by Ryzhkov Sergey /CC BY-SA 2.0
A Baroque Gem with Mighty Fortifications and Stunning Sea Views
Table of Contents
A. About Valletta
Nickname: The Fortress CityCertainly, some of the mightiest and best-preserved fortifications in the world surround this picturesque Baroque city, characterized by magnificent sea views, narrow streets, one of Europe's grandest harbors, and some modern touches.
The city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Knights of St John in the 16th-century and is stretching a tiny 1 km (0.62 miles) long by 600 m (0.37 miles) wide.
➕ The Good
First of all, Valletta is built on a rocky peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the magnificent Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett harbor, therefore the Capital of Malta enjoys an incredibly scenic location.
Furthermore, the Mediterranean climate with very mild winters and hot summers is exceptionally attractive.
In addition, Valletta is a clean and safe destination with little crime.
➖ Negative Aspects
Valletta is most importantly tiny in size, and the shopping experience is limited.
B. Best Things to Do in Valletta in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than twenty sights in Valletta. The following sights contribute to an impressive (for such a small city) score of 6.15/10 in this most important category:
# HISTORIC CITY 6
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980, the charming Historic City of Valletta features an abundance of historical sites, scenic views over the Mediterranean Sea, and some of the mightiest fortifications in the world.
City District 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1980
by Dion Hinchcliffe / CC BY-SA 2.0
# St John's Co-Cathedral and Museum 6
Malta’s spectacular main church is regarded as one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe.
The large cathedral exhibits famous masterpieces of art, most noteworthy Caravaggio’s ‘Saint Jerome Writing’ and the ‘Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’, the only painting he signed.
Roman Catholic Cathedral Consecrated: 1578 | Style: High Baroque
by Boguslaw Garbacz / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Upper Barrakka Gardens 6
These colonnaded gardens offer the most awe-inspiring views of Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
by Frank Vincentz / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Grand Harbour 6
This natural harbor offers scenic panoramic views of the historic Three Cities, Fort St. Angelo, and Fort Ricasoli.
by Bravo Tango / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Marsamxett Harbour 5
This scenic natural harbor is the main yachting harbor in Malta.
by Mboesch / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Manoel Theatre (Teatru Manoel) 5
This gorgeous oval auditorium was built in 1731 by the Portuguese Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. It is the third oldest theater in Europe still in use.
Theatre Completed: 1731 | Capacity: 623 visitors
by R Muscat / CC BY-SA 2.0
# National Museum of Archeology 5
Housed in the impressive former Auberge de Provence, this Archaeological Museum is home to a wide range of historically significant artifacts that date back to 5,200 BCE up until 2,500 BCE.
Highlights include beautifully modeled prehistoric figurines such as the around five thousand years old Sleeping Lady.
by Jvdc / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Fort St Elmo and National War Museum 4
Constructed in the shape of a star, this old fort at the very end of the Valletta peninsula is home to the interesting National War Museum. It has the actual George Cross that is visible on the Maltese flag on display.
by John Haslam / CC BY-SA 2.0
#10 | Church of St Paul Shipwrecked 4
Dating back to the 1570s, this domed Church features a sumptuous interior with elaborate gilded frescoes and paintings.
Roman Catholic Church Completed: 1582 | Style: Baroque
by yeowatzup / CC BY-SA 3.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Valletta
#11 | Republic Street 4
Lined with majestic Baroque buildings dating back to the 16th century, Republic Street is a living museum of architectural marvels.
As the main artery of Valletta, Republic Street pulsates with life during festivals and events, captivating visitors with its charm and charisma.
by Frank Vincentz / CC BY-SA 2.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Valletta
ĦAĠAR QIM TEMPLE 6
The intriguing megalithic complex of Ħaġar Qim is located on the southern edge of the island of Malta, is currently estimated to date from 3600-3200 BCE, therefore one of the oldest surviving buildings in Europe.
Megalithic Complex World Heritage Site: since 1980 | Distance from Valletta: 14.7 km
by Hamelin de Guettelet / CC BY-SA 3.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Valletta (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Valletta for at least two entire days.