A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, Valletta is compact, colourful and absolutely packed with history, culture, and Mediterranean flair. With just 48 hours in Malta’s capital, you can explore grand baroque architecture, sample delicious Maltese cuisine, wander sun-drenched limestone streets, and watch the harbour light up at golden hour. This itinerary helps you make the most of a short stay — whether you’re arriving for a weekend city break or stopping off during island hopping.
Outline
- Why Visit Valletta?
- Day 1 – History, Harbours & Hidden Corners
- Day 2 – Art, Culture & Sea Views
- Where to Eat & Drink
- Where to Stay in Valletta
- Bonus Tips & Local Secrets
- Final Thoughts: Small City, Big Heart
Why Visit Valletta?
- Sunshine year-round – over 300 days of sun annually
- Incredible history – Knights, sieges, and a blend of cultures
- Walkable – You can explore most of the city on foot
- Rich culture – Art, theatre, festivals, and music
- Sea on every side – with stunning views and harbours
It’s a city where every alley tells a story — and where every view deserves a postcard.
Day 1 – History, Harbours & Hidden Corners
Morning
- Start at St John’s Co-Cathedral
→ Baroque brilliance with Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist - Stroll Republic Street – Valletta’s buzzing main artery
- Pop into MUŻA – Malta’s National Museum of Art
- Grab a coffee at Caffe Cordina, a local institution
Lunch
- Head to Is-Suq tal-Belt, Valletta’s food market
- Mix Maltese street food (pastizzi, ftira) with a crisp glass of local wine
Afternoon
- Wander the Upper Barrakka Gardens
→ Best views of the Grand Harbour
→ Time your visit for the Saluting Battery at noon or 4 pm - Take the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront
- Optional boat ride across to the Three Cities on a traditional dgħajsa (water taxi)
Evening
- Drinks with a view at The Harbour Club
- Dinner at Noni or Rampila for a fine dining twist on Maltese cuisine
- Catch a performance at Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest in Europe
Day 2 – Art, Culture & Sea Views
Morning
- Early breakfast at Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters
- Visit the Grandmaster’s Palace or the Lascaris War Rooms
→ WWII history buffs, this one’s for you - Meander through the Lower Barrakka Gardens and along the coast
Midday
- Explore the backstreets of Old Bakery Street and St Ursula Street for local artisan shops, antique bookshops, and galleries
- Visit Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palazzo still lived in today
Lunch
- Enjoy seafood or a mezze platter at Beati Paoli
- Or opt for a peaceful garden lunch at The Mediterranean Conference Centre Café
Afternoon
- Catch golden hour from Fort St Elmo, where Valletta meets the sea
- Or take a swim off the Sliema ferry pier (locals do!)
Evening
- For a final night out:
→ Bridge Bar for live jazz and candle-lit steps
→ Gugar for alternative vibes and local beer
→ Or a romantic meal in the tucked-away Trabuxu Bistro
Where to Eat & Drink
| Meal | Recommended Spots |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Lot Sixty One, Piadina Caffé |
| Lunch | Is-Suq tal-Belt, Legligin, Aaron’s Kitchen |
| Dinner | Noni (Michelin-starred), Grano, Rubino |
| Drinks | Bridge Bar, Yard 32 (gin bar), Kingsway |
🍷 Don’t miss local favourites like rabbit stew (fenek), octopus, and prickly pear liqueur.
Where to Stay in Valletta
- Budget: The British Hotel – old-school with unbeatable harbour views
- Mid-range: Palais Le Brun or The Saint John – boutique and central
- Luxury: The Phoenicia – iconic 5-star hotel at the city gate
Stay within the city walls for a true Valletta experience — and walk everywhere!
Bonus Tips & Local Secrets
- Valletta is tiny but hilly — bring comfy shoes
- Many shops close mid-afternoon for siesta-style hours
- Sundays = quieter streets, but excellent for photography
- Try a Kinnie (Malta’s beloved bittersweet soft drink)
- Don’t forget Mdina, Malta’s ancient “Silent City” — just a 30-min taxi ride away
Photographers: sunrise at Lower Barrakka and sunset at Fort St Elmo are gold.
Final Thoughts: Small City, Big Heart
Valletta may be Europe’s smallest capital, but it packs a mighty punch. In just two days, you’ll soak up centuries of history, taste Mediterranean flavours, hear music in cobbled alleys, and watch ships sail past bastions that have stood for generations.
It’s more than a city break — it’s a time machine with sea views.
