Here’s How To See Valletta In 48 Spectacular Hours!

Malta’s capital, Valletta, is not only one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, but it’s beauty and charm will whisk you away and entice you to want to live above the cobblestone streets and peer out from your own colourful Maltese balcony!

This fortified city is full of tasty treats, charisma, history and unlimited sightseeing! If you’re heading to this historic city and wondering what to do, keep reading for a perfect 2 day itinerary in Valletta, Malta! 

Buckle up because I’m giving you all the insights into the best things to do in Valletta, amazing accommodations and incredible places to eat in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 1: Exploring Malta’s Capital, Valletta

Welcome to beautiful, stunning, charming Valletta! There’s no place better to start your trip than right here where the magic happens! Fortified by tall limestone walls, Valletta is home to historical sites that date back to the Phoenicians. With its historical landmarks, stunning cobblestoned streets and architectural gems, there are so many things to do and see in this stunning capital city!

The Best Breakfast in Valletta

Now, breakfast in Malta isn’t considered a large meal and most locals will eat at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start your day off with some delicious, yet Instagrammable brunch in Valletta! Here are 6 spots for an incredible breakfast in the city!

→ Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters for a boutique cafe serving up lattes, muffins & pastries 

→ Kingsway Bar & Restaurant for a stylish brunch of gourmet fare in the heart of Valletta

→ Museum Cafe you can’t go wrong with a classic breakfast, fresh bread & vintage art pieces

→ C. Camilleri Dolceria making divine pastries since 1953, enjoy breakfast or a sweet treat 

→ Manouche Craft Bakery for a delightful mix of patisserie & bistro that will leave you full

→ The Circle’s Bar And Coffee Shop for a quaint traditional cafe where the food is lovingly homemade & extremely tasty

Step Inside The Incredible St. John’s Co Cathedral

After brunch, be sure to wander over to St. John’s Co Cathedral. This historical and impressive Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the most beautiful in all of Europe and you’ll soon see why! 

Don’t let its simple façade fool you because inside is simply… incredible. As you walk the colourful marble floors of the cathedral, you’ll be walking over tombs that commemorate some of the most illustrious Knights of the Order. With nearly 400 tombstones  covering the cathedral floor, each marble slab bears the crest, coat-of-arms and epitaph of the noble knight who has been laid to rest.

Don’t forget to grab your audio guide as it comes with the purchase of your ticket and is super informative!

Dress Code: There is a pretty strict dress code in place to visit the cathedral. Modest dress is advised, meaning knee length coverings and non-exposed shoulders. Stilettos and narrow heeled shoes are also banned to avoid floor damage.

Hop Aboard The Malta Fun Train Valletta 

I know, I know, a fun train? Really? But I have to say it was a great way to get our bearings, sit back, relax and enjoy some of the wonders of Valletta! Especially in the 40 degree heat.

The tour takes 30 minutes starting from just outside St. John’s Co-Cathedral and goes around the ring road under the fortifications with views of the Grand Harbour and back into the narrow historical streets of Valletta.

At only €6 per person, it really can’t be beat!

Stroll The Historic City Streets

In a place like Valletta, the city really does deserve a bit of a walk and wander first and foremost. I mean its beauty lies right here surrounding you! Down the cute and quaint streets you’ll find Valletta’s classic views, those colourful balconies popping out of sandstone houses you’ve been dreaming of. 

Starting at Republic Street, you’ll walk past the modern parliament building which stands besides the converted ruin of Malta’s iconic Royal Opera House which was sadly bombed during World War II.

Eventually you’ll stumble upon Republic Square, an elegant plaza just steps from Valletta’s main, St George’s Square. Valletta is such a walkable city and wandering from place to place will really give you a sense of what Valletta has to offer!

Grab A Snack Or A Quick Refresher Outdoors

After an eventful morning soaking up Valletta you are definitely in need of a serious latte or maybe even an aperol spritz. If you’re feeling in need of a refresher, a snack or just a sit down in the shade these terraces in Valletta will not disappoint!

→ Rampila Restaurant for ambient vibes in a fascinating and historical building 

→ Tikka Bar for a cozy & quiet corner in Valletta where all drinks come with a small tapas

→ La Bottega for a trendy & hip little bar that’s truly the perfect place to grab a drink 

→ Kantina Café for a lively spot in the heart of the city serving up coffees, cocktails & lunches

→ 67 Kapitali for an incredibly Instagrammable spot & a huge selection of craft beer

Relax In The Barrakka Gardens 

The Barrakka Gardens are actually two separate gardens, the Upper Barrakka and the Lower Barrakka. Both sites definitely offer magnificent views of the Grand Harbour and are not too far from one another! 

Starting at the Lower Barakka Gardens, enjoy the peaceful nature that these gardens offer up and enjoy the views across the water to Birgu. Take a stroll to the Siege Bell Memorial located just in behind the gardens with its ten-ton bronze bell. The Siege Bell commemorates the 7000 people killed in the two-year siege of Malta by Germany and Italy during World War II. 

Slowly, you can make your way up to the impressive sister gardens, the Upper Barrakka. Every day at noon officials fire cannons to mark the time of day.

Take The Barrakka Lift

Now that we’re at the Upper Barrakka Gardens it’s time to take the lift down to street level. €2 will give you a round trip use of Valletta’s newest addition, the Barrakka Lift, and trust me it’s better than taking the stairs!

Once you’re at street level, wander the harbour up close and personal or head right across the street and take a boat trip around the Three Cities and the Valletta Grand Harbour.

Hop On A Traditional Maltese Boat Around Valletta & The Three Cities

I highly recommend you take a trip around Malta’s Grand Harbour and the Three Cities by Maltese traditional boat known as a luzzu. It’s the local way! 

Our wonderful boat driver Mark was so friendly and knowledgeable and even let us in on how his family has continued the tradition of the luzzu for years! The boat trip itself takes about 35 minutes and costs €8 per person. Very worth it and an absolute must-do while in Valletta.

Where To Eat Dinner In Valletta

It’s been a magical day exploring Valletta, but it’s not over yet! Spend the rest of your evening checking out one of these fantastic restaurants! Don’t forget to make reservations in advance as most places tend to fill up quickly in the summer!

→ Taproom for trendy, intimate Mediterranean-European fusion and a great-looking interior

→ Zizka for a traditional Maltese dinner with incredibly fresh seafood options

→ San Paolo Naufrago for a dreamy evening under string lights with great food

→ Papannis a staple in the city for flavourful eats, an ever-changing menu & romance

→ The Bell Valletta Cafe for incredible terrace views over the harbour and mouth watering Mediterranean dishes! Paul the owner really went above and beyond for my mom and I, and I can’t say enough good things about this spot! He and his staff really bring the restaurant to life in true Maltese fashion and I’d highly recommend an evening here!

Day 2: Diving Deeper Into Valletta’s Historic Charm

Good morning Day 2! Welcome to quintessential historical Valletta! It may be small, but it sure is packed full of beauty! So let’s dive more into the beautiful historical sites that helped this entire city become a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Hunt Down The Best Pastizzi In Valletta

But first, coffee… and of course pastizzi! I mean you can’t come to Malta and not have this traditional savoury pastry, it would be a Maltese crime.

Pastizzi are usually filled with either ricotta or curried peas, but you can find delectable versions of this all over town! Check out Malta Pastizzi, Sphinx Pastizzeria or Jeff’s Pastizzeria for traditional deliciousness!

Fort St. Elmo National War Museum

Nowhere else has a military history quite like Malta and it seems to have been under the rule of pretty much everyone. Conquered by the Romans, the Spanish, the French and finally the British, Malta only gained its independence in 1964.

Right at the end of the peninsula you’ll come to beautiful Fort St Elmo, a strategic fortification built to protect the harbours on either side of the city. Once you’ve finished exploring the outside, head inside to the National War Museum. Malta’s historical conflict with other civilizations is pretty surprising considering its small size. For €10 it’s an incredibly interesting exhibition that gives you a glimpse into Malta and Valletta’s history.

Wander Through The National Museum of Archeology

A quick stop through the National Museum of Archeology may not be everyone’s idea of fun, however the archeological history in Malta is perhaps among the best and oldest in the world.

With a spectacular collection of the Maltese Islands’ prehistory and early history, the museum holds artifacts dating back from Malta’s Neolithic period (5900-2500BC) up to the early Phoenician period (8th – 6th Century BC)

For only €5 you can begin to understand the richness of the land you tread on, its people and their ancestors.

Get A Taste Of Royalty At Casa Rocca Piccola Or The Grandmaster’s Palace

The Grandmaster’s Palace in St George’s Square has been the place where the leader of Malta resides. From the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, to the President today, take a peak inside what this royal palace has to offer! While not all of it is open to the public, you can visit the State Rooms, Hall of Ambassador, courtyards and Armoury.

To get a glimpse of what noble life was once like, you can head over to Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th century palace. Wander through their rooms admiring the Art Nouveau summer dining room, the libraries and the lush courtyard gardens.

The Best Cafes In Valletta

After a morning historical stint through Valletta, I’m sure you’ll be in need of a coffee or at least a little pick me up! So, here are some of the best cafes in Valletta!

→ Caffe Cordina counted among the oldest cafés in Europe, this spot is a landmark for a latte

→ Coffee Circus Lisboa  a cute & cozy coffeehouse with incredible mouth watering lattes

→ Valletta St Paul’s AFT for a tasty coffee set on a quirky terrace by the Lower Barrakka

→ Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters for a boutique cafe serving up lattes, muffins & pastries 

→ Cafe Jubilee a cafe to make every hipster’s heart melt at first sip

Go For A Dip With The Locals At Wuestenwinds Beach

As they say, do as the locals do and go for a dip with them at Wuestenwinds Beach! Sitting just below the Siege Bell War Memorial you’ll find a tiny stretch of small whitewashed fisherman huts that line the rock next to the water. 

Although I wouldn’t classify it as a beach, it does offer great views across the water to Fort Ricasoli and Villa Bighi. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the city to cool down and enjoy the water this is it!

There’s also a short coastal track you can follow from the far end that will take you up and around to the Boom Defence and National War Museum. 

Endless Dinner Options In Valletta

It’s been an epic day exploring these quaint streets, so you must be getting pretty hungry! Valletta has an endless supply of incredible dinning options so check out one of these fantastic restaurants that you’ll be thinking about for years to come! 

→ La Pira Maltese Kitchen Maltese fare starring local rabbit and incredibly fresh pasta

→ Beati Paoli for rustic & market-fresh dishes in a cozy intimate space

→ Nenu The Artisan Baker a buzzy authentic Maltese bistro in a bakery house

→ Pastaus for incredible pastas that will be sure to leave you waddling home

The Best Bars In Valletta

After dinner grab a drink at one of these trendy go-to’s! A night out in Valletta is a night to remember!

→ Yard 32 for over 250 gins in a cozy, dimly lit speakeasy

→ The Queen Victoria City Pub because who doesn’t love an Irish bar

→ Bridge Bar  for a magnificent cocktail bar with live jazz every Friday

→ 67 Kapitali for an incredibly Instagrammable spot & a huge selection of craft beer

→ Wild Honey a bistro-bar with a red door and  an impressive selection of beers

More Than 2 Days In Valletta?

Lucky you! Another day or two in Valletta? Well believe it or not there is still a lot left to see! Here I’ll give you a couple of options as to how to fill your day!

Cross The Water To The Three Cities

Take the Valletta ferry across the water to the Three Cities! Leaving every so often you can wait for the Cospicua-Valletta Ferry here! It’s pretty straightforward and easily accessible so you should have no problems hopping on and off!

Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, also known as the Three Cities of Malta, are pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation, and perhaps the occasional miracle. The fortified cities sit like a trio of villages directly across the Grand Harbour from Valletta and are a must see!

Spend a morning or afternoon wandering the streets of these cute and quaint villages!

Checkout Sliema The Hip & Trendy Seaside Town 

If you have even time to spare why not head to the cute and costal town of Sliema! Here you can find colourful apartments rolling down to coves and tidal pools. The dramatic sights that Sliema is offering up is what it’s famous for. This tiny resort town is home to charming Baroque churches, flower-strewn cottages and endless sidewalk cafés.

Sliema has also gathered a reputation for being one of the nightlife and shopping hubs in Malta. Check out Saint Julian’s Bay, Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay if you’re looking for fun cocktail bars and eateries!

Where to Stay in Valletta

Now that we’ve got everything down pat for a couple of days in Valletta, where are we gonna sleep? Here are my 3 favourite spots for luxury, mid-range and budget accommodations in Valletta!

Luxury Stay in Valletta: Casa Ellul

Casa Ellul is a luxurious experience blending tradition with slick contemporary lines. Chic and elegantly modern, this 19th-century building is located in Valletta and features a unique-style accommodation decorated with original Maltese floor tiles. Free WiFi is available throughout. Here you can enjoy a unique Maltese experience while relaxing in style.

Check Prices For Casa Ellul HERE!

Check Prices For Casa Ellul HERE!

Mid-Range Stay in Valletta: Hotel Pjazza Merkanti

Hotel Pjazza Merkanti is where we opted to stay and it was absolutely incredible! Right in the heart of Valletta, the hotel offers high-tech touches including a flat-screen TV, minibar (with wine, beer & beverages free of charge) as well as a beautiful bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Joe the owner is very friendly and helpful and breakfast in the mornings are the best way to start your day. Did I mention they deliver breakfast right to your door?!

Check Prices For Hotel Pjazza Merkanti HERE!

Check Prices For Hotel Pjazza Merkanti HERE!

Budget Stay in Valletta: Casa Reale Boutique Hotel

Also located in the heart of Valletta, Casa Reale Boutique Hotel is a clean and comfortable boutique hotel, one of the very few budget options that can be found inside Valletta itself. Their helpful and friendly staff have a wealth of local information and provide you with everything you need to have an enjoyable stay.

Check Prices For Casa Reale Boutique Hotel HERE!

Check Prices For Casa Reale Boutique Hotel HERE!

If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!

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Malta, undoubtably, is one of the most stunning countries I’ve ever visited. It’s historic charm, balmy beaches, pristine waters and vibrant culture immediately sucked me in. It was love at first sight! It’s quaint alleys, tasty pastizzi, incredible people and fascinating history should make Malta a top destination for all travelers. If you haven’t booked your flight yet, I’m sure my Malta blogposts will convince you otherwise! Check them out below…

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