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Welcome to Valletta, Malta! Valletta is Malta’s capital city — it’s the commercial center for shopping, bars, dining, cafes, and is also a popular cruise ship port. Whether you visit here as a first-time cruiser, or on a Maltese road trip, this travel guide is going to provide you with the 10 can’t miss things to do and see in Valletta, Malta in one day. If you have more than one day in Malta, I highly recommend going to visit Mdina, Malta’s top attractions, which I cover in detail in this complete guide. As for this post, let’s hop into recommendations for this unique capital city!
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Don’t have enough time to read the full guide? This is the BEST Valletta Walking Tour (including a visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral!).
Let’s Learn About Malta
Before diving too deeply into Valletta, I want to provide some background information on Malta. If you’re already familiar with this small island country, feel free to use the Table of Contents feature to click to a below section. For those of you who are just starting to plan a trip, here’s some helpful historical context.
Malta is an island country located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, just ~60 miles south of Sicily and ~180 miles north of Libya. The country is comprised of 5 islands: Malta (the largest and most visited), Gozo, Comino, and two uninhabited islands: Kemmunett and Filfla. Gozo is famous for it’s blue lagoon and other-worldly landscapes, although the main island of Malta has the most to offer.
Due to its geographical location, Malta has a turbulent history and influences from its various neighbors — mixing Mediterranean culture with Northern Africa and the Middle East. Malta has previously been ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Sicilians, Hospitallers, French, AND British. Talk about a melting pot!
Unfortunately, much of the island was destroyed during WWII. It was used as a strategic base for the Allied Powers and was heavily bombarded by Germans and Italians. The Maltese have been recognized for their bravery and strength, and sought independence from the British in 1964. In 1974, it was declared a republic and officially joined the EU in 2004. Today, the island country welcomes over 2 million visitors per year, uses the Euro, and English is spoken throughout.
About Valletta
Valletta is the capital city of Malta. Previously, it was Mdina during the medieval period. The walled city was established in the 1500s, up on a peninsula on the northeast coast of the island by the Knights of St. John (Roman Catholics). The Knights of Malta led by Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette needed a new fortified capital city. Building a city on the same peninsula as Fort St. Elmo would ensure a better defense of the peninsula, the two harbors, the Three Cities of the Knights: Birgu, Bormla and Isla, and the whole island. The city was named after Valette, who started the foundation himself in 1566. The city is located between the Grand Harbor to the east and the Marsamxett Harbor to the west.
Valletta is the southernmost capital of Europe and at just 0.24 sq. miles, is also the EU’s smallest capital city. With a surface area of just 0.55 km² and just over 7,000 inhabitants, only the Vatican City is smaller at 0.44 km² with a population of 800 people.
As mentioned above, since it’s Malta’s capital city, it’s the commercial center for shopping, bars, dining, and is a busy port city. Valletta is known for its museums, palaces, and grand churches. It’s a “city of churches”, among them the Church of Our Lady of Victory, St, Paul’s Shipwreck Church, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and more. The entire city of Valletta was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. You can enjoy 450 years of history on almost every street during your one day in Valletta, Malta!
Best Time To Spend One Day In Valletta, Malta
Peak time for cruise ships and tourists to visit Malta is during the summer months. However, temperatures in Malta can average around 90°F in summer and visiting the island can be tiring in the heat during these months.
From early spring into June, temperatures remain warm through the day, cooling down into the late afternoon, pleasant enough for walking around the city without overheating. The bonus of visiting at this time means the city is less crowded than in peak summer season! I always recommend visiting European cities during the shoulder seasons (April – May and September – October). My sister and I did visit in late June on our cruise and it was warm, but bearable.
Is One Day In Valletta, Malta Enough?
Yes! Since Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in the European Union, it can definitely be explored in just one day. Plus, the historical streets and small size of the city allow tourists to easily explore on foot. That’s the best way to get around Valletta — by walking! Although there is public transportation you can use as well — such as a bus to get to Mdina, Malta.
If you’re visiting the cruise port, you will just have one day in Valletta, Malta. My sister and I were able to see the below sites during the few hours that we spent here. You can too!
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10 Things To Do & See In Valletta, Malta In One Day
And now for the reason why you probably clicked on this post — let’s cover the top 10 things to do and see in Valletta, Malta in just one day!
1. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
One of the most well-known buildings in Valletta, if not THE most visited — is St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Built between 1573 and 1578, this church was formally a conventual church belonging to the Hospitaller order. This church is one of the most ornate and beautiful in all of Europe. If you’ve visited Europe before, you know there are DOZENS of jaw-dropping cathedrals in almost every city, so this superlative says a lot! It really was so beautiful and unique.
The entire floor in the cathedral is made of tombs from the 1400s.
The church is also home to one of the world’s most famous works of art by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio: “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist”, which dates back to 1608. The painting is located within the Oratory, and is the largest work of art by Caravaggio and the only one to bear his signature.
Pro-tip: You can visit the Co-Cathedral Mondays-Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. Services are offered on Sundays. It costs 15 Euros for adults, 12 Euro for students, and it’s free to visit if you’re under the age of 12. I recommend booking a tour to see the cathedral!
Valletta is a city of churches, among them the Church of Our Lady of Victory, which contains the city’s foundation stone. Nearby the Co-Cathedral is St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church, and an octagonal church dedicated to St. Catherine of Italy.
2. Saluting Battery & Changing Of The Guard Ceremony
The Saluting Battery is an artillery battery in Valletta. It was constructed in the 16th century by the Order of Saint John. Dating back to Malta’s Great Siege, it is one of the oldest saluting batteries still in operation. It was used for over 500 years to protect the Grand Harbor. Additionally, the Battery was used as a public time marker, with 3 shots fired daily at sunrise, noon, and sunset. Note: Some websites say 12 pm and 4 pm. I believe we saw it fired around 4 pm before re-boarding our cruise ship!
To find the Saluting Battery, follow the signs starting at the main entrance into Valletta. These will take you along South Street onto Castille Place past the Auberge de Castille and to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The battery can be entered from both the Gardens and Battery Street adjacent to it.
Aside from the daily shots fired from this spot, you should also check out the Changing of the Guard ceremony during your one day in Valletta, Malta! The ceremony symbolizes a formal handing over of responsibility from one guard to another — just like the guards do at Buckingham Palace. If you happen to be in Valletta on the last Friday of the month, head over to St. George’s Square in the morning to witness this centuries-old tradition.
Pro-tip: The Saluting Battery also offered guided tours and access to museums with various war relics. It’s open from 10 am to 4 pm daily and costs 3 Euro for adults to visit. There are additional, exclusive tours to visit the HQ War tunnels. This Valletta walking tour focuses primarily on the Maltese war history + knighthood.
3. Upper And Lower Barrakka Gardens
Since Valletta is an ancient walled city, you must pass through one of the main city gates to access it. My sister and I walked a short 10-15 minutes from the cruise port to the outskirts of the walls and took an elevator up into the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Upper Barrakka Lift & Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Lift is newly reopened and links the Grand Harbor to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Valletta cit center. It’s in the same location as the original lift that operated here from 1905-1973!
This is definitely the quickest way to get into the city from the Valletta Waterfront as the journey up only takes about 25 seconds! The lift can carry 21 people at a time, and is the best way to access the city via the cruise ship Valletta Passenger Terminal. A round trip on the lift costs €1.00 per person, and it’s well worth the cash spent! This is a common way to access both the gardens and the city.
Once you enter the city walls you’ll be greeted by the Upper gardens. They are so stunning… talk about a warm welcome! The gardens are open daily from 7 am – 10 pm and are free to the public. This walking tour includes a stroll through the Upper Gardens!
The gardens were created in 1661, but were private gardens for the Knights. In 1824, they were opened to the public and offer panoramic views of the harbor and three cities. The gardens themselves host a collection of statues and plaques that represent Maltese history.
Looking for a refreshing drink or snack? Head to the Upper Barrakka Kiosk for ice cream, coffee, tea, and the famous Maltese pastizzi: a traditional savory pastry from Malta. Pastizzi usually have a filling either of ricotta or curried peas.
Lower Gardens
The Upper Gardens are more popular to visit. However, you can walk down to the Lower Barrakka Gardens from the Upper gardens in 15 minutes. Just head down St. Ursula’s Street and then turn towards your right about half way down the hill. You should spot the gardens easily at this point.
4. Grand Master’s Palace In St. George’s Square
St. George’s Square is located in the heart of the city and is a must-see during your one day in Valletta, Malta. The Grand Master’s Palace is a center of power and symbol of Malta. It was also the first building to be constructed by the Knights of St. John over 400 years ago. It’s been expanded over the years, but was used as the Governor’s Palace during the British period, and was the seat of Malta’s first constitutional parliament in 1921. Presently, the Palace is the seat of the Office of the President of Malta.
Visitors can explore over 85% of the Palace on tours to see restored State Rooms, the Throne Room, the Grand Master’s Sitting Room, and maybe paintings and art works throughout. You can also explore a historic armory collection from the Order of St. John. The Grand Master’s Palace is one of the most visited sites in the city and should be included in your one day in Valletta, Malta itinerary. It welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year!
Pro-tip: Traveling by cruise ship? This 5 hour excursion is PERFECT for cruise passengers! It includes a visit to Mdina, plus all of the top sights within Valletta: Grand Master’s Palace, Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and more!
5. National Library Of Malta
The National Library of Malta, often known as the Bibliotheca, is a reference library in Republic Square, Valletta, Malta. It was founded by Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc in 1776.
The library is located adjacent to the Grand Master Palace Courtyard. The library is open to visitors from about 8 am in the morning until 4 pm, but is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Pro-tip: Even if you don’t want to explore the inside of the library (we didn’t!), you should still take photos of the beautiful facade. There are several bistros and cafes out front to grab a bite to eat or drink at.
6. Triton’s Fountain
So, now you know about the city’s most famous church and palace. Would it really be a day in a European city without recommending a fountain to see as well? The most famous fountain located in Valletta is the Triton Fountain, located near the bus terminal. Which BTW — is the easiest way to get to Mdina!
Located just outside the City Gate of Valletta, Triton’s Fountain is one of the main landmarks that tourists will stop to take a picture of. The statue consists of three bronze mythological Tritons (gods of the sea) each of which look towards the entrance of the city. It has been in the city since the 1960s, but was refurbished in 2018.
7. Fort St. Elmo & The National War Museum
Located on the very northern corner of the peninsula of Valletta is the star-shaped Fort Saint Elmo. It looms over both the Marsamxett Harbor and Grand Harbor, and is best known for its role in the Ottoman Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
Today, the fort and museums contain a treasure trove of artifacts and military relics. Opened in 1975, the restored National War Museum explores Malta’s military history through artifacts and rotating exhibits. The museum is also home to the George Cross, which the Maltese were awarded with following their valiant efforts in World War II.
8. South Street
As mentioned towards the beginning of this guide, all of Valletta is a protected (and beautiful!) UNESCO World Heritage site. Each cobblestone street that you walk on is sure to transport you back through 450 years of history. All of them are Instagrammable. However, South Street is one of the most stunning! It’s a bit quieter than the main shopping roads and sometimes is covered in colorful flags. Be sure to check it out during your one day in Valletta, Malta!
9. Shopping On The Main Roads
Every major city has its own streets. In London it’s Oxford Street, and in Malta it’s Strait Street. Strait Street, known as Strada Stretta to the locals, even had a TV show! It’s most well-known for its nightlife — especially during the 19th century when American + British military would visit. Today, Strait Street is just as lively. In recent years it has been revived with new bars, restaurants, and live music joints.
Republic Street is another main street in Valletta. It goes all the way from the City Gate to Fort St. Elmo. It’s also one of the most crowded streets since it has so many shops and cafes, but it’s beautiful! And definitely the place to be.
Old Bakery Street is also noteworthy. It was where the bakeries of the Grandmaster were built in the late 1500s. These bakeries supplied baked goods to locals and the Knights of St. John’s hospitals, prisons, and navy.
10. Three Cities Harbor Tour
Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua are located across from Valletta in the Grand Harbor and are known collectively as the Three Cities. There are several tours offered that will allow you to learn about the island’s tumultuous history as you visit this trio of fortified citadels, once the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller. Plus, the boat tours are short in length (1.5-2 hours), so they can easily fit into your plans for your one day in Valletta, Malta, and will also bring you up close & personal to Fort St. Elmo! The best way to explore the surrounding area of Valletta is by boat.
Pro-tip: This 4 hour private shore excursion includes both a walking tour of Valletta and a boat trip around the Grand Harbor to visit the Three Cities. This is the most comprehensive tour you can do during your one day in Valletta (if you want to get on the water!).
That brings us to the end of this list of 10 can’t-miss things to do and see during your one day in Valletta, Malta! This list includes sites to visit, offers a few tour recommendations, and the best places to shop. I didn’t provide any accommodation recommendations since we just spent one day in Valletta on a Mediterranean cruise. Have more than one day? Spend a day exploring the best of Mdina, Malta’s attractions!
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