3 Days in Valletta

How to use this itinerary

Think of the three days as layers. Day one is the postcard layer: the core streets, the cathedral, and the harbour viewpoint sequence. Day two adds depth: forts, museums, war history, and time at the city’s sea edge. Day three is expansion: you leave Valletta’s peninsula and come back with a richer understanding of Malta.

Each day includes one ‘anchor’ visit, one walk, and one slow hour. Keep that structure and your trip will feel both full and relaxed.

Day 1: the Valletta signature

Start early with your most popular interior (St John’s Co‑Cathedral for most visitors). Then let the city’s grid do the work: Republic Street and Merchant Street are full of small details and natural pauses.

Aim for Upper Barrakka Gardens in late afternoon, then descend to the waterfront and watch Valletta change color toward sunset.

• Morning: St John’s Co‑Cathedral + a slow street loop
• Lunch: Merchant Street / market hall
• Afternoon: MUŻA or palace/museum visit (check access)
• Golden hour: Upper Barrakka → waterfront
• Evening: dinner + gentle night walk

Day 2: forts, museums, and the sea edge

Day two is where Valletta becomes more than a pretty grid. Walk toward Fort St Elmo and feel the city’s relationship to the sea and to history. Pair that with either the Lascaris War Rooms (underground wartime planning) or a museum-heavy afternoon.

Finish with something simple: waterfront promenade, a ferry ride for skyline photos, and an early night if you’re planning a day trip tomorrow.

• Morning: Fort St Elmo + viewpoints
• Midday: Lascaris War Rooms (if it interests you)
• Afternoon: museums, courtyards, or shopping
• Evening: ferry detour (Sliema or Three Cities) + return to Valletta

Day 3: choose your detour (pick one)

On your third day, don’t try to sample the whole island. Choose one detour that matches your mood and logistics, then come back to Valletta for a final sunset or dinner.

A good rule: if you’re tired, choose the Three Cities (closest). If you want a storybook shift, choose Mdina. If you want a bigger adventure, choose Gozo or the coast.

• Closest: The Three Cities (harbour history, promenades, viewpoints)
• Storybook: Mdina & Rabat (quiet streets, historic atmosphere)
• Coastal: a beach or cliff walk (season-dependent)
• Big day: Gozo (requires more planning and time)

What to do with extra energy (or bad weather)

If you have extra energy, add a second viewpoint sequence (Lower Barrakka or bastions). If the weather turns, double down on museums and indoor landmarks—Valletta has enough culture to carry a rainy day.

• Extra energy: add a second sunset viewpoint or a longer harbour detour
• Bad weather: MUŻA, war rooms, museums, and longer café time