Malta attractions

Sitting prettily on the edge of Valletta’s ramparts, the landscaped Lower Barrakka Gardens offer incredible views east to the entrance of the Grand Harbor and south to Fort St. Angelo and Vittorioso, Senglea, and Cospicua, known as the three cities of Malta. The garden’s flowers, fountains, and palm trees provide shade and a relaxing respite in the heart of Malta.

Across the Grand Harbour from the capital of Valletta, Birgu (Vittoriosa) is, alongside neighboring Senglea and Cospicua, one of Malta’s Three Cities: inhabited since Phoenician times, and considered the foundation of Maltese history. Birgu is celebrated for its waterfront views and for its top landmark, the 16th-century Fort St. Angelo.

One of the three villages of Cottonera that are collectively known as the Three Cities of Malta, Senglea offers beautiful scenery and lots of history. This fortified city is particularly known for its statues, notably of Christ the Redeemer and Mother Mary.

Situated near Valletta, the Tarxien Temples are one of Malta’s most important archaeological relics. The UNESCO-listed site consists of four remains of temple structures dating from between 3,600 and 2,500 BC, and is notable for its prehistoric art, such as carved reliefs.

Widely regarded as Valletta’s most beautiful building, the Auberge de Castille sits near the city’s waterfront and serves as the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta. While the rectangular 18h-century building isn’t open to the public, visitors come to admire its glorious baroque facade.

Set at the tip of Valletta’s old town, where it guards Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour, the star-shaped Fort St. Elmo earned its place in history during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 when the Knights of St. John repelled Ottoman invaders. It withstood further attacks, notably during World War II, and now holds the National War Museum.

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the only known prehistoric underground temple in the world, used between 4000 BC and 2500 BC, is remarkably well preserved. Located in the Maltese town of Paola, it’s the most impressive of the archipelago’s many Neolithic remains and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Malta’s oldest prehistoric site, the massive limestone cave complex at Għar Dalam provides evidence of human occupation of Malta during the Neolithic era. Archaeologists believe that the first human settlers came to the caves from mainland Europe via a land bridge; in fact, there were still people living here in 1911 when excavations started.

Marsamxett Harbour sits on the north-west side of Valletta and, along with a series of major creeks (Sliema, Msida, and Lazzaretto provides calm mooring for boats. It’s separated from the Grand Harbour by the Valletta peninsula but together the two inlets make up the biggest natural harbor in Europe.

Occupying a quarry in the town of Siggiewi, Limestone Heritage, Park and Gardens is a family-friendly attraction that features limestone structures and exhibits that guests can explore while listening to audio guides. You can also watch live carving demonstrations and spend time cuddling up to farmyard creatures at the petting zoo.

Housed in a formal naval bakery in Vittoriosa, the Malta Maritime Museum is yet one more example of how proud the country is of their history – this time, with the focus being the seas surrounding the island. And because there is an ongoing search for more artifacts, it's a site that's worth revisiting on subsequent trips. From the largest Roman anchor in the world to Napoleonic battleship parts to more than 60 traditional Maltese boats, this 20,000+ collection not only exhibits Maltese Maritime history, but puts into context the importance of seafaring on a global scale throughout the ages.

Housed in a 16th-century baroque mansion in Valletta, the National Museum of Archaeology offers a window into Malta’s ancient past. Its collections span everything from early tools to temple altars from some of the island’s Neolithic, Tarxien, and Phoenician archaeological sites, making it a huge draw for history buffs.

This miniature stately home was built in the 1680s for a Knight of St John, and has subsequently been occupied by many aristocratic Maltese families. Today it is open daily for guided tours that showcase both the architectural development of the mansion and the archive of fabulous wealth held by the current owner, the Marquis de Piro.

Malta 5D is a fully immersive audio and visual show that takes audiences on journeys through the history and culture of Malta with a 3D film, moving seats, water sprays, air blasts, and leg ticklers. Over 20 minutes, the show takes visitors back in time to witness events that shaped the history and culture of the island archipelago.

Housed in an old army barracks, the Malta at War Museum focuses on Malta's military history, particularly concerning the Siege of Malta in World War II. Here, you'll find ephemera, displays, and documents on this part of Malta's history.

Boasting a collection of more than 100 classic cars and motorbikes, the Malta Classic Car Collection pays homage to a private collector’s love of vintage cars. Spend some time admiring models, ranging from Ford Thunderbirds and Triumph Spitfires to Fiats, then watch mechanics restore cars in the open workshop.

Inside the fortifications of Valletta, tunnels and bunkers host the Lascaris War Rooms, which were used as war headquarters during World War II. Charts, maps, uniforms, and information exhibits decorate the museum, where you can see where the Allied invasion of Sicily was planned and executed.

This gem of a theater was built in 1732 by a wealthy knight to provide entertainment for the troops, and has been open on-and-off ever since. Built in a Mannerist style on the outside and containing gold and gilt opulence on the inside, the main auditorium has a delicately patterned blue and gold trompe l'oeil ceiling and seats 623 audience members.

Situated on the outskirts of Siggiewi, the Malta Falconry Centre is the only place of its kind in the country. The center breeds native species of birds of prey with the goal of re-introducing them—and the ancient art of falconry—to the island nation.

Built on the site of an 18th-century hunting lodge, the early 20th-century Palazzo Parisio is a palace in the old town of Naxxar, on the northwestern fringes of Valletta. Visitors are invited to explore the lavish estate and stroll around its formal garden, a beautiful, relaxing setting.

A visit to the Wignacourt Museum, which traces the history of the area over the last thousand-odd years, immerses you in Malta's history. You'll find Maltese and European art, relics, and reliquaries, plus a replica of the Shroud of Turin. You also get to wander an underground labyrinth of catacombs.

Flanked by ancient Valletta and facing Malta’s “Three Cities,” the Port of Valletta—also known as the Grand Harbour—is the starting point for travelers arriving to the island by cruise ship. It’s a sightseeing destination in its own right, too, with a pedestrian-only waterside path, gardens, and buzzy restaurants steps from the harbor wall.

A seaport since Roman times, the Grand Harbour has always been at the heart of Malta’s history. The natural inlet extends along the eastern edge of the Valletta peninsula, dividing the UNESCO–listed capital from the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, built by the Knights of St. John. Today, it’s the first port of call for cruise visitors and one of the island’s major attractions.

Overlooking Marsamxett Harbour, the upscale Ta’ Xbiex is Malta’s diplomatic quarter. It’s particularly notable for its number of embassies and high commissions, all housed in ocher-colored grand villas and palazzi along an enclave of private mansions.

A short drive from Valletta, Splash & Fun Water Park is a great place to cool off in summer, particularly if you have kids in tow. Highlights include swimming and wading pools, a lazy river, a wave pool, plus plenty of water slides.

The 16th-century Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck is one of the oldest and most important churches in Valletta. It was built on the site of an older temple to St Paul; this incarnation dates back to the 1580s, with a baroque facade dating to 1885. The interiors are covered from floor to ceiling with gilded frescoes and paintings.

Occupying a 16th-century fortification in old Valletta, the St. James’ Cavalier Centre for Creativity is Malta’s liveliest arts and culture hub. Dedicated to promoting cultural expression, this vibrant, government-funded complex features a theater, an arthouse cinema, and rolling art exhibitions, creative events, and workshops.

Msida town was originally a little fishing village but now merges into Ta’xbiex, a wealthy enclave that’s home to the majority of Malta’s diplomats and embassies. Msida’s biggest claim to fame today is its mammoth yacht marina, which stretches along the north side of Marsamxett Harbour right up Msida Creek.