1 day travel itinerary for Valletta, Malta

Valletta is Malta’s beautiful capital city which is teaming with historical features, chocked full of elegant balconies and brimming with bars and restaurants. Valletta is also an ideal place to stay if you want access to anywhere around the island of Malta or neighbouring islands Gozo and Comino.

Morning: Depending on where you’re staying, you can catch a local bus to Valletta terminus for only €2. Alternatively, ferries from areas such as Sliema and the Three Cities can be taken around the clock and offer a fantastic view of the walled city. As you stroll around the capital, the main attractions worth visiting include the following:

• The City Gate: You will also walk through here if you arrive by bus
• Triton Fountain
• Parliament of Malta
• St John’s Co-Cathedral: The oldest cathedral in Malta
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Grandmaster Palace Courtyard: The beating heart of the city and home to various swanky restaurants during the evening hours
• St John’s Square
• Il-Berga ta’ Kastilja
• St Catherine of Italy Church: You might even spot a lavish wedding here!
• St Elmo Bay: If you walk around this bay, you will get amazing views and this is also where the national war museum is based
• Siege Bell War Memorial
• Lower Barrakka Gardens
• Church of St Lucy
• Upper Barrakka Gardens: You can also catch an elevator alongside the enormous walls of the city, down to the harbour, where the Gozo fast ferry departs from

Don’t forget to stop off for a delicious ice cream at Tiffany’s in the centre of Valletta!

Afternoon: There really is beauty around every corner in Valletta! Since the city is based on a circular loop, you don’t have to travel far to stumble upon a traditional apartment, a charming cathedral or breathtaking views of the surrounding cities. Alternatively, there are also guided tours for around €5 which can be taken from main areas such as the Grandmaster Palace Courtyard and relieve those weary feet. By now you might even start to feel peckish? I would recommend ‘Manon’ restaurant on South Street for the best beef tagliatelle!

Evening: Finish off a perfect day in Valletta by sitting along the steps of one of the many side street bars. My personal favourite was the street of Triq S. Lucija, or ‘Cafe Society’ bar on Triq San Gwann but you really can’t find a bad spot within the entire city. Sip on a fresh cocktail, sample some of the local wine or enjoy a refreshing glass of Cisk, the national beer.

The people of Malta truly relish in their ‘fests’ and celebratory events. So, if you’re lucky, you will also see a traditional Valletta firework display over the harbour, which can be viewed along the backdrop of the three cities; Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua.

If you’re planning on visiting Malta, take a look at my other travel itineraries for Marsaskala and Marsaxlokk.