Things to do in Valletta, Malta in one day

Valletta in Malta is the smallest capital city in Europe, filled with history inside and out. Although there’s plenty in Valletta to fill several days of exploration, here are our suggestions on what to see in Valletta if you only have one day to spend in Malta’s capital.

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St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Words cannot accurately describe the splendour and marvel of Valletta’s most prestigious building. Like most historical buildings in the city, St. John’s Co-Cathedral was built by the Knights of the Order of St. John and completed in 1577.

Being a religious order, it was their most sacred building and place of worship. After centuries of embellishments by wealthy Knights the cathedral is a jewel box of beauty and a must-visit for anyone heading to Valletta.

With gilded interiors, marble floors and chapels, niches and altars, it is an example of high Baroque architecture at its best. Audio-visual guides are available in various languages, which is a must to get the most of your visit to the cathedral. Since this is one of the most popular places to visit in Valletta, we recommend going as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Valletta 3 hour walking tour – Kick off your Valletta sightseeing with a walking tour of the city’s major sites, starting at the City Gates. Book here.

The Manoel Theatre in Valletta

On your one day in Valletta, The Manoel Theatre is a special place to visit. Looking rather unassuming from the outside and located in one of the dustier streets of the city, it’s a very different story inside.

Built in 1732 by Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena of the Order of St John, the theatre is one of the oldest in Europe. It regularly shows all kinds of performing arts from plays to opera that range from the classical to the contemporary.

Thanks to reservoirs that run beneath, the theatre boasts sensitive acoustics that are believed to allow back row audience members hear the conductor turning the pages of their music.

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Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta

Malta’s role during the Second World War will always be remembered for its brave defence against the Axis forces. Battered relentlessly, Malta was among the most ferociously bombed location during World War II.

The Lascaris War Rooms were the command centre of the Allied forces, being part of the British Empire. Hidden underground on the eastern side of Valletta, this was a top-secret bunker and the brains behind most operations carried out during the height of the conflict. It’s also the location where General Eisenhower planned Operation Husky, the successful invasion of Sicily in 1943.

The Ops room still contains the maps, communication equipment, phones, and plotting tables. Audio guides in English are available, but the tour guides really bring the place to life recounting little stories that often escape the history books. The rooms are underneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens and so a visit to both on the same day is easily accomplished.

This 5 hour city tour is a good one to give you an overview of Valletta, with a visit to the Baroque sites, Grand Harbour and Malta Experience Show.

Fort St Elmo – National War Museum

Update: The National War Museum is closed for renovation and is planned to reopen in 2015

The National War Museum in Valletta is hosted at Fort St Elmo and is an intriguing way to learn the history of this remarkable island. The exhibits have been cleverly put together to show weaponry of the island’s rulers beginning with The Bronze Age going through to 2004 when Malta joined the European Union.

There are plenty of highlights which include a Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, and Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’ which was also used by Eisenhower during the Invasion of Sicily.

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Grand Harbour boat tour

Even if you only have one day in Malta, you should try to take a boat tour of the Grand Harbour. On a calm day, you can take a tour of the harbour in a traditional Dgħajsa.

These boats used to ferry sailors to their ships when they were made from wood. In days gone by the harbour would be awash with these little boats. Now, only a handful survive and are sailed using a motor rather than an oar.

Explore the 20 best things to do in Valletta, Malta

You can find the tour boats at the Three Cities Ferry stop at Vittoriosa Waterfront (Birgu) or Customs House next to the Valletta Waterfront. The thirty-minute tour normally takes up to six passengers at a time and is a great way to experience the harbour.

If you prefer to book ahead, check out this 90 minute cruise of Malta’s Harbours which shows you the sights of Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour with live commentary.

Read about the Three Cities of Malta – what to know before you visit

A local’s tips for Valletta

Are you intrigued? Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind if you’re looking to visit Valletta.

• The central part of Valletta is pedestrianised, which makes it easy to go around on foot. With its small size, it will only take you 15 minutes to walk from City Gate to the furthest point at Fort St. Elmo.

• There are no real “bad neighbourhoods” in Valletta and walking around at night is perfectly safe.

• If you’re looking to stay in Valletta itself, the area close to Hastings Garden is lovely, as is the eastern flank of Valletta, between the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. The area around Carmelite Church is also highly sought after.

• A good way to see more of Malta’s sights if you have limited time, is to take this hop on hop off bus tour starting in Valletta

Where to eat in Valletta

There’s no shortage of eateries in Valletta and although generally speaking the standards are high, these are a few places I recommend you try:

Street food in Valletta

• Champs Pastizzeria – The most common type of street food like pastizzi can be sampled here. (155, Triq Melita)

• Is-Suq tal-Belt – Renovated food market building that now serves a variety of snacks and food, including local flavours. (Triq il-Merkanti, behind the President’s Palace)

Lunch in Valletta

• Nenu the Artisan Baker for genuine Maltese food (143 St. Dominic Street)

• Café Jubilee – Mediterranean but also a few Maltese dishes. Quirky little café – very unique concept. (125, St. Lucia Street)

Coffee in Valletta

• Grab a table at the terrace of Caffe Cordina. Great location, great coffee (244, Republic Street)

Dinner in Valletta

• Guze Bistro – Fine dining at its best in Valletta. One of my favourite restaurants. (22, Old Bakery Street)

• Palazzo Preca – Specialises in fresh local seafood (54, Strait Street)

Read Next

Read about even more things to do in Valletta in my article: 20 best things to do in Valletta, Malta

Where to stay in Valletta

If you’re looking for a hotel in Valletta, here are a few suggestions:

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Author Bio

This guest article is by Edward Lansink, founder and editor of Malta Uncovered. He is also the author of the travel guide Valletta: An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital and offers personal recommendations based on local knowledge for staying in Valletta.

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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