Malta is a small archipelago in the Mediterranean with plenty to see and do. During our week there, we focused mostly on exploring the capital, Valletta.
We based ourselves in Sliema, just across Marsamxett Harbour from Valletta, as it was a more budget-friendly option compared to staying in Valletta itself. To save even more, we opted for cheaper flights, though the timings meant losing a whole day of exploring.
A week in Malta isn’t nearly enough to see everything that the island has to offer, so I didn’t want us rushing around trying to cram it all in. Instead, we decided to focus more on Valletta, thanks to its abundance of WWII history (which is very much Hayden’s thing).
Day 1
We kicked off our Sunday morning with a 10am walking tour of Valletta to familiarise ourselves with the city – not exactly early, but after a 2am bedtime thanks to flight delays, it felt like a challenge! We didn’t get off to the best start as we misread the Sliema to Valletta ferry timings, making us late for our tour, but thankfully, we caught up with our group.
The tour covered quite a lot over about 2.5 hours, so I’ve created the post below to go into more detail about what we saw, how much it cost, and a whole host of other things:
After the tour, we stopped at a food court, Is-Suq Tal-Belt, for a well-earned lunch. I opted for a traditional tuna ftira (you can read more about it here), while Hayden chose an American pizza. It was a perfect mix of local and familiar flavours to refuel for the afternoon.
Re-energised, we made our way to the Lower Barrakka Gardens for more lovely views, then slowly waddled back towards the ferry, stopping for drinks along the way. Our return to Sliema was a bit of an adventure – there wasn’t enough space on the first ferry, but we managed to squeeze onto the second. Expect to stand your ground – there didn’t seem to be much of a queuing system on that Sunday!
We freshened up at the hotel before heading out for some delicious kebabs to end the day. It was a long but fulfilling start to our Maltese adventure!
Day 2
Our second day began much like the first – at the Main Gate, a simple entrance to Valletta that’s made all the more charming by the fountain in front, which features three bronze Tritons.
From there, we made our way to the Saluting Battery for the noonday gunfire. Paying €3 each gave us access to the battery itself, a short talk on the cannon-loading process, and an up-close view of the cannon firing. It was awesome to see the tradition in action, though it’s worth noting that the battery can get quite busy as the event approaches.
Afterwards, we visited Fort St. Elmo, where we spent around two and a half hours exploring its grounds and exhibits. The fort, which is perched on the edge of Valletta, has a fascinating history, particularly from the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. There was a range of artefacts, maps, and multimedia displays which made taking in the history very easy, especially the National War Museum’s exhibit on Operation Pedestal in World War Two.
We returned to Is-Suq Tal-Belt food market for dinner, where I tried a Bella Malta pizza topped with Maltese sausage and goat’s cheese. It perfectly showcased some of Malta’s local ingredients.
Afterwards, we took our time wandering the streets, taking in the sights, and stopping in at a bar or two before catching the ferry back to Sliema around 7pm.
Day 3
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day, and a nightmare for Hayden as he’s severaly egg intolerant. We thankfully stumbled upon Food For Fit in Sliema, which I highly recommend for its range of vegan options (and the chicken bagel, which I became obsessed with).
All fuelled up, we caught the ferry across to Valletta and headed to our first stop, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, to watch the noonday gunfire for the second day in a row. This time, we opted for the balcony overlooking the battery rather than the Saluting Battery itself. It’s a great vantage point, though be prepared for crowds edging in close – personal space isn’t a priority for many spectators!
Afterwards, we made our way to the Lascaris War Rooms, paying €20 each for entry. We had an hour-long tour, led by Mike, who was very knowledgeable and took time to answer questions. After the guided portion, we took our time exploring before heading into the Operation Husky Museum, which provided more context on Malta’s strategic role in WWII.
For lunch, we stopped at The Submarine, a small sandwich shop on Merchants Street, where we each had a massive, freshly made sandwich – more than we bargained for, but absolutely delicious.
The afternoon was spent bar hopping (although the prices at The ARTfull Dodger made this bar a favourite) and taking in Valletta’s atmosphere before heading to the food court for dinner at The Everest, an Indian restaurant. Let me tell you, we still dream about their chicken tikka masala, it’s that good.
To round off the night, we caught the bus back to Sliema for €2 each.
Day 4
For our fourth day, we opted for an early taxi to Mdina, the “Silent City”. Mdina, with its narrow lanes and grand architecture, was a delight to explore. We made sure to arrive before the crowds to enjoy the peaceful streets before the influx of people.
We did another walking tour, which felt a bit repetitive after what we’d learned in Valletta. I would opt for just the Valletta tour if I had to choose. But you can read more about our experience in the blog post below:
For lunch, we went into a local band club in Rabat, which had been recommended by our guide, offering traditional Maltese dishes. The food was good, and we enjoyed sitting out in the garden.
I then treated myself to pastizzi, a famous Maltese pastry – though I wasn’t too keen on the taste. Still, it’s something I had to try while there (you can read more about it here).
After lunch, we set out to take some more photos, trying to capture the quiet beauty of Mdina’s streets (very difficult to do with the crowds!). As you walk along the streets, make sure to keep an eye out for the intricate door knockers adorning many of the houses; some of them are simply stunning!
To close out our time in Mdina, we visited the Mdina Dungeons. While the experience was a bit cheesy, it makes for a good laugh, and it can be enjoyable if you’re looking for something different.
Back in Sliema, we opted for a huge sharing platter of nachos from Suzie Q’s – just what we needed after a day of walking!
Day 5
We started the day with a late breakfast at FFF (our new go-to spot – the vegan options are fab), for a relaxed start. We hopped on the ferry to Valletta, despite the rain, and made our way to the waterfront, where we boarded a wooden boat to Birgu.
The wooden boat was quite an experience; we were rocked about, we were splashed, and we clung on for dear life! But we arrived at the other side unscathed (slightly traumatised, but unscathed).
The highlight of the day was Fort St. Angelo. Walking around this fortress and seeing its position on the Grand Harbour helped demonstrate why it was of such strategic importance throughout the centuries. We could see right across to Valletta, and even got to see the 4pm gunfire from across the water.
Dinner took us back to Is-Suq Tal-Belt food market for a kebab before we whiled away the late afternoon perusing local shops and stopping for happy hour at a nearby bar.
As the evening rolled in, we headed to the same food market for Indian food – believe me, that food market is worth a visit! With full bellies, we took a bus back to Sliema to turn in for the night.
Day 6
On day 6, we decided to challenge ourselves and use the buses to get around the island. We found Google Maps super helpful for this, as it told us the bus number and bus stop we needed. Buses in Malta are reasonably priced; we paid €2 each for a ticket (winter prices), which is valid for two hours, meaning we could get free transfers within that period.
We caught the 222 bus to Xemxija Bay, where we set off on the Xemxija Hill Heritage Walk. The tombs, ancient bee houses, and caves along the trail were fascinating. The area is rich with history, and we loved the quiet solitude of the place. It’s perfect for anyone looking to explore some of Malta’s more hidden historical gems.
Next, we hopped on the 222 bus again to Mellieha and took the 101 to the Popeye Film Set. At €15 each, we weren’t sure what to expect, but the free postcard and popcorn were a nice touch. I would say it’s more suited for families or those who are fans of the show and movie, but we had fun soaking in the quirky nostalgia of the place.
Afterwards, we grabbed a taxi to the Victoria Lines, the historic British fortifications that divide northern and southern Malta. The walk was decent; it had great views, and we enjoyed reading up on the significance of the area.
We wrapped up the day with a bus ride back to Sliema, a 20-minute walk to our hotel, and a lovely dinner at Smokehouse. Cocktails at Suzie Q’s were the perfect way to end a day full of walking and exploration.
Day 7
On our final day, we packed up, checked out, and had breakfast at FFF. With a few hours to spare, we took a stroll to Tigne Point for some last-minute shopping and a relaxing walk around the area before heading back.
It was a bittersweet farewell, but we felt content after a week full of exploration. A quick taxi ride to the airport wrapped up our trip, and we were off!
Final Thoughts
A week in Valletta gave us plenty of time to see the main sights, go on day trips, and still enjoy slow mornings. We found the city easy to get around on foot, with good connections to places like Birgu and Sliema. While Valletta can be busier and pricier than other parts of Malta, its rich history and stunning views make it a fantastic base for exploration. It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy discovering new places and appreciating the city’s unique charm.
