5 things to see and do in Valletta

What to do in Valletta, Malta? We've listed 5 things you shouldn't miss in Valletta. Our tips include everything from taking a ride on a real Maltese boat to checking out a noble family home in the centre of the city. We also have to mention the fascinating cathedral, which is unassuming on the outside but stunning on the inside. Follow along and we'll show you 5 things to see and do in Valletta, Malta!

Table of contents

What to do in Valletta?

Valletta in Malta is a beautiful and historically interesting capital city. Here are some interesting tips for things to see and do in Valletta. Do you have even more tips? Let us know!

1. Check out the sights - with or without a guide

Malta's capital Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's not hard to see why. The whole city feels like an open-air museum and it's an experience just to be here. You can wander around and be mesmerised by the baroque architecture and historic buildings that are all around you.

There are 25 churches here, and you shouldn't miss the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a small park that also offers great views of the water and the 'three cities' on the other side: Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa.

Valetta, Malta — Upper Barakka Garden in Valletta

Valletta utsikt — Peter at Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta - overlooking the three cities across the water

You can of course walk around on your own, but if you want to know more about knights, nuns and sailors, you can take a guided tour. We were guided by Clive Cortis himself from Malta Private Guide, and can highly recommend guiding from them!

Auberge de castille, Valletta — Auberge de Castille in Malta, originally a world centre for knights - today the Prime Minister works here.

Freedom Square Malta — Freedom Square - it's a name we like!

READ MORE: 5 beautiful beaches in Malta - don't miss these!
READ MORE: Two good hotels in Malta - in two different price ranges

2. Visit St John's Co-Cathedral

It doesn't matter if you normally find churches and cathedrals boring. You just must himself St John's Co-Cathedral on Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt in Valletta. On the outside it looks like any boring stone church, but inside... wow! The church was built between 1573 and 1577 during the reign of Grand Master Jean de la Cassier. It's probably one of the most amazing churches we've seen ever.

Att göra i Valletta: Besök St Johns Cathedral — One thing you won't want to miss doing in Valletta - a visit to St John's Co-Cathedral

St Johns Cathedral i Valletta — Every millimetre of the church is decorated

Golvet i St Johns cathedral — The floor of the church where you can read about the Crusaders and who they were.

3. peek inside the noble family home Casa Rocca Piccola

Casa Rocca Piccola, at 74 Republic St, is a private home in the centre of Valletta belonging to the noble Maltese De Piro family. For a number of years now, they have been showing their home to the public and it's fascinating to walk around and see everything from valuable antiques and old-fashioned trinkets - to the family's latest private photos of their children and grandchildren.

Att göra i Valletta: Besök Casa Rocca Piccola — The oldest piece of furniture from Casa Rocca Piccola is from the 16th century.

At the back of the house there is a small garden where you can both meet the family parrot and go deep underground - in the shelter that the family used during World War II. If you're lucky (which we were!) you can also meet the friendly and down-to-earth noble couple who own the house.

Museum Casa Rocca Piccola — Family dining room in Casa Rocca Piccola

4. Strolling through pubs - in the footsteps of sailors

From 1800 Malta became part of the British Empire and until 31 March 1979 the British had a naval base here. This was not popular (31 March is now known as 'Freedom Day'), but there were those who did business with the British sailors.

Some of the pubs on the entertainment street still exist today - more or less in their original state. In those days, pubs, sailors and prostitutes abounded and Valletta was known as one of the liveliest party cities for sailors. Today it is much quieter, but there are plenty of charming and cosy cafés, bars and restaurants.

Uteservering i Valletta i Malta — One of the many small cosy outdoor cafes in Valletta

5. Take a boat trip on a traditional Maltese boat

The traditional boats in Malta are called 'dghajsa' and are similar in shape to the gondolas in Venice. They have both oars and a motor and are used today to transport tourists and others.

Maltesisk båt — Another thing to do in Valletta: a trip on a traditional Maltese boat.

You can take the boats back and forth between Valletta and the three small towns on the other side: Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa (2 euros) or take a small sightseeing tour around the Grand Harbour (8 euros). We visited Vittoriosa, which by the way is a really charming and quiet town to stroll around. We were also lucky enough to visit the city when it was time for the light festival in Vittoriosa.

Malta båt — Cosy boat trip to the 'three cities' across the water

Things to do in Valletta - for history buffs

For history buffs, there are even more interesting things to do in Valletta. Here are a few more tips:

National War Museum and Fort St Elmo - The fort, located at the far end of the headland, overlooks the waters beyond and you can see how important its location has been throughout history. Today you can check out the fort, but also the Malta War Museum.
The Malta Experience - Not too far from the entrance to Fort St. Elmo (on Mediterranean Street) you will find "The Malta Experience", which is a cinema where you can watch a film telling the dramatic history of Malta. We saw this the first time we were in Malta, which was a good start.

Things to do in Valletta - for those who like good food

What to do in Valletta if you like good food? A first tip is to try Malta's national dish, rabbit. The rabbit is often cooked for a long time in a pot and is usually very tender. We can also recommend the restaurant Palazzo Preca in Valletta (54, Strait Street). This restaurant is located in the centre of Valletta and is decorated with a more luxurious feel. Delicious and a bit more exclusive!

Före maten fick vi en lite friterad boll med svart risfyllning - färgat med bläckfiskbläck

Things to do in Valletta - excursions

Starting from Valletta, you can make many interesting excursions within the country of Malta. Here are some tips:

Sliema and St Julians - Not far from Valletta are Sliema and St Julians, with several good restaurants and hotels. There are also nice beaches along the cliffs, and in St Julians there is the Paceville area for those who like nightlife.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum - A prehistoric multi-storey underground cemetery dating back to 4000 BC.
thingy - The Dingli Chapel offers a great view of the sea. You can rent segways and dine at the cosy little village restaurant Diar Il-Bniet.
Hagar Qim - In a field there are a bunch of leftover boulders - the remains of a temple erected here in Malta 3600 BC. Very interesting!
Island of Gozo - Malta's smaller sister island offers beautiful scenery, cosy villages and locally produced food from local farmers.

READ MORE: What to do in Malta - 25 experiences and attractions

Helena

12 October 2016 6:00

Malta

city guide Europe, cityguide world, history, museum, attraction, UNESCO heritage

Helena

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29 Comments

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Lennart says:

Thanks for the tips!

12 October 2016 - 6:09

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Britt-Marie says:

Thank you for your professional posts and beautiful pictures, which have made us want to visit another destination. The morning posts brighten up the autumn darkness on the train to work.

12 October 2016 - 6:20

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åsa in åsele says:

I have a hard time deciding what Malta really is 😉.
Well, if it's English or Spanish....
Oh now after googling, I have realised that it is Italian 🙂 .

At least it seems to be a country to visit.

12 October 2016 - 7:48

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Mr Steve says:

Welcome home!
I have come to realise that Malta has so much more to offer than I managed to discover in 1994 during my only visit to the island,

12 October 2016 - 7:49

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åsa in åsele says:

Had to comment on the pictures 🙂
Auberge de Castille in Malta, a well-preserved building.
St John's Co-Cathedral, we usually visit churches when we are on tour,
Churches are often stately buildings.
Casa Rocca Piccola, showing off your home - the economy?
But as a visitor I understand that it is interesting 🙂 .
The sofas of the outdoor terrace! Beautiful 🙂
Despite my fear of boats/fear of drowning 😉 I like the pictures of the boats 🙂 As long as I'm sitting at the kitchen table in safety, I could almost imagine a boat trip 😉.

Thank you for letting me join you on the journey 🙂 .

12 October 2016 - 7:59

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Across the board says:

There is so much to see and experience in Malta

12 October 2016 - 8:11

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Britt-Marie, thank you for your lovely comment! It really warms us when we hear that our blog is appreciated! Wish you a nice day! 🙂

Åsa in Åsele, Malta is an independent country but has a colourful history with many different governments, including Italian and British. The culture is a mix of everything: Arabic language, Italian food, British culture... 😉 I don't know exactly what's behind the noble family showing off their home, but it's interesting to see!

Steve, Malta has so much to offer despite being so small! Of course, we haven't seen everything either, but we still have a lot to tell you about! 😉

Across and across, yes more than we realised! 🙂

12 October 2016 - 9:28

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Ditte says:

It's been great to return to Malta with you and maybe I'll do it again soon. But there's a lot of appeal.
Lovely pictures and I understand that you had a nice, active, fun and interesting week.
I remember the cathedral but it was really nice to visit here again.
Looking forward to more posts from Malta.

12 October 2016 - 9:55

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Lena says:

Thank you for a very informative report, great pictures? How do you fly to Malta, how long does it take?

12 October 2016 - 10:06

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Ama de casa says:

Firstly: I'm glad that you're fit and well again, and that it went away so quickly!

Then: What great tips! If I ever make it to Malta, I'll definitely go back and check this out 🙂.

12 October 2016 - 10:13

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Ditte, isn't the cathedral amazing? And we recognise that there are many places that attract us 😉.

Lena, it takes 3.5 hours to get to Malta. There are direct flights from Arlanda (SAS) and Skavsta (Ryanair). Maybe from other places in Sweden as well, but I don't know about that.

Ama de casa, glad you like the tips!

12 October 2016 - 12:26

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Husis blog says:

Thank you for your nice travel report and welcome home.
You have given my owners a curiosity about Malta and maybe in the future there will be a trip there, too bad I can't come along.

12 October 2016 - 12:29

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Anita Malta says:

It is so much fun to follow your journey, to learn how you experienced Malta plus all the interesting information and tips you give.
I find that despite 16 years here on the island, I actually have a lot left to do and see. Such as Casa Rocca Piccola plus walking around a little more among the alleys in Valletta even though I have been there countless times, there is certainly more to discover there.
I also did not know that the small boats go out to de Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa. This is usually done by car but travelling by boat is so much more fun 🙂.
As I said, very appreciated to share your experiences and look forward to the next post. Very nice pictures you also show, not to mention 😀.

12 October 2016 - 12:43

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BP says:

Yep, time for a "walking Memory Lane" trip for our part I see. Fantastic pictures that are really appetisers. Also looking forward to more posts from Malta. You are really fantastic ambassadors for this my destination.
By the way, did you manage to meet Anita?

12 October 2016 - 14:00

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Husisblog, thank you very much! We did see some motorhomes in Malta and there is at least one campsite. But maybe it is a destination that is convenient to fly to in the first place.

Anita Malta, firstly, soooo much fun to meet you!!! And great fun to see your beautiful home! Also fun that we can contribute with some new tips, even if you live in Malta! 😉

BP, yes we met Anita and her husband! Great fun! And we also got to see their nice home! 🙂

12 October 2016 - 14:21

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Renate's travels says:

It looks and sounds like you had a great time in Malta! 😀 It's a beautiful little country, and the capital Valletta is so beautiful! It's been 11 years since I visited the country, so it's getting to be quite a few years ago. I would love to see both Valletta and Malta in general again 🙂.

12 October 2016 - 15:57

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Deciree says:

Welcome home nice you 🙂 Nice pictures you offer as usual. I got a little hungry to go there :)) Hugs

12 October 2016 - 16:31

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Lena in Wales says:

What 5 tempting things.
The church seems incredible, though the private home probably beats most things. All the tips seem interesting. You are starting to get me interested in Malta!!!
Take care!

12 October 2016 - 17:58

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Emma, sun like sun? says:

Malta seems really worth a visit. Checked flights Málaga-Villetta and a return ticket for about 225-250 € if you go during the autumn. No direct flights it seems.

Well, who knows!?!

12 October 2016 - 19:43

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Matts Torebring says:

But what journeys of discovery you make. It feels almost unbelievable to see, among other things, this church. What architects, artists and builders there have been in the past, can you do this today? No, I don't think so.

12 October 2016 - 20:38

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Elin says:

What a great post, thanks for a very nice read!
Nice pictures too. Now I want to go back to Malta 🙂

12 October 2016 - 20:59

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Renates Reiser, we had a great time in Malta! Glad you've been there too! A place worth returning to 🙂 .

Deciree, thank you so much! 🙂 Hugs

Lena in Wales, Malta is definitely a destination we will start recommending! Easy to get to, good climate and lots to see!

Emma, glad you looked at tickets! Malta is definitely worth visiting! Too bad you can't fly directly from where you live ...

Matts, yes it was a bit of a journey of discovery 😉 And I agree with you, some things that were built in the past seem unlikely to be achieved today ...!

Elin, glad you appreciate the post, and hope you get to go to Malta! 🙂

12 October 2016 - 21:25

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Role o Carina says:

Looks like you had a great time in Malta!

Have a good time at home.......

12 October 2016 - 22:09

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BP says:

Answer: So much fun that you met Anita and her husband. Hope there will be a post about the meeting. Met Anita a few weeks ago in Stockholm and just loved that girl: -) In addition, I have a feeling that Peter and Anita's husband could have found each other. Not to mention that Anita and her husband have a travel agency and you are eager to travel and various collaborations so... Win-win I would guess:-)

12 October 2016 - 23:40

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Lena - good for the soul says:

Getting more and more eager to visit Malta. You have really succeeded in your mission 🙂 .

That church looks absolutely beautiful. And that home looks really exciting.

Hug Lena

13 October 2016 - 5:53

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Susjos says:

OJ, there is so much to see in Malta that I haven't seen yet, that cathedral looks amazing! Oh boat out to other cities from Valletta, fun!

17 October 2016 - 15:58

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Rolle and Carina, thank you so much! We had a great week!

BP, yes it was really great to meet! And you have had time to see a picture from the meeting now 🙂 .

Lena, of course we write exactly what we feel, but we have to say that Malta surprised positively! Small island nation, but a lot to see! 🙂

Susjos, there really is a lot to see! We haven't had time to see everything either 😉.

17 October 2016 - 16:28

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Maria's Memoirs says:

oh, that cathedral looked mighty to say the least! 🙂

18 October 2016 - 12:55

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Motorhome Helge says:

A cosy island with an amazing church, nice picture that refreshed the memory!

20 October 2016 - 7:23

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5 things to see and do in Valletta

What to do in Valletta?

1. Check out the sights - with or without a guide

2. Visit St John's Co-Cathedral

3. peek inside the noble family home Casa Rocca Piccola

4. Strolling through pubs - in the footsteps of sailors

5. Take a boat trip on a traditional Maltese boat

Things to do in Valletta - for history buffs

Things to do in Valletta - for those who like good food

Things to do in Valletta - excursions

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29 Comments

Lennart says:

Britt-Marie says:

åsa in åsele says:

Mr Steve says:

åsa in åsele says:

Across the board says:

admin says:

Ditte says:

Lena says:

Ama de casa says:

admin says:

Husis blog says:

Anita Malta says:

BP says:

admin says:

Renate's travels says:

Deciree says:

Lena in Wales says:

Emma, sun like sun? says:

Matts Torebring says:

Elin says:

admin says:

Role o Carina says:

BP says:

Lena - good for the soul says:

Susjos says:

admin says:

Maria's Memoirs says:

Motorhome Helge says:

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