A view towards the City Gate and Triton Fountain in Valletta, Malta, showcasing the entrance to the historic city. This perspective highlights the iconic landmarks that mark the threshold to Valletta’s rich history and architectural beauty.
Sailing into Valletta feels like gliding into a renaissance painting. Honey-colored bastions rise above one of the world’s greatest natural harbours, and the city’s baroque skyline gleams under the Mediterranean sun. Valletta may be small – just 0.6 square miles – but it’s packed with history, culture, and charm. Every cobbled street leads to a new viewpoint, cathedral, or café terrace, making it a dream port of call for cruise visitors.
Whether you’re docked for a single day or staying overnight, Malta’s capital delivers an unforgettable mix of heritage, cuisine, and seaside scenery – all within easy reach of your ship.
Your first stop should be the Upper Barrakka Gardens – a peaceful terrace with breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the “Three Cities” across the water. Time your visit for the Saluting Battery’s ceremonial cannon fire at noon and 4:00 pm (Monday–Saturday). It’s a stirring tradition that echoes Valletta’s centuries of maritime history.
Don’t miss St John’s Co-Cathedral, one of Europe’s most ornate baroque churches. Its gilded interior is extraordinary, but the highlight is Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, painted during the artist’s dramatic Maltese years.
Valletta’s main arteries are lined with cafés, boutiques, and handsome stone balconies. Wander into the side streets to find hidden courtyards and sea views. The Is-Suq tal-Belt Food Market is perfect for a midmorning snack or light lunch.
History lovers should visit the Grand Master’s Palace, the former seat of the Knights of St John, and MUŻA, Malta’s National Museum of Art. Both offer insight into Malta’s complex past and rich artistic heritage.
Hop into a traditional dgħajsa (wooden water taxi) and glide across the Grand Harbour to Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, or Cospicua. These historic towns are quieter than Valletta but full of charm, waterfront cafés, and centuries-old fortifications.
Just minutes from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, these underground tunnels once served as the Allied war HQ during World War II. Today, the Lascaris War Rooms are a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s strategic importance.
Valletta may be small, but its food scene is a feast of flavours reflecting centuries of Mediterranean influences – from Sicilian and North African to British and Arabic touches. Whether you’re seeking fine dining, local street eats, or a scenic lunch spot between sightseeing stops, the city delivers beautifully.
Valletta boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants, each offering a world-class dining experience within walking distance of the cruise port. ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, Malta’s only two-star restaurant, serves creative, produce-led tasting menus set against breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour, a truly memorable culinary experience.
Under Grain, awarded one Michelin star, offers an elegant, intimate atmosphere where Mediterranean produce meets refined European flair. Meanwhile, Noni, also holding one star, delivers bold Maltese-inspired dishes in a rustic-chic setting housed in a converted bakery.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something unforgettable, these restaurants showcase the very best of Maltese fine dining. Advance reservations are essential, especially on busy cruise days.
Malta’s culinary heritage tells the story of the island’s history, with flavours shaped by Sicilian, North African, and British influences. To experience the authentic taste of the islands, start with Rabbit Stew (Fenek), Malta’s national dish, slow-cooked in wine, garlic, and herbs until rich and tender. Another favourite is Bragioli, thin slices of beef rolled around a savoury breadcrumb filling and simmered in tomato sauce.
In autumn, look out for Lampuki Pie, a golden pastry filled with the local dorado fish, spinach, and olives. Snack lovers will adore Pastizzi, flaky pastries stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas, best enjoyed warm from a bakery counter. For sharing, order Bigilla, a broad-bean dip served with crisp Maltese water crackers known as “galletti.” For something light, try Ħobż biż-żejt, crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, tuna, and capers, simple yet bursting with flavour. And to finish, indulge in Imqaret, fried date pastries that are crisp on the outside and sweet within, often sold from street stalls throughout the city.
Valletta is full of charming eateries where you can savour these Maltese classics. Legligin, a cosy wine bar tucked into a stone cellar, serves an ever-changing tasting menu of home-style Maltese dishes, a local favourite for an authentic experience. Rubino, one of Valletta’s oldest family-run restaurants, combines nostalgic charm with hearty, traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. For a modern twist, Guzé Bistro offers Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine in a beautifully restored 16th-century townhouse. For casual dining, Is-Suq tal-Belt, the city’s lively food market, brings together multiple food stalls under one roof, ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed lunch.
No visit to Valletta would be complete without coffee and a sweet treat at Caffe Cordina, a beloved institution in Republic Square that has been serving locals and visitors alike for over a century.
As the sun sets, Valletta transforms into a lively yet laid-back hub of bars, music, and wine. The city’s Bridge Bar is famous for its open-air jazz nights, where locals gather on the stone steps overlooking the Grand Harbour. The Thirsty Lawyer offers expertly crafted cocktails and live music in a stylish setting, while Kingsway Bar & Restaurant is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and watch the world go by along Republic Street. For something more refined, The Harbour Club combines elegant dining with terrace views of the waterfront, making it the perfect spot to toast a Maltese sunset.
When it comes to local wines, don’t miss Girgentina, a crisp white variety, or Ġellewża, a soft red or rosé. Both are grown in Malta’s sun-drenched vineyards and produced by respected wineries such as Meridiana and Marsovin, offering a taste of the island’s flourishing viticulture scene.
If your ship stays overnight or you’ve planned a post-cruise stay, Malta truly opens up. Every corner of the island offers something unique – and nothing is more than an hour away.
Wander narrow lanes in Mdina, Malta’s medieval capital, known for its quiet atmosphere and panoramic views. Pair your visit with Rabat next door for St Paul’s Catacombs and a taste of traditional pastries.
Head south to see the Blue Grotto, where sunlight turns the sea luminous blue. Nearby, explore the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, UNESCO-listed megalithic sites that are older than the Pyramids.
Famous for its Sunday market and colourful luzzu boats, Marsaxlokk is the place for fresh seafood right on the harbourfront.
A 40-minute ferry from Cirkewwa brings you to Gozo, Malta’s greener, more rural sibling. Explore Victoria’s Citadel, Ramla Bay, and Dwejra’s Inland Sea, or sample Gozitan cheese and wine at a countryside farm.
For nightlife, cross the harbour to Sliema or St Julian’s. The promenade is lined with restaurants, rooftop bars, and lounges – ideal for dinner with a view or a late-night cocktail.
Dingli Cliffs for Malta’s best sunsets. Buskett Gardens for peaceful walks or Popeye Village for a quirky photo stop (especially if travelling with family).
Valletta welcomes cruise ships year-round, with peak season from April to October. Regular visitors include: P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Holland America Cruise, Marella Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.
Some itineraries even begin or end in Valletta, making it an ideal embarkation port for exploring the central and eastern Mediterranean.
About 500m to the Barrakka Lift, which takes you straight into the old town in under a minute. Walking uphill takes 15–25 minutes.
Yes, just follow the signs along the waterfront promenade. It’s beside Lascaris Wharf, directly below the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Fired daily (except Sundays) at 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Yes! Valletta is small and easy to explore independently. All main attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other.
Look for Maltese glass, handmade lace, or local honey and sea salt – all available in Valletta’s markets.
Try Legligin or Rubino for authentic local dishes, or snack on pastizzi at Is-Suq tal-Belt.
Yes, Valletta Cruise Port has introduced shore-to-ship electricity to reduce emissions while the ship is docked.
Visit Valletta as part of our many Mediterranean cruise itineraries, or extend your holiday with one of our Cruise and Stay packages for extra time to explore Malta’s sun-soaked islands, ancient cities, and stunning coastline.
If you have any questions about booking a cruise to Valletta or Malta, our Cruise Experts will be happy to help. And for more inspiration on where to sail next, take a look at our Cruise News section for the latest destination guides and travel tips.
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