Valletta
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Valletta

Malta: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

Malta: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

Uncover the beauty of Malta's coast on this full-day Cruise from Bugibba. Swim at the Blue Lagoon and enjoy some free time exploring the island of Gozo. Select from different boats and departure times. Your tour begins from the tourist town of Bugibba, where your vessel departs on an unforgettable two-island cruise. From the open sea, you will experience Malta from a truly unique and beautiful vantage point. Relax with refreshments available to purchase on board. Cruise close to the coast whilst witnessing Malta's magnificent naturally formed coastline, including its enormous cliffs, rocky nooks, and crannies. You will pass the tiny Island of St. Paul's, viewing the statue of the apostle St. Paul as it rises high into the sky. You will also get to visit magnificent sea caves, allowing you to take amazing photographs. Start with a stop at Crystal Lagoon (high season only), a spot many tourists don't know about. Witness the unbelievably clear water, perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Take a plunge into its crystal clear waters from one of three waterslides, or jump from the top deck if you dare. Then, depart to the famous Blue Lagoon. Enjoy being moored for an hour right next to it with a good view from the docking position. Use the boat as a base, using all the fantastic facilities. Once you arrive at Gozo Island, the land transport (if selected when booking) will take you to the capital city of Gozo, which the locals call Rabat. This small city has a wealth of charm and history, including its impressive citadel. As the day draws closer, we cruise back to Bugibba, entering the Santa Maria pirate caves and viewing the "Elephants Head", a truly amazing rock formation. With different boats to choose from, select your preferred boat and departure time. Your options include medium size boats that offer an experience with fewer people or a larger catamaran that features underwater windows for a unique view of the marine life below. Enhance your experience with onboard waterslides, comfortable seating in shaded and sunny areas, swim ladders, male and female toilets, refreshments for sale, and audio commentary in different languages.

Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

We will stop in 2-3 different locations. The first stop will be the Blue Lagoon. The boat will drop anchor away from the crowds so that you can experience the famous turquoise water peacefully. The stops after the Blue Lagoon depend on the weather/sea conditions. A few of our possible stops are: 1. Crystal Lagoon, surrounded by steep, dramatic cliffs. Its crystal clear waters are much deeper than the Blue Lagoon, making the area fantastic for snorkelling and swimming in and around the caves. During this stop, you can enjoy an optional barbecue. 2. Anchor Bay to view the film set of Popeye’s Village, tucked away in a charming bay. Other stops that could be made include Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, GHajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock. All of these locations are great for snorkelling and swimming. Back on the boat, listen to dance music, and buy cocktails at the bar. If you have selected the afternoon option, relax and watch the sunset on the horizon. After a wonderful day at sea, begin the journey back to Bugibba.

Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour

Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour

Get out on the water on this cruise to the island of Comino and soak up the scenery of the island's north coast. Go to the Blue Lagoon to snorkel and swim, enter the caves of Crystal Lagoon, plunge in the crystal-clear waters from a slide, or simply soak up the sun on the boat's sun deck. After boarding your vessel, your journey to Comino Island will take approximately one hour. You will experience Malta from a beautiful vantage point from the open sea. You will cruise close to the coast, witnessing Malta’s magnificent naturally-formed coastline, including its enormous cliffs, rocky nooks, and crannies. You will soon pass the tiny Island of St. Paul’s, viewing the statue of the apostle Saint Paul which rises high into the sky. You will also visit magnificent sea caves, which will allow you the opportunity to take amazing photographs. You will soon stop for one hour at the stunning but lesser-known Crystal Lagoon (June-October in fair weather conditions only). It is fringed by steep cliffs and therefore accessed only by boats. With unbelievably clear water, it is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. You can plunge into its crystal clear waters from one of the three water slides or jump from the top deck if you dare. During the evening trip, you will stop for 2 hours in the Blue Lagoon and 30 mins in the Crystal Lagoon. After arriving at the Blue Lagoon, you will moor in the prime area. You can then use the boat as a base, utilising all the fantastic facilities, including a huge water slide and sundeck with cushioned sun loungers. You can spend the rest of the afternoon swimming from the boat or walking ashore to explore the tiny island. Comino is also worth a visit in winter and is ideal for walkers and photographers. With no urban areas or cars on the island, one can easily smell the scent of wild thyme and other herbs. With the day drawing to a close, you will cruise back to Bugibba Port, entering the Santa Maria pirate caves and viewing the “Elephants Head”.

From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta's Harbours & Creeks

From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta's Harbours & Creeks

This 90-minute scenic cruise is the perfect introduction to the city of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, and its surroundings. Enjoy a scenic cruise around the two natural harbours of Malta, the majestic Valletta Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett Harbour. Set sail from Sliema Ferries and take in the views of some of Malta's most iconic landmarks. Relax as you cruise by impressive harbours, historic fortifications, various creeks, the renowned 'Three Fortified Cities' of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, busy dockyards, marinas, bastions, and much more. Listen to the audio commentary to uncover the history of Valletta and its surrounding locations. Thanks to the numerous creeks around Valletta, you can enjoy unique views of the city without the heavy crowds. The duration of this cruise is approximately 90 minutes.

From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

Explore the island of Gozo by Jeep and see the most beautiful sights on this day trip from Malta. Stop in the charming towns and enjoy different bays such as Ramla Bay and Xlendi Bay. Uncover the secrets of Calypso's Cave and have a scrumptious lunch. Go to Victoria and ride past the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves. Benefit from hotel pickup in Malta and private boat to Gozo. Meet your driver and head to the Qala Belvedere for panoramic views across the sea, then visit the pretty resort town of Ramla Bay. See ruins at Calypso's Cave, or explore the temple complex of Ġgantija (own expense). Make a stop to refuel with a three-course meal at the beautiful Village of Xewkija. Discover the typical fishing village of Xlendi Bay and marvel at the rock formations of Dwejra. Get up close to the salt pans on the north coast near the beach resort of Marsalforn Bay. Visit the Citadel in the capital city of Victoria, and enjoy some time for a relaxing swim in the sea. End with a powerboat ride back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves.

Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

Experience some of Malta's most interesting highlights in just one day on a guided group tour. Discover the medieval city of Mdina, St. Cataldus Catacombs, and Mosta Rotunda. Stroll through the San Anton Botanical Gardens, take in sea views from Dingli Cliffs, and buy glass from local craftspeople. After hotel pickup, start your tour with the ancient city of Mdina, renowned for its opulent palaces, fortifications, architecture, and ancient heritage. Stroll through the narrow streets of the island's old capital, taking in one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled/fortified city. Take a journey back in time, as the streets have not changed much in the last 1,000 years. Admire the magnificent palazzos and churches in the city's unique mix of medieval and Baroque styles, as well as the spectacular panoramas from the high bastion walls. Leave Mdina through the Greeks Gate. Head to St. Cataldus Catacombs, in Rabat, on the outskirts of Mdina. Discover the catacombs, which were originally a Punic burial shaft, and some of the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. See graves that are beautiful examples of canopied tombs and others hewn in the rocks. Continue to Dingli Cliffs, off the village of Dingli on Malta's western coast, the highest point of the Maltese island at around 253m above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views over the terraced fields underneath and the panorama of the vast open seas with the small uninhabited island of Filfla. After lunch, visit the San Anton Botanical Gardens, built in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence: San Anton Palace, located at the perimeter of the gardens, now serving as the residence of the Maltese President. Next, stop at the Ta' Qali Craft Village, a former British Royal Air Forces wartime airfield restored into a local artisan hub. Watch local craftsmen form elaborate glass art using ancient glassblowing techniques. Get some genuine locally made mementos to remind you of your visit to Malta. End your tour with Malta's largest church, the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, commonly known as the Mosta Rotunda or Mosta Dome. Built between 1833 and the 1860s to Neoclassical designs, the present church is based on the Pantheon in Rome. Discover its dome, the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Finally, return to your hotel.

Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour

Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour

Explore the elegant capital of Malta with a licensed guide and discover masterpieces of Baroque architecture and some of the finest palaces in Europe.  Wander the narrow streets of Valletta and experience its rich history at notable sites from the days of the Knights of St. John and the Grand Master, Jean de Valette. Get a feel for the development of Malta over the centuries and discover an impressive array of buildings, designed by some of the best European architects of the era. Admire the façade of St John's Co-Cathedral, visit Piazza Regina, see the magnificent Bibliotheca Nazionale, and much more.

Malta: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Malta: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Explore Malta's incredible estates, history, and sights at your own pace. Take the exclusive hop-on, hop-off tours, and ride at your own convenience on the open-top double decker buses. During your tour, you can stop at any of the following major attractions in the city, on these routes: South Malta Route (Red Route) • Valletta • Hypogeum • Vittoriosa Waterfront • Zejtun Church • Marsaxlokk Fishing Village • Ghar Dalam Cave & Museum • Blue Grotto • Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples • The Limestone Heritage • Sliema North Malta Route (Blue Route) • Valletta • San Anton Gardens • The Crafts Village • Aviation Museum • Mosta Church • Mdina • Rabat • Mgarr Church • Golden Bay • Bugibba Square • Splash and Fun Water Park • St. George’s Bay • Spinola Bay

Malta: The Three Fortified Cities Tour including Boat Trip

Malta: The Three Fortified Cities Tour including Boat Trip

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since prior to the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. During this half day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area. Pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation! We start with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double fortified harbour city and the largest of the three cities, to reach the city of Vittoriosa, this glorious city has been inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, but the current city dates back from the time of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. Vittoriosa was chosen as the capital city of Malta instead of Mdina upon the arrival of the Order in the year 1530. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the narrow streets of the city admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn. Upon arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa waterfront, board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks. The tour ends at Senglea, named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city, Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta” a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565. The island on which Senglea lies was joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result, it became peninsular in shape. From the Gardjola Gardens located at the tip of the peninsula enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Sant Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of 1565. During the whole tour knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.

From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Quad Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Quad Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

Quad & Buggy drivers must be OVER 21, with a FULL, CURRENT driving licence. Get an adrenaline rush, enjoying a one-of-a-kind adventure tour for thrill seekers. Sail over to the beautiful island of Gozo by powerboat, and trek acorss the island on a quad bike, driving in convoy, led by our experienced tour leaders. See Gozo's most famous, and cherished, hidden landmarks from a different perspective: from the stunning viewpoint of the Qala Belvedere, through to the rugged landscapes of Ramla Valley. Next, marvel at the traditional saltpans before journeying through Ghasri Valley. Discover the incredible Inland Sea at Dwejra and the small islet of Fungus Rock. During Summer, take a swimming break. There is also enough time to buy some authentic Gozitan goods. Then, take a powerboat back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves.

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Frequently asked questions about Valletta

What are the best day trips and excursions from Valletta?

The best day trips and excursions from Valletta are:

See all day trips and excursions from Valletta on GetYourGuide

Insider tips: Explore Valletta like a local

Olly Gaspar is a professional adventure travel photographer and blogger known for his captivating visual storytelling and immersive travel guides. Olly has spent the last five years traveling full-time and posting about his adventures on We Seek Travel.

What should I do on my first trip to Valletta?

If you are visiting the city for the first time, one of the best things to do in Valletta is to visit the St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This ornate 16th-century Baroque church is one of the most famous in the Maltese Islands. Its stunning interior is adorned with intricate carvings, marble statues, and paintings by famous artists including Caravaggio. Another must-see destination is the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This is one of the best places to get breathtaking views of the famous Grand Harbour and across to the Three Cities. Visitors can also watch the Saluting Battery’s daily firing here, a traditional cannon-firing ceremony dating back to the 16th century.

What are some hidden gems to see in Valletta?

Situated on the opposite side of the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the Three Cities of Malta (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua) are three amazing gems worth exploring. To get here, you’ll take a traditional luzzu or dgħajsa ferry, so you can really immerse yourself in Malta’s rich history before you even get there.

How much time should I spend in Valletta?

To make the most of your time in Valletta, spend at least long weekend in the city. In three days, you can easily see all the historical landmarks, like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the Grand Master’s Palace. This will also give you time to visit famous museums and art galleries, including the National War Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology. Valletta is also one of the best places to stay in Malta as you can easily take day trips to explore other parts of the archipelago, including the Blue Lagoon on Comino or the sister island of Gozo.

What food is Valletta known for?

Like most of Malta’s unique culture, its food reflects its rich history and broad cultural influences from Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East. If you want to try something traditional in Valletta, go for the rabbit stew (Stuffat Tal-Fenek in Maltese). The dish is a hearty, slow-cooked stew made with rabbit, tomatoes, red wine, garlic, onions, and various delicious herbs and spices. If street food is more your thing, you must try Pastizzi, a savory pastry filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas.

What is the best way to get around Valletta?

Valletta is a small city and the majority of the city’s main attractions are located within the walled area, so it makes exploring in a few days pretty easy. The best way to get around the city’s narrow streets and scenic alleys is by foot. Alternatively, there are plenty of great walking tours in Valletta if you’d prefer to learn about the culture and history from a local guide.

What are the best months to visit Valletta?

May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit Valletta. During these months, the weather is warm but not as hot as the peak summer months. The crowds are also fewer compared to the peak visitor season. Alternatively, a good time to visit for cultural events is during the Maltese Feasts season (June to September). This is one of Malta’s most important cultural traditions and occurs throughout the year in various cities and towns across the island, including Valletta. Each feast is dedicated to a patron saint and is celebrated by colorful processions, music, and huge fireworks displays.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

While Valletta doesn't have large shopping malls or department stores, it has some smaller, more unique shopping areas worth exploring. Republic Street is Valletta's main shopping street, where you’ll find high-end fashion boutiques. Nearby is also the famous Merchant Street, a narrow street lined with vintage and second-hand stores.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Valletta?

Stay in the city center if you can. Valletta is a small city, so you'll be within easy reach of all the main attractions.

Other Sightseeing Options in Valletta

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What people are saying about Valletta

Overall rating

4.1
(2,838 reviews)

Matthew was an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable and open to any questions. We did the tour on the second day of our arrival, and it also gave us a good idea of where things were. Thank you, Matthew, for being a great storyteller.

Gozo Jeep Tour was fantastic! George was an amazing guide – knowledgeable, fun, and made the whole experience unforgettable. George definetely deserves a bonus for his great work. Highly recommend! Tourists from Latvia xxx

Fantastic trip, beautiful island, our guide Keko was friendly and interesting, he was very helpful and funny. this was a fabulous day very well run and worth the money

Chris is very well knowledged. He answered all our questions and pointed out interesting facts on the way back. Looking forward to attend other tours with Chris.

Very nice guided tour of Gozo with a passionate guide Cédric