Valletta in Two Hours – A Walk Through Malta’s Capital
I only had a couple of hours in Valletta, but honestly, that’s enough to fall in love with this small, vibrant city. From golden stone streets to sweeping harbour views, every turn felt like a postcard. If you’re planning a short stop, here’s exactly how I spent my time — come along with me.
🚍 City Gate & Triton Fountain (00:00 – 00:10)
I started at the Triton Fountain, just outside the City Gate. It’s a popular meeting point, and those three bronze Tritons holding up a basin look striking against the bright Maltese sky. Walking through the City Gate itself feels like stepping into history — the massive stone walls wrap around you as you enter the old city.
🏛️ Republic Street Stroll (00:10 – 00:25)
Once inside, I wandered along Republic Street, Valletta’s main artery. You’ll pass shops, cafés, and gorgeous wooden balconies overhead. Take your time and pop into little side streets — they’re so atmospheric with their narrow lanes and bright Maltese doors.
🏛️ Grand Master’s Palace Courtyard (00:25 – 00:40)
Next, I stopped at the Grand Master’s Palace courtyard. Even if you don’t go into the museum rooms, peeking into the courtyard with its arcades and statues feels like a quiet retreat from the busy streets.
🌿 Triq San Ġwann & Upper Barrakka Gardens (00:40 – 01:15)
From the palace, I took a scenic walk down toward the harbour, enjoying the fresh sea air and stunning views. On the way back up, I passed through Triq San Ġwann, a beautiful narrow street full of traditional Maltese balconies and colorful doors that felt like stepping back in time. To save time and energy, I hopped on the nearby Upper Barrakka Lift to ascend back up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. I was lucky enough to catch the noon gun salute from the Saluting Battery — a spectacular tradition that echoes through the harbour.
🚍 Photo Stops & Return to City Gate (01:15 – 02:00)
After the salute, I wandered back toward the City Gate. Along the way, I stopped to take photos of the Auberge de Castile, the Royal Opera House ruins, and the striking Parliament building. At the City Gate itself, I paused for photos of the impressive bastions before finishing my walk at the Triton Fountain.
💡 Pro Tips for Valletta
✅ The city is hilly in places, but very walkable — wear comfy shoes.
✅ Pop into side streets like Triq San Ġwann for the best photos of those famous wooden balconies.
✅ Don’t miss the noon gun salute at Upper Barrakka Gardens — there’s also an afternoon salute if you’re around later.
✅ Treat yourself to Maltese gelato or a pastizzi (a savoury pastry) along the way — I loved the gelato from Vero Gelato near Caffè Cordina.
✅ To save time and energy, use the Upper Barrakka Lift — about €1 per person round trip, running daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, connecting the gardens to the harbour.
✅ If you plan to explore more of Malta by bus, consider getting a Tallinja card. It makes using public transport cheaper and easier, especially if you’re staying in resorts further from Valletta.
🕰️ More to See If You Have a Full Day in Valletta
If you have more time to explore, Valletta has so much more to offer:
✨ St John’s Co-Cathedral – stunning baroque interiors and Caravaggio’s masterpiece.
✨ National Museum of Archaeology – dive into Malta’s prehistoric past.
✨ Manoel Theatre – one of Europe’s oldest working theatres.
✨ Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum – impressive fortifications and history.
✨ Valletta Waterfront – lively restaurants, shops, and sea views.
✨ Coffee and Cake at Caffè Cordina – a charming historic café for a sweet break.
Valletta’s compact size means you can easily mix and match these highlights depending on your interests and time.
💜 Final Thoughts
Valletta might be one of Europe’s smallest capitals, but it’s absolutely brimming with charm. In just two hours you can wander through centuries of history, pause for a sea view, and still have time for a snack. I loved every minute — and I think you will too.
