- The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily walkable
- St John's Co-Cathedral is the must-see, with two works by Caravaggio
- The Saluting Battery fires its cannon at noon from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Arrive by ferry from Sliema or the Three Cities for the best approach
- Type
- Historic site
- Where
- Malta
- Time needed
- a full day (half a day for the highlights)
- Admission
- free to explore; St John's Co-Cathedral from about €15 (2026), check before you go
Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, packed onto a peninsula between two deep natural harbours. It was founded in 1566 by the Knights of St John after they withstood the Great Siege by the Ottoman Empire, and named after their Grand Master, Jean Parisot de Valette. Laid out on a grid within massive bastions, it has barely changed in shape since, and the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the highlight of any trip to Malta.
What you'll see
Walk in through the City Gate, redesigned by architect Renzo Piano along with the striking modern Parliament building next to it. Republic Street, the main spine, runs the length of the city to Fort St Elmo at its tip.
St John's Co-Cathedral looks plain outside, but the interior is a riot of gilded baroque carving and marble tombstones of knights covering the floor. Its oratory holds Caravaggio's huge Beheading of St John the Baptist, the only painting he signed.
From the Upper Barrakka Gardens you look across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, and the Saluting Battery below fires a cannon at noon and 4pm. Other highlights include the Grandmaster's Palace, the National War Museum in Fort St Elmo and the colourful wooden balconies on almost every street.
Visiting
- Tickets: walking the city is free. St John's Co-Cathedral charges from about €15 per adult in 2026, including an audio guide; other museums charge separately, and Heritage Malta offers multi-site passes. Check current prices before you go.
- Dress code: cover shoulders and knees in the cathedral and other churches.
- Timing: cruise passengers fill the streets in the late morning, so start early or stay into the evening, when restaurants spill out onto the stepped streets.
- Opening days: St John's is closed on Sundays and public holidays, so plan around them.
Getting there
Valletta's bus terminus, just outside City Gate, is the hub of Malta's bus network, with services from the airport in about 25 minutes and from every resort. Ferries run from Sliema across Marsamxett Harbour in about 10 minutes, and from the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour. A fast ferry also connects Valletta with Gozo.
Where is Valletta?
Open in OpenStreetMap · 35.89889, 14.51250
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need in Valletta?
Half a day covers St John's, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and a walk along Republic Street. A full day lets you add museums, Fort St Elmo and a ferry to the Three Cities.
Is Valletta a good base for a Malta holiday?
Yes, especially for sightseeing. It's compact, atmospheric and well connected by bus and ferry, though it has no beach and hotels are often in historic buildings with small rooms.
What time does the Saluting Battery fire?
The cannon is fired daily at 12 noon and 4pm. Arrive a few minutes early to get a good spot in the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
More from AnnaOpening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.