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Malta Valletta travel guide
30 things to do in Valletta, where to stay, airport transfers, 4 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Valletta
- Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni — Neolithic subterranean structure in Malta (visit ≈ 60 min)
- St. John's Co-Cathedral — cathedral in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Tarxien Temples — archaeological complex in Tarxien, Malta (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Grandmaster's Palace — palace (visit ≈ 90 min)
- City Gate — construction in Malta (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Auberge de Castille — auberge in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Fort St Angelo — fortification on Malta (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Our Lady of Victory Church — church in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Fort Ricasoli — fort in Malta (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel — church in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 30 min)
- San Anton Palace — palace in Attard, Malta (visit ≈ 90 min)
- St Paul's Pro-Cathedral — cathedral (visit ≈ 35 min)
- National Museum of Archaeology — archaeology museum in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Manoel Theatre — theatre in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Palazzo Ferreria — palace in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Triq il-Wiesgħa Tower — tower in Malta (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Auberge d'Italie — Auberge in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Church of the Jesuits — church in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Fort Saint Michael — Hospitaller fort in Senglea, Malta (visit ≈ 60 min)
- HMS Maori — 1937 Tribal-class destroyer (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Mariam Al-Batool Mosque — mosque in Paola, Malta (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Upper Barrakka Gardens — garden in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 45 min)
- HMS Jersey — 1938 K and N-class destroyer (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Cottonera Lines — line of fortifications in Cospicua and Birgu, Malta (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul's Shipwreck — church in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Our Lady of Victories Parish Church — church in Senglea, Malta (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Lower Barrakka Gardens — park in Valletta, Malta (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Malta Maritime Museum — museum in Birgu, Malta (visit ≈ 120 min)
- St. Publius Parish Church — church in Floriana, Malta (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St Helen's Basilica — The parish church of Birkirkara, Malta (visit ≈ 30 min)
2-day Valletta walking itinerary
Starting point: Valletta. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.6 km · 12,980 steps · 2 h 7 min on the way): Grandmaster's Palace → St. John's Co-Cathedral → Auberge de Castille → Our Lady of Victory Church → City Gate → Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni → Tarxien Temples
- Day 2 (≈ 2.0 km · 2,710 steps · 26 min on the way): Fort St Angelo
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Valletta
- Mdina — The walled old capital at the island's heart; car-free, hushed stone lanes and wide views from its ramparts. (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples — Megalithic temples older than the pyramids on a slope above the sea, linked by a short footpath. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Blue Grotto — Sea caves and a rock arch on the south coast, entered by small boats in calm weather. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Casa Rocca Piccola — A 16th-century palazzo still lived in by a noble family; tours show period rooms and a rock-cut shelter. (visit ≈ 45 min)
Where to stay in Valletta
- Valletta: Boutique hotels inside UNESCO-listed walls.
- Sliema: Seafront, shopping and a ferry to Valletta.
- St Julian’s: Nightlife and beach hotels.
- Three Cities (Birgu): Quiet harbour lanes, ferry to the centre.
- Floriana: Next to the bus terminus, good value.
- Gżira: Affordable, with Manoel Island views.
Getting from the airport to Valletta
- Malta International (MLA): X4 bus ≈ 20 min
Getting around
Valletta is best on foot; Tallinja buses cover the island. Ferries to Sliema and the Three Cities are quick; Bolt for taxis.
Classic places to eat
- Caffe Cordina: Since 1837; pastizzi and coffee.
- Rubino: Dating from 1906; traditional Maltese dishes.
- Nenu the Artisan Baker: Oven-baked ftira, Maltese-style pizza.
- Legligin: Maltese tasting plates in a wine bar.
- Is-Suq tal-Belt: Food hall in the historic market building.
- The Pub: Tiny pub where Oliver Reed had his last drink.
- Crystal Palace: Famous hot pastizzi in Rabat.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- ION Harbour by Simon Rogan — 2 MICHELIN stars, Modern, seasonal
- Noni — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern Maltese
- Under Grain — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern European
- de Mondion — 1 MICHELIN star, Mediterranean
Romantic views
- Upper Barrakka Gardens (Sunset): Through the arches you see the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
- Lower Barrakka Gardens (Early morning): A small, quiet garden looking over the harbour mouth.
- Hastings Garden (Sunset): Sunset over Marsamxett Harbour and Sliema from the bastions.
- Gardjola Gardens (Evening): From the watchtower at the tip of Senglea, Valletta faces you.
- Tigné Seafront (Sunset): From the Sliema shore the Valletta walls glow at sunset.
Football stadiums in Valletta
- Ta' Qali National Stadium: Home of Valletta F.C., Birkirkara F.C.
- Tony Bezzina Stadium: Home of Hibernians F.C.
- Victor Tedesco Stadium: Home of Ħamrun Spartans F.C.
- Marsaxlokk Ground: Home of Marsaxlokk F.C.
Day trips
- Ġgantija — 27 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Valletta
- Fine: Cannabis is legal in small amounts, but using it in public is fined.
- Fine: Smoking indoors is banned.
- Warning: Traffic drives on the left.
- Warning: Cover shoulders and knees in churches; stiletto heels are banned in St John's Co-Cathedral.
- Warning: Drones must be registered and are restricted over Valletta.
- A small per-night eco-contribution is charged on stays.
- Emergency: 112
- Plugs: G, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe but tastes salty; most drink bottled.
- Tipping: 5–10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Malta, Wikivoyage — Malta, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Valletta travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Valletta?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 20 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Ġgantija).
- What are the top things to do in Valletta?
- Highlights: Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni, St. John's Co-Cathedral, Tarxien Temples, Grandmaster's Palace and City Gate. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Valletta?
- Valletta: Boutique hotels inside UNESCO-listed walls. Other options: Sliema, St Julian’s, Three Cities (Birgu), Floriana and Gżira.
- How do you get from the airport to Valletta city centre?
- Malta International (MLA): X4 bus ≈ 20 min
- How do you get around Valletta?
- Valletta is best on foot; Tallinja buses cover the island. Ferries to Sliema and the Three Cities are quick; Bolt for taxis.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Valletta?
- According to the last known data there are 4 starred restaurants: ION Harbour by Simon Rogan (2 stars), Noni (1 star), Under Grain (1 star), de Mondion (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Valletta?
- Emergency: 112.
- Do you tip in Valletta?
- 5–10% is customary.
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