16 Best Things To Do in Valletta for First-Timers

Valletta in Malta may be one of Europe’s smallest capitals, but once you step inside its honey-colored walls, it feels layered with history, sea views, and quiet corners that reveal themselves slowly.

From grand baroque buildings to hidden balconies and harbor lookouts, the city packs far more into its compact streets than you might expect.

If you enjoy architecture, history, and slow wandering with a camera in hand, Valletta is the kind of place that rewards curiosity. We loved soaking in the atmosphere between the hidden streets — though there are a few highlights you definitely shouldn’t miss.

We explored Valletta on foot and found that half a day is enough to see the main sights, while a full day lets you add museums, long lunches, and sunset views.

Choosing the right area to stay nearby can also shape your experience, especially if you want easy evening access — we’ve compared the best areas and hotels in Valletta in a separate guide.

Below are the best things to do in Valletta based on our visit — what’s truly worth your time, what you can skip if you’re short on hours, and how to explore the city without rushing.

Best Things to do in Valletta

1. Upper Barrakka Gardens

Upper Barrakka Gardens quickly became one of our favorite spots in Valletta.

The gardens themselves are surprisingly green, with palm trees, shaded benches, and a fountain right in the middle, which makes it a pleasant break from Valletta’s stone streets. But the real highlight is the panoramic view over the Grand Harbour.

The famous cannon firing at the Saluting Battery adds a bit of a historical background and is worth timing your visit for — just arrive early, because we got there about 30 minutes beforehand and the main railing spots were already full.

For a closer perspective, you can watch the salute from inside the Saluting Battery itself, directly behind the cannons, which includes a short guided explanation and costs €3 for adults and €1 for children.

Plan around 30–60 minutes unless you stay for the ceremony. Outside firing times, the atmosphere is calmer and more relaxed.

Insider Tip: If the terrace is crowded, walk along the side arches — the angles for photos are often even better and far less busy.

Official Website: salutingbattery.com

2. Lower Barrakka Gardens

Lower Barrakka Gardens is the quieter sibling of Upper Barrakka, tucked along the fortifications of Valletta. We ended up loving it for exactly that reason.

The space is smaller but beautifully laid out, with greenery, stone paths, and a neoclassical temple monument that gives it a peaceful atmosphere. It’s ideal if you enjoy scenic viewpoints or want a relaxed break between sightseeing stops.

The main highlight is the open view toward the harbour and the dramatic coastline below, plus the nearby Siege Bell War Memorial, which adds historical weight to the setting.

You only need about 20–40 minutes here. Midday tends to be quiet, while mornings and golden hour feel especially pleasant.

Insider Tip: Combine this stop with the Siege Bell viewpoint right next door — many visitors miss it, but the perspective from there is even more dramatic.

3. Republic Square

Republic Square is probably the liveliest part of Valletta — full of café tables, chatter, clinking glasses, and people simply enjoying the moment. We stopped here “just for a quick look” and ended up staying much longer than planned because the atmosphere was so nice.

Sitting down for a drink and watching the people come and go was honestly one of our favorite little breaks in the city. It’s perfect if you enjoy lively spots, but if you’re looking for something quiet or tucked away, this might not be your favorite stop.

You only really need about 15–30 minutes unless you decide to sit down, which we’d definitely recommend. Late afternoon and evening feel especially nice once the heat softens and the square becomes even more relaxed.

4. Have a coffee at Coffee Circus Lisboa

We honestly thought Coffee Circus Lisboa was just another café stop in Valletta — until we got there. The café itself is tiny and cozy, with a small underground space, which makes it special already.

The real highlight for us was the outdoor seating set right on the stairs leading down the street. The whole area felt incredibly atmospheric, with little cafés, decorations, and locals casually passing by.

There’s sometimes local artists sitting nearby painting, which makes the place feel even more authentic and creative.

If you’re just looking for a quick takeaway coffee, you probably won’t appreciate it as much. Plan around 20–40 minutes, or longer if you settle in and enjoy the vibe. Late morning or late afternoon felt nicest when the street was lively but not crowded.

Official Website: coffeecircus.eu

5. Triq San Gwann stairs

We actually stumbled upon this little street in Valletta completely by accident while walking to another attraction, and it turned out to be one of the most photogenic corners we found.

Triq San Ġwann is one of those narrow stepped streets Valletta is famous for — colorful doors, balconies, plants, and tiny details everywhere you look. When we visited, it was even decorated with Christmas lights, which made it feel extra charming.

It’s perfect if you enjoy wandering without a strict plan and discovering places that aren’t necessarily marked as major sights. This was one of our favorite ways to discover Malta’s attractions.

You don’t need long here — 10–20 minutes is enough for photos and a short wander — but honestly, the fun is exploring the surrounding streets too, because there are several similar ones nearby.

6. Red phone booth at Luciano Al Porto Boutique

The bright red British-style phone booth outside Luciano Al Porto Boutique immediately caught our eye. It’s not a major attraction, but that’s exactly why we liked it — it feels like a fun hidden detail you discover while wandering rather than something crowded or obvious.

The window shutters behind it are the same bold red, which makes the whole scene look perfectly styled for photos.

It’s great if you enjoy quirky photo spots and you only need about 5–10 minutes.

Insider Tip: Continue walking along St. Barbara Bastion Street right nearby — one side has photogenic historic buildings, the other opens to harbour views, and it’s a surprisingly nice place to sit down and relax for a while.

7. Pjazza Indipendenza

Pjazza Indipendenza was another place in Valletta we found completely by accident while wandering — and it ended up being one of those small spots we were glad we didn’t miss.

It’s a tiny square surrounded by historic buildings, churches, and government facades without the crowds of the main squares. We liked it as a quick pause between sightseeing stops, just taking in the architecture and atmosphere.

Funny story: As we continued down the nearby stairs toward the sea, we randomly found a couch sitting in the middle of the street with incredible views. Definitely one of the more unexpected photo spots we’ve seen.

8. St. John’s Co-Cathedral

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Valletta and a must-see if you’re interested in history, art, or baroque architecture. Even from the outside, the building stands out with its imposing facade and historic presence, and we found it worth stopping by just to admire it from the street.

We didn’t go inside ourselves, but it’s known for its incredibly ornate interior and Caravaggio paintings, so if interiors and art matter to you, it’s probably worth the ticket. If you’re more into viewpoints and street wandering, seeing it from outside may be enough.

Plan about 10–15 minutes for photos outside, or around an hour if you tour the interior. Mornings are best if you want fewer crowds.

Insider Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues.

Official Website: stjohnscocathedral.com

9. Grand Master’s Palace

The Grand Master’s Palace is one of the most impressive historic buildings in Valletta and a place you’ll almost certainly pass while exploring the city center.

We didn’t go inside, but even just seeing it from the outside is worth it — the architecture feels grand, symmetrical, and historic. If you’re into history or interiors, you might want to go in; otherwise, a short stop outside is enough to appreciate it.

You only need about 10 minutes for the outside, and 1 hour if you tour the interior. Late afternoon is nicest when the light hits the facade and the surrounding streets feel calmer.

Official Website: heritagemalta.mt

10. Stroll along Triq Marsamxett

Triq Marsamxett ended up being one of those streets in Valletta we loved simply because it didn’t feel touristy at all. It’s not a famous landmark street, but it’s lined with beautiful historic buildings, colorful window shutters, and everyday life happening behind them, which gives it a really authentic feel.

Walking here felt more like seeing the real Valletta rather than sightseeing. It’s perfect if you enjoy architectural details, photography, or just wandering through local neighborhoods.

You only need about 15–25 minutes. Late afternoon light works especially well here, and you’ll also catch nice views across the water toward Sliema.

Just remember that people actually live here, so it’s good to be respectful and keep noise down while exploring.

11. Stroll along the Boat Street

Boat Street sits right next to Triq Marsamxett. While the neighboring street is more residential and local, this one opens up more toward the waterfront, giving you wider views across the harbor and toward Sliema.

It’s a great spot on your Malta itinerary if you enjoy scenic strolls, relaxed café stops, or simply walking somewhere that feels less crowded than the main Valletta streets.

You only need about 15–30 minutes unless you sit down at one of the cafés or restaurants along the way, which we’d recommend if you want to slow down and enjoy the view.

Late afternoon or early evening is especially nice when the light hits the water and the area feels calm.

12. Parliament Building

The Parliament Building is one of the most striking modern landmarks in Valletta, and it honestly surprised us how well it fits into the historic surroundings.

Designed by Renzo Piano, it stands right next to the City Gate and immediately catches your eye with its geometric limestone facade and contemporary style.

Even if architecture isn’t usually your thing, it’s still worth a quick look simply because it feels so different from Valletta’s baroque streets.

The building can’t be visited inside, so this is mainly a short stop.

13. Tritons’ Fountain

Tritons’ Fountain was actually the very first thing we saw when arriving in Valletta, and it instantly set the tone for the city. Sitting right outside the main gate, the fountain feels like a grand welcome — three bronze Tritons holding up a large basin, with water flowing around them.

We liked it most as a quick stop to take in the atmosphere and watch the mix of locals and visitors moving in and out of the city. There was also Christmas Markets around during our visit.

14. Auberge de Castille

The Auberge de Castille is one of the most impressive buildings we saw while wandering through Valletta. Its grand staircase, ornate facade, and symmetrical design make it a really nice quick stop.

It’s actually the office of the Prime Minister today, so you can’t go inside, but honestly, the exterior alone is worth seeing. It’s perfect if you enjoy architecture and historic buildings.

It’s on the way to some other popular attractions, so it’s an easy add-on to your Valletta itinerary.

15. Visit Basilica of our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Valletta — you’ll probably spot its large dome in the skyline long before you reach it.

From the outside it looks grand and elegant, but stepping inside feels surprisingly peaceful compared to the busy streets around it. It’s a great stop if you enjoy architecture, historic churches, or simply want a quiet break from sightseeing.

Even if you’re not into religious sites, it’s worth visiting just to see the scale and design. You only need about 15–30 minutes.

Insider Tip: The dome is actually best photographed from a distance rather than right underneath it — viewpoints around Valletta give much more impressive angles.

16. Take a boat to the Three Cities

Taking a boat across to the Three Cities is one of the most memorable experiences. Sitting right across the Grand Harbour are Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua — quieter, more local-feeling towns that show a completely different side of Malta.

The short boat ride itself is part of the experience. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic rides, photography, and quieter stops.

If you’re short on time you can treat it as a quick out-and-back trip, but ideally plan 2–3 hours to wander the streets once you arrive.

Insider Tip: Choose a traditional dgħajsa boat instead of the ferry if you can — it’s slightly more expensive but feels much more atmospheric and personal.

Quick Tips & Local Insights

• Start early or go late. Valletta gets busy midday, especially near the City Gate and main streets. Mornings and evenings feel calmer and more atmospheric.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are paved with stone and there are plenty of slopes and stairs. It’s also a bit harder to explore with a stroller.
• Plan around the cannon firing. If you want a good viewing spot at Upper Barrakka Gardens, arrive well before noon or 4 PM — it fills up fast.
• Look up while walking. Some of Valletta’s best details are above eye level — balconies, shutters, carvings, and doorways.
• Don’t overplan. Valletta is best experienced slowly. Leave time to wander side streets and sit down for a drink.
• Shade is limited. In warmer months, bring water, sunscreen, and sunglasses — the limestone reflects heat.
• Car access is restricted. Valletta is a restricted zone that requires payment during peak hours. If you’re arriving by car, it’s easiest to park just outside the city walls near the main entrance and explore on foot.

Final Thoughts

Valletta might be compact, but it packs in an impressive mix of history, viewpoints, architectural details, and little hidden corners that make wandering feel just as rewarding as visiting the main landmarks.

What we loved most is how easy it is to explore — you can see a lot in a few hours, yet the city never feels rushed if you slow down and take it in.

Whether you’re here for iconic sights, scenic walks, or simply the atmosphere of its streets and squares, Valletta is one of those places that stays memorable long after you leave.

Planning your base well can make exploring even smoother, especially if you want easy evening access and short walks back after sightseeing — we’ve compared the best neighborhoods and hotel picks in Malta in a separate guide to help you choose the right area for your trip.