Landmarks • 9–12 min
Malta at War Museum Guide (Birgu)
A practical guide to the Malta at War Museum in Birgu: what it is, official opening hours and ticket prices, and how to pair it with a Three Cities promenade from Valletta.
Photo by Reuben Farrugia on Unsplash.
Highlights
- ✦A focused WWII museum stop in Birgu (Vittoriosa)
- ✦Official opening hours and ticket-price baseline
- ✦Easy half-day pairing with Fort St Angelo and the waterfront promenade
- ✦A strong culture day when you want depth, not just views
At a glance
- Best for
- WWII history + museum-focused afternoons
- Time needed
- 60–120 minutes
- Opening hours
- Mon–Sat 10:00–16:30 (last admission 16:00)
- Tickets
- Adults €14; Concessions €12; Children (7–15) €8
What the Malta at War Museum is
If Lascaris is the ‘operations room’ chapter, Malta at War is a broader museum chapter: a focused stop for visitors who want WWII context without trying to do every historic site on the island.
It fits well into a Three Cities day because it’s an indoor block you can sandwich between waterfront walking and a fortress viewpoint.
Opening hours and tickets (official info)
Treat these as planning basics and confirm on the official page before you go—especially around public holidays.
- Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–16:30 (last admission 16:00)
- Closed: Sundays, public holidays, and selected holiday dates (including 24 Dec, 25 Dec, 31 Dec, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday)
- Tickets listed: Adults €14; Concession €12; Children (7–15) €8; under‑7s free
How to get there from Valletta (easy options)
Because Birgu is just across the harbour, this is one of the easiest ‘feels like a day trip’ detours from Valletta.
- Public transport: the museum’s visitor info mentions buses 2 and 3 from Valletta bus station (confirm current routing and stops before you go)
- Harbour crossing: a short ferry trip can be the most scenic option when services are running
- Taxi: easiest if you’re short on time or staying outside the peninsula
How to plan it from Valletta (half-day template)
The best plan is a simple loop with a clear anchor and enough air between stops.
- Cross the harbour to Birgu
- Waterfront promenade walk (first)
- Museum visit (indoor depth block)
- Fort St Angelo for views back to Valletta (optional but excellent)
- Return to Valletta for sunset viewpoints
Tips for a better visit
History museums are best when you plan one, not five. Give it time, then return to the streets and water for contrast.
- Pair with an outdoor walk to avoid ‘museum fatigue’
- If you’re short on time: choose one of Malta at War or Lascaris, not both
- Bring a light layer for breezy waterfront walking
FAQ
Should I do Malta at War Museum or Lascaris War Rooms?
If you’re choosing one: pick Lascaris for the underground operations-room atmosphere near Valletta, or Malta at War for a wider museum stop on a Three Cities day. Doing both is best only if WWII history is your main theme.
Is it easy to combine with Fort St Angelo?
Yes. They pair naturally: promenade → museum → fort for views back to Valletta.