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During our trip to Malta, we decided to book a walking tour of Valletta to get a better understanding of the city’s history and landmarks. Walking tours have become one of our favourite ways to explore new destinations, giving us local insight and a solid introduction to the area.
For around £17 each, the tour guided us through Valletta’s history, giving context to the significance of its landmarks.
Walking Tour Quick Facts
Some quick facts about the tour we opted for:
Duration: ~2.5 hours
Availability: Year-round
Price: ~£17 per person (prices may vary)
Best For: History lovers, first-time visitors, and anyone who enjoys exploring on foot
How To Book: We booked through Tripadvisor
Our Tour
We booked this tour after checking out its reviews on Tripadvisor, and we weren’t disappointed. Keep reading to find out what we got up to.
More Options
If our tour isn’t available on your preferred day or you’d like to browse other options, check out the selection below:
Walking Tour Highlights
New Parliament Building & Hastings Gardens
The tour began at the New Parliament Building, where we admired the striking building façade and the city gate. From there, we walked to Hastings Gardens, a quiet spot offering stunning views and a welcome break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Valletta’s Galleries & Vibrant Streets
As we meandered through Valletta, we couldn’t help but admire the traditional, colourful Maltese balconies known as galleries, which added so much character to the streets. Walking down St. Paul Street and Melita Street, we admired the beautiful decorations that gave the streets a festive feel – look how pretty they are! Valletta’s streets are gorgeous enough, but these decorations truly elevate it.
Opera House, Jean de Valette Square & Auberge de Castille
Walking through Valletta, it was clear how much history is woven into the city. The Opera House, destroyed in WWII and now an open-air venue, is a reminder of resilience. Just down the road, Jean de Valette’s statue watches over the capital he founded, while the grand Auberge de Castille, once home to the Knights of Malta, feels like something straight out of a legend.
Knisja Santa Katerina Tal-Italja & St. John’s Co-Cathedral
We stopped by Knisja Santa Katerina Tal-Italja, pausing to admire its elegant grey and gold cupola before moving on to St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
As we stepped inside, we both instinctively said, “Wow.” Even with just a quick glimpse during mass, the sheer opulence of the gilded interior was breathtaking. Entry is free during mass (it seems they allow tour groups in, though I’m not sure about individuals), but it’s important to be respectful—this isn’t a sightseeing opportunity, so I wouldn’t recommend wandering through. If you want to explore properly, it’s worth booking a ticket (€15 per adult) to take it all in at your own pace.
Upper Barraka Gardens, Republic Square & St. George’s Square
The Upper Barraka Gardens provided breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour, making it a popular spot. We passed through Republic Square and ended the tour in St. George’s Square, where our guide pointed out that the flag on the Grand Master’s Palace was raised, signalling the presence of the President.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we found this tour to be a great introduction to Valletta. The provided headset worked well, making it easy to follow along, and our guide was knowledgeable, happy to answer questions, and never rushed the group.
At £17 per person, it felt like good value, especially considering we’ve done free/tip-based tours before and spent a similar amount anyway. If it’s your first time in Valletta, I’d recommend it, as it gives great context to the landmarks you’re exploring, and you get insight into the city’s history. If you’ve visited before, you may already be familiar with most of the stops, so something like a food tour might be a better choice next time.
If you’re considering this tour, my main tips would be to wear comfy shoes, bring water, and be mindful that most tours run in the morning or early afternoon, so there isn’t a huge variety of start times.
Would you try a walking tour in Valletta, or do you prefer exploring solo? Let me know below!
