Things to do Malta: Hidden Gems & Experiences
When you think of Malta, you probably think of beautiful beaches, a crystal clear ocean and delicious seafood. The country consists of several islands, such as Gozo and Comino. Malta is also known for its rich history, with a deep and fascinating cultural heritage shaped by centuries of diverse influences. The spoken language is Maltese and English. Because Malta was once an English colony, you will find many British influences in the country, such as the characteristic, photogenic, red telephone booths. I visited Malta recently and discovered all the best spots and hidden gems. These are my favorite highlights, tips, restaurants and things to do for your visit to Malta!
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Introduction to Malta: History and Culture
Malta is a captivating island nation set in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Sicily and close to North Africa. Its strategic location has made it a crossroads of civilizations for over 7,000 years, with influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Knights of St. John, and the British Empire all leaving their mark. This rich tapestry of cultures is visible everywhere: from the language and traditions to the architecture and cuisine.
One of the best ways to experience Malta’s layered history is by exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the fortified city of Valletta and the iconic Grand Harbour. The Grand Harbour, which separates Valletta from the Three Cities, has been a focal point of Malta’s history for centuries and remains a vibrant hub for boat tours and waterfront strolls. Whether you’re wandering through ancient streets or admiring the legacy of St John and the Knights, visiting Malta is a journey through time and culture.
Best boutique hotels on Malta
Malta has an impressive boutique hotel scene, particularly in and around Valletta. There are a few options for every budget, from an affordable boutique hotel with scenic views to a luxury boutique hotel experience in a historic setting. Whether you are after a rooftop with harbour views or a design hotel inside a converted palazzo, you will find it here.
– Click on the names for rooms and rates –
Hotel Rosselli: a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo in the heart of Valletta with a Michelin-starred restaurant, a great roof terrace and impeccable service. One of the best stays on Malta.
The Embassy Valletta Hotel: a restored heritage building with stunning views over the city’s rooftops and harbour. Warm interiors and a perfect location for exploring the capital on foot.
AX The Saint John: five-star comfort steps away from St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Contemporary design, impeccable service and an unbeatable location for sightseeing.
SCALA by Valletta Vintage: a design-forward boutique stay packed with vintage finds and bold character. Perfect for travellers who want something beyond the standard hotel formula.
Iniala Harbour House: each room individually designed by a different artist, with breathtaking rooftop views over the Grand Harbour. Feels more like staying in an art gallery than a hotel.
San Karlu Boutique Hotel: an intimate, locally rooted stay in a quiet Valletta street, within easy walking distance of all the main sights.
ALL BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN VALLETTA
The Three Cities | Malta highlights and tips
Valletta – UNESCO World Heritage Site: Things to do Malta
We stayed at the beautiful Hotel Rosselli. This 5-star hotel is comfortable and perfectly located in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and rich history. Valletta is famous for its impressive city walls and historic city gates, which once protected the city and now serve as iconic entry points to its vibrant streets. The city’s stunning architecture, including landmarks like the Grand Master’s Palace, offers a visual feast and a glimpse into Malta’s storied past.
As a former European Capital of Culture, Valletta boasts lively city vibes, blending centuries-old heritage with a modern, energetic atmosphere. Exploring the city is easy and eco-friendly thanks to Malta’s efficient public transport system, with buses, water taxis, and ferries providing convenient access to Valletta’s main attractions and surrounding areas. It has a great roof terrace and a restaurant with a Michelin star: Under Grain. Executive chef Victor Borg treated us to an insanely good dinner! Each course was a work of art, with surprising, creative flavors. Loved it!
Valletta’s Landmarks: Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
Valletta, Malta’s vibrant capital city, is a treasure trove of historic landmarks and lush green spaces. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are perched high above the Grand Harbour, offering panoramic views across the water to the Three Cities: one of the most breathtaking vistas in Malta. This elegant garden is also home to the Saluting Battery, where you can witness the daily cannon firing.
Just a short stroll away, the Lower Barrakka Gardens provide a quieter retreat, with shaded benches and beautiful monuments surrounded by baroque architecture. Both gardens are perfect spots to pause and soak up the city’s atmosphere. Don’t miss the nearby St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque design and one of Europe’s most impressive churches, filled with priceless art and intricate details. Exploring these gardens and landmarks is a must for anyone wanting to experience Valletta’s unique blend of history, architecture, and Mediterranean charm.
Dinner at restaurant Under Grain | Malta restaurants
There is so much to do in and around Valletta. What a fantastic city this is! I absolutely fell in love with the little streets, Republic Street as the main shopping and sightseeing thoroughfare, and great restaurants everywhere. The entire old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go have a pastry at Caffe Cordina, then walk up to The Upper Barrakka Gardens for Grand Harbour views. The daily cannon salute fires twice a day; go for the noon one if you can. For something cultural, the MUZA Museum or the National Museum of Archaeology are both worth your time. MUZA covers everything from early Renaissance to contemporary Maltese art.
History enthusiasts: don’t skip the war museums. The Lascaris War Rooms, the National War Museum and Fort St Elmo each tell a different part of Malta’s wartime story. Fort St Elmo alone is worth a couple of hours. A day trip to The Three Cities is not to be missed. Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua are the heart of Malta’s historic centre. Grab a coffee at DATE, get lost in the beautiful little streets, have some food at Terrone and sail back to Valletta in an authentic, Maltese Dgħajsa boat.
Book the Valletta guided city walking tour to discover the stories behind the facades with a local guide. Small groups, so book ahead.
The first 2 photos:The Three Cities and the last photo: Valletta | Things to do Malta
Be sure to visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The cathedral houses Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of John the Baptist.” Standing in front of it is genuinely something. Cirque du Soleil was performing in Valletta when we visited, which made for an unexpected but great evening. If you visit Valletta in the Christmas season, Fairyland is a must. Buy a delicious mulled wine at one of the cosy stalls, jump on the Ferris wheel and collect unique souvenirs for in your suitcase.
Treat yourself to the Valletta street food and culture walking tour on your first or second day. You will try pastizzi, local ftira bread and fresh seafood with a local guide who actually knows where to go.
Book in advance
- Turquoise sea caves and the most beautiful blue water on Malta, spots fill fast in summer: Blue Lagoon boat tour
- Eat your way through Valletta with a local guide, small groups only: Valletta street food tour
- Ancient streets and golden limestone at the most beautiful hour, limited spots: Mdina sunset tour
- Drinks on board, Comino and Gozo in one day, popular April to October: catamaran day trip
- Total freedom to explore Malta at your own pace: rental car via Discover Cars
Valletta | things to do Malta
My favorite restaurants in Valletta – things to do Malta
Under Grain: restaurant with a Michelin star. Nenu The Artisan Baker: go here for traditional Maltese cuisine. The stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew) and lampuki pie are the real deal. Don’t leave without trying the ftira bread. Especially ftira, a traditional round loaf with a crunchy crust, often served with gbejniet, a local sheep’s cheese, highlighting the island’s agricultural heritage. Delicious! Trattoria Romana Zero Sei: famous for its carbonara pasta. Try the carbonara with fresh truffle! AKI: extraordinary Japanese dishes. Try the beautifully presented ceviche. The sushi is also fantastic.
Other recommendations that I unfortunately didn’t get to try out myself: ION, Noni, Beati Paoli, Taste, Taproom, Aaron’s Kitchen, Briju, The Harbour Club and Gugar Hangout & Bar (very small place that looked super cute).
Valletta | Malta things to do
Cocktails and wine in Valletta – things to do Malta
Bridge Bar: fantastic charcuterie boards and great wine at a super romantic location. Babel Bistro: cozy jazz bar. Café Society, Vino’s Cafe Bar, Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar, Ginscal agave bar, DOPO, Alchemy Cocktail Bar, The Little Red Door.
Coffee in Valletta
Coffee Circus Lisboa
Manouche Craft Bakery
Boat Trips and Water Activities: Comino’s Blue Lagoon
No visit to Malta is complete without a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, a dazzling bay renowned for its turquoise, crystal clear waters. Nestled between Malta and Gozo, Comino is a tiny island that feels like a slice of paradise. The Blue Lagoon is the ultimate spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, with underwater visibility that’s perfect for spotting marine life.
Many boat tours depart from Valletta and other ports on the main island, making it easy to include this experience in your itinerary. For a more adventurous day, explore nearby coves like St. Peter’s Pool or take a boat tour around Comino’s dramatic cliffs and sea caves. Whether you visit early morning to beat the crowds or stay for a sunset swim, the Blue Lagoon is a must-see highlight for anyone visiting Malta.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens | things to do Malta
Mdina – Things to do Malta
Mdina is known as the Silent City, and the name earns its reputation. Malta’s ancient capital sits at the center of the island, and signs of habitation here go back to around 4000 BC. The medieval architecture and narrow streets are some of the best-preserved in the Mediterranean. Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as King’s Landing. There are good restaurants here too, and a luxury boutique hotel if you want to stay the night.
Pro tip: the Mdina at sunset small group tour is one of the best experiences on Malta. The golden light on the limestone walls is something else. Limited spots, book ahead.
Have lunch or dinner at Root 81! What an insanely good restaurant! My mouth is still watering when I think back to our lunch. This restaurant deserves a Michelin star as far as I’m concerned. Highly recommended! At Fontanella Tea Garden you can order the best homemade cakes. Two other restaurants that looked good, but unfortunately we had no time to visit are: Don Mesquita and Coogi’s. At Is-Serkin – Crystal Palace Bar you can try the best authentic Maltese pastizzi’s! These are savory pastries made of puff pastry, often filled with ricotta or curry peas. Typical Maltese street food!
MY IBIZA HIGHLIGHTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Fishing Villages and Coastal Towns: Visiting a Traditional Fishing Village
To experience Malta’s authentic local culture, head to one of its traditional fishing villages. Marsaxlokk sits on the south coast, and it’s worth going for the Sunday market alone. Fresh seafood, colorful luzzu boats in the harbour, local produce: a proper Maltese morning. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoy a leisurely lunch of traditional Maltese dishes like fenkata (rabbit stew) or freshly caught fish, and soak up the relaxed village atmosphere.
Nearby, the historic town of Birgu (Vittoriosa) offers charming streets, centuries-old buildings, and a picturesque harbor. Here, you can explore attractions like the Inquisitor’s Palace and the Malta Maritime Museum, or simply enjoy a coffee in a local café. Visiting these coastal towns is a wonderful way to connect with Malta’s seafaring heritage and savor the flavors of traditional Maltese cuisine.
Restaurant Root 81 | Mdina – Rabat
Also worth knowing: the tuk tuk tour through Rabat, Dingli and Mdina is a brilliant way to see the island’s quieter interior in one go.
Things to do Malta: other sights and highlights
Take a scenic walk overlooking St. Paul’s Island. For a scenic catamaran tour from St. Paul’s Bay with drinks on board, book well in advance: especially popular from April through October.
Discover St Peter’s Pool, a scenic, quieter swimming spot with crystal-clear water, often accessible by boat and frequently visited from Marsaxlokk. Marsaxlokk is Malta’s most famous fishing village. The Sunday market is the place to be: fresh seafood, local produce and handmade souvenirs, with luzzu boats bobbing in the harbour behind you.
Visit the Blue Grotto, a complex of sea caves best explored by small boat trips, especially when sunlight illuminates the water. The Blue Lagoon, Comino and Gozo boat tour is the best way to see the sea caves and turquoise water. For a unique experience, try kayaking to Comino’s Blue Lagoon to enjoy the turquoise waters and avoid the crowds. Comino is the smallest of the three main islands in the Maltese archipelago, and its Blue Lagoon is a top spot for swimming and snorkeling.
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St. John’s Co-Cathedral MUZA museum | things to do Malta
Sail to the beautiful islands of Gozo and Comino. Gozo Island is recognized for its rural charm, pastoral landscape, and unique attractions like the Ġgantija Temples. Gigantic Bronze Age structures that are among the oldest freestanding stone monuments in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Gozo’s northern coast, with its salt pans near Marsalforn and the scenic inland sea at Dwejra, offers stunning landscapes perfect for sightseeing, swimming, and diving. The inland sea is a small lagoon connected to the Mediterranean, popular for boat trips and diving.
Malta island is home to some of the world’s oldest prehistoric temples. Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and they’re older than Stonehenge. These ancient temples, dating back to the 3rd and 4th millennium BC, are unique in the world and older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The colorful Popeye Village is located in the north of Malta. This seaside village, originally built as a film set, is now a family-friendly theme park with entertainment, water activities, and scenic viewpoints. Grab the entry ticket via GetYourGuide to skip the queue.
Book a wine tasting. Malta produces a lot of wine. We went to Markus Divinus and enjoyed delicious appetizers and good wine.
Beaches and Bays: Relaxing at Golden Bay
If you’re dreaming of golden sand and crystal clear waters, Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most beloved beaches. Located on the northwest coast of the main island, this wide, sandy bay is framed by dramatic cliffs and offers plenty of space to relax, swim, or try water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. The gentle waves and shallow entry make it ideal for families and solo travelers alike. Golden Bay is also famous for its spectacular sunsets: watch as the sky transforms into shades of pink and orange over the Mediterranean Sea. The nearby town of Mellieha provides all the amenities you need, from cozy cafes to beachside restaurants, making Golden Bay a perfect base for a laid-back day by the sea.
Things to do Malta: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do on Malta?
Top picks: exploring Valletta on a guided walking tour, visiting Mdina at sunset, taking a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon and a day trip to Gozo. Add a food tour and a wine tasting and you’ve got a solid week.
How many days do you need on Malta?
Four to five days is the sweet spot for a first visit. That gives you enough time for Valletta, a day trip to The Three Cities, a visit to Mdina and a boat tour to Comino and Gozo without feeling rushed. If you want to properly explore Gozo as well, add another day or two.
What is the best hotel in Valletta?
Malta has an outstanding boutique hotel scene. Top picks include Hotel Rosselli with its Michelin-starred restaurant, Iniala Harbour House for a unique art-hotel experience and The Embassy Valletta Hotel for spectacular views.
Is Malta worth visiting in winter?
Yes, absolutely. Temperatures between November and February sit around 15 to 20 degrees, crowds are minimal and prices are lower. Valletta also hosts a lovely Christmas market called Fairyland. An excellent off-season destination.
How do you get from the airport to Valletta?
Malta International Airport is about 10 kilometres from Valletta. The easiest option is a private transfer via WelcomePickups. Public buses also connect the airport to Valletta, but with luggage a private transfer is worth the small extra cost.
Should I rent a car on Malta?
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, particularly for reaching Mdina, Dingli Cliffs and Popeye Village independently. Malta drives on the left. Compare the best rates via Discover Cars.
Plan your trip to Malta
- Search and book the best hotels via Booking.com
- All tours and activities in one place via GetYourGuide
- Compare and rent a car via Discover Cars
- Arrange your airport transfer via WelcomePickups
- Stay connected with an eSIM from Saily
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GREAT HOTELS IN VALLETTA
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