Top 10 attractions to visit during your stay in Valletta

Valletta may be one of the smallest capitals in Europe but there is plenty to see once you start walking around. The city is known for its historic buildings, beautiful churches, museums and views over the Grand Harbour. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much of its history can still be seen in the streets today.

Locals simply call Valletta Il-Belt, meaning the city. Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, it has changed over the years but has kept much of its original character. You’ll notice this as you walk through its narrow streets, past old palaces and traditional Maltese balconies.

One of the nicest things about visiting Valletta is that you can explore most of it on foot. You don’t need a complicated itinerary, although it helps to know which places you’d like to see.

If you’re planning a day in the capital, here are ten Valletta attractions worth adding to your list.

Just outside Valletta’s City Gate, you’ll find Tritons’ Fountain, one of the city’s best-known landmarks. It’s often the first thing visitors see when arriving in the capital.

The fountain was built in the 1950s and features three bronze tritons holding up a large basin. After years of wear, it underwent a major restoration in 2017.

It’s a nice place to stop before entering Valletta, especially in the evening when the fountain is lit up. If you’re taking photos during your visit, this is a good place to start.

St John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in Valletta and is worth going inside even if you’ve already seen it from the street.

The cathedral was built between 1572 and 1577 in the time of the Knights of St John, and was designed by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar. Externally it is quite plain compared to the inside, which is full of painted ceilings, marble floors and intricate Baroque art.

The cathedral is also home to the famous painting The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio, completed in 1608.

This is one of the best places to visit in Valletta for those who love art, architecture or history.

St George’s Square is located on Valletta’s main street Republic Street and is surrounded by some of the city’s historic buildings.

One of the most recognisable is the Grandmaster’s Palace, which has been an important seat of power throughout Malta’s history. The square is a popular meeting spot and is sometimes used for concerts, cultural events and celebrations.

It is a good place to stop for a few minutes while exploring the city, especially if you are interested in Valletta’s architecture.

Castille Square is a short stroll from Valletta’s City Gate and within walking distance of a number of other attractions, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

The square contains the Auberge de Castille, an impressive baroque building which now houses the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta. The original auberge dates back to the time of the Knights and the building as you see it now dates from the 18th century.

Nearby is also St James Cavalier, a historic building that is now a center for creativity and the arts.

It is an interesting part of Valletta to explore, particularly when walking toward the Grand Harbour.

If you’ve ever looked towards Valletta from Sliema, you’ve probably noticed the large dome rising above the city’s rooftops. It belongs to the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of Valletta’s most recognisable churches.

The church has a long history dating back to the 16th century, although much of the building was reconstructed following damage during the Second World War.

Its dome has become a familiar part of Valletta’s skyline and is especially beautiful when viewed across the harbour.

If you’re exploring the streets around the cathedral, it’s worth stopping to see the basilica too.

The Siege Bell War Memorial stands along Valletta’s fortifications, overlooking the Grand Harbour. It was built in 1992 to remember those who lost their lives during the Second World War and to mark the 50th anniversary of Malta receiving the George Cross.

Every day at noon, the bell rings in remembrance of those who died during the war.

The memorial is also a quiet place to stop and take in the views across the harbour. It’s a good addition to your walk if you’re interested in Malta’s wartime history.

Victoria Gate is one of Valletta’s historic entrances, located towards the lower part of the city near the waterfront.

The streets around it are worth exploring if you’d like to see a quieter side of Valletta. You’ll find traditional Maltese balconies, old stone buildings and narrow streets that lead towards the harbour.

It’s an area where you can simply take your time walking around, away from some of the busier streets in the centre.

If you enjoy photography, you’ll find some lovely corners and interesting architectural details along the way.

The Barrakka Gardens are among the most famous places in Valletta to take in views over the Grand Harbour.

Adjacent to Castille Square are the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer a lovely view over the water to the Three Cities. There are benches, shaded spots and a terrace where you can pause for a while and enjoy the view.

Further down the city, close to the Siege Bell War Memorial, are the Lower Barrakka Gardens. They are smaller and generally quieter, with harbour views and a tranquil location.

Both gardens are well worth a visit, especially if you need a break from your walking tour.

The Saluting Battery is a historic military site in Valletta, situated beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, with views over the Grand Harbour.

The battery dates back to the time of the Knights of St John and was used for ceremonial gun salutes and for military purposes. Today visitors can learn about its history, and see demonstrations of traditional cannon firings at scheduled times.

If you’d like to see another side of Valletta’s military heritage, it’s an interesting stop.

While there you can also catch views of Fort St Angelo and the harbour.

Teatru Manoel is one of Europe’s oldest working theatres and an important part of Malta’s cultural history.

The theatre was built during the time of the Knights of St John and is named after Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful auditorium with wooden boxes, gold detailing and a traditional theatre layout.

The venue still hosts performances, including theatre, music and cultural events.

If you’re spending an evening in Valletta, check the theatre’s programme before your visit. Watching a performance here is a lovely way to experience the city’s cultural side.