Last Updated: January 3, 2024
I know what you’re thinking. How can a small city like Valletta, Malta possibly need one day to explore? I’m here to prove just how fascinating this UNESCO World Heritage Site is, and to introduce you to some of the best things to do in Valletta! We have lived in Malta for over 6 years, and this article is long overdue. Now, I’m thrilled to share my favorite spots and a few unique things to do in Valletta Malta.
You can easily spend hours exploring Valletta. It combines culture with history, a vibrant lifestyle, and amazing places to eat and drink. I’d go as far as to recommend that you stay a night at one of the exceptional boutique hotels in the capital, but that is a matter of personal choice. If I’ve tempted you, however, you’ll find at the end of this article, a selection of my favorite places to stay in Valletta.
Are you ready? Let’s explore how to spend one day in Valletta, Malta.
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA
I would highly recommend that you start your day early in the morning. This way you will avoid the crowds and also if you’re visiting during the summer, you’ll beat the heat. Valletta looks exceptionally beautiful with lesser crowds.
ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA – UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS
Start your day at the Upper Barrakka Gardens; a green oasis, located in Valletta. The gardens are idyllically located at one of the most elevated points of Valletta’s walls offering unparalleled views of the Grand Harbor. There is also a small coffee shop where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a traditional pastizzi (the ricotta pastizzi are to die for) before you continue your day in Valletta, Malta.
READ ALSO: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN GOZO, MALTA
ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA – UNDERGROUND VALLETTA
I had no idea that beneath Valletta lies an extensive network of tunnels. I was hesitant to visit at first, as I don’t feel particularly comfortable in enclosed spaces. All those reservations, however, evaporated the minute I descended the stairs and entered the tunnels. We had a guide who was very knowledgeable and explained how the tunnels were built and how they were used as shelters during the Second World War. Underground Valletta is becoming an increasingly popular attraction and undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Valletta.
INSIDER TIP: Underground Valletta opens at 10 am. Also, the slots are limited to 10 people a day and they get booked quickly, so be sure to reserve your ticket far in advance.
ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA – ST JOHN’S CO-CATHEDRAL
Continue your one day in Valletta, Malta by visiting the outstanding St. John’s Co-Cathedral. You haven’t seen Valletta, Malta if you haven’t visited St. John’s Co-Cathedral; the imposing building is difficult to miss. The exterior is impressive but the interior is what will take your breath away. Take your time to admire the extraordinary baroque architecture. The attention to detail in the artwork is so exquisite, that it will undoubtedly awe you. The entrance fee is €15 and it is open daily from 09:30 to 16:30. On Saturdays from 09:30 to 12:30, whereas on Sundays it is closed.
TRIVIA: Did you know that St. John’s Co-Cathedral hosts the only signed masterpiece by Caravaggio, depicting “The Beheading of St John the Baptist”? Need we give you more reasons to visit?
ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA – VALLETTA MOVIE TOUR
Next up on your one day in Valletta, Malta should be the Valletta movie tour. I’m an incurable film buff and perhaps my opinion is biased but I truly believe that a movie tour in Valletta, Malta is such a cool experience. The guide will show you all the locations where famous movies have been filmed. Few notable movies that have been filmed in Malta are Munich, World War Z, The Count of Monte Cristo, Agora, Game of Thrones, and most recently Jurassic World Dominion.
It’s a fun way to explore Valletta, Malta – including the less touristy roads – and also learn cool facts about the city. I LOVED this experience and can’t recommend it enough!
ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA – TEATRO MANUEL
You’ll most likely be famished by the time you end the Valletta movie tour. Before you head for lunch, however, I’d urge you to make a quick stop at Teatro Manuel. This remarkable theater is located on Theater Street in Valletta, Malta and it’s one of the oldest working theaters in Europe. The Manoel (as otherwise known) dates back to 1731. The tour is very interesting as it walks you through the history of the theater. I have a feeling you’ll keep getting too distracted by its gorgeous interior to listen to every single word that the guide has to say. It is open to the public for the fee of €5.
READ ALSO: 10 BEST PLACES FOR BRUNCH IN MALTA
ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA – LUNCH AT KING’S OWN BAND CLUB BAR & RESTAURANT
Before you continue to the next activity, head for a delicious lunch at King’s Own Band Club which is located on one of Valletta’s busiest streets, Republic Street. As the name suggests, this is a band club turned into a restaurant by one of the most successful restaurateur families in Malta. It became known as the King’s Own Band Club after receiving Royal consent back in 1901. Take a break from exploring Valletta and enjoy lip-smacking Maltese recipes. Be sure to order a refreshing glass of Maltese white wine or a Cisk beer, which is locally produced.
ONE DAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA – A BOAT TOUR TO VALLETTA’S NATURAL HARBORS
This is undeniably one of the best things to do in Valletta, Malta. The boat tour to Valletta’s natural harbors offers the unique opportunity to see Valletta from a different point of view. The tour starts from Sliema; that’s one of the reasons why I’d recommend that you do it in the afternoon, once you have finished exploring the capital. An afternoon tour is also the best choice as during the sunset the fortifications surrounding Valletta look stunning! You can take the taxi ferry from Valletta to Sliema.
Alternatively, you can opt for a night tour for your chance to see Valletta by night from the sea.
If you’re all about unique experiences then this one is it.
READ ALSO: 12 BEST BEACHES IN MALTA
WHERE TO STAY IN VALLETTA, MALTA
I’d strongly recommend that you spend at least one night in Valletta, Malta for a chance to experience it by night. As soon as the sun sets, the city completely transforms. The city lights up, the restaurants and bars set up their tables outside and the performers provide entertainment to the bypassers. Valletta becomes even more lively with live music performances every here and there. Choose one of its gorgeous boutique hotels to stay for one night and enjoy the benefit of having your comfortable bed only minutes away when you’re ready to call it a night.
Here are 3 wonderful places to stay in Valletta.
Domus Zamittello – Located in the heart of Valletta, right on Republic Street, this beautiful boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay in Valletta, Malta. The decor is classic and very tasteful and the service is excellent.
The Embassy Hotel – At the same location where The Embassy Hotel stands is where one of the oldest hotels in Valletta was situated back in the 1800s. Same as back then, the location is idyllic as you’re just a few minutes away from exquisite restaurants and vibrant bars.
The Phoenicia Hotel – Although not a boutique hotel, I think that The Phoenicia Hotel deserves a place here as it is one of the most established hotels in Valletta. It is located right before the Triton Fountain at the entrance of Valletta, Malta and it offers beautifully decorated rooms and a few restaurants and bars. What you’re going to love, however, is the beautiful outdoor swimming pool. You may or may not want to extend your stay.
