Top 10 Best Things to Do in Malta
#10 - The Malta Experience
This has to be the best way to start your trip to Malta. If you’re like me, you probably don’t know much about Maltese history. This IMAX-style movie will explain all you need to know about Malta’s past. Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting and complex European histories I have come to learn. After watching the movie, you will be guided to the old Knight hospital, where you will tour the old and new facilities. It’s definitely the best way to start any trip here.
Average Cost: €20
Hours: Monday - Friday (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.); Saturday (11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.); Sunday (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
#9 - Valletta Food Market
If you’ve been wanting to try some authentic Maltese food, but you have family or friends who are picky eaters, then this will be your answer to a good lunch or dinner. The Valletta Food Market has many stalls offering anything from traditional cuisine, Indian, Italian, American, Chinese, and many other types of food. It is fun to just sit back and enjoy all the cuisine at affordable rates.
Average Cost: Varies
Hours: Monday - Thursday (7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.); Friday - Sunday (7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
#8 - Valletta Waterfront
Since Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean, you’re bound to find nice (rocky) beaches and waterfronts. One of the most active and exciting waterfronts, however, is the Valletta Waterfront. At all hours of the day, you’ll see countless boats swimming along as they get to their destinations. We recommend hopping on a boat yourself for the full experience!
#7 - Fort Manoel
One piece of architecture you’ll notice in the Valletta Waterfront is Fort Manoel. This fortress comes from the 18th century and was built while the Grandmaster Antonio Manoel de Vilhena was in power, hence the name. The French occupied the fortress in 1798, but the British took control over it from 1800 until 1964 (if you do the Malta Experience beforehand, you’ll understand why). Today, it is part of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Average Cost: FREE
Hours: Depends (only open on special occasions - free to walk outside)
#6 - St John’s Co-Cathedral
This is a stylishly elegant cathedral that dates back to 1577. It became the conventual church of the Order for the Knights. In the 1660’s, the Grandmaster Raphael Cotoner wanted the interior to be updated in a grander design to rival that of the churches of Rome. During the French occupation in 1798, it became of equal prominence with the church in Mdina, therefore no longer being the official church of the Order (hence why it’s called co-cathedral). Though the church was partially damaged during World War II, it was restored in the 1980’s-90’s. Today, you can take in the elaborate golden walls, artwork, and overall exquisite design.
Average Cost: €15
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. (closed on Sundays)
#5 - The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is perhaps one of the most picturesque places in all of Malta. It displays stunning rock formations, crystal clear waters, and gives you the sense of adventure as you travel inside the grotto itself. Although the grotto is beautiful, it is just as stunning from the viewing platform above. Whichever you choose, you will have lots of great opportunities for fantastic photos.
Average Cost: €21 (viewing platform FREE)
Hours: Varies depending on company
#4 - Mdina
Mdina is a whole city within Malta. Instead of listing out a couple of must-see activities in Mdina, we just recommend spending time in the whole city. There is a fascinating old medieval town, catacombs, countless museums and cathedrals, and really sweet shops and cafes. You’ll probably want to dedicate at least a half day to explore this beautiful area of the country.
#3 - The Archeological Sites
Like we said earlier, Malta has some really interesting history. Most of the history you hear about, though, starts around the medieval period. However, Malta’s history goes back even farther than that. Actually, Malta goes back to about 3600 BC. There are archeological sites, such as the Ħaġar Qim and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. These show how Maltese people lived back in the day and gives you a picture of what life was like thousands of years ago. You’ll get to see some old “houses,” sacrifice temples, and cemeteries. A very chilling and moving part of Malta’s history.
Average Cost: €15 (Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum), €10 (Ħaġar Qim)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Ħaġar Qim closed on Tuesdays)
#2 - The Grandmaster Palace
As you may have guessed from the previous blogs and posts, the Knights ruled Malta for many years. What seems similar to the process of choosing the Pope, the Grandmaster is a very high honour. If you’ve ever wondered where the Grandmaster lives and where they perform their duties, it’s here at the Grandmaster Palace. Not only will you get to see the conference rooms, offices, and ballrooms - you will get to see old Maltese armour on display during the Great Siege of Malta. This palace is loaded with all sorts of helmets, swords, guns, cannons, and other items on display.
Average Cost: €12
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
#1 - St Elmo
During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the Ottoman Empire tried to gain control of Malta, mainly for strategic purposes as it is in a prime location between continents. The Maltese Knights and soldiers were outnumbered - most did not survive. However, the battle here at St Elmo was significant in buying time for the other forts that ultimately claimed victory over the Ottoman Empire. There are other historical moments for St Elmo, including its impact on World War II, so the fortress is now converted into a museum. This requires at least a half day to truly absorb the history that took place here.
Average Cost: €10
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
