Widely known for its ancient history including influences from the civilization of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs, its unique position in the Mediterranean sea, its famous traditional, colorful, wooden, Maltese balconies and plenty of sightseeing and with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Malta is one of the most unique countries to visit in Europe. Take a look at some of the best things you can do in Malta!
Day 1
Valletta
Grandmaster’s Palace and Armory
The Grandmaster’s Palace was built between the 16th and 18th century by the Order of St. John, who ruled Malta and it was one of the first buildings constructed at the heart of the new city of Valletta, founded by Grand Master Jean de Valette. It currently houses the Office of the President of Malta. Moreover, the Palace State Rooms and the Palace Armory are open to the public as a museum run by Heritage Malta. However, the building is currently undergoing a major restoration leaving only part of the armory accessible to the public, via the entrance on the Merchant’s Street. The visitors can view the unique display of Grand Masters Alof de Wignacourt’s and Jean de La Valette’s armor suits and weapons used by the Ottoman Empire during the Great Siege of 1565, and a selection of artillery pieces.
The admission fees for the Palace Armory are:
– Adults (18 – 59 years): €6
– Youths (12 – 17 years), Senior Citizens (60 years & over), Concessions, and Students: €4.50
– Children (6 -11 years): €3.00
– Infants (1 -5 years): Free
The Palace Armory is open 09:00 – 17:00 on Mondays & 09:00 – 16:30 on Tuesdays – Sundays.
❗Note that all Heritage Malta museums and sites close on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday
National Library of Malta
The National Library of Malta also known as the Bibliotheca was founded by Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc in 1776. It has been a legal deposit library since 1925, and it has the largest collection of Melitensia along with that of the University of Malta. The library also contains the archives of the Order of St. John, the Università of Mdina and the Università of Valletta.
Republic Street
It is the primary shopping street in Valletta, mostly pedestrianized and runs through the center of the city. More specifically, at Republic Street lie the city’s Gate, the Parliament building, the Royal Opera House, the Triton Fountain and Fort St. Elmo. At the street are also located many chain and local restaurants, cafes and hotels, making it one of Valletta’s busiest streets. Other than the abovementioned be prepared to be truly impressed by the beautiful, colorful, wooden, traditional Maltese balconies on every single home, harking back to ancient times.
Red Balconies and Phone Booths District
Definitely one very instagrammable and picturesque spot in Valletta.
????You can find it at Battery Street above the Victoria Gate.
Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul’s Shipwreck
The Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck is one of Valletta’s oldest churches, dating back to the 1570s. Furthermore, it is a Roman Catholic parish church which hosts many significant works of arts. For instance, the magnificent altarpiece by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio, the paintings by Attilio Palombi, and Giuseppe Calì, the relic of the right wrist-bone of St Paul, and part of the column from San Paolo alle Tre Fontane, on which the saint was beheaded in Rome.
Tritons Fountain
Located just outside the City Gate of Valletta, the Tritons Fountain is considered to be one of Malta’s most significant monuments. It consists of three bronze Tritons holding up a large basin, balanced on a concentric base built out of concrete and clad in travertine slabs. It was designed by Vincent Apap and was constructed between 1952 and 1959. In addition, the fountain became a significant symbol of strength and has been highlighting the island’s relation to the Mediterranean Sea. In the latest years, the Triton figures have been restored to its original blue color and new pipework and a new pump room have also been installed.
Valletta City Gate
As you enter Valletta walking towards the bridge spanning across Valletta’s deep ditch, the first thing you definitely notice is the magnificent City Gate, which was built between 2011 and 2014 to designs of the Italian architect Renzo Piano. Throughout the years, many gates have been constructed. More specifically, the first gate was constructed in 1569–1633.
St. Catherine of Italy
This church was built in 1576 by the Italian knights of St John to serve as their church. Today the church still serves as the parish church of the Italian community of Malta. Moreover, inside the church a titular painting, painted by Mattia Preti can be found. It depicts the martyrdom of St Catherine of Alexandria.
St. Publius Church
It is a Roman Catholic parish church, dedicated to Saint Publius. It was constructed at several stages between the 18th and 20th century.
📍It is located at 48 Triq Il-Miratur, Il-Furjana.
Merchants Street
Together with the Republic Street, they are the longest and busiest streets of Valletta. The Merchants streets also hosts a daily street market. There you can find numerous imposing houses, palaces and churches.
Saint John’s Co-Cathedral
This Roman Catholic Church was built by the Order of the Knights of St John and was completed in 1577. It was commissioned by the Order’s military engineer and architect Girolamo Cassar. Throughout the centuries, every grand master and many knights donated gifts of high artistic value and made enormous contributions to enrich the church, with the best works of art by leading artists of the time. Furthermore, Grand Masters Martin de Redin, Raphael Cotoner, Nicolas Cotoner and Ramon Perellos y Roccaful are buried in funerary monuments in this chapel. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the most important landmarks for those seeking arts and culture in Valletta. The Co-Cathedral is also home to one of the most internationally recognised works by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known as ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ (1608).
The cathedral is open to the public from Mondays to Fridays between 10:30 and 14:30 (last admission at 14:00), and on Saturdays between 09:30 and 12:30 (last admission at 12:00). It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The entrance fee is €15 for adults, €7.50 for students or senior citizens, while children under the age of 12 enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult. This fee includes the provision of audio guides available in Maltese, English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Russian.
Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens along with the Lower Barrakka Gardens offer an endless panoramic view of the Grand Harbor, Senglea, Birgu, Fort Ricasoli, Fort St. Angelo and many more. The Gardens may be one of the most picturesque spots in Malta, combining both an amazing sea view and a nicely decorated garden with pathways.
The entrance to the gardens is free and the gardens open from 07:00 to 22:00. At the Barrakka gardens, you can also find the monument of Vice Admiral Sir F Alexander John Ball delegated by Lord Nelson and the Barrakka lift. The Barrakka Lift, was constructed in 2012, on the site of a previous lift which had been operating from 1905 to 1973 and which was demolished in 1983. The lift is located inside the ditch of the fortifications of Valletta, and it links Lascaris Wharf to St. Peter and Paul Bastion and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. It therefore allows access from the Grand Harbour to the city and it only costs 1euro. However, an alternative free route is also available to reach the Valletta Waterfront including some very picturesque alleys. Take a look!
Moreover, everyday at 12:00 and 16:00 the Saluting Battery takes place, in which a cannon once fired salutes to visiting naval vessels.
Birgu
Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa is an old fortified city on the south side of the Grand Harbor and one of the 3 cities located across Valletta. It used to be the old capital of Malta, prior to Valletta. Furthermore, Birgu tends not to be so much overcrowded by tourists, so it is a great choice for those seeking to enjoy a quieter stroll to its beautiful alleys full of picturesque buildings with traditional Maltese balconies and architecture.
At Birgu also lies the Fort Sant Angelo which was originally a medieval castle after the Order of Saint John during the 1500s and the church of St. Lawrence rebuilt it, one of the largest and oldest churches in Malta. One of the best things to do in Birgu is to walk alongside its Waterfront, enjoying the cool breeze, the beautiful views to Valletta and the beautiful luxury and traditional fisherman’s boats floating at the sea.
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Birgu Clock Tower
The Birgu Clock Tower is believed to have been built in Medieval times, it served the purpose of a watchtower. A bell was later installed, with a clock added to the higher levels in the 17th century. During the course of World War II, Birgu was heavily bombed due to its proximity to the Malta Dockyard and the Vittoriosa Clock Tower was hit in two seperate attacks.
How to reach Birgu
The way to reach Birgu is by a boat or by car. You can take the more traditional and fascinating option which is a gondola that takes about 10 minutes and costs 2euros per person, per route. You can also do a 30 minutes tour across the 3 cities Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua which costs 7euros per person. The other option is to take a ferry which also costs 2euros. Taxis are also available taking aproximetely 11 minutes. You can also choose to take the bus. Busses 1, 2, 3, 5 and 213 leave from the Main Bus Station.
Day 2
The old city of Mdina
Widely known for the several GOT scenes that were shot there, Mdina is definitely must visit destination when travelling to Malta. From beautiful alleys and colorful doors to amazing views and Churches, Mdina has a lot to offer.
Mdina Main Gate
It is the main gate into the fortified city of Mdina. The rear of the gate is decorated with reliefs of St. Publius, St. Agatha and St. Paul. The arched stone bridge leading to the gate is also decorated with lion statues. Horse carriages passing through the gate give such an old era vibe to this old city.
The Gate is displayed in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 3 where Lady Catelyn Stark rides into King’s Landing along with Ser Rodrick Cassel in the hopes of finding her husband, Ned Stark.
The gate is seen again later in the same episode when Catelyn Stark says goodbye to her husband Ned.
Whether a GOT fan or not prepare to be amazed!
St Paul’s Cathedral
Passing through the Mdina Main Gate, you come across the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the most dominant structure within the old city of Mdina. The church was constructed in 1702 after the old church was destroyed by an earthquake. The cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta, and since the 19th century this function has been shared with St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
The church is open:
Monday to Saturday from 9.30am – 4.30pm
Sunday from 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Mdina Ditch Garden
Mdina’s ditch was created in the 15th century but was later rebuilt by the Knights of St John’s military architect Charles François de Mondion. In the latest years the Mdina city walls overgrowned with ivy and vegetation and the ditch was filled by almost 300 citrus and olive trees. In 2015, the trees were removed and replaced with lawn and stone paving and the bastions were restored.
Panoramic Malta Viewpoint (Cidatel)
📍Mdina fortress, Triq Mesquita, Mdina, Malta
The famous blue door of Mdina
📍The door is located at the same alley with Coogi’s Restaurant & Tea Garden.
Mdina’s Doors
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Palazzo Vilhena: National Museum of Natural History
The museum displays a variety of Maltese ecosystems (both on ground and under water), focusing on endemic plants and birds of the Islands, such as the Maltese Centaury and Blue Rock Thrush as well as minerals, fossils, insects, reptiles, birds, mammals, fish and sections about Geology and Palaeontology.
Opening hours:
Tue to Sun (Closed on Good Friday, Christmas Eve & Day, New Year’s Eve & Day): 09.00 am – 16.30 pm
Ticket prices:
Youths (12-17): €5.00
Senior Citizens (60+): €5.00
Concessions & Students: €5.00
Children (6-11): €4.00
Infants (1-5): Free
Fortress Alleys
📍Located at the Entrance of Fontanella Tea Garden.
How to reach Mdina
You can either visit Mdina by bus, a rental car or a taxi. We recommend the bus option, more specifically the bus lines 51, 52 and 53, which take approximately 40 minutes and cost 1 – 2 euros depending on the season. The bus timelines are very frequent as well. The bus departs from the Valletta Bus Terminus. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver. You should also verify the destination with the driver. The bus stop name is Rabat 1.
Where To Stay In Malta
AX The Saint John Boutique Hotel.
📍Located at Valletta. 176,Merchants Street, VLT1174, Malta.
Some Useful Tips
Currency
The currency in Malta is the Euro.
Airport Transfer
Getting from Valletta or any other region to the Airport as well as the opposite way is pretty simple. Buses run from Malta Airport to various locations. The express services X1 (Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal), X2 (Sliema, St Julian’s), X3 (Bugibba) and X4 (Valletta and Birzebbuga) depart in front of the terminal, approximately every half hour. The bus ride to and from Valletta takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Bus routes 71, 72 and 73 do not stop in front of Malta Airport, but a 5-minute walk from the terminal at bus stop Cintra, Hal Luqa. For some time now you can also travel non-stop from the airport to St Julian’s by bus line TD2, the same applies to Bugibba and Qawra with bus line TD3.
Transportation
As already above-mentioned one of the best ways of transportation in Malta is the public bus.
The prices for public transport in Malta are low. Tickets valid for 120 minutes including transfers cost € 1.50 or € 2.00 per person and can be purchased from the ticket vending machines, ticket counter and bus driver (only with cash). The price depends on the time of year, from mid-June to mid-October you pay the more expensive summer rate of € 2.00. You can also buy a ticket / tallinja card for 12 single journeys (€ 15.00) or 7 days (€ 21.00 for adults, € 15.00 for children). You can purchase these tickets in the Arrivals hall of the terminal, just like the personalised tallinja card.
Another useful option is renting a car. There are many rental car companies all of which are located at the Airport. Notice that in the high seasons car rental gets really pricy. You should also make sure to book your rental car in advance and always check the reviews to avoid getting scammed.
Budget
A meal at a restaurant in Malta costs around €35 on average.
The average hotel price in Malta for a couple is approximately 150 € although there are cheaper options available, Hostels and Airbnb for example.
The public transport is very organized and affordable, operating daily between 5:30 and 23:00hrs. You can purchase tickets from the Bus Driver on all our Buses. These Cash Tickets are Single Journey tickets that you can use to get to any destination within two hours, including interchanging. Rates vary between Summer and Winter months. Summer rates apply between mid-June and mid-October. On the winter Months a cash ticket costs 1.5 € and 2 € on the summer months. Night service costs 3 €. Cards containing multiple tickets are also available. For more information click here:
https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/bus-card-and-ticketing
Safety
Malta has been named as the safest country in Europe 2 times.
According to the 2019 Global Wealth Migration Review, published by the New World Health, Malta ranked second globally and first in Europe regarding its safety. In general, the people in Malta are really friendly, social and helpful.