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Do you have only one day in Valletta? Malta’s capital is the second smallest capital city in Europe after the Vatican, it’s walkable and offers a lot of things to do.
The city is located on Malta‘s main island, between Marsamxett Harbour to the west and Grand Harbour to the east. The unique city of Valletta was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The city has 320 monuments scattered around the very center, which makes it one of the most concentrated historical areas in the world.
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Tip: Several movie scenes and serials were filmed in the city of Valletta. Among the most famous scenes of films such as The Da Vinci Code, Assassin’s Creed, Napoleon, Murder on the Orion Express, and many more.
HOW TO GET AROUND VALLETTA
There are many things to do during one day in Valletta and unlike other huge chaotic capital cities, Valletta is small and way more peaceful, so you can easily explore the whole city on foot, which for us is the best way.
So don’t be afraid to get lost in the beautiful historical streets with colorful balconies, because behind every corner, you find another treasure.
Towards the harbour streets, it can get steep, but you have an amazing view!
Tip: Get your ticket for a city walking tour in a small group here.
Note: Unfortunately, Malta has no train service.
Using public transport is easy. Many of Valletta’s buses start and end the journey at the Main Bus station, just next to the Triton Fountain.
Public transport connects the entire main island as well as the second-largest island of Gozo and it’s the best way of moving around the Island if you don’t rent a car, it’s cheap and connects most of the places.
Tip: Use Tallinja card to save money!
For more information, you can look at the website of Malta Public Transport.
Getting to Valletta from Malta International Airport (MLA)
Malta International Airport (MLA) is located not even 10km away from Valletta city.
By car
You can rent a car and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
Or take a taxi. The price for a taxi is between 15€ – 20€.
Tip: Rent your car in Valletta here.
By bus
Malta Airport bus service offers four express lines, X1, X2, X3, and X4.
X4 goes directly to Valletta’s main bus station and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
You can buy tickets at the Malta International Airport from the ticket machine just outside the terminal entrance or on all Malta Public Transport buses.
Tickets cost 2€.
Getting to Valletta from the ferry port
The ferry terminal is located just 1,5km away from the heart of Valletta.
We arrived in Valletta by ferry from Sicily in the evening and it was very simple to get to the city center, so we decided to walk.
By walk
The walk takes only 20 minutes. However, it’s a bit hilly in the beginning but it’s very simple.
By bus
Right in front of the ferry terminal, you find a bus stop.
Bus no. 130 goes directly to the Valletta Main Bus station every 1 hour, with the first bus starting around 6 am and the last bus coming around 9 pm.
The journey takes only 10 minutes.
Ticket cost 2€.
By taxi
Around 3km of driving to Valletta city center takes less than 10 minutes.
⬇️ WATCH OUR VIDEO HOW TO TAKE THE FERRY FROM SICILY TO MALTA ⬇️
Tip: Buy your ticket for the ferry from Sicily to Valletta here.
HOW DO YOU SPEND ONE DAY IN VALLETTA?
One day in Valletta offers many things to do in the city center and its surroundings, such as various museums, cathedrals, and churches. The walk through the historic center is free and you get to know the city more.
The very streets of the city, in our opinion, look like streets from the movie scenes. The colorful and picturesque streets will enchant you during the day and evening.
Tip: Read our 5 days Malta itinerary, if you have more than one day in Valletta.
What to do in Valletta Malta in one day
Breakfast in Valletta
This cafe is a good option to have breakfast or stop for a coffee in the city center during your one day in Valletta. The cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, smoothies, coffee, and other refreshing drinks.
At the same time, the cafe is located just a few meters from the MUZA-Museum of Fine Arts if you are interested in Maltese art from medieval times to the present day.
lower & upper barraKKA gardens
There are public gardens in Valletta that are free to enter. From the gardens you can observe the Cruise Port as well as the entire Grand Harbour and the ships arriving and departing from the port, you can also get a view of the entire city from both gardens of Valletta.
casa Rocca Piccola
Small House Museum is located in the ancient building of a former noble residence. It is equipped with furniture collections, paintings, and silverware made in Malta or from all over Europe.
The entrance fee is 10,50€.
Tip: Get your ticket for Casa Rocca Piccola here.
City Gate
The gate marks the beginning of Republic Street, Valletta’s main street which goes all the way to Fort Saint Elmo at the opposite end of the city.
You can currently admire its fifth version.
This form of the gate was built in 2011-2014 according to the design of the Italian architect Renzo Piano. While the first gate was built back in 1586.
national museum of archeology
The National Museum of Archeology in Valletta with artifacts from prehistory, Phoenician times, and a remarkable numismatic collection.
The entry fee is €5 for adults.
grand harbour
Natural Harbour is located near the main island of Malta and it’s a must-see in your one day in Valletta.
The Grand Harbour has been used since prehistoric times and is surrounded by many fortifications from Valletta to the Three Cities or Fort Ricasoli.
Just watch for a while all the gigantic cruises passing by!
Fortifications of Valletta
The Walls of Valletta are a series of defensive walls and other fortifications that surround the capital of Malta. The first fortification that was built was Fort Saint Elmo in 1552, but the fortifications of the city itself began to be built in 1566.
You not gonna miss them for sure, they are huge!
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Located in the heart of the city, just a few meters away from the National Museum of Archeology.
The conventual church built by the Order of the Knights of St. John was completed in 1577. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
The entry fee is 15€.
Tip: Get your ticket to St. John’s Co-Cathedral here.
streets of Valletta
Probably the most photographed street in Valletta, known for its typical timber balconies and relaxed atmosphere.
You should stop by when you have one day in Valletta.
A well-known street full of small shops and restaurants, starts near Lower Barakka Garden and ends almost at the Sliema Ferry.
The main street of Valletta, you probably not gonna miss this street even if you spend only one day in Valletta.
It stretches from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo. On this street, you will find many attractions such as the parliament building, the archaeological museum, or the museum belonging to St. John Cathedral.
Of course, there are also many small shops and bars on the street, and we definitely recommend visiting in the evening when Valletta has its special atmosphere.
National War Museum – Fort St Elmo
This museum was built in a strategic location and focuses on Malta’s military history from prehistory until the 20th century.
The entry fee is 10€ for adults.
Note: Drones are not allowed!
The Valletta Waterfront
Located in Valletta’s majestic Grand Harbour, was built in 1752 by Grandmaster Emanuel Pinto da Fonseca and designed by Andrea Belli.
The historic Valletta Waterfront combines food, and shopping, and offers the most impressive views,
A highly popular destination with locals, tourists, and cruise passengers crossing the Harbour waters and the historic Three Cities, so don’t miss it during your one day in Valletta.
Triton Fountain
Located approximately a 3-minute walk from the Valletta bus station.
The fountain consists of three bronze mythological figures Tritons holding up a huge circular basin.
The figures of the Tritons represent Malta’s links with the sea, and their design was inspired by the Fontana delle Tartarughe in Rome.
It is one of Malta’s most important Modernist landmarks.
bars in Valletta
To finish your one day in Valletta, Strait Street is one of the most famous streets. It has a rich history, once the red light district was full of sailor bars. You can currently find various pubs and boutique bars there.
Another famous location in Valletta for drinks or nightlife is Valletta Waterfront.
Here are a few bars or pubs that are very popular in Valletta:
The Queen Victoria City Pub
The Pub
Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar
DAY TRIPS FROM VALLETTA
There are various other attractions you can do if you stay one day in Valletta.
You can make a boat trip around the vicinity of Valletta. Whether you like water sports, you are going to visit one of Malta’s beaches or you are going on a day trip to the former capital of Malta, Mdina.
Tip: Get your ticket for a Three Cities walking tour incl. entrance to Inquisitor’s palace here.
Three Cities
Vittoriosa (Birgu) together with the cities of Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) is a part of the legendary Three Cities which extends south of Valletta on the southeastern bay of Grand Harbour.
This is the perfect and quick boat trip during your one day in Valletta.
Vittoriosa (Birgu) used to be the capital of Malta, its fortifications became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1998.
How to get to Three Cities
By Bus
The best way to get to the Three Cities from Valletta without a car is to take a bus from Bus Terminal Valletta (bus number 1,2) direction of Polverista.
The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs €2.
By Ferry
Ferry boats depart regularly from Grand Harbor (near the bus stop Lascaris) also possible to reach by lift from Upper Barakka Gardens.
The journey takes 15 minutes and costs 2€ with a return ticket 3,80€.
Other options are dgħajsa, which are small boats with a maximum capacity of 6 passengers.
The ticket costs €2.
Things to DO in Three Cities
Malta Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, Malta, is Housed in the former royal naval bakery built in the 1840s as the main bakery for the Mediterranean fleet. The museum has a collection of more than 20,000 artifacts and is the largest museum on the island.
Birgu Waterfront
The waterfront’s origins trace back to Phoenician times when it was a vital maritime location. During the era of the Knights of St John, the Vittoriosa Waterfront served as the primary naval base for the order.
Now home to a diverse range of fine restaurants, offering both indoor and outdoor dining options. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful setting with a view of a picturesque bay and a view of Senglea (known as L-Isla) on the opposite side.
Immaculate Conception Church
As soon as you arrive on your ferry to the Three Cities, you will be impressed by this dominant building near the port. This baroque-style church was built before the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. You can still visit the inside of the church, the opening hours are short and it is mostly open before the service.
Bormla stairs
These beautiful colorful stairs are not a declared tourist attraction, but they seemed to us to be an interesting shortcut through the streets of the city. The stairs are located on Triq San Piju X.
Tip: Read our article How to Explore Three Cities Malta.
Mdina
Another trip possible during one day in Valletta is Mdina.
The capital of Malta during the Middle Ages until the arrival of the Council of Saint John in 1530, when Birgu became the administrative center of the island. After the capital moved to Vittoriosa, Mdina became a kind of ghost town and is often called the Silent City.
It became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is currently one of the biggest attractions in Malta.
How to get to Mdina
By bus
Traveling by bus to Mdina is very easy, just take bus number 51,52 and get off at the Is-Saqqajja, Ir-Rabat stop, right in front of the Mdina gate.
The bus journey takes about half an hour and the ticket costs €2.
By car
You can rent a car and get to Mdina in only 30 minutes.
Tip: Rent a car for your trip to Malta here.
Things to DO in Mdina
Mdina gate
It is the main gate to the fortified city of Mdina. It was built in the Baroque style in 1724.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The cathedral is located on Piazza San Pawl. It is a baroque Catholic church with frescoes, engravings, and other art, built in 1696–1705.
Mdina Cathedral Museum
The museum, like the cathedral, is built in the Baroque style and is located to the right of the cathedral. The entrance fee to the museum is €10 together with the entrance to the cathedral.
Tip: Get your ticket to St Paul’s Cathedral here.
Piazza Mesquita
A small square with a well in the middle in Mdina, known mainly in connection with the series Game of Thrones. There are cafes and a few restaurants in its vicinity.
Nice place for coffee or lunch.
Palazzo Falson
Medieval townhouse in Mdina. Named after the Falson family, it was built as a residence of the Maltese nobility. It is currently open to the public as a small house museum with seventeen rooms of historical household items and many antique collections.
Bastion Square
A small square at the very end of the city with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape of Mdina.
Sliema
A port city in the central region of Malta, located 6 km east of the capital city of Valletta.
The city is known for its modern part with buildings that are among the tallest in Malta.
Sliema is a bustling hub of activity with shops, boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants lining its streets.
This area is known for its nightlife, thanks to which it has become a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.
How to get to Sliema
By bus
You can go there by bus(13,13A) from Valletta Bus Terminal.
The bus journey will take around 20 minutes and the ticket costs €2.
By ferry
There is a direct ferry from VFS Valletta to Sliema Ferry Departures.
The journey by ferry takes around 15 minutes and costs €1.50 and a return ticket costs €2.80.
Services depart every 30 minutes and operate every day.
A perfect boat trip in your one day in Valletta.
Things to do in Sliema
Sliema promenade
The promenade is located right next to the Sliema Ferry Departures. It is a pedestrian zone from which you can watch the harbor and ferries coming and going to Valletta from one side. And on the other hand, you can visit one of the restaurants or bars that line the other side of the street.
Tigne Point
Viewpoint of Sliema at the very tip of the city from which you have Valletta in the palm of your hand.
Fort Manoel
Saint Julian’s Tower
An angular watchtower, built in the 17th century offers panoramic views from the hill to the sea.
Carmelite Church
Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic Carmelite church is located right by Balluta Bay, near Balluta Bay Beach.
Balluta Bay Beach
The small urban sandy beach lies between the city of St. Julian and Sliema. It is visited by many tourists as well as locals during the summer months. Because of its central location, it is a pleasant refreshment in the urban part of the island.
The star-shaped fortress on the seashore, built in 1723, is located on Manoel Island in Ghira.
Fort Manoel has been on Malta’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1998, as part of the Knights’ Fortifications around the Harbors of Malta.
The fortress is known for being part of the filming of the movie Assassin’s Creed or the series Game of Thrones.
Note: Currently, the fortress is closed to the public for the filming of Gladiator 2.
Gozo
The second largest Maltese archipelago island is in the Mediterranean Sea. It is connected by boat through the port of Mġarr. It is located about 6 km from the largest city on the island of Victoria.
How to get to Gozo
By ferry
The only way to get to Gozo is by ferry.
Ferries operate from the nearby islands of Malta, and Comino and arrive at the port of Mgarr in Gozo.
Cirkewwa port offers a regular ferry to Gozo Island, which also transports cars.
The ferry journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs 4,65€ for adults and 1,15€ for children.
The car and driver fare is 15,70€.
You can take a ferry from Valletta Lascaris (Gozo High Speed Ferries) for €7 one-way ticket and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
As the second largest island of Malta, there are many attractions for tourists, so you might have not much time for other things if you decide to come for one day in Valletta.
Most tourists associate the island of Gozo with the stop on Comino Island, as they are less than 20 minutes away by ferry.
Tip: Get your tickets to Gozo Island here.
Comino
A smaller island, one of a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to the Republic of Malta. It is located in the Gozo Region. The island has an area of only 3 km. It is famous for its clear waters, water sports, and rock formations, and nearby is Cominotto, an uninhabited island with cliffs and a sandy beach.
How to get to Comino
By ferry
From Malta’s main Island.
You can get to the island of Comino by ferry from Cirkewwa Port (Blue Lagoon Ferry).
The ferry ride should take approximately 25 minutes and costs €5.
From Gozo.
The ferry ride from Mgarr – Blue Lagoon, Comino Island should take approximately 15 minutes and costs €12.
Things to do in Comino
Blue Lagoon
The main attraction of the island Blue Lagoon is a small beach with crystal clear water, so if you are a beach person this place must be on the list during your one day in Valletta.
Around the beach is a possibility of snorkeling, you will find refreshments, lockers for 5€ to 7€, and the possibility to rent umbrellas and sunbeds.
Tip: Check our article about other crystal clear beaches.
View to Islet in the Comino
A nice view of the opposite Cominotto island and the surrounding sea in the area of the island.
Santa Maria Bay
A smaller beach with shallow water, suitable for families with children, approximately 20 minutes walk from the Blue Lagoon. This beach is less crowded in the season and is therefore worth a visit.
Tip: If you are going to visit Comino Island during your one day in Valletta, it is worth noting that the entire island can be walked on foot, there is no traffic on the dusty dirt roads so you can see the entire island, and its rocky formations in about 2 hours.
⬇️ Check all available activities for Blue Lagoon ⬇️
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is one day enough in Valletta?
You can visit a lot in one day in Valletta. It depends on whether you are going to visit museums or focus on one-day trips to Gozo, Comino, or historically famous cities such as Mdina or the Three Cities.
Is Valletta walkable from Cruise Port?
From the Cruise Port, it is about a 15-minute walk to the City Gate. Another option is to use the well-known Barakka Lift, which is located between the Cruise Port and Regular Ferries to the Three Cities.
It will take you for €1 to Upper Barakka Gardens, from where it is only a 5-minute walk to City Gate.
What is Valletta famous for?
Valletta has 320 monuments, all spread over an area of 55ha, making it one of the most historic areas in the world. Also, the first typical timber balconies were built in Valletta.
How to get to Sliema from Valletta?
You can go there by bus (13,13A) from Valletta Bus Station.
The bus journey will take around 20 minutes and the ticket costs €2.
There is a direct ferry from VFS Valletta to Sliema.
The journey by ferry takes around 15 minutes and costs €1.50 and a return ticket costs €2.80.
Services depart daily every 30 minutes.
Is Valletta worth visiting?
Valletta is worth a visit, especially outside the tourist season, it has its own charm, you will feel like you are in a movie surrounded by beautiful streets with classic timber balconies so typical for Malta.
With 300 sunny days, you can visit Valletta all year long.
What not to miss in Valletta?
Be sure not to miss the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, where you will have a view of the entire Grand Harbour, Three Cities, etc.
Valletta also has its charm in the evening, for example when walking along the Valletta Waterfront, when the city is beautifully lit up and the buildings look like movie sets.
Is Valletta a walkable city?
There are many things to do during one day in Valletta and unlike other huge chaotic capital cities, Valletta is small and way more peaceful, so you can easily explore the whole city on foot.
So don’t be afraid to get lost in the beautiful historical streets with colorful balconies, because behind every corner, you find another treasure.
When the city is really hot, the streets of Valletta will provide you with shade and you will find the opportunity to visit a cafe or restaurant on almost every corner of the city, where you will gain the strength to complete the walk around the city.
What is the famous street in Valletta Malta?
The most famous street in Valletta is undoubtedly Republic Street, which stretches from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo. But you will also find many other streets such as St. Ursula Street, which is considered the most photogenic street in Valletta, or Strait Street, which is best known for its nightlife.
Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Valletta?
Another option to see the city is a hop-on hop-off bus in Valletta, the bus will take you through the city between the main attractions of the city such as Fort St. Elmo or the Valletta Waterfront, a good option during the summer when the weather in Valletta is really hot.
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
Accommodation: We use Booking.com where we always find great deals for hotels.
For hostels, we use Hostelworld where we find cheaper options and meet new people.
Rental cars: To rent your car with free cancellation check out Discover Cars.
Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets worldwide we use Direct Ferries.
All travel options in one place: Omio.com we use for easy travel planning where we can find trains, buses, ferries, and more.
Tours and other activities: Wherever we go we look at GetYouGuide to find the best tours and many other activities around the world!
Travel insurance: Never travel without travel insurance! Ekta works all over the world and has 10 years of experience in the industry. It is your right choice!
Reviews: Before we travel somewhere we always look at Tripadvisor, where we always find a summary of restaurants, places to visit, or hotels with current ratings and photos from people who have visited this place recently.
Luggage storage: Radical storage is such a helpful Luggage storage network! When we have a late check-in or an early check-out we don’t need to carry our luggage with us, we just simply put it in the Radical storage which operates in over 70 countries!
E-sim card: The best way how avoid all the stress of searching for local SIM cards or wifi signals and save time after you arrive in your new country is to get Airalo e-sim. Download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions!
