Malta Travel Guide For First-Time Visitors
Published Jan. 2024 | Updated July 2025
Visiting Malta for the first time? This Malta travel guide has everything you need to know before your first trip to this beautiful island chain.
Planning a trip to Malta can be overwhelming if you’ve never been before. You have to pick accommodations in a good area, find the best activities, and figure out how to get to and around the island.
This is a complete guide to Malta for first-time visitors with everything you need to know before your trip, including the history of Malta, where to stay, things to do, and where to eat.
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Malta Travel Guide Overview
Location: Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea with three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta is the main island, and Gozo and Comino are Malta’s two smaller islands, which you can also visit on easy day trips!
It is located east of Tunisia and just 50 miles south of Sicily. Malta is 81 times smaller than Sicily at 122 sq mi (316 sq km). On a map, it’s almost invisible unless you’re zoomed in!
Currency/Payments: Euro (€) is the currency in Malta, as of 2008. Most places take card/Apple Pay, while some places only take cash. Carry some with you!
Language: The main languages spoken in Malta are Maltese and English. The vast majority of people speak English, making it easy to communicate without a language barrier.
Outlets/Plugs: They use 3-prong Type G plugs (230 volts/50 hertz) in Malta, like the UK. This is also called the “Commonwealth Plug” because it’s used in all Commonwealth areas. The universal adapter I use works great with Type G plugs.
Tipping Culture: Malta’s official tourism website states that a 5-10% tip is customary for dining at restaurants if you were happy with the service. If a service charge was already added to your bill, an additional tip is not needed.
Roads/driving: You drive on the left side of the road in Malta — a remnant of British rule. We used Bolt, a common rideshare app in Europe, to get around.
Religion: The locals say there is a church for every day of the year in Malta — and it’s almost true! Malta has 359 churches, cathedrals, and chapels, most of which are Catholic. Malta is incredibly religious, with 95% of the population belonging to a religion.
How to Get to Malta
Malta has one airport—in Luqa—that a few dozen airlines operate out of. It’s located south of Malta and the Three Cities, and west of Marsaxlokk.
I flew from London to Malta via Air Malta, which was an easy 3-hour flight. Flying is the fastest and easiest way to get to Malta, though there are no direct flights from the US.
There are also direct ferries to Malta from Sicily, which can take between two to six hours, depending on the ferry service.
Getting Around in Malta
The drivers in Malta are some of the scariest, most dangerous, and angriest drivers I have ever experienced in all my travels.
While I usually love renting a car on my travels and am a confident, skilled driver, I’m really glad I didn’t rent one in Malta. I would have been scared to share the road with the locals while driving on the left side.
Transportation from city to city was a bit of a hassle in Malta since we didn’t rent a car. For the reasons stated above, I still would not recommend renting a car unless you are familiar with Malta drivers and comfortable with being honked at and yelled at on the road.
The best way to get around is via Bolt. It was convenient, quick, and got us where we wanted to go. Bolt is affordable as far as ridesharing and taxis go, plus it’s easy to use (you can also schedule rides ahead of time!).
Malta also has a bus system, but after talking to locals about it, they didn’t recommend taking the bus because of its unreliable service.
Tips For Visiting Malta
Plan ahead: Though Malta is small, everything feels spread out. I recommend visiting one or two areas/towns each day and planning it in advance to make the most of your time.
Get an e-sim: It’s essential to have cell service while in Malta if you plan to use a rideshare app or want to look up activities, directions, etc. I use Airalo for all my international travels and love it!
Download the Bolt App: This is the rideshare app we used. Download it before you go and create an account so you can easily book a ride upon arrival at the airport.
Cover up in churches: Make sure you bring a shawl or long-sleeved shirt to cover your shoulders/chest if you go inside any churches. I carried a button-up long-sleeve shirt, which was lightweight and easy to fit into my backpack.
Wear comfortable shoes: Like any European country, you’ll likely walk a lot! We did. Getting comfortable shoes will make a huge difference in how tired your feet are at the end of the day.
Carry cash: Most restaurants accept cards, but tours, boats, etc., mostly take cash (Euros).
Wear sun protection: Malta is hot and sunny for most of the year — sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses will make the hot days more enjoyable. Carrying a water bottle is helpful, too!
Best Time to Visit Malta
Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate due to its location (it’s just south of Sicily). The summers are hot, the shoulder seasons are perfect, and winters are cooler with more rainy days.
Fall in Malta
The best time to visit Malta is between September and November. The summer crowds have left, and the weather is still hot, but not unbearable.
It’s easier to do activities and go out to eat without booking in advance since there are fewer tourists. I still recommend booking your top restaurants and activities ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
We visited in October and had lovely weather (it was around 80ºF/27ºC each day), there weren’t many crowds at all, and it felt like summer. Although Malta does get 3-7 days per month of rain in fall, we did not have any at all, not even a cloudy day!
Spring in Malta
Spring in Malta also has milder weather and fewer tourists than summer. It’s slightly cooler than fall, so this would be a great time to visit if you’re more sensitive to the heat.
There are fewer days of rain per month in spring compared to fall, so spring might be your best chance if you are only here for a few days and don’t want to risk getting rain!
Summer in Malta
From June to August, Malta gets hot! It’s also when most tourists visit. If you like the heat, then summer is the perfect time for your trip to Malta. Spend your days swimming in the sea or stay at a hotel with a pool to cool off when the midday sun gets too hot.
Expect more crowds in summer since this is peak tourist season, and plan your trip accordingly — book your accommodation, activities, etc., far in advance. I highly recommend booking a hotel or apartment with A/C, as it will be miserable otherwise.
Ensure you bring enough water on your adventures (I love my Owala bottle) and slather on the sunscreen!
Winter in Malta
The rainiest season in Malta is winter. It’s not a great time to visit since the weather won’t be nice, but there will be far fewer tourists!
Where to Stay in Malta
Malta is a small country, and we didn’t have any drives longer than 45 minutes to get to where we wanted to go. There are a few main areas around the island that would make for a great home base to come back to after days of exploring.
While each town in Malta has its own vibe, overall, they’re pretty similar to each other, just different distances from activities and attractions!
Although Malta is small, it is filled with impressive architecture, stunning viewpoints, endless history and cultural education, and many activities.
Spending 7-10 days in Malta would be enough to see and do everything while also having some downtime to relax and take your time exploring the different cities.
If this is just one stop on a larger Europe trip (Italy and Greece are both nearby!), then three days in Malta would be perfect to see the highlights.
Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The streets are reminiscent of Italy, with gelaterias, shops, and tall tan buildings.
We stayed in Valletta during our trip, and it was a great spot since we were walking distance from shops and restaurants! It also has harbors on both sides for easy access to other parts of the island via ferries.
Luxury: Iniala Harbour House
Mid-range: Avalon Boutique
Mdina
Mdina is located near the center of Malta, southeast of Valletta. It is known as The Silent City, and there are tall walls that shield the city from the outside.
It has a couple of luxury hotels within the city walls if you want to book a more upscale stay, while most of the accommodations in this area are just outside of the city walls or in nearby Rabat.
Every local we asked for recommendations from told us to visit Mdina — it’s one of the must-see areas in Malta. The walled city is beautiful, with lovely areas around each corner. It was also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones!
Luxury: Palazzo Bifora (within the city gates)
Budget: Domus Boutique Hotel (just outside of Mdina in Rabat)
Marsaxlokk
The quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk is a nice area if you want to stay in a more local, seaside area. Marsaxlokk is right on the water and has a harbor filled with colorful luzzo boats.
There are tons of restaurants right along the water, as well as a daily tourist market with fun trinkets and souvenirs. Though the Sunday fish market is what it’s most famous for!
Marsaxlokk is located on the southeast side of Malta and is a bit further away from the other attractions and activities on the island. You need to go to Valletta to catch any ferries and need to drive/get a rideshare to reach other areas of the island from Marsaxlokk, like Mdina.
Luxury: Seagull Penthouse Marsaxlokk
Mid-range: White Pearl Apart 5
Budget: La Reggia Seaview Guesthouse
Mellieha
The northwestern tip of Malta is Mellieha. The main area of the town has tons of hotels and restaurants, plus it’s close to the ferry terminal to reach Gozo, Comino, and other destinations around the island that the ferry services.
Mellieha is also where Popeye Village and St. Agatha’s Tower are located, which are both cool things to see!
Since this is the far end of Malta, it’s quite a distance from the rest of the island. While you can ferry to Valletta from here, you will need a rental car or rideshare to get around.
Luxury: Lure Hotel & Spa (adults only)
Budget: Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa
25 Things to Do in Malta
Malta has hundreds of things to do, despite being just a few tiny islands in the Mediterranean. If you enjoy history, architecture, churches, art, and unique cultures, Malta is the perfect destination for you.
We packed our itinerary full of activities and sights throughout the few days we were here.
It absolutely is possible to include most of these things in your itinerary, even if you only have three days in Malta. You just need to be savvy with your planning and time management!
Walk Around Valletta City Center
I loved walking around the pedestrian-only city center in Valletta! There are people out and about enjoying themselves as they shop at the local stores, get gelato at a local gelateria, and eat at the tables lining the narrow streets.
Valletta has many hills, and you can get a pretty good workout just walking from the outskirts of town to the city center. The city center itself is mostly flat and has an art museum, a Roman Catholic church, and lots of shops and restaurants.
At night, the streets are bustling with people out to dinner, getting drinks, and enjoying the night. The streets are all lit up and have an overall lively atmosphere that will give you the magical “I can’t believe I’m really here right now!” moment.
If you walk through the front gates, you will be greeted by the giant fountain that sits in front of them. We sat at the fountain one night after dinner and fireworks started to go off nearby — it was incredible!
Book a Valletta City Walking Tour to explore the city with an expert local guide
Relax at The Lower Barrakka Gardens
The Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta are a lovely public park area with benches, a fountain, the Monument to Sir Alexander Ball, and views of the Siege Bell War Memorial across the street.
The Monument to Sir Alexander Ball is a gorgeous Neoclassical structure at the center of the garden, flanked by palm trees.
The Siege Bell War Memorial is a grand bell tower with a rounded dome upheld by columns, set against the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. You can get great views of it at the Lower Barrakka Gardens, and you can even walk through it!
Just outside the entrance to the gardens is a small snack bar and restaurant if you want to get a bite to eat.
Fun fact: This bell tower was also featured in Season 28 of The Bachelor while they were filming in Malta.
Take in the Views at The Upper Barrakka Gardens
Not too far from the Lower Barrakka Gardens is the Upper Barrakka Gardens, an equally beautiful public park area with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The long perimeter boasts grand arches that perfectly frame the sea. From here, you can see the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour and get a clear view of Fort St. Angelo.
Every day at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., a ceremonial gun salute is performed at the Saluting Battery (a line of cannons along the lower part of these gardens). You can get tickets to go down to the cannons, or just view them from above at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
There is a snack bar within the gardens here where you can grab some food and drinks and sit at one of the tables. It’s the perfect spot to take a breath, refuel, and plan your next activity if seating is available.
From the top of the gardens, you can take an elevator down (it’s very high up!) for a couple of Euros (cash) to easily reach the other side of Valletta. We took this elevator and headed to the seaside for a boat ride to the Three Cities across the way.
Admire Paintings at the Art Museum
Valletta has a clean and modern art museum, MUŻA, in the heart of the city. It’s a somewhat small museum with mostly Maltese paintings — you may even recognize some of the buildings in the paintings!
It has multiple floors, and I was one of the only people there when I visited. It was nice to have a quiet place to walk around and admire art after walking through the busy streets.
The museum costs €10 per person to visit, and you can expect to spend 1-2 hours here.
Get a Latte With a View at Coffee Circus
Coffee Circus in Valletta gets two mentions in this post (once here, and once in the section below about where to eat) because it was one of my favorite bits of the trip!
The chai latte here is delicious, it has a unique interior, and the views from the street seating are incredible.
Take Photos at the Famous Red Telephone Box
Since Malta was under British rule for a long period, there are pockets of British culture throughout the country. One of those that stands out the most is the red phone booths, which are such an iconic British symbol.
There is one phone booth that rules them all, though: the one in Valletta that matches the red shutters and Maltese balcony on the building behind it.
This is undoubtedly a popular photo spot, and everyone who came across it stopped to snap a photo while I was there. It’s a classic Malta photo spot!
Ride a Traditional Maltese Boat from Valletta to Three Cities
The Three Cities is an area of Malta across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. It is an area named for the finger-shaped pieces of land that are each a separate city: Vittoriosa (also known as Il-Birgu), Senglea (also known as L-Isla), and Cospicua (also known as Bormla).
Take the elevator down from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and walk straight out to the Grand Harbour. From here, you can pay a few Euros (in cash) to ride a traditional Maltese boat—equipped with a modern engine—across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities.
Each boat holds 6-7 people, and the ride is only about 5 minutes. It will drop you off at the water taxi station in Vittoriosa, where you can then walk around or order a Bolt to reach other areas of the Three Cities (like Gardjola Gardens).
Explore 15th Century History at Gardjola Gardens, Senglea
After you take a traditional Maltese boat across the harbor from Valletta to the Three Cities, you can either walk or take a Bolt to Senglea (one of the three cities).
Gardjola Gardens is a small area at the tip of Senglea that has an incredible tower built in the 15th century. I first spotted it in the Air Malta magazine on the flight over and made it a must-visit on my Malta list!
You can see Valletta across the harbor and get a lovely view of the harbor entrance that leads out to sea. It’s a beautiful spot with benches to sit and relax. The tower has windows you can look out of and a few people can fit in at a time, though it’s best to go one at a time if people are taking photos.
Watch the Sunset from the Sliema Seaside
Sliema is across the way from Valletta on the other side — the opposite side from the Three Cities. You can easily take a 5-minute ferry ride from Valletta to get here.
Sliema is the most densely populated city in Malta, and it shows in the number of shops, restaurants, and people. There are nice restaurants in this area if you’re looking for a fancy dinner with sea views!
Walk to the point of Sliema, Tigné Point, and go down the stairs to the stone ground at sea level. This area has a stunning cityscape view of Valletta, where I took my favorite photo of the whole trip.
Stay for sunset to watch Valletta glow as golden hour fades to blue hour!
Act Like Royalty at Palazzo Parisio & Gardens, Naxxar
Palazzo Parisio and Gardens was once a private residence but is now open to the public for tours and weddings. Their restaurant, serving high tea and elegant meals, is one of the main reasons people visit today.
Walking through the palace, you can imagine what it would have felt like to live in the adorned rooms with sky-high ceilings and gold trimmings. Every room is highly detailed and distinct from the others.
You can even walk out onto a balcony on the second floor and look out over the gardens. Speaking of which, the gardens here are lovely, and you can stroll through them during your visit. There are walls of flowers, a swing in a tree, and tons of trees and other plants.
Tickets are €15 per person to tour the palace and gardens.
Go to the Top of the Rotunda of Mosta
Mosta is best known for the domed Roman Catholic church in its city center, called the Mosta Rotunda. The neoclassical-style church is open to the public for self-guided tours where you can view the inside, climb the stairs to the top, and even explore the underground shelter beneath it.
During World War II, Malta was hit with bombs by Germany. One of these bombs came through the dome into the church, but it did not go off, which the Maltese people believed to be a miracle.
Due to the bombings, underground tunnels and a shelter were built under the church for people to escape to in the event of a bomb strike.
These tunnels are where you start your tour of the Rotunda of Mosta, and you can get a glimpse into what it was like to stay down here during threats of bombings. It is claustrophobic but well-lit — I would not recommend doing this part of the tour if you are very claustrophobic.
Once back in the church, climb the steep and winding stairs to the top of the dome, where you will get fresh air on the roof. You can then step inside for a closer view of the dome’s interior from the perimeter. It’s intricately decorated with white, blue, and gold.
Walk down the stairs on the other side to go back to the main level to view the dome from below, as well as the rest of the church.
Tickets are €5 per person.
Take the Ferry to Gozo Island
Three islands make up the country of Malta: Malta (the main and largest island), Gozo, and Comino. Gozo is a more rural island, which can be reached via ferry from Malta.
While you can take the ferry from Valletta to Gozo, we opted to drive to the ferry terminal at the northern point of the island: Cirkewwa.
The ferry is only about 15 minutes to Gozo from Cirkewwa, making it an easy day trip from Malta. Plan to spend a full day on Gozo, if not a night or two. There are so and things to do and see around the island!
You can either rent a car and drive yourself around, book a private jeep tour, or use Bolt to get rideshares around the island (this is what we did).
Swim in the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island
The most popular tourist attraction in Malta, by far, is the Blue Lagoon on Malta’s smallest island. The Blue Lagoon is an area off the coast of Comino named for the vibrant blue waters there.
Many boat tours and ferries will take you to the Blue Lagoon, either from Malta or Gozo. You can even book a private boat tour if you don’t want to go with strangers.
It can get incredibly crowded here depending on the time of year you visit, with summers being the most crowded.
Check Out Popeye Village From Above
The Popeye movie was filmed on a set constructed in Mellieha, Malta, and still stands today. After filming was wrapped, they kept the set and turned it into an attraction you can now visit!
Although you can pay to visit, the best viewpoint is from the cliffs across from the small village. This viewpoint gives you a higher vantage point so you can see the whole village!
When you first get to the viewpoint at the parking lot, you’ll see a fence that blocks you from the cliffs — do not go around this fence as it is dangerous and there for a reason!
Instead, walk further down the pathway, cross the road that leads to the sunken pier, and go up the dirt path to the “Popeye Cliffs” for the best view and photo spot.
Visit Saint Agatha's Tower (The Red Tower)
Saint Agatha’s Tower, also known as The Red Tower, is a watchtower from the 17th century. As you can probably infer from its name, it’s a large, red tower that is square with four corner towers.
The corner towers each have openings that were once for cannons to shoot through, and they stored ammunition in the main tower. Restoration work was done on the tower from 1999-2001 to repair damaged areas.
If you go during opening hours, you can actually tour the inside and go on the roof for views of Gozo and Comino for €2.50 per person. We arrived after closing, so we just walked around the outside and up the front steps.
It’s a beautiful tower that really stands out atop the hill with its deep red color.
Pretend You’re Lady Stark at the Mdina Gates
The front gates to Mdina, the Silent City, may be familiar to you if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. They were used in GoT as the front gates to King’s Landing in the first season!
The front entrance gates are large, with a stone bridge that you walk across to enter the city. Mdina itself is a walled city with narrow, maze-like streets and a large cathedral in the center.
Men with horse-drawn carriages stand around waiting for tourists who want to take a ride through the city. Please don’t do this — the horses are treated extremely poorly, and it’s not a great way to see the city. Walking is best!
This is a popular spot, and you may need to be patient to get photos without tons of people in the background!
See Skeletons at the National Museum of Natural History
I love visiting natural history museums, especially in other countries. Mdina has its own little natural history museum with a lovely collection of skeletons (both human and animal) if you’re into that kind of thing — I am!
There are multiple levels to the museum, which also has taxidermy animals, education about the islands/environment, insects, gemstones, and information about sea life.
The courtyard is beautiful and a great spot to snap a photo. On your way out, make sure you throw a coin into the well and make a wish!
Admire the Gardens at St. Dominic Priory, Rabat
The Church of St. Dominic in Rabat is also known as St. Dominic Priory or Church of St. Dominic and The Blessed Virgin. It’s a small church with an open courtyard made famous by Game of Thrones since it was used as a filming location for The Red Keep.
You can walk around the perimeter of the courtyard, but you cannot go into it. While you’re here, make sure you check out the inside of the church — it’s small but incredibly ornate!
Tip: Book a walking tour of Mdina and Rabat to explore both cities with a local guide!
Enjoy a Walk Through San Anton Gardens, Attard
San Anton Gardens is part of San Anton Palace in Attard, the home of the President of Malta. The gardens are free to visit and a perfect place to go for a walk or sit on one of the many benches.
There are fountains with turtles, manicured gardens, local cats bathing in the sunshine (highlight of my visit!), peacocks, and even a Japanese pagoda statue.
While the palace itself is closed to the public, the gardens are open to explore and enjoy.
Appreciate Colorful Boats at Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
Marsaxlokk (pronounced mar-sash-lock) is a fishing village known for its incredible markets and colorful fishing boats, called luzzi, in the harbor.
Take a walk along the harbor to fully enjoy the brightly colored boats parked here. There is a small dock you can walk out onto as well for an even better view of the boats and surrounding buildings.
If you go on a weekday or Saturday, make time to check out all the booths at the market. They mostly have touristy trinkets and other souvenirs that make for good gifts to take back home for friends or family.
On Sundays, Marsaxlokk hosts the famous Marsaxlokk Market, where they sell mostly fish — it’s popular with locals and tourists alike!
Jump into the Sea at St. Peter’s Pool
Another must-see spot in Marsaxlokk is a swimming hole called St. Peter’s Pool. This is a cliff area where people often spend hours lying out on the cliffs, jumping into the “pool,” and enjoying the sea.
The pool is a semi-circle-shaped part of the cliff that is more closed off from the open sea. People love to jump from this rounded cliff edge into the pool — I even saw a young girl jump! She’s much braver than I am.
If you aren’t up for cliff jumping, you can sunbathe on the flat stone at the top or walk on the narrow path above and to the right to explore the eroded stone.
We followed the path to the right and had beautiful sea views in addition to seeing the unique patterns on the stone that were formed by erosion.
Go on a Boat Tour of the Blue Grotto
In the south of Malta, in Il-Qrendi, is a series of seven caves known as the Blue Grotto, not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
The Blue Grotto caves are only accessible via an official boat tour, which costs €10 per person and must be paid in cash only.
The tour will take you on a small boat that holds about six people, where you will get to go inside the caves to see the stunning blue water. If you’re lucky like we were, you may even spot some jellyfish that are often seen around Malta!
The line can get long, and boat tours may be a bit rushed on busy days. Get there at opening time if possible to avoid a long wait.
Get a Bird’s Eye View of Dingli Cliffs
During the Blue Grotto boat tour, the caves you go into are under the Dingli Cliffs. You can walk to the viewpoint above the Dingli Cliffs for one of the most picturesque views in all of Malta!
The viewpoint is paved with a short wall, so you’ll know you’re at the point when you get there. You will also likely see people crowding this area because it is popular, unsurprisingly.
Experience Early Human History at Hagar Qim
Hagar Qim (pronounced ha-zhar-eem) in Il-Qrendi was once believed to be the oldest human-made structure in history. An even older one has since been discovered, but Hagar Qim is still one of the oldest.
It is dated to be from 3600–3200 BC. Hagar Qim is designated as a World Heritage Site and is one of the Megalith Temples of Malta: some of the oldest known religious sites in the world.
The self-guided tour begins inside the museum, where you’ll learn about the history and view some ancient artifacts before heading outside to walk through and around the temple itself.
Swim in the Shallows at Ghar Lapsi Divesite
During our Bolt ride from Dingli Cliffs viewpoint to Hagar Qim, our driver recommended we go to Ghar Lapsi in Siggiewi for a swim. It was one of the best recommendations we got!
Ghar Lapsi is a small cove you can walk all the way around to swim, snorkel, or even go diving. It’s a lovely local spot further away from tourist attractions.
We did see one large jellyfish while we were here, so keep an eye out. It was one whose stings do not affect humans, but good to be on the lookout for them anyway.
There are also two restaurants here if you want to grab a bite to eat after swimming or diving. The one at the top, Dive In Cafe & Grill, has the best views (and great food)!
Where to Eat in Malta
Maltese cuisine is very meat-heavy, and rabbit is one of the main dishes. As a pescatarian (vegetarian who occasionally eats fish), it was sometimes difficult to find something on the menu.
I wasn’t very impressed by the food here, especially compared to Corfu, which has some of the best food I’ve ever eaten! Although we went to some nice restaurants, the food was just okay overall.
It wasn’t bad, but Malta is not a foodie’s paradise from my experience, especially if you don’t eat meat. If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, try out a guided food tour with a local guide to find the best spots.
We did find some restaurants that had tasty dishes, which I’ve listed below!
Chophouse, Sliema
Make a reservation at Chophouse in Sliema for a classy dinner on the water. Try to book your reservation at least a couple of weeks in advance to ensure you get a reservation.
It’s right on the edge of Sliema with beautiful views of Valletta across the harbor. The food and drinks are incredible too!
This is a fancier place, and I recommend dressing up a bit. We were underdressed after a day of exploring, and I wished I had brought a nicer dress and shoes to change into before dinner.
The Black Pearl, Sliema
As a huge Pirates of the Caribbean fan, I was thrilled when I found The Black Pearl restaurant on Google Maps! This restaurant is on a real-life ship called The Black Pearl that once sailed the seas.
The ship is now on land (you won’t be rocking back and forth during dinner) and still preserved in all its glory. The interior of the ship has seating and a couple of bars to sit at as well.
The best seating is outside on the deck, with views of the water and Valletta across the harbor.
The food is not amazing, but it is worth it for the novelty of dining on an actual ship called The Black Pearl! Maybe just get drinks?
Coffee Circus, Valletta
My favorite little spot for a hot chai each morning was Coffee Circus in Valletta’s city center.
Coffee Circus is a chain in Malta, with a few other locations throughout the island. This particular location in Malta is in the heart of the capital city, with an unassuming entrance.
The moment you walk through the door, you begin walking downstairs — the cafe is underground! It has some windows at the top so light still seeps in, but it’s mostly underground, which I found really cool.
The person working there was friendly and even remembered my order the second time I went in! I only got a chai latte each visit, but they also have tostas (toasted sandwiches), cakes, and desserts.
San Paolo Naufrago, Valletta
San Paolo Naufrago is the best pizza place in Malta, on one of the liveliest streets in Valletta. The long, stepped street is lined with restaurants on either side and is filled with tables and chairs down the center.
Lights are strung across the street for a lovely ambiance. The energy and lively atmosphere of this street, even until the late hours (people eat late here, like other European countries!), make it an exciting place to eat dinner.
The pizza was incredible too! We did have to wait about half an hour since we didn’t have reservations, but it was worth the wait.
Lot Sixty One Coffee, Valletta
Another great coffee place in Valletta is Lot Sixty One Coffee. It’s down the street and around the corner from Coffee Circus and also has outdoor seating.
Their chai latte is lovely, but I still prefer the chai latte at Coffee Circus. They also have a selection of baked goods — the muffins are delicious!
TriBE, Naxxar
After a visit to the Palazzo Parisio and Gardens, grab an incredible lunch at TriBE. The interior is fully decorated with trendy plants, neon signs, and fun wallpaper.
They have a large menu with a large selection of dishes from pasta to burgers to open-faced sandwiches. The food here was some of the best I had in Malta!
It’s within walking distance from Palazzo Parisio and Gardens, but they also have a location in Valletta!
Bro’s Kitchen, Attard
Tucked along an unassuming street, you’ll find Bro’s Kitchen. It has a range of items on the menu and good food! There are just a couple of tables outside and limited seating inside. You may need to wait for a table to open during busier seasons/days.
It’s in a more local neighborhood in the town of Birkirkara — the second most-populated city in Malta, next to Valletta. Grab lunch here before or after visiting the nearby San Anton Gardens, which is less than one mile (1.2 km) away.
Dive In Cafe & Grill, Siggiewi
Head to Dive In Cafe & Grill after swimming/diving at Ghar Lapsi. The restaurant is above the bay and overlooks the gorgeous waters below.
Get a local Maltese beer, Cisk, and enjoy a delicious lunch by the sea. Ask for a table outside for the best views!
Maltese History & Culture
The first people: Malta has a long and rich history starting as early as 5900 BC when the first humans inhabited the island. Archaeologists believe the first people who arrived in Malta came from Sicily.
Colonizers, conquerors, and invaders: Between the arrival of the first people and today, there were many groups of people who conquered, invaded, and ruled the island. These groups included the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, the Crown of Aragon, the French, and, most recently, the British.
All of these groups contributed to Malta’s unique culture and history. The invasion by the Arabs started the development of the Maltese language, which sounds similar to Arabic.
Malta was a Crown Colony of the United Kingdom until 1964, then part of the Commonwealth until it was declared a republic in 1974. It did not become part of the European Union until 2004.
WWII History: During World War II, Malta was heavily bombed by Italy and Germany. There is still evidence of these bombings throughout the country’s museums, architecture, and historical sites.
Architecture: Malta’s architecture is a mix of the influences from the many different cultures that have inhabited or ruled it throughout history.
One of the most recognizable and interesting pieces of architecture in Malta is the gallarija, which translates directly to “gallery.” A gallarija is the name for the colorful Maltese balconies you’ll see in the cities, which are often made of wood and have windows.
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