Things to see in Valletta: 15 tips for Europe’s smallest capital city

Discover the best things to see in Valletta: cathedrals, forts, hidden swimming spots, and tips to avoid the crowds on this fortified island city.

This is why you want to explore Valletta

I saw historic Valletta for the first time from the rooftop terrace by the pool at my hotel in Sliema, and I found myself immediately drawn to it. Surrounded by modern high-rises, there it was: a city that clearly belonged to another era, and I couldn’t wait to go there. We took the traditional boat across, and from the water I had the very best view of the city.

Once ashore, it took me a moment to find my way, because at first glance, all the limestone facades look very similar. But the charming wooden balconies and the occasional beautiful church in between had me hooked in no time. It was crowded, but I was simply in awe of everything I saw, and picked up a good dose of history along the way.

Valletta was built in the 16th century by the Knights of Malta, shortly after the Great Siege of 1565, and still lies almost entirely within its original fortification walls. The entire city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980, with 320 monuments covering an area of less than one square kilometer. This makes Valletta the smallest capital city in Europe in terms of area. Only in terms of population is Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, slightly smaller.

You really can’t travel to Malta without visiting Valletta, and I understand that even better now that I’ve been there myself. In this article, I’ll take you on a tour of Valletta’s most beautiful sights.

Things to see in Valletta

What to see and do when you visit Valletta? Here are my tips.

Triton Fountain and City Gate

I entered Valletta from the side, but most visitors come through the main entrance. If you take the bus or a taxi, you’ll be dropped off at the Triton Fountain, a large fountain featuring three tritons supporting a large basin. From there, you can walk straight across a bridge into the city through the City Gate, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano as part of a major renovation of Valletta in the 2010s. Just arriving in Valletta is an attraction in itself.

Republic Street

Right behind the city gate is Valletta’s main street: Republic Street. This is where you’ll find most of the shops and outdoor cafes, and the most people, too. I walked through it a few times; it seems like almost every street in Valletta leads to it. It’s always crowded, but it has a certain charm.

Everywhere you look, you see stately buildings with (luxury) shops. Every now and then, there’s a small square, and quite often even a typical English red phone booth, a remnant from the time when Malta was still a British colony. It’s really special to come across one in such a warm place!

👉🏼 Don’t feel like exploring on your own? Book a guided city tour. That way, you won’t miss a single highlight.

Getting lost in the quiet streets

Whenever I could, I’d quickly duck into one of the side streets off Republic Street. There, you suddenly find yourself walking through quiet, narrow alleys with laundry hanging from the balconies, which I found much more pleasant than the hustle and bustle of the main street itself. There’s an art to getting pleasantly lost this way, stumbling on the best staircases and alleys as you go. Because of the changes in elevation, the views are sometimes absolutely stunning.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral (Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann)

Valletta’s grand cathedral is impossible to miss. There’s a square in front of the entrance, and the doors are enormous. When I walked by, an event was just taking place (I couldn’t figure out exactly what it was, but the area was cordoned off and there were cameras set up), so I wasn’t able to take a look inside.

t seems to be well worth the visit, as it boasts one of the most beautiful Baroque interiors in Europe. The cathedral was built in the sixteenth century by the Knights of Malta and is decorated from top to bottom. In the Caravaggio Wing, there are two works by the painter, including his famous “Beheading of John the Baptist,” the only work he ever signed.

The cathedral is open Monday through Saturday. Tickets cost €15. Visit the official website for more information.

Grandmaster’s Palace

A few streets away is the palace where the Grand Masters of the Knights of Malta once resided. It was pretty hot during my visit to Valletta, and I was longing for a bit of coolness (and air conditioning), so this seemed like a good place to escape the heat for a while. I certainly wasn’t disappointed!

It’s an incredibly interesting and beautifully restored building. What really caught my eye was the Palace Armory, where I found myself face to face with a huge arsenal of weapons and armor, rows and rows of suits of armor. It was truly impressive. The bedrooms and chambers of the former Grand Masters were also very beautiful to see.

The palace is now home to the Maltese Parliament, but some of its stately state rooms are open to visitors.

The Grandmaster’s Palace is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We bought a ticket at the entrance, and there was no line (June 2026).

Pjazza Teatru Rjal

This unique square is located right near the city gate. When I walked by, part of it was cordoned off for an event, but the columns of the old opera house were still clearly visible. This was once the Royal Opera House, built in 1866 and destroyed during a bombing raid in 1942. Instead of rebuilding the structure, Renzo Piano designed an open-air theater among the remaining columns, which has been in use again since 2013. Even when there’s no performance, it’s worth stopping by for a quick look.

Upper Barrakka Gardens

For me, this was one of the nicest spots in the city. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are perched high on the old bastions and overlook the entire Grand Harbor, with the Three Cities across the water. There are plenty of trees, so you can find a spot in the shade on hot days.

Saluting Battery

One floor below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you’ll find the Saluting Battery, where a cannon is still fired every day at noon and 4:00 p.m. It’s a tradition that has been upheld for nearly five hundred years. Even if you’re not in Valletta, there’s a good chance you’ll hear it. The sound carries surprisingly far.

Lascaris War Rooms

Beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens lies a completely underground tunnel complex: the Lascaris War Rooms. During World War II, this served as the command center for the defense of Malta and even for planning the invasion of Sicily. I haven’t visited it myself, but it’s known as one of the most impressive war museums on the island.

Tickets are €20. Visit the official website for more information.

Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum

Malta is covered in forts and watchtowers, and you’ll notice them everywhere you go. One of the most striking is Fort St. Elmo, located right at the tip of the peninsula. This fort was built in 1565 to protect the harbor during the Great Siege. Today, it is home to the National War Museum, where you can learn more about Malta’s military history.

The fort is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are €10 (but due to renovations, you can currently get a small discount). Check the official website for more information.

The St. Elmo Bridge Walk

This was one of my favorite things to do in Valletta. It’s a walking path along the water, and you walk right along the outer walls of the fortified city. That makes it a truly special experience! Every now and then, you have to watch your step on the slippery stones, but then there’s another unique bridge, and there are even spots where you can take a refreshing dip in the sea. It’s wonderfully peaceful here, a complete contrast to the rest of the city, and you get a completely different perspective on Valletta.

Valletta Waterfront

On the other side of the city, along the Grand Harbor, lies the Valletta Waterfront. This is where cruise ships dock, between a long row of restored 18th-century warehouses. Today, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants and bars here. It’s a lovely spot for a stroll along the water, with a view of the Three Cities across the harbor.

Wuestenwinds Beach

Valletta is, of course, surrounded by the sea, but a walled city isn’t usually known as a beach destination. And to be honest, you won’t find any traditional sandy beaches there, but there are some great spots where you can take a dip.

Wuestenwinds Beach is located below the bastions near the Mediterranean Conference Center, a rocky cove dotted with old fishermen’s cottages. There are steps that make it easy to get in and out of the water. It’s the perfect place to cool off after a morning of walking through the hot streets.

Casa Rocca Piccola

Right in the heart of the city, hidden behind an ordinary front door, lies Casa Rocca Piccola, a noble residence that is still inhabited today. I wish I’d known about this place, I would have loved to explore it myself! You can take a guided tour or wander through the richly decorated rooms on your own. Don’t forget to check out the World War II bomb shelters as well.

A few tasty stops along the way

As you may know, I always enjoy exploring a city through its coffee shops and great restaurants. You’ll definitely find plenty to enjoy in Valletta! Here are a few special recommendations for an afternoon in Valletta:

• At Lot 61 Coffee Roasters, you don’t just get a delicious cup of coffee, it’s also a true work of art.
• The Bagel Hole is tiny, but the bagels are so delicious that you’d order them again in a heartbeat; we took them with us to eat in the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
• And Mamma Misu is a must-visit for every tiramisu lover: soooo delicious, with portions so huge that you’re better off sharing them, or taking half back to your hotel.

👉🏼 Want to know what else Valletta has to offer in terms of food? Book a street food walking tour with a local.

Practical information

In my opinion, these are the most beautiful sights in Valletta. I’d like to share a few more practical tips with you.

Transportation to and from Valletta

Public transportation in Malta is well-organized; there’s a bus to Valletta from just about every town. You can pay with your debit card.

Are you coming from Sliema? If so, you can also take the traditional boat or a ferry to Valletta, it only takes five minutes. It’s a fun experience with an amazing view!

Best travel time

I was there in the second half of June, and it was a constant 90°F (32°C). A little too hot for me (though nice for swimming). If you prefer milder temperatures, April, May, September, and October are better choices: temperatures usually range from 68 to 79°F (20 to 26°C), and it’s much less crowded than during the summer months. Winters in Malta are mild but rainy, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 61°F (10 to 16°C).

Here’s how to avoid the crowds in Valletta

Valletta attracts large groups of cruise passengers every day, and you can really tell when you’re out on the streets. So it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the day-trippers have already returned to their ships. Also, be sure to check the port’s cruise calendar before planning your visit: on the Valletta Cruise Port website, you can see exactly which ships are docking that day, so you can intentionally choose a quieter day.