Top 18 Attractions and Activities in Valletta in 2025

Explore Valletta, Malta’s historic capital, rich in culture, architecture, and culinary delights.

Malta’s compact capital serves as a 16th-century testament to Christian dominance, featuring tall townhouses that rise above narrow streets. The city was named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette during its construction and is unique in its architectural character. The balcony-fronted residences tower over the Sceberras Peninsula, a strip of land nestled between two stunning natural harbors. After suffering significant damage during World War II, Valletta has since been restored and continues to be the center of government, despite a decline in its population. It is only recently that Valletta has seen a resurgence.

In its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta was acknowledged as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.” Today, the city buzzes with vibrancy and retains a distinctive local character. From understanding the city’s challenges and its revitalization to engaging in local traditions and customs, the top attractions in Valletta reveal the captivating narrative of Malta’s capital.

1. Tour baroque chapels at St John’s Co-Cathedral

The unadorned, fortress-like facade of St John’s Co-Cathedral conceals its opulent interior. The remarkable baroque interior, resulting from a 17th-century renovation by architect Gerolamo Cassar, is a must-see. Originally constructed between 1573 and 1578, it served as a worship space for the Knights. The lengthy nave features richly adorned walls and pillars that radiate warmth, providing an impression reminiscent of gold brocade. Eight chapels are dedicated to various langues (divisions based on nationality), enticing visitors to spend ample time exploring with a comprehensive audio guide. For an elevated view of the interior, ascend the narrow staircase leading to the cathedral’s rear balcony.

Make sure to admire the altarpieces and monuments crafted by Mattia Preti in several chapels, including tributes to Grand Masters such as António Manoel de Vilhena and Manuel Pinto de Fonseca in the Chapel of Castille, Leon, and Portugal. Preti’s depictions of St John embellish the vaulted ceiling of the Anglo-Bavarian Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Relics, which shelters a wooden figure of St John, allegedly from the galley where the Knights departed Rhodes in 1523. The altar displays the renowned

Baptism of Christ

by Giuseppe Mazzuoli. Additional works by Preti can be found in both the Chapel of France and the Chapel of Italy.

The lavishly gilded Chapel of Germany is an essential stop as well. Here, Dutch florins were melted down to adorn the Globigerina Limestone of the cathedral. Another noteworthy highlight is Caravaggio’s Beheading of John the Baptist, housed in the oratory; this painting, his largest and the only one he ever signed, conveys a striking realism.

Planning tip:

Visitors should dress respectfully for a religious site. Wraps are available to cover bare arms and shoulders, and appropriate footwear is expected.

2. Journey into prehistory at the National Museum of Archaeology

Valletta’s National Museum of Archaeology boasts Malta’s most significant archaeological findings, displayed within the former headquarters of the Provence langue, constructed in 1571. The somewhat worn, beautifully frescoed building features an impressive collection that begins with artifacts from the Neolithic Għar Dalam cave, including delicate stone tools dating back to 5200 BCE. The most intriguing pieces are the intricately crafted prehistoric figurines, such as the monumental yet miniaturized
Sleeping Lady, unearthed at the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, dating back approximately 5000 years. Additional highlights include ornately decorated stones from Tarxien, an extraordinary temple model from Ta’Ħaġrat, and a Phoenician gallery featuring pottery and amulets.

Planning tip:

To further investigate Malta’s prehistory, including archaeological sites such as Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, as well as Gozo’s Ġgantija Temples, consider acquiring a Heritage Malta Multi-site Pass.

3. Walk through the City Gate

Visitors to Valletta frequently pass through the City Gate, which replicates the dimensions of the original 1633 entrance. The current structure, rather than the 1960s version it replaced, offers the sensation of crossing a drawbridge. The architecture is minimalist, featuring a pair of metal blades, each towering 25m (82ft), mimicking knights’ swords. Within the gate, wide, gently sloping flights of stairs, designed to echo the original gate’s framing, connect the bastions of St James’ Cavalier and St John’s Cavalier to lower-level Republic Street. Looking back up Republic St, one can observe the distinctive ‘V’ shape of the entrance, symbolizing Valletta.

4. Discover more of Renzo Piano’s spectacular architecture

Adjacent to the City Gate, Renzo Piano’s Parliament Building presents an impressive sight, with two massive stone volumes seemingly suspended in mid-air, supported by stilts. The machine-cut blocks create a lighter appearance, minimizing solar radiation while allowing natural light to filter in. The third feature of Piano’s design, the Valletta Royal Opera House, is located approximately 100m (328ft) from the City Gate. Originally built in the 1860s, this once-grand venue was destroyed during an air raid in 1942.

Planning tip:

Pjazza Teatru Rjal hosts popular performances within the poignant and skeletal remains of the Royal Opera House, featuring a diverse range of acts from the Beatles to blues music. The venue also serves as the main site for the Valletta Film Festival, held in June.

5. See stunning vistas at Upper Barrakka Gardens

Offering magnificent views of the Grand Harbor, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, inaugurated in 1824, were heavily damaged during World War II. Visitors can access the lower terrace to the Saluting Battery, where a cannon once honored visiting naval vessels. The cannon is still ceremoniously fired at noon and 4 pm by attendants in traditional attire.

Planning tip:

In mid-August, the gardens host the annual Delicata Classic Wine Festival.

6. Learn about Valletta’s WWII history

The Lascaris War Rooms, lying 40m (131ft) below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, served as Britain’s secret command center in Malta during WWII from mid-1943 until 1977. Now restored, the rooms preserve their original layout, staffed by lifelike wax figures, providing fascinating insights into the era. Note: there are many stairs involved as the guided tours descend below ground.

Additional stairs connect the gardens to the War HQ Tunnels, another rock-carved complex that served as the Combined Headquarters for Britain’s military services between August 1940 and May 1943. The most engaging sections include the anti-aircraft gun operations rooms and the Royal Air Force’s fighter operations rooms, detailing the Allied defenses surrounding Malta and Gozo.

Planning tip:

Individual tickets are available for both guided tours, but a combined ticket encompasses seven WWII heritage sites around Valletta and the Three Cities and includes the exceptional Malta at War Museum located in Vittoriosa.

7. Find these secret gardens

While many visitors flock to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, fewer are aware of the Lower Barrakka Gardens located at the opposite end of the city. This waterfront park features a Doric temple honoring Sir Alexander Ball, the British naval captain who successfully captured Malta from the French in 1800. It offers stunning harbor views at sunset. Approximately 500m (1640ft) away along Triq San Duminku lies the somewhat concealed Valletta Design Cluster, a roof garden covering 495 square meters (5328 square feet) atop a converted abattoir, now comprising studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces.

8. Go underground at St Catherine’s Monastery

Located just 130m (426ft) from Valletta Design Cluster along Triq San Duminku is the historic St Catherine’s Monastery. Recently reopened in 2023, the monastery features a lush central garden. Visitors can partake in a 45-minute audio tour to explore its impressive highlights, including
Mysterium Fidei, an underground complex of cloisters. Augustinian nuns still inhabit the upper floors of the monastery.

9. Trace history at Fort St Elmo & the National War Museum

The formidable Fort St Elmo & National War Museum occupies the apex of the Sciberras Peninsula. Named after the patron saint of mariners, this fort was constructed by the Knights in 1552 in an astonishing four-month timeframe. It was later expanded by the British, providing breathtaking views of the harbor. The National War Museum located on the first floor vividly recounts the Great Siege through an interactive multi-media exhibition, while other displays detail the struggle to sustain supplies during German bombardments in WWII. The courtyard at the fort entrance features lids of underground granaries. Visitors can also explore the parade ground and the 1559 chapel where Knights valiantly defended the altar during the siege, along with the later 1729 church.

Planning tip:

The military pageant In Guardia occurs here from October to June.

10. See art and heritage maps at MUŻA

The National Museum of Art (Muźew Nazzjonali tal-Arti), or MUŻA for short, is housed in a splendid 17th-century structure, the Auberge d’Italie, which historically accommodated the Italian Knights of Malta. This remarkable museum features early maps and works by local artists, as well as international contributors like Victor Pasmore, who relocated to Malta, and Mattia Preti, including his sample painting presented to the Knights for patronage. The museum also showcases exquisite inlaid furniture representative of Maltese high society, alongside an excellent restaurant located in the inner courtyard.

11. Step inside the corridors of power at Grand Master’s Palace

Among the most frequented sites in Malta’s capital, the Grand Master’s Palace attracts approximately 300,000 visitors annually to its grand halls. This landmark, which now stands in St George’s Square, was the first structure erected by the Knights of St John at the city’s founding and later served as the Governor’s Palace during British rule. In 1921, it became the seat of Malta’s first constitutional parliament and currently houses the office of the President of Malta.

Recently refurbished and reopened in 2024, over 85% of the grounds are now accessible, including the Piano Nobile corridors, the restored Grand Master’s Study, and the Throne Room. Distinguished collections narrate Malta’s tumultuous past through visual accounts of the Great Siege of 1565 painted by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio, alongside the restored armory collection.

Detour:

A brief stroll from the Grand Master’s Palace leads to the Teatru Manoel (Manoel Theater), one of Europe’s oldest theaters, constructed in 1731. It is advisable to arrange guided tours in advance.

12. Pop by these eclectic museums

Conveniently nestled between a pub and restaurants on Triq l-Arċisqof, the Malta Postal Museum & Gallery offers a captivating narrative of the postal system during the Knights of St John and frequently features heritage and contemporary photographic exhibitions. A short walk further leads to Valletta Contemporary on Triq il-Levant, a modern art gallery housed within a 400-year-old warehouse that showcases works by both local and international artists.

13. Visit a 16th-century private mansion

Explore the splendid 16th-century palazzo, Casa Rocca Piccola, for insights into Maltese aristocratic life, complete with exquisite interiors and antique furnishings. This residence belongs to the 9th Marquis de Piro, who still resides here and may personally guide visitors. A portion of the palazzo has been opened for public exploration, revealing beautiful antiques, a family parrot, and underground WWII air-raid shelters positioned 30m (98ft) below ground. Visitors can choose between guided tours or independent exploration via an audio app.

Planning tip:

Overnight accommodations are available at the Casa Rocca Piccola B&B, offering a selection of five uniquely themed romantic rooms.

14. Take your pick of cuisines at Is-Suq Tal-Belt

The design of the wrought-iron-framed Is-Suq Tal-Belt (City Market), inspired by London’s Covent Garden and Paris’s Les Halles Centrale, originally opened in 1861 as Valletta’s main public market featuring 150 vendors of fresh produce. Following extensive damage from WWII, the market fell into decline before being revitalized during Valletta’s regeneration in 2018.

A visit allows one to appreciate the architectural heritage, savor meals from over 15 international food stalls, or shop at the downstairs Arkadia supermarket for self-catering needs. The Malta Artisan Markets occasionally take place upstairs; thus, checking online for dates is advisable.

Planning tip:

Within the market’s food court, a diverse range of stalls caters to numerous cravings, offering cuisines from Filipino and Vietnamese to sushi and tacos, alongside traditional Maltese street food.

15. Hit the infamous Strait Street nightlife

Stretching a mere 4m (13ft) wide and 660m (2165ft) long, Strait St ranks among the narrowest streets in the city. Originally constructed by the Knights of St John, it famously served as the only locale permitted for dueling and later emerged as a popular destination for British sailors on shore leave, earning the sobriquet “the Gut” among Royal Navy members.

After WWII, as local residents exited Valletta and the British navy departed in 1979, Strait St became a shadow of its former self. In the last 15 years, however, it has experienced a rejuvenation and regained its stature as a nightlife hotspot. Notable venues include the classic Tico Tico, one of the street’s longest-standing bars, and N Bistrot, a basement dining venue with a Tokyo-inspired ambiance. The lively Ginscal provides mezcal in a vibrant Mexican atmosphere. Exploring the area is encouraged to discover appealing locales.

Planning tip:

For details on art, music, and cultural events along Strait St, consult Strada Stretta on Facebook.

16. Soak up Valletta’s cafe culture

Start the day in Malta’s capital with freshly brewed coffee or tea, complemented by local snacks. Enjoy harbor views while sipping coffee at Lot Sixty One or Coffee Circus Lisboa. Caffe Cordina, located in the heart of Valletta, offers an atmosphere rich in history alongside gourmet pastries and excellent people-watching opportunities. For an afternoon snack, be sure to enjoy a pastizz (or several), a flaky pastry commonly consumed any time of day.

17. Taste traditional Maltese cuisine

Maltese cuisine reflects an amalgamation of flavors and influences, incorporating elements from Italian, North African, Mediterranean, and British culinary traditions. While the region is home to Michelin-starred establishments and a variety of international cuisine, traditional Maltese culinary practices remain robust. Interestingly, despite its proximity to the sea, the national dish is fenek (rabbit), often served fried in olive oil, roasted, stewed, or prepared in a pie.

Seafood significantly contributes to local gastronomy, as do neighborhood bakeries that offer Maltese bread varieties like crusty ħobż, resembling sourdough, and ftira, a flatter type ideal for sandwiches, commonly filled with a mixture of tuna, olives, capers, and onions. At King’s Own Band Club, visitors can indulge in traditional Maltese delicacies, such as aljotta (fish soup) and stuffat tal-fenek(rabbit stew), within charming heritage interiors.

Planning tip:

Those seeking a fine dining experience may want to make a reservation at Noni, where Chef Jonathan Brincat’s Michelin-starred offerings could include fusion dishes like Muscovy duck with black sesame.

18. Sample craft beers and cocktails

As dusk falls, Valletta’s bars, breweries, and performance venues come alive. The craft beer trend is gaining ground in cozy bistros and bustling bars. At Ġugar Hangout & Bar, patrons can enjoy a local craft brew called Stretta, named for Valletta’s vibrant laneway Strait Street, or sample the national favorite, Cisk lager. Additionally, Ġugar is an excellent venue for vegan and vegetarian options. 67 Kapitali offers tap beers from Gozo’s Lord Chambray Brewery alongside a carefully curated selection of Euro and international brews.

For those interested in cocktail creations, establishments like Kamy and 33 Steps deliver innovative mixes, while Cafe Society provides a lively atmosphere with regular DJ sets and outdoor seating featuring remarkable views of the Three Cities and harbor. Conclude the evening at Bridge Bar, offering a delightful combination of cocktails and live jazz on Friday evenings.

This article has been modified from the Malta & Gozo guidebook published in February 2025.