Malta is the perfect long weekend destination. We visited this charming island for five nights in November, seeking a final dose of Mediterranean sunshine before winter set in across Europe. Although we spent most of our time hopping between towns, villages and ancient temples, we based ourselves in Valletta and quickly realised that, even if you only spend a single day in this tiny capital, it is a city that can easily cast a lasting spell.
From enjoying the sunrise sweep across the ancient ramparts of the Grand Harbour to exploring tucked-away museums and lively cafes, Valletta is packed with enough history and charm to fill your itinerary – and your camera roll. Here are 14 of our favourite things to do if you only have one day in Valletta.
1) Watch the sunrise at Wuestenwinds beach
Best for: An early morning walk before the city wakes up.
Unsurprisingly, Valletta enjoys some sublime sunrises and sunsets, painting its fortified walls in soft golden shades. While evenings in the city can be busy – particularly at renowned sunset spots – watching sunrise from Wuestenwinds beach offers a chance to experience Valletta at its most serene. Expect seagulls calling over the Grand Harbour, a gentle breeze rustling the city’s iconic wooden balconies, and the faint hum of a place preparing for the new day ahead.
Why Wuestenwinds?
Wuestenwinds is our favourite sunrise spot in Valletta. It sits on the edge of the Grand Harbour, granting panoramic views of Valletta’s ancient bastions and the lighthouse beyond. From here, you can also look across the water to the storied Three Cities bathed in golden light. It’s the perfect spot to ease into the day – long before the crowds arrive.
How to do it: Click here to read our complete guide on watching the sunrise at Wuestenwinds beach, which includes plenty of photos from our trip.
2) Grab a breakfast pastry from one of Valletta’s best bakeries
Best for: Starting your day with a sweet treat from a local bakery.
Once you’ve soaked in the sunrise, follow the locals to one of Valletta’s beloved bakeries. These spots often open at the crack of dawn, boasting counters laden with fresh bread, flaky pastries and piping-hot espresso.
Our recommendation
Swing by Borg, an unassuming bakery popular for its fresh bread, which is prepared in the early hours of the morning. The loaves are often still warm from the oven, and will only set you back just over 1 euro. It’s a perfect spot if you are self-catering nearby, since you can take the bread back to your accommodation to enjoy with butter, jam or honey. Alternatively, The Masters and Manouche are popular bakeries that offer a wide selection of goods.
How to do it: Aim to arrive by mid-morning for the widest selection – the best pastries and the freshest bread tend to sell out quickly.
3) Catch the ferry from Valletta to the Three Cities
Best for: A perfect morning or afternoon trip from Valletta
Even if you only have one day in Valletta, we highly recommend taking the ferry across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. The crossing itself is a mini-adventure, offering a sweeping view of Valletta’s impressive skyline and showcasing the city’s maritime heritage. Once on the other side, you can explore centuries-old alleyways, elegant waterfront promenades, and atmospheric cafes at your leisure.
Short on time?
It’s completely possible to hop straight back on the ferry if you just want those postcard-perfect views. But if you can spare an hour or two, delve into the Three Cities’ fascinating history at its local museums or simply sip a cup of coffee by the water.
How to do it: Read our guide to the ferry from Valletta to the Three Cities for sailing times, tickets and tips on how to enjoy the trip.
4) Take a ride on the Barrakka Lift
Best for: A quick, scenic route between the Grand Harbour and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Originally built in the early 1900s, the Barrakka Lift has been modernised to carry visitors from Valletta’s waterfront straight up to the heart of Valletta. In just under 30 seconds, you’ll travel from the waterside promenade to the elevated terraces of the Upper Barrakka Gardens, complete with sweeping views over the harbour.
Why ride the Barrakka Lift?
In our opinion, not only is the Barrakka Lift an efficient way to get around, but the 58-metre journey is an attraction in itself. Once at the top, take a leisurely stroll through the gardens or make your way to the city centre to continue your day of sightseeing.
How to do it: The Barrakka Lift runs from 07:00 to 21:00. It can carry 800 passengers an hour, so don’t worry about the queue (if there is one). Tickets cost €1 per person.
5) Admire the view from the Siege Bell Memorial
Best for: Reflecting on Malta’s wartime history and enjoying panoramic vistas
Standing proud above the Grand Harbour, the Siege Bell Memorial commemorates the Maltese people who endured relentless bombing during World War II. Beyond its historical significance, the memorial’s elevated position provides one of the best vantage points for gazing across the harbour to the endlessly photogenic skyline of the Three Cities.
Top tip: Time your visit for midday, when the bell rings out in tribute to those who lost their lives defending Malta.
6) Visit the National Museum of Archaeology
Best for: Uncovering Valletta’s rich history
Valletta is a city steeped in heritage, and nowhere is this more evident than at the National Museum of Archaeology. Tucked inside the Auberge de Provençe – a grand, storied Baroque building on Republic Street – the museum showcases artefacts spanning Malta’s millennia of history. From the Neolithic to the Bronze Age and Phoenician periods, there is a remarkable collection of treasures on display.
Tip: Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
How to do it: An adult ticket costs €5.00, with cheaper tickets for youths, children and students. The museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00 and is closed on Tuesdays. We recommend spending one or two hours here, which is enough to see the main exhibits.
7) Enjoy dinner at Nenu The Artisan Baker
Best for: Tucking into traditional Maltese fare.
If you’re looking to sample the best of Malta’s traditional food scene, look no further than Nenu The Artisan Baker. Tucked away in a cosy basement on the northeastern tip of Valletta, the restaurant has a traditional, lively atmosphere that makes for a perfect dinner spot.
We recommend: If you eat meat, don’t miss the house speciality: Anġla l-Furnara is a succulent rabbit stew served atop Maltese bread – a classic nod to one of the most traditional Maltese dishes.
How to do it: Nenu The Artisan Baker is open from 18:00 to 22:30 Tuesday through Friday. It also serves lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Expect to pay around €13.50 for a classic Ftira stew or between €20 and €30 for most other mains.
8) Admire the architecture of Valletta’s parliament building
Best for: A contrast to the traditional architecture that dominates Valletta’s skyline.
Valletta’s historic grid of tall townhouses and colourful balconies is instantly recognisable, but the city also boasts a contemporary edge. At the entrance near the City Gate stands Malta’s Parliament Building, designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. Its sculpted limestone façade juxtaposes sleek modern lines with the enduring designs of the Maltese stone townhouses that make up the bulk of central Valletta.
What makes it special?
Completed in 2015, the parliament building exemplifies Valletta’s continuing evolution, while honouring the city’s architectural heritage. Even if you don’t step inside (we didn’t), we recommend taking some time to wander around the outside and admire its bold design.
9) Gaze at some of Valletta’s many statues
Best for: Art lovers and history buffs
Valletta’s history is reflected not just in its architecture, but also in its array of statues, monuments and fountains. Keep an eye out for statues of saints perched on street corners, intricate sculptures in quiet courtyards and lively statues commemorating local figures. Perhaps the grandest example is the Triton Fountain near the City Gate: three mighty sea gods holding a colossal basin above their heads, symbolising Malta’s deep connection to the sea.
How to do it: Dedicate a little time to wandering around the fountain and the nearby piazzas. You’ll find plenty of other statues nearby, as well as cafes for a quick refresher or a scoop of gelato.
10) Soak up the atmosphere as you stroll along Republic Street
Best for: Soaking in the vibrant atmosphere
Valletta’s main thoroughfare is a living museum. By day, Republic Street buzzes with shoppers, locals on lunch breaks and visitors craning their necks at ornate façades or faded information boards. As you stroll, you’ll pass everything from high-street fashion to tiny boutiques selling handmade lace and Maltese silver filigree. Oh, and don’t forget to look up – the city’s famous balconies can be just as captivating as the shop windows.
Our top tip: Pop into the small side chapels or historical buildings along the way. Many of these unassuming spots boast beautiful frescoes or quiet courtyards where you can catch your breath and snap a few photos.
11) Try some of the Maltese street food
Best for: An affordable, fuss-free taste of local cuisine
From sizzling pastizzi (flaky pastries stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas) to sweet treats like imqaret (a date-filled pastry), Valletta’s street food is as flavourful as it is diverse. Keep an eye out for hole-in-the-wall takeaways and kiosks near bus stops or market areas – they’re often a favourite with commuting locals or students and will offer a quick bite at a price that won’t break the bank.
Our favourite: Without a doubt, our favourite Maltese street food was pastizzi. We surprised ourselves by concluding that the version with mushy peas – which is often a disappointing accompaniment to fish and chips here in the UK- was the best. We recommend checking out Jeff’s Pastizzeria for some of the best pastizzi in Malta.
12) Admire the iconic balconies of Valletta
Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and keen photographers
Valletta’s wooden balconies are its most recognisable architectural flourish. Painted in bold blues, greens and reds, they jut out over the narrow, steep streets, offering glimpses of daily life – potted plants, fluttering laundry and even the occasional curious cat. The balconies are a testament to the city’s multi-layered influences, blending Moorish, Spanish and British elements in one whimsical, eye-catching flourish.
Photographing the balconies
We found that late afternoon was the best time to capture Valletta’s balconies at their best. The angled sunlight turns the city’s limestone walls golden, creating a dreamy backdrop for colourful shutters and ornate ironwork. Of course, you should remain mindful that many of the balconies are part of someone’s home – use common sense and respect residents’ privacy when snapping away.
13) Watch a performance at the beautiful Pjazza Teatru Rjal
Best for: A cultural experience in a stunning setting.
Evenings in Valletta are electric, especially if you catch a show at Pjazza Teatru Rjal. This magical open-air theatre stands on the site of the Royal Opera House, which was destroyed during the bombings of World War II. In 2013, the reconstructed performance space finally reopened, and it is firmly established as one of Valletta’s prime music venues, hosting everything from local orchestras to jazz festivals.
How to do it: Make sure to plan ahead, since performances can sell out quickly. Check the Pjazza Teatru Rjal website for the latest events calendar and links to purchase tickets.
14) Join the locals for a drink on the street
Best for: Ending the day in true Valletta style
Once the sun dips below the city walls, follow the sounds of chatter and clinking glasses into Valletta’s narrow lanes. In some corners, such as St Lucia’s Street, bars such as 33 Steps set rows of tiny chairs and tables; in others, you’ll find improvised gatherings of friends perched on steps with a cold drink or hot coffee. St Lucia’s street is probably our favourite – a steep, atmospheric alley where locals and visitors mingle in the warm summer evening.
Etiquette tip: The streets are shared, so be mindful of pedestrians. If there’s no table available, find a cosy nook against a wall or on the steps, but leave space for people passing by.
One Day in Valletta: Our Final Thoughts
Whether you’re savouring a warm loaf of bread at daybreak, gazing at the skyline of the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour, or clinking glasses with locals on a lamplit street, Valletta offers a myriad of experiences that linger long after you’ve left. While one day is all too brief to discover every hidden corner, it’s enough to sample the spirit of the city and pick out some places to save for your next trip.
After Valletta: If you are planning to explore more of Malta after your day in Valletta, we recommend a day trip to Marsaxlokk – a charming fishing village that provides a perfect contrast to the Maltese capital.