John carved their fortress into the limestone headland in 1566, they didn’t just build walls; they etched a labyrinth of narrow, honey-hued streets that still hum with quiet resilience today. The city feels less like a museum and more like a living room where history whispers from every balcony, inviting you to pause and listen to the clatter of coffee cups rather than rush through guidebooks. Now, Valletta is an intimate, walkable jewel where ancient bastions meet vibrant cafes, offering travelers not just sights, but a sense of timeless, sun-drenched belonging.
Do Valletta the way locals do: start slow at Park Nazzjonali Ta' Qali, eat where the regulars do at Sotto Pinsa Romana Valletta, let the evening run long at The Pub.
Top things to do in Valletta Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Upper Barrakka
Park · ★ 4.7 (40,427 reviews)
Photography is popular at this public square & garden with a cafe & harbor views.
Check tours & tickets 2
St. John's Co-Cathedral
Church · ★ 4.8 (26,420 reviews)
Elaborately adorned place of worship, completed in 1578 & filled with marbles & European masters.
Check tours & tickets 3
The Valletta Waterfront
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (12,458 reviews)
Converted 1700s port warehouses featuring global restaurants, bars & views of cruise ship activity.
Check tours & tickets 4
Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum
Museum · ★ 4.5 (9,489 reviews)
Opened in 1975, this restored museum explores Malta's military history through artifacts & exhibits.
Check tours & tickets 5
St. George’s Square
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (5,296 reviews)
Main square, home to the storied President's Palace & other baroque & neoclassical buildings.
Check tours & tickets 6
St John's Co-Cathedral Museum
Museum · ★ 4.8 (3,483 reviews)
Grand, 16th-century church offering a museum with baroque architecture, artwork & many artifacts.
Check tours & tickets 7
Esplora Interactive Science Centre
Museum · ★ 4.7 (2,952 reviews)
Center for hands-on science & tech exhibits, with a planetarium & educational theater programs.
Check tours & tickets 8
Casa Rocca Piccola
Museum · ★ 4.6 (3,442 reviews)
Home to a noble Maltese family, this 16th-century palace has 50+ lavish rooms & guided tours.
Check tours & tickets 9
National Museum of Archaeology | Valletta
Museum · ★ 4.4 (4,214 reviews)
Prehistoric artifacts, weapons & sculptures displayed in a baroque 16th-century structure.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Sotto Pinsa Romana Valletta
Pizza Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (5,144 reviews)
Old-school Italian eatery with exposed-stone walls serving Roman-style pizza & other classic fare.
Website 12
Zero Sei Trattoria Romana
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (5,431 reviews)
Relaxed eatery serving Italian staples including pasta, meat dishes & desserts, plus wine & coffee.
Website 13
Ta' Nenu Valletta
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (3,835 reviews)
Website 14
Sally Port Pizzeria
Pizza Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (2,578 reviews)
Website 15
Casa Sotto
Pizza Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (2,117 reviews)
Website 16
The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Valletta
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (2,746 reviews)
Website 17
67 Kapitali
Bar · ★ 4.7 (2,063 reviews)
18
Legligin Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (2,048 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Valletta
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
21
Colour my Travel - Malta Walking Tours
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 4.9 (722 reviews)
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Park Nazzjonali Ta' Qali
National Park · ★ 4.5 (6,253 reviews)
Ample park & picnic spot with access to artisans' shops & a petting zoo for kids.
Website 26
Coral Lagoon
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (1,810 reviews)
27
Ġnien Hastings
Park · ★ 4.6 (1,539 reviews)
Low-key park atop the city's old fortification walls offering views of the harbor & nearby towns.
28
BOV Adventure Park
Playground · ★ 4.5 (1,391 reviews)
Website 29
Salina National Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (1,164 reviews)
After dark 30
The Pub
Bar · ★ 4.5 (3,294 reviews)
Website 31
The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Valletta
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (2,746 reviews)
Website 32
67 Kapitali
Bar · ★ 4.7 (2,063 reviews)
33
Cafe Society Valletta
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.7 (1,608 reviews)
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