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Is Valletta Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons To Fall in Love with Malta’s Capital

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Is Valletta Worth Visiting? Are you like us and think of Malta as a summer destination — beaches, blue seas, and a few interesting places to explore.  Well a €30 return flight in November was too good a deal miss and what we discovered completely surprised us.

Valletta is so much more than a summer resort. With ancient streets, a rich history, hidden gardens, and a thriving food, café and art scene, it quickly won us over!

As a first-time visitor, you too will discover what makes people love this UNESCO World Heritage city and why Malta’s capital is absolutely worth visiting — and why like us, you’ll want to return!

Why Is Valletta Worth Visiting?

Malta had been on our maybe-list for a while thanks to TV shows and friends who wax lyrical about their visits. But we’re not beach people, so it wasn’t a priority. Then came that Ryanair sale and a €30 return fight in November and the decision was made.

Valletta surprised us. While Malta is known for beaches and summer vibes, Valletta offers so much more and we think it’s a great year-round destination:

Of course, it’s not perfect. Malta’s traffic is pretty terrible but that won’t concern you in the old town. Valletta doesn’t have beaches but you can easily hop on a ferry to neighbouring Sliema if you fancy a swim.

And the November weather was surprisingly good. Yes, we had rain and wind but also a few sunny t-shirt days that had us buying sunglasses and sunscreen.

We left thinking that we need to return but for longer!  Keep reading and we’ll show you what and why it stole the show during our time in Malta.

1. Valletta’s Narrow Streets & Hidden Corners

Valletta is a beautiful city, with narrow cobbled streets, grand squares and traditional honey-coloured Maltese architecture. As always, we took a walking tour to get our bearings and learn a few local secrets but after this we simply followed our nose. 

If you move away from the main thoroughfare you’ll find all kinds of little treasures. The old town is small and you really can’t get lost, so go wandering and who knows what you’ll find!

Discover Valletta’s Piazzas

The beauty of wandering without a plan is that you often stumble across undiscovered highlights,  beautiful piazzas lined with cafes or little shops. 

We walk and walk and walk and walk, but after a while we also like to sit and watch the world go by. There are a few squares you should visit :

You don’t need a tour for this; just allow some time.  And don’t rush as often Valletta’s best bits are the ones you stumble upon.  I found a glorious little gluten free café by doing just that!

Go hunting Famous Film Locations

Valletta has starred in plenty of blockbuster movies so keep your eyes open. Game of Thrones fans might recognise Fort Ricasoli, which stood in for King’s Landing’s Gates of the Gods.  You’ll see it better from a harbour boat tour.

Scenes from Gladiator, Troy, Munich, World War Z, Assassin’s Creed, Murder on the Orient Express, and even Jurassic World were filmed in or around the city too.

We weren’t very good at finding them but thankfully our walking tour guide was! 

Live Music

If you’re a fan of live music then welcome to Valletta!  The popular Manoel Theatre (Teatru Manoel), hosts a range of performances from classical to modern; some outdoors in the summer. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find a thriving live music scene.

We found an active Facebook group offering suggestions for something a little less formal and they recommended we head to the Bridge Bar or Cafe Society but even the Hard Rock Café on the Valletta Waterfront hosts live music events

Window Shopping… and More!

I’m not a shopper, but I do love a curiosity shop and Valletta is full of little places like this. On Republic Street, you’ll find independent stores tucked between bigger names, cafés, and restaurants.

But the real charm is in exploring the side streets. We stumbled across art galleries, local crafts, clothes shops, and yes plenty of classic tourist souvenirs. There are grocery stores, and during one downpour, we found an entire shop dedicated to umbrellas!

And if you love a market, check out:

Valletta is a real city, it has a large local population, it’s lived in and not just built for tourists. Maybe that’s why we loved it so much.

2. Valletta for History & Culture Lovers

Who knew that Malta is home to one of the oldest standing structures on earth? Us neither but if you plan to spend time outside of Valletta, there are many pre-history sites to explore – and if not there’s a great museum in the city!

The Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Sicilians, Spanish and the famous Knights of St. John all left their mark on the Maltese culture.  We LOVE history and whilst we were blown away by the Megalithic Temple at Ġgantija but we also found plenty of history right on the doorstep in Valletta.

The Knights of St John set about building Valletta as one of the mightiest fortresses in Europe in 1530.  Much of that history has contributed to the UNESCO World Heritage Status.  Napoleon tried to conquer Malta, the British came and decided to stay and Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, lived here and said her days on Malta where some of her happiest. 

You won’t be short of culture or history in Valletta!

Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum

Located on the very tip of Valletta is Fort St. Elmo, a 16th century fortification built by the Knights of Malta although the origins of the site are older. Open to visitors, it’s also home to the National War Museum.

We walked to Fort St Elmo but it took longer than we thought and had to dodge a thunderstorm en-route.  If you don’t want to walk the little Tourist Train also stops here.  Check the website for opening times and prices.

Grand Master’s Palace

We first learned of this building during our walking tour and returned for a closer look.  The Grand Master’s Palace was the home of the leader of the Knights of Malta and it’s glorious interior is worth an hour of your time. 

It’s in the heart of the old city so easy to find and walk to from the centre.

Lascaris War Rooms

So great was the Maltese contribution to the Allies war effort during the Siege of Malta in WWII, that King George VI awarded the entire Island the George Cross and the symbol is now incorporated into the Maltese national flag.

We never made it to the War Rooms but it was the headquarters of the British military and if you love military history you’ll want to add this to your list.

Museum of Fine Arts (MUZA)

The artwork of Caravaggio in the cathedral is amazing but Valletta is also home to some incredible galleries including the Museum of Fine Arts, or MUZA for short.

If you have spare time or a rainy hour or two or maybe like us, you love museums, you’ll find silverware, marble, bronze and wood statues and a host of very fine furniture.  All housed in another a stunning Knights of the Order of St John grand residences.

National Museum of Archaeology

Probably not something for a weekend visit to Valletta but if you’re staying longer the National Museum of Archaeology is an amazing treasure trove, dating from Malta’s Neolithic period 5900 BC.

I’m fascinated by pre-history and spent a couple of hours here. Indeed it was this museum that sent us off to explore more of the islands pre-history. 

Saluting Battery

You have to go here!  Even if you don’t love history!

The Upper Barrakka Gardens house two cannons which are fired every day at midday; a tradition which started in 1824 and you can still set your watch by it.

If you love a bit of ceremony and drama then find your place by the wall in the upper garden, you can pay extra to be closer but you can see for fine for free on the upper levels.  It does get busy but once the guns are fired it quietens down. The views of the Grand Harbour are pretty amazing too!

St John’s Co-Cathedral

Gerry didn’t join me when I visited the Co-Cathedral.  He’s not big on churches and he didn’t want to pay for the ticket and that was his loss!

St John’s Co-Cathedral is glorious! Built in 1577, it is filled with art, ornate marble floors and intricately painted domes. The highlight is Caravaggio’s famous painting ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ which you can also visit.  And you can see more of his art and watch a film of his life; which is also worth doing and included with the ticket.

You can also pay to join a guided tour but I didn’t and don’t feel I missed out.  You do have an audio guide which is useful for making sense of what you are seeing.

The cathedral is huge. Allow plenty of time for your visit. And make sure you explore every corner, including the upper levels and the Oratory.  I felt rushed as I knew Gerry was waiting but even so I was there an hour and could have lingered for much longer. 

3. Three Cities, The Grand Harbour & Waterfront Views       

If you’re planning a visit to Valletta, you’ll already know about the incredible natural harbour that separates the city from the Three Cities.  And you can’t come to Valletta without crossing the Grand Harbour — and you shouldn’t cross the Grand Harbour without visiting the Three Cities.

Three Cities

The three Cities of Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa grew alongside Valletta as the population outgrew the old city walls. They face the old town across the harbour and they also form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is packed with history and glorious architecture.

I could live here. If we could afford one of those gorgeous waterfront apartments looking down at the rather nice yachts parked in the small harbour.  I’d even settle for a month or two renting an apartment and I’d never tire of that view.

Three Cities probably deserves its own post, but here’s the short version: go.

Take the ferry or grab one of the private little boats from the waterfront and spend a day exploring. We went twice and only stopped because we ran out of time. It’s beautiful — wear comfortable shoes and give it a full day if you can. You won’t regret it.

The Grand Harbour

It’s impossible not to be awed by the Grand Harbour. It looks like a movie set. 

Megalithic remains here date back almost 5,000 years and one of the longest sieges in European history played out on these waters.

Make sure you do at least one of these and you’ll be rewarded with some stunning views of the Valletta waterfront

Waterfront, Fortifications, and City Walls

The Valletta waterfront is perfect for wandering — cafés, restaurants, and views everywhere you turn. And if you’re up for it, walk part of Valletta’s 1533 fortifications.

If you’re feeling less energetic, take the lift down from Barrakka Gardens – and buy the return ticket to save the steps on the way back. Once you’re down, just keep walking. Look out for the colourful painted houses and balconies — they reminded me a little of Pamplona in Spain.

4. City Gardens & Green Spaces

Valletta might be small and filled with narrow streets, but there are still green spaces if you know where to look.

Barrakka Gardens

I loved these gardens. We visited late in the year, so they weren’t bursting with colour, but they were still peaceful and shady and even more perfect at sunset. We’d grab a seat at the café or just sit and watch the sky change colour.

We visited first on our walking tour but returned several times. The views over the Grand Harbour and Three Cities are incredible but pull yourself away from the wall and the gardens themselves are worth exploring too.

Originally built in the 1660s for the Knights of St. John, they’re free to visit and easy to find from the city centre.

Hidden Gardens

Valletta hides a surprising number of gardens and courtyards and a few perfect spots to take a breather between your sight-seeing

Tritons Fountain

If you take a bus in or out of Valletta you’ll pass Tritons Fountain — now a bit of a landmark near Valletta’s City Gate.

When we visited, the area was being transformed into a Christmas Village, but even so the area around the fountain and the city Gate offers a few quiet corners. Look down as you cross the bridge and you’ll see a whole new area to explore.

5. Valletta for Foodies

Valletta makes for the perfect city break — rich history, incredible views, plenty of culture — and some seriously good food. The city’s reputation as a foodie destination is growing and it’s easy to see why.

There’s something for everyone, from local Maltese dishes to international cuisine and even plenty of gluten-free treats. Many great empires have left their mark on Malta’s culinary history, creating a true melting pot of amazing flavours and dishes.

We had recommendations from our walking tour guide, asked at our hotel, and (of course) we did a bit of online research. Our best advice? Follow the locals or do what we did and take a food tour to get a taste of the very best of Valletta’s food scene.

Here are three of our favourite finds :

We Loved This Specialist Food Tour

Gerry loves trying local dishes, but eating out can be tricky for me. That’s why food tours are the perfect solution — especially ones that help me navigate safely through the local cuisine.

What About Beaches Near Valletta?

If you’re more of a beach person than a city lover, you might wonder if Valletta is really worth visiting. The good news is though that Malta has a great public bus service — so if you’re craving a beach day, it’s easy to jump on a bus or water taxi and head up the coast.

The closest seaside option is Sliema, but if you’re willing to go further, St. George’s Bay and Mellieħa Bay are both within reach.

Sliema for the Day (Or Even Lunch)

If you have a few days in Valletta and the sun’s out, consider a quick trip to Sliema — just 30 minutes by ferry. The ferry runs daily, making this an easy and affordable escape that avoids the city traffic.

Sliema is a popular seaside town known for its waterfront promenade, shopping, and seafood restaurants — most with gorgeous Mediterranean views. While you won’t find sandy beaches here, there are rocky shores and some lovely lidos (outdoor swimming areas) for a dip.

St. George’s Bay

St. George’s Bay (San Ġorġ) is one of Malta’s better-known sandy beaches, located in St. Julian’s — not far from Valletta. You’ll find water sports, sun loungers, and plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.

Buses run regularly from Valletta to St. Julian’s, so it’s easy to get there without a car.

Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay)

Mellieħa Bay is Malta’s largest sandy beach, located in the north of the island, not far from neighbouring Gozo. It’s perfect if you’re after a classic beach day — sunbathing, swimming, or water sports.

Regular buses run from Valletta to Mellieħa, and there are plenty of beachside cafes and restuatants (and a fair few hotels).

We hiked from here across the island — which sounds impressive, but in reality was only a few kilometres!

Must-Do Valletta Experiences: Our Favourite Tours

One thing we’d change the next time we visit Valletta? We’d stay in the old town. We spent way too long going back and forth on the bus — it saved us money on accommodation but we lost so much time.

We hired a car to explore Malta and Gozo, which was great for island-hopping — but you absolutely don’t need (or want) a car in Valletta. The traffic’s bad, parking is worse. Next time we’d skip the car, use public transport, and take more tours — because honestly, there are some excellent ones.

1. The Original Valletta Walking Tour

We loved this tour. Our guide was fantastic — full of knowledge, local stories, and just the right amount of humour. We learned where to eat, shop, and the best times to visit Valletta’s top sights — plus a local tip for the best Sunday lunch on Malta!

Do this first. It’s inexpensive and made such a difference to our trip.

2. Temples & Southern Malta Full-Day Tour

I was blown away by Malta’s ancient history. If you can, visit at least one prehistoric site — this tour gives you a taste into Malta’s past without being dry or boring!

3. Island Hop to Gozo — Self-Drive Jeep Tour

If you want to see Gozo but hate big coach tours, this is the perfect trip for you. You drive your own jeep (part of a group), and we’d love this! 

It’s easy to take the ferry across to Gozo and the roads are much quieter than Malta, making it a brilliant way to explore.

4. Mdina : Malta’s Silent City

Mdina is magical — Malta’s ancient walled capital, nicknamed The Silent City. Wander the streets, visit the cathedral, and grab cake on a rooftop terrace with stunning views.  And see if you can find the Game Of Thrones locations; there are several!

It’s easy to visit — take the bus from Valletta’s City Gate, go early in time for lunch and then join this afternoon walking tour to really understand what you’re seeing.

Our guide was excellent, and it’s a great way to see a bit of Malta on the way too.

Where to Stay in Valletta

As I’ve mentioned — we didn’t stay in the city and we regret that. Next time (because there will be a next time), I know exactly where we’ll stay. For us, it’s old town Valletta or maybe across the water in the Three Cities — both packed with charm, history, and easy access to everything.

If you prefer the buzz of a beach resort, neighbouring Sliema might work but for us, Valletta was the highlight, and we’d love to stay right in the heart of it next time.

Valletta isn’t the cheapest of destinations as accommodation is limited but here are the places we’ve saved for our return trip — and I’d happily book any of these :

FAQs : Anything Else You Should Know?

I hope we’ve given you a good feel for Valletta and what to expect from a visit, but here are a few things we wondered before we arrived :

Is Valletta Expensive?

Surprisingly, no — it’s quite affordable compared to other European cities. That said, accommodation in the old centre can be pricey. We stayed along the coast in November and December, and it was exceptional value. Next time though I’d stay in Valletta.

Public transport is cost-effective, and there are plenty of budget-friendly places to stay outside the historic centre. Plus, many of Valletta’s attractions are free — and cafés and restaurants offer great value.

When is the Best Time to Visit Valletta?

Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate: mild winters and hot summers. June to September is hottest, December to February is rainiest, and spring is generally sunny and dry — locals say it’s the best time to visit.

We went in November and December. Yes, we had some rain but also plenty of sunny days. Our guides suggested spring and autumn for the perfect balance: fewer crowds, not too hot, not too cold.

Summer can be busy, especially during school holidays, but if guaranteed sunshine and beaches are your thing, then this would be your season.  That said, Valletta at Christmas looked pretty magical — we caught the start of the holiday season as we left and would happily go back for a Christmas weekend.

How Many Days Do You Need in Valletta?

My mum would say, how long is a piece of string? — not helpful, but not wrong either!

We had a few weeks on the islands and could’ve stayed longer. We met travellers wintering here and that was very tempting.

For a city break? Two full days is perfect to hit the highlights and soak up the atmosphere. More if you can and like to dive into every corner — and trust me, you might.

Is Valletta Worth Visiting in Winter?

Absolutely. Cooler, yes. Wetter, yes.  But the city is still fantastic. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and plenty to see.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch Valletta decked out for Christmas — it looked pretty special as we were leaving. Plus, winter flights are often a bargain.

Is it Worth Hiring a Car in Valletta?

Honestly? No. We did hire a car and whilst we enjoyed driving around the north of the island and  exploring Gozo for a large part of the trip, we used the bus.

For Valletta? Don’t. Traffic is bad, parking is worse, and the old city is best explored on foot. Stick with public transport, taxis, water taxis or better still, take a tour.

Is There a Ferry Service in Valletta?

Yes! There’s a regular ferry from Valletta to Sliema, and another to the Three Cities — both super easy and scenic.

There’s no direct ferry to Gozo — you’ll need to take a couple of buses to reach the ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa.

So Is Valletta Worth Visiting – Even For Just A Few Days?

Absolutely and the best part is that Valletta is a great destination at any time.

Whether you’re dreaming of a summer escape, a weekend foodie break, or a base to explore Malta, Valletta delivers.  It’s packed with history, culture, and incredible views — and it’s compact enough to explore at your own pace.

Here’s why we think Valletta is worth it:

Honestly, we booked this trip because the flights were cheap. But we left knowing that we’d be back. Valletta just ticked every box for us and seriously underestimated how much we’d love this little island capital.

Valletta is 100% worth visiting… again and again and again.

Planning More Time in Malta?

If you’re curious about the rest of the island, we’ve got a few more posts that might help you plan your trip, or inspire your next one :

We hope they help you plan your trip — or tempt you to book one soon!