check out my Malta travel tips if you want to know what else you can do on the island.

With its vibrant cultural scene, numerous museums, and bustling waterfront, Valletta is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Valletta, Malta – Sightseeing Map

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