Valletta might be one of Europe’s smallest capitals, but it’s packed with centuries of history, stunning architecture, and unforgettable experiences. As locals, we grew up enjoying a trip to Valletta as a special occasion. Exploring these honey-coloured limestone streets is a unique experience, with something unusual around every corner. We’re sharing our favourite spots in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere, Valletta offers something special around every corner. Here are nine activities that showcase why we’re so proud to call this remarkable city our capital.
1. Explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Don’t let the modest exterior fool you – step inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral and you’ll discover one of Europe’s most spectacular baroque interiors. The entire marble floor is actually a vast collection of over 400 intricately carved tombstones marking the graves of Knights of St. John, each telling its own story through heraldic symbols and Latin inscriptions. We always recommend booking ahead to see Caravaggio’s masterpieces, including “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist,” which is the only painting the master ever signed. The ornate chapels dedicated to different langues (nationalities) of knights showcase the international nature of this military order, and the gilded ceiling tells the story of St. John’s life in stunning detail.
2. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens
These beautifully maintained gardens offer the most breathtaking panoramic views in Malta, overlooking the Grand Harbour and the historic Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. We love visiting in the early morning when the light is perfect for photography, or in the late afternoon when the golden hour transforms the fortifications into something magical. Time your visit for noon to witness the traditional cannon firing ceremony at the Saluting Battery below – it’s been a daily tradition since the Knights’ era and never fails to surprise first-time visitors with its thunderous boom. The gardens themselves are a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets, with comfortable benches where you can sit and watch the harbour activity whilst planning your next adventure.
3. Tour the Grandmaster’s Palace
This impressive 16th-century palace served as the official residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St. John and now houses Malta’s Office of the President. The State Rooms are absolutely magnificent, featuring enormous tapestries depicting scenes from the New World, intricate ceiling frescoes, and period furniture that transport you back to the height of the Knights’ power. The Palace Armoury is particularly fascinating, showcasing one of the world’s finest collections of arms and armour, including pieces worn by individual Grand Masters. We find the blend of political history and artistic craftsmanship fascinating – you’re walking through rooms where decisions that shaped Mediterranean history were made, all whilst surrounded by incredible artistic treasures.
4. Experience the Saluting Battery
The Saluting Battery brings Malta’s military history to life in the most engaging way possible. Perched dramatically on Valletta’s eastern ramparts, this historic gun emplacement has protected the Grand Harbour for centuries, and today it offers one of Malta’s most entertaining historical experiences. The costumed interpreters don’t just fire the cannons – they share stories about daily life during the Knights’ era, demonstrate historical military techniques, and answer questions with genuine enthusiasm. The harbour views from this vantage point are spectacular, and watching the traditional noon gun ceremony whilst learning about Malta’s strategic importance in Mediterranean history makes for an unforgettable experience that appeals to all ages.
5. Discover Casa Rocca Piccola
This privately-owned 16th-century palace offers something you won’t find anywhere else – an intimate glimpse into how Maltese nobility actually lived. The current Marquis de Piro and his family still reside here, and their personal guided tours feel more like visiting friends than a formal museum experience. You’ll see family heirlooms that have been passed down through generations, period furniture arranged as it would have been used, and fascinating wartime shelter areas that tell the story of how even noble families adapted during the Second World War. The personal anecdotes and family stories shared during the tour provide authentic insights into Maltese aristocratic life that you simply can’t get from textbooks or larger museums. Read out blog about Casa Rocca Piccola.
6. Walk Through Valletta’s Historic Streets
Every street in Valletta tells a story, and we encourage you to wander beyond the main tourist routes to discover the city’s incredible architectural details. The entire city is a living museum, from the elaborate doorways and traditional wooden balconies (gallariji) to the contemporary additions like Renzo Piano’s striking City Gate, Parliament Building, and open-air Opera House ruins. The grid system of streets makes navigation easy, and each area has its own character – Republic Street for shopping and dining, the quieter residential streets for authentic local life, and the fortification areas for stunning sea views. Look up as you walk to appreciate the intricate stone carvings, decorative balconies, and architectural elements that make Valletta’s streetscape so unique and photogenic.
7. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology
Housed in the beautiful Auberge de Provence (originally the inn of the French Knights), this museum takes you on a journey through 7,000 years of Maltese history. The prehistoric artifacts are truly extraordinary, particularly the items from our Megalithic Temples – some of the world’s oldest free-standing structures. The famous “Sleeping Lady” figurine and intricate temple carvings provide fascinating insights into Malta’s ancient civilizations, whilst the museum’s setting in a Knights’ era building creates an interesting contrast between different historical periods. We particularly appreciate how the displays explain the connections between Malta’s various historical epochs, helping visitors understand how our island’s strategic position influenced its development through millennia.
8. Explore What Lies Beneath Valletta
Beneath Valletta’s streets lies a fascinating network of tunnels, shelters, and chambers that reveal hidden layers of the city’s history. The Lascaris War Rooms, hewn from solid rock, served as the secret headquarters for the defence of Malta during the Second World War and offer compelling insights into one of history’s most important military operations. You can also explore the space directly beneath Valletta’s main streets on a tour of underground Valletta. The tour includes ancient Knights’ era storage areas, ingenious water cisterns, and extensive air raid shelters that protected civilians during wartime bombing. These subterranean tours provide a completely different perspective on Valletta, showing how the city’s inhabitants have adapted and survived through various challenges whilst making use of the natural limestone landscape for protection and storage.
9. Dinner at the Waterfront and Harbour Area
As the sun sets, Valletta’s waterfront transforms into one of Malta’s most romantic dining destinations. The restored 18th-century warehouses now house excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood and authentic Maltese cuisine, all with spectacular views across the Grand Harbour to the illuminated Three Cities. We love taking evening strolls along the promenade, watching the harbour activity wind down whilst the historic fortifications are beautifully lit against the night sky. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a harbour cruise to see Valletta’s fortifications from the water – the perspective is completely different and helps you appreciate the strategic genius of the Knights’ defensive planning. The combination of excellent food, harbour views, and historic atmosphere makes this the perfect way to end a day of exploration.
Making the Most of Your Valletta Visit
Each of these attractions showcases different aspects of Valletta’s remarkable story, from its time as the stronghold of the Knights of St. John to its role as Malta’s vibrant modern capital. The city is perfectly walkable, though we recommend comfortable shoes for the sloped streets and steps.
From our apartments in Valletta, you can reach all the hotspots on foot, making it easy to explore at your own pace. We’re always happy to share detailed directions, recommend the best times to visit specific attractions, or suggest local restaurants that offer authentic experiences away from the main tourist areas.
Valletta isn’t just a collection of museums and monuments – it’s a living city where history comes alive around every corner, and we’re excited for you to discover its magic during your stay with us.