What to Do in Valletta Malta in One Day
Before visiting Malta for the first time, I honestly knew little of the island nation, other than it existed and it was somewhere...near Italy? Maybe? (Yes, it's south of Sicily and east of Tunisia). I knew the Maltese Falcon by its namesake of being a Humphrey Bogart classic, and that was about it.
Gaining tremendous public attention for its role as an exotic backdrop for the silver screen and most of the Game of Thrones epic first season scenes, we viewers got to learn more about the fortresses, castle-like structures, stone temples and even learn stories about the Knights Templar (yea, like in Indiana Jones!). Today, many Maltese souvenirs use the emblem of the Knights.
Now, extremely popular for one day visits on all the major cruise lines, Valletta, Malta's capital and primary sea port, is an enjoyable stop on European itineraries.
Brimming with charm and heavy on English influences, a day spent in Valletta is a lovely one!
Coveted for its pedestrian-friendly streets and unique influences from Arab, Roman, English and other occupations over the years, the museums and epic locations around the island tell stories of thousands of years of sieges, occupational wars, and truly fascinating history.
If you are coming by cruise ship, or perhaps enjoying a week of driving around the Maltese island, there's more to do than you could imagine!
Below I'll share the best things to do in Valletta Malta in one day, where to eat, and more.
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In this article you will find:
What to Do in Valletta Malta in One Day
The typical guide book activities include:
Upper/Lower Barakka Gardens
Fort St. Elmo / National War Museum
St. Johns Co-Cathedral
Take the Barakka Lift to Town
Walk the Pedestrian Streets
Shop for Souvenirs
These activities are easily done on foot, by hop on hop off bus, or by joining a tour for the day. I took one of the HOHO (hop on hop off) tours when I visited the island during COVID (we were unable to get off the bus and had to go straight from the ship to the bus and back), but it was pretty good.
You'll get to see most of the island and its landmarks for a good introduction. It was a decent day out!
If you prefer to take a walking tour of Valletta for added history and a guide to show you around, then you'll be interested in this tour.
A Note About Valletta Cruise Port
Valletta Cruise Port Passengers may want to see the island, which is totally doable in one day by hop on hop off bus, or by getting a rental car. See my separate guides on Mdina and One Week in Malta for ideas and information.
Additionally, the port location allows for walking along the waterfront or to the ferries, and there are shops for souvenirs available right at the port. Most people will opt to take a tour or taxi into town, but the walk is manageable in good health!
What to Do in Valletta if You Want to Branch Out
Because Malta is such a small island (122 square miles), you can actually opt into renting a car for the day and traveling around the island on your own. I've detailed the best spots to see in a week in Malta at my separate post here, where you can find numerous locations perfect for a single day outing.
I encourage visitors to Malta to go beyond the Valletta old town in search of a few other hidden gems like the spooky Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (reservations strongly encouraged in advanced), or the Tarxien Temples, both just minutes away.
Alternatively, take a ferry around the harbor! See film locations for the Game of Thrones or enjoy a local flea market up the hill. There are tons of museums from the Maritime Museum to the Fort St. Angelo, or walk the waterfront in search of a good seafood lunch.
Namely, if you have one day in Malta (especially talking to you, cruise passengers), consider renting a car and making time for some of the following activities:
The Marsaxlokk Fish Market
Mdina's old city and the St. Paul Catacombs (more about Mdina here)
The Dingli Cliffs and Mellieha Air Raid Shelter
Malta Aviation Museum
The unmissable Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
Given one day in port or with Valletta as home base, much of this is achievable with a car or tour. This half day private tour will take you to many of the above and it is a good value versus cruise ship excursions.
Ideal Day in Valletta Malta if You Want to Stay in Town
BUT, if you simply want to get off the ship and stay in Valletta for the day, an ideal day would be spent shopping, visiting Fort St. Elmo and its impressive war museum, and then having a nice Maltese lunch before returning to your cruise.
There are so many wonderful shops and restaurants in Valletta, so if that's your style (let's be honest, this is definitely my thing too), then here's what I suggest:
Take the Barakka Lift up to the upper city to start
Turn right around the corner of the gardens area and work your way down the pedestrian shopping streets
Turn back up the next lane and visit St. Johns Co-Cathedral before lunch
Spend 1-2 hours visiting Fort St. Elmo and war museum
And that's it! You will get a taste for the island, but it will be a simple day.
Where to Eat in Valletta
These Maltese restaurants are exactly what you need for a day in Valletta. All the right vibes, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Legligin - get the tasting menu!
Beati Paoli Restaurant
Di Carafa
LaPira
Be sure to check out outdoor dining on the water as well. Across the way in Senglea we enjoyed wonderful seafood and great views at Enchante Restaurant.
Foodies will also want to eat around the Merchant Street Market to learn about the different local treats like ftira (a bread) and pastizzi (a pastry).
Better yet, sample your way around town on a street food and culture walking tour! It's a great value and I wish I had known about this tour when I visited last time.
Not Cruising? Spend the Night Near Valletta
This incredible hotel is where I spent two nights on my first visit to Malta.
Called the Cugo Gran Macina, it is located across the harbor from Valletta (5 minute ferry), and nearby to Fort St. Angelo (a quick 5 minute ferry away), the Inquisitor's Palace, and all the great places to be found in the Birgu area.
With parking and incredible harbor views, we were able to walk to waterfront restaurants and stay in a castle-like building on the water.
Worth the splurge or a special occasion, the Cugo Gran Macina is an incredible overnight stay.
For More Information: If You Go
If you go to Malta, you will undoubtedly be visiting Valletta. You can consult my one week guide in Malta for information about ferries from Italy, to/from Gozo, and other tour ideas.
If you are cruising, visit Cruise Direct for information on routes that go to Malta.
You will definitely enjoy taking it slow, and enjoying the scenery, food and history of the island.
While many people also go to Malta in search of beaches and resorts (yes, you can find that in St. Julian's), I think the best parts of Malta are the ancient city streets and the stories they tell.
Take your time and enjoy!
