First Timer- Valletta, Malta

[livetravelcruise07]

We want to stay around the port when we arrive in Valletta, I would love any suggestions on what to do, places we need to see and where to eat! I have looked around at tours, but nothing is catching my eye. So, if anyone has been to Valletta, I would love to hear what you all did at port 🙂 

[PurpleTraveller]

The St John's Co-Cathedral is magnificent and not to be missed. The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens are lovely with the Upper Barrakka Gardens having particularly wonderful views over the harbour. There is also the noon day firing of the cannon at the Saluting Battery which you can watch from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The St Elmo Fort and Siege Bell War Memorial can be visited. The old city of Valletta is lovely to walk around looking at the old buildings, narrow streets and shops. There are many cafes and restaurants to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. You can also get a ferry across the harbour to Vittoriosa to wander around the narrow streets and get fabulous views back to Valletta. Valletta is lovely and very easy to wander around.

 

Edited March 14 by PurpleTraveller

[edinburgher]

17 hours ago, livetravelcruise07 said:

if anyone has been to Valletta, I would love to hear what you all did at port 🙂 

 Valletta is quite an easy DIY port. Purple Traveller has already given you some of the highlights, to find others to suit your personal interests and to check opening hours etc on your day of the week/date, check the Valletta Tourist Board website, also Tripadvisor, YouTube, Rick Steves and others which appear when you google something like "Valletta Tourist Information". and do read past threads for information and ideas.  Here are some to get you started.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=valletta&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

Lots to do and see in Valletta and much of it is pedestrian.

 

Two tips which you will also read on some of the previous threads.

 

Be up on deck an hour or so before arrival for the sail in to the Grand Harbour, one of the most scenic sail ins anywhere. Forward facing or starboard would be best.  Local boat trips are offered but you get to enjoy it twice for free.

 

Ships are docked low down at the waterfront.  Valletta city is uphill, and can be quite a steep walk up.  There is a lift which takes you up to the Barrakka Gardens which Purple Traveller mentioned. There are incredible views to be found there.  The lift costs 1 euro pp to go up, free to come down.  To find it, at the port exit turn right and walk along that waterfront road until you see the lift entrance across the street.

 

Depending on the month you will visit, Valletta can be very hot so dress accordingly and carry or buy water.

Edited March 15 by edinburgher

[livetravelcruise07]

This is amazing, thank you!! This is all great information!! So excited! 

Edited March 15 by livetravelcruise07

[Over from NZ]

Are you just there for the day? 

[watsonbeau]

Yes just the one day.

[Over from NZ]

1 hour ago, watsonbeau said:

Yes just the one day.

Gotcha. We had 4-nights there last year. Purpletraveller's post sums it up very well. We did all those things. We also had a trip to Mdina (about 30-40 min bus-ride) because the wife is a GOT fan (and it was a great wee medieval walled town!) and a day-trip (similar bus-time) to Marsaxlokk where we saw the traditional Luzzo boats and had a ride in one to the grotto. However if you're just there for the day.. would look at Purpletraveller's recommendations. We enjoyed Fort St Elmo.. but even just wandering round Valetta admiring the old buildings, city walls etc was great. 

[Zana711]

The highlight for me was the Malta at War Museum & War Tunnels. (Not to be confused with Fort St. Elmo aka National War Museum). The Malta at War Museum is slightly further out from the city centre - about a 10 minute bus ride away. The war tunnels were absolutely amazing and is the biggest I have seen. It's not just a few long tunnels but an entire labyrinth of rooms used as communal refuge rooms, supply rooms, private bomb shelter cubicles, first aid station etc. 

I took an included guided tour but you're free to just roam around, hard hats provided! I wrote a blog post about my DIY excursion if you're interested about the Malta at War Museum. 

https://diycruiseports.com/diy-port-guides/valletta-cruise-port-diy-excursion-guide

Edited April 4 by Zana711

[watsonbeau]

The tunnels sound amazing. If we get up and off early hopefully we can fit a lot in - thank you 

[JimmyTheSaint]

We've been to Valletta a few times as a cruise port and agree with everything Purple Traveller said. Just walk out of the port and head toward the lift up to the Barrakka Gardens and enjoy your day. You must visit the Co Cathedral, one of the most ornate church buildings in Europe.

 

Every time we've been in Valletta on the way back onboard we passed through a duty free shop after the security checks and were able to buy alcohol etc and bring it to our room. Hopefully that still applies.

 

It's a really good harbour to watch sailing into / out of as it's quite narrow passing the city and the forts at the entrance.

[watsonbeau]

I’m really looking forward to Valletta. Just been watching the documentary on Channel 5 called Malta jewel of the Mediterranean – it featured the cathedral St John’s it looks amazing!

[travellovers2]

We just booked a cruise that has an overnight stop in Malta. Does anyone know of a local company that you can hire a car with a private driver to drive you around the island? 

 

Thank you!  

[edinburgher]

9 minutes ago, travellovers2 said:

Does anyone know of a local company that you can hire a car with a private driver to drive you around the island? 

My post #3 above has a link to past threads about Valletta,  and I suggest you look at the subject lines  because it is almost certain that some of these past threads will be asking about private tours and you can read the replies which should have recommendations in them.

Edited April 21 by edinburgher

[travellovers2]

Thank you for sharing that information. We will contact the tour company mentioned in one of the posts. It will probably be cheaper than booking through the cruise line. 

[Dreamer68]

Thanks for your question, @livetravelcruise07! We leave Barcelona the week after you on the Celebrity Equinox with Valleta being our first stop. Loving all the recommendations here. I've spent some time scouring the threads for several months now and I'm starting to get indecisive about what to do with our 8 am to 6 pm stop.

We are currently booked on a 4-hour excursion (thanks to OBC) to visit 3 cities (Cospicua, Bittoriosa, and Senglea continuing to Marsaxlokk <-- we are interested in this fishing village, for a look)...plus a cruise around Valetta harbor. The problem is, the excursion start time is at 8 am (same as arrival time into Valetta). AND half of our 4-person group really would like to see the Blue Grotto. And I really want to hear about the Knights Templar.

How might we enjoy the sail-into Grand Harbour in the morning, do the excursion we booked, find a way to see the Blue Grotto (read your blog DIY @Zana711 (thanks!! Your "sweat index" was helpful. LOL!) and back to walk around Valetta by 5pm?  I have a feeling we need to drop something (the ship excursion)...or perhaps design our own DIY that prioritizes going to see the Blue Grotto in the morning after sail in, and then return to visit Valetta as per recommendations from @PurpleTraveller and @edinburgher? Any insights from you who know Valetta well?

 

Thanks LOTS!

[Zana711]

38 minutes ago, Dreamer68 said:

Thanks for your question, @livetravelcruise07! We leave Barcelona the week after you on the Celebrity Equinox with Valleta being our first stop. Loving all the recommendations here. I've spent some time scouring the threads for several months now and I'm starting to get indecisive about what to do with our 8 am to 6 pm stop.

We are currently booked on a 4-hour excursion (thanks to OBC) to visit 3 cities (Cospicua, Bittoriosa, and Senglea continuing to Marsaxlokk <-- we are interested in this fishing village, for a look)...plus a cruise around Valetta harbor. The problem is, the excursion start time is at 8 am (same as arrival time into Valetta). AND half of our 4-person group really would like to see the Blue Grotto. And I really want to hear about the Knights Templar.

How might we enjoy the sail-into Grand Harbour in the morning, do the excursion we booked, find a way to see the Blue Grotto (read your blog DIY @Zana711 (thanks!! Your "sweat index" was helpful. LOL!) and back to walk around Valetta by 5pm?  I have a feeling we need to drop something (the ship excursion)...or perhaps design our own DIY that prioritizes going to see the Blue Grotto in the morning after sail in, and then return to visit Valetta as per recommendations from @PurpleTraveller and @edinburgher? Any insights from you who know Valetta well?

 

Thanks LOTS!

@Dreamer68 Thanks very much! 😁

Here's my take: if your 4-hour excursion finishes on time, it's absolutely possible to see it with time left to walk around Valletta. However, I would not recommend public transport. The bus route 74 takes 30 minutes each way. Then you need to walk down, do the boat trip and then walk back up. Just too hard to time it well. Ask the 4-person group to catch a cab instead there instead after your excursion. It'll be a 15 minute drive each way. 

In case it helps to see what a DIY excursion to the 3 cities look like, I've also got that itinerary on my blog. Just go to the menu bar and select Malta and you'll see it. (Don't want to post too many of my blog post links here and get banned!) If it's your first trip to Malta, I think Valletta will be more interesting than the 3 cities. 

All the best for your trip! 

[Dreamer68]

18 minutes ago, Zana711 said:

@Dreamer68 Thanks very much! 😁

Here's my take: if your 4-hour excursion finishes on time, it's absolutely possible to see it with time left to walk around Valletta. However, I would not recommend public transport. The bus route 74 takes 30 minutes each way. Then you need to walk down, do the boat trip and then walk back up. Just too hard to time it well. Ask the 4-person group to catch a cab instead there instead after your excursion. It'll be a 15 minute drive each way. 

In case it helps to see what a DIY excursion to the 3 cities look like, I've also got that itinerary on my blog. Just go to the menu bar and select Malta and you'll see it. (Don't want to post too many of my blog post links here and get banned!) If it's your first trip to Malta, I think Valletta will be more interesting than the 3 cities. 

All the best for your trip! 

Thanks a million @Zana711! It is indeed our first time to Malta and yes, Valetta sounds like a glorious full-day visit in itself. I figured we might just share a cab between the 4 in the group for quick access to the Grotto. I found this half-day tour that looks great, starting at 9 am, details in the link in paranthesis (covers Blue Grotto, Rabat & Mdina) and gets us back to Valletta for an afternoon of exploration...and then we just switch our credits to get an excursion in Olympia instead. 🤷‍♀️

BTW - I bookmarked your blog to check out all your DIY ideas for all our stops to ensure I do not miss out on something I failed to read during my months of research. Awesome find!

[PurpleTraveller]

1 hour ago, Dreamer68 said:

Thanks for your question, @livetravelcruise07
How might we enjoy the sail-into Grand Harbour in the morning, do the excursion we booked, find a way to see the Blue Grotto (read your blog DIY @Zana711 (thanks!! Your "sweat index" was helpful. LOL!) and back to walk around Valetta by 5pm?  I have a feeling we need to drop something (the ship excursion)...or perhaps design our own DIY that prioritizes going to see the Blue Grotto in the morning after sail in, and then return to visit Valetta as per recommendations from @PurpleTraveller and @edinburgher? Any insights from you who know Valetta well?

 

Thanks LOTS!

 

If you want to go to the Blue Grotto I echo Zana711 about not using public transport. (We got the public bus which broke down half way there leaving us stranded in the middle of nowhere. We had to walk for quite a distance until we managed to wave down another public bus which kindly took us to the closest point to the Blue Grotto on his route and then we had to walk from there. A 30 minutes bus trip turned into a 90 minute bus/walk/bus/walk trip. Fortunately we weren't on a cruise day but staying in Valletta for five days.) I would also recommend getting a taxi there and possibly getting them to wait then getting them to take you to Marsaxlokk and then returning to Valletta. That would maximise your time and allow you to visit the places you want to see and also have time to explore Valletta and maybe also fit in a ferry ride across the harbour.

 

[Dreamer68]

15 minutes ago, PurpleTraveller said:

 

If you want to go to the Blue Grotto I echo Zana711 about not using public transport. (We got the public bus which broke down half way there leaving us stranded in the middle of nowhere. We had to walk for quite a distance until we managed to wave down another public bus which kindly took us to the closest point to the Blue Grotto on his route and then we had to walk from there. A 30 minutes bus trip turned into a 90 minute bus/walk/bus/walk trip. Fortunately we weren't on a cruise day but staying in Valletta for five days.) I would also recommend getting a taxi there and possibly getting them to wait then getting them to take you to Marsaxlokk and then returning to Valletta. That would maximise your time and allow you to visit the places you want to see and also have time to explore Valletta and maybe also fit in a ferry ride across the harbour.

 

Appreciate the added story and perspective, @PurpleTraveller! What an adventure you had!

I was wondering if any of you might have an opinion about The Malta Experience...? Skip? Keep? 

[PurpleTraveller]

1 hour ago, Dreamer68 said:

Appreciate the added story and perspective, @PurpleTraveller! What an adventure you had!

I was wondering if any of you might have an opinion about The Malta Experience...? Skip? Keep? 

 

I haven't done The Malta Experience. I personally would prefer to spend my time exploring Malta which has so much to see and do (we spent five days there and still didn't see everything we wanted to), rather than spend time in a theatre, particularly if there is good weather. However, if you want to learn about Malta's history you may enjoy it. No matter what you choose I hope you have a great visit to Malta and a wonderful cruise. 🛳️

 

[Zana711]

8 hours ago, Dreamer68 said:

Appreciate the added story and perspective, @PurpleTraveller! What an adventure you had!

I was wondering if any of you might have an opinion about The Malta Experience...? Skip? Keep? 

@Dreamer68 I've done the Malta Experience. It's okay. I did it because on my last port day at Malta, I had already spent 8 days there in total and I was looking for something new to do.

 

I think that it's a bit expensive for what it is, at €20 for adults. If it's your first trip to Malta, there's so much more exciting stuff to do than watch this show! @PurpleTraveller is absolutely spot on about that! 

You mentioned that you're interested in history of the Knights of St John in Malta. Then, in Valletta, I would recommend St John's Co-Cathedral and the Palace Armoury inside the Grandmaster's Palace. 

Further afield, I would recommend Mdina and Fort St. Angelo in Birgu (in my 3 cities DIY itinerary). Sounds like you picked out a good tour that combines the Blue Grotto and Mdina. Mdina was used as the Knights' cavalry base during the Great Siege. 

Last but not least, if your cruise is heading to Rhodes in Greece, then you'll have another opportunity as the Knights of St John were there, too! 

All the best with your planning! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time on the Equinox. A friend and his elderly Dad was on it recently and they loved it! 
 

[edinburgher]

17 hours ago, Dreamer68 said:

we are interested in this fishing village, for a look)...plus a cruise around Valetta harbor. The problem is, the excursion start time is at 8 am (same as arrival time into Valetta).

 We visited Marsaxlokk on a port day, simply taking the local public bus from the bus station which dropped us right beside the harbour. ( or you could take a taxi) strolled around there for a time, took photos of the coloured boats,  browsed the small craft market, enjoyed a cold beer then returned  by bus again to Valletta. The bus route passes through the Three Cities, so you could if you wanted to,  get off at each for a time before either walking to the next one or taking a bus or taxi.I  expect you could find info on doing that online.

 

I am unsure how much there is to be gained by taking one of the boat tours around the harbour as you will already sail into it  and out again, seeing much of it for free, and much of the rest can be seen from Valletta itself including from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and  from other viewpoints and photo points around the city. The only benefit I can think of is that you will see it from lower down closer to the water than you will from a higher up  taller ship.

 

You could internet search for photo points and/or lookout points in Valletta as there is no shortage of fortifications.

Edited April 30 by edinburgher