Valletta Itinerary: How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Malta

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Valletta may be one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, but there’s plenty to see and do. From historic landmarks and museums to waterfront views, great restaurants, and day trips around Malta, you can easily spend one, two, or even three days exploring the city with a Valletta itinerary.

I spent several days exploring Valletta during my trip to Malta, and this itinerary includes the best things to do, where to eat, and tips to help you make the most of your visit, whether you’re staying for one day or a long weekend.

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Published: August 19, 2025

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Valletta Itinerary: Multi-day options

Whether you’re visiting for one day or planning a longer stay, the itineraries below will help you make the most of your time in Valletta. Start with the one-day Valletta itinerary, then add Days 2 and 3 if you have more time.

One Day in Valletta

If you only have one day in Valletta, you can still see many of the city’s top attractions. This itinerary covers the historic landmarks, great restaurants, and beautiful harbor views that make Valletta one of the best places to visit in Malta.

Morning

Start your day in Valletta at Upper Barrakka Gardens. It’s one of the best spots for views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, and it’s especially peaceful early in the morning before it gets crowded.

If you’re there at noon, you can watch the Saluting Battery, a traditional cannon firing that takes place every day.

After soaking in the views, head toward St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The outside is fairly simple, but the interior is one of the most impressive in Malta. Inside, you’ll find ornate decorations, marble tombs, and Caravaggio’s famous painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Entry costs around €15 and includes an audio guide. You’ll need about 30 to 45 minutes to go through it properly.

If you want to see all these sites in Valletta, but want to learn about them as well, try a guided walking tour of Valletta.

Lunch

For lunch, you have a few great options nearby. If you’re in the mood for something local, head to Nenu the Artisan Baker and try their traditional ftira, a local flatbread topped with fresh ingredients. If you want something a bit more refined, Legligin offers small Maltese sharing plates in a warm, rustic setting.

Or, if you’re just craving a solid plate of pasta, Trattoria Romana Zero Sei is a local favorite. Most restaurants in Valletta open around noon or 12:30 PM, and they fill up fast, so it’s smart to go early if you don’t have a booking.

Afternoon

After lunch, walk down to Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum, which sits right at the tip of Valletta. It’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the center, and the museum covers Malta’s military history from the Knights to World War II. It’s well-organized and usually takes about an hour or so to explore.

If you’re not into military history, you could skip the fort and visit MUŻA, Malta’s National Museum of Art, instead. It’s much smaller and takes less time, but gives you a nice look at local and European art in a restored building. Before dinner, take time to explore Republic Street and Merchants Street. These are the city’s two main pedestrian streets and have everything from shops and small markets to gelato stands and local boutiques. They’re great for a relaxed wander or picking up souvenirs.

Evening

For dinner, you can keep it casual or go a bit more upscale depending on your mood. Guze Bistro is a great place for a relaxed but high-quality Maltese meal, with dishes that change seasonally. If you want a view with your meal, The Harbour Club offers waterfront seating and a slightly more refined menu.

If you’d prefer something low-key, Beati Paoli is a quieter option tucked into a side street, with good food and a calm atmosphere. After dinner, walk over to Lower Barrakka Gardens for sunset or just to wind down. It’s quieter than Upper Barrakka and gives you one last beautiful view of the harbor before ending your day.

2 Day Valletta Itinerary

If you have a second day in Valletta, you can add some of the city’s museums, historic buildings, and quieter streets to your itinerary. This itinerary includes a mix of history, culture, and great places to eat.

Morning

If you didn’t have time to visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral on Day 1, start your morning here. The interior is one of the most impressive in Malta, with ornate decorations, marble tombs, and Caravaggio’s famous painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Take some time to look at the marble tombstones that cover the floor. They’re one of the cathedral’s most unique features. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour here with the audio guide.

For a great way to see the city, take a guided walking tour of Valletta with optional Cathedral entry.

From there, walk five minutes to MUŻA, Malta’s National Museum of Art, if you didn’t go yesterday. It’s tucked inside a restored old building with a courtyard and doesn’t usually draw big crowds. The museum focuses on both Maltese and European art, with some rotating exhibitions. It’s a smaller museum, so you can explore it in under an hour if you’re short on time.

Lunch

For lunch, head to Strait Street, one of Valletta’s most historic streets. It was once known for its nightlife and was a popular spot for sailors and British servicemen. Today, it’s lined with restaurants, wine bars, and outdoor seating, making it a great place to take a break before continuing your itinerary.

If you’re looking for a casual meal, try Tico Tico or Yard 32. Both are popular options for small plates, drinks, and local ingredients. If you’d rather have a full meal, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood, pasta, and traditional Maltese dishes nearby.

Afternoon

After lunch, make your way to the Grandmaster’s Palace, one of the most historically important buildings in Malta. It used to be the home of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St. John and later housed the British governors.

Parts of it are still used for official government business, but most of it is open to the public when not under renovation. Inside, you’ll find grand halls, tapestries, and a full arms collection. Double-check the opening times before you go, as it sometimes closes for state functions.

From there, walk just a few blocks to Casa Rocca Piccola, a privately owned 16th-century palazzo. Unlike a traditional museum, this is an actual home, still lived in by the de Piro family.

Guided tours are offered in English and run every hour or so. The guided tour takes you through the historic rooms, WWII shelters, and courtyard. It’s not too long (about 45 minutes), but it gives you a more personal, intimate view of how people actually lived in Valletta over the centuries.

If you finish early and want something extra, stop by The Toy Museum near Republic Street with vintage toys and collectibles. It’s niche but charming, especially if you’re into retro things.

Evening

Valletta starts to slow down in the evenings, and this is when it’s best to find a rooftop restaurant or somewhere along the water for dinner.

If you want good food and a view, try The Harbour Club or Rampila. Both have terrace seating and Mediterranean menus with fresh seafood and seasonal produce. Make a reservation if you’re visiting in peak season, especially if you want a sunset table.

After dinner, check if anything is showing at Manoel Theatre. It’s one of the oldest working theatres in Europe and still hosts a mix of opera, music, plays, and dance.

If there’s a performance during your visit, it’s worth checking the schedule. Manoel Theatre is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe and offers a variety of performances throughout the year.

If there’s nothing that interests you, take a walk along the waterfront near the Siege Bell War Memorial or return to Upper Barrakka Gardens for a nighttime view of the harbor. It’s just as beautiful in the evening, but much quieter.

Day 3 in Valletta: Day Trips

If you’re spending three days in Valletta, use your final day to explore more of Malta. Thanks to the island’s small size, you can easily visit several nearby destinations on a day trip.

Most day trips from Valletta take between 30 and 60 minutes, making it easy to explore other parts of the island by bus, ferry, rental car, or guided tour. Here are some of the best options to add to your Valletta itinerary.

Visit the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua)

One of the easiest and most underrated trips from Valletta is to the Three Cities, just across the Grand Harbour. You can get there in about 10 minutes by ferry, which runs regularly from the Valletta waterfront and only costs around €1.50 each way (or use your Tallinja card). If you take the ferry, sit on the upper deck for some of the best views of Valletta’s skyline.

Once you arrive, start with Birgu (Vittoriosa), the most historic of the three. Birgu is the oldest and most historic of the three cities, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and impressive fortifications. The Inquisitor’s Palace and Fort St. Angelo are both open to the public and worth seeing if you’re interested in the Knights-era history.

You can walk from Birgu to Senglea and Cospicua, the other two cities, in about 10 to 15 minutes each. Senglea has a nice garden at the tip of the peninsula with another amazing view of Valletta, and Cospicua is quieter, with some old churches and a more lived-in feel. If you want a half-day outing that’s close by and not full of tourists, this is the one.

Mdina: Malta’s Old Capital

Mdina is a medieval walled city that sits right in the center of the island, about 30 to 40 minutes from Valletta by bus (Route 51, 52, or 53 from the main terminal), or you can book a tour to Mdina. The city is known for its quiet streets, historic architecture, and car-free center.

Mdina is best explored on foot. Spend your time wandering the streets, visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral, stopping for coffee, and enjoying the city’s peaceful atmosphere.

If you’re planning to take a lot of photos, you might want to check out these Malta Instagram Captions: 100+ Perfect Quotes for Your Photos to save yourself the stress of thinking up something clever later.

Right outside Mdina’s gate is Rabat, which has a more local feel. Stop by Crystal Palace for their famous pastizzi, a flaky pastry stuffed with ricotta or peas, served hot. You can easily combine Mdina and Rabat into one day.

Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk

If you want more of a scenic coastal experience, spend the day heading south to Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk. You’ll need to book a tour, take a taxi, rent a car, or catch two buses (it takes a bit longer by public transport, so this is better if you’re not in a rush).

Start at Blue Grotto, a sea cave formation with clear turquoise water that’s famous for boat tours. Boats run from a small dock below the cliff and take you through sea arches and into the caves. Visit earlier in the day for the best lighting and calmer water. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs around €8. If you’re not into boats, there’s a panoramic viewpoint above the grotto with a short walking trail that’s free and easy to reach.

After the grotto, head to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village about 15 minutes away. Sundays are busiest because of the market, but even on weekdays it’s worth visiting for a walk along the harbor and a seafood lunch. The brightly colored fishing boats, called luzzus, are always floating in the water, and there’s usually a quiet, breezy vibe, especially in the late afternoon.

Grab lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. Tartarun or La Nostra Padrona are two popular picks if you want fresh fish and pasta with a view.

Sliema and St. Julian’s

If you want something easier, quicker, or more modern, take the ferry across the water to Sliema, which runs every 30 minutes from Valletta’s waterfront. It’s more commercial, with shops, cafes, and a long promenade you can walk all the way to St. Julian’s if you’re up for it.

Sliema is a good option if you want to spend the day shopping, walking along the waterfront, or relaxing at a café. From there, you can continue to nearby St. Julian’s, which is known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Gozo or the Blue Lagoon (Long Day Trip)

This one takes more planning and an early start, but it’s doable as a full-day trip. You’ll need to take a bus or Bolt to the northern ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa, then catch a fast ferry to Gozo or Comino (Blue Lagoon). Ferries run regularly, and the trip across is about 20–25 minutes.

Gozo is Malta’s greener, hillier sister island. It’s great for a countryside drive, small villages, and scenic stops like Dwejra Bay, Ramla Beach, and the Citadel in Victoria. You can rent a car for the day or take a guided tour to make it easier.

If you’d rather spend your time swimming and relaxing, head to Blue Lagoon on Comino. The water here is crystal clear and looks like something off a postcard. It can get crowded, especially in summer, so aim to go early and bring sunscreen, snacks, and water.

Tours to Book in Valletta

Booking a tour is a good way to learn about Valletta’s long history and hidden spots, and make the most of your itinerary. Here are some of the popular tours you shouldn’t miss:

Where to Stay in Valletta?

Valletta is one of the best places to stay in Malta if you want to be within walking distance of historic attractions, restaurants, museums, and the ferry terminals. While hotels here can be more expensive than in other parts of the island, staying in the capital makes it easy to explore both Valletta and nearby destinations.

Budget: Mandera’s Boutique Suites & Dorms – Mandera’s Boutique Suites & Dorms is a great budget-friendly option in the heart of Valletta. The property offers both dorms and private rooms, making it a good choice for solo travelers, couples, and groups. It’s within walking distance of Republic Street, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and many of the city’s top attractions.

Mid-Range: Casa Asti – Casa Asti is a boutique hotel set inside a traditional Maltese building in a quieter part of Valletta. The comfortable rooms, historic character, and central location make it a great choice if you want an authentic stay while still being within walking distance of the city’s main attractions.

Luxury: Iniala Harbour House – Iniala Harbour House is one of the top luxury hotels in Valletta. Located along the Grand Harbour, it offers spacious rooms, harbor views, a spa, and an on-site restaurant. If you’re looking for a luxury stay in the heart of the city, this is one of the best options.

For even more options, check out this map of Valletta to find an option in your budget:

Valletta Travel Tips

Before you go, here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your Valletta itinerary.

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes – Valletta is easy to explore on foot, but the streets are made of uneven stone and there are plenty of hills and stairs. Comfortable walking shoes will make exploring the city much easier.

2. Check attraction hours before you visit – Some museums and historic sites have shorter hours on Sundays or may close for special events. If you’re planning to visit places like the Grandmaster’s Palace or Casa Rocca Piccola, check their opening hours before you go.

3. Take the ferry when possible – If you’re visiting Sliema or the Three Cities, the ferry is often faster than the bus. It’s an affordable way to get around and offers great views of Valletta from the water.

4. See if the Malta Discount Card is worth it – If you plan to visit several museums, historic sites, or other attractions, compare the cost of individual tickets with the Malta Discount Card before you buy. It can save you money, but only if you’ll use the included attractions.

5. Plan around the summer heat – If you’re visiting between June and September, expect hot temperatures with very little shade. Visit outdoor attractions in the morning or evening, and use the hottest part of the day to explore museums, enjoy lunch, or relax in a café. Bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.

6. Book popular attractions in advance – St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Casa Rocca Piccola, and some guided tours can sell out during the busiest months. Booking tickets ahead of time can help you avoid long waits and make the most of your time in Valletta.

Wrap-Up: Valletta Itinerary

Valletta ended up being one of my favorite places to visit in Malta. Between the historic streets, incredible architecture, waterfront views, and easy access to the rest of the island, it’s a destination that’s worth more than just a quick stop.

I hope this Valletta itinerary helps you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Malta, whether you’re visiting for one day or spending a long weekend exploring everything the city has to offer.

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