Marcus’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Valletta is Malta's capital and is definitely one of the must visit places on the island. The city is very walkable and easily accessible by bus. It's a historic city with rich architecture, amazing harbour views, and fantastic bars and restaurants. Some must see sights for me are the Triton Fountain, the New Parliament building and the City Gate, the Grandmaster's Palace (Old Parliament Building), Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, and St. John's Cathedral. Some of my favourite restaurants in Valletta are Rubino and Ġuże (both of which serve traditional Maltese dishes), Taproon, Noni, Trabuxu (wine bar), Vecchia Taranto (Napolitan pizzeria), Porticello (sea food), and the Harbour Club (fine dining).
594 locals recommend
Valletta
Valletta is Malta's capital and is definitely one of the must visit places on the island. The city is very walkable and easily accessible by bus. It's a historic city with rich architecture, amazing harbour views, and fantastic bars and restaurants. Some must see sights for me are the Triton Fountain, the New Parliament building and the City Gate, the Grandmaster's Palace (Old Parliament Building), Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, and St. John's Cathedral. Some of my favourite restaurants in Valletta are Rubino and Ġuże (both of which serve traditional Maltese dishes), Taproon, Noni, Trabuxu (wine bar), Vecchia Taranto (Napolitan pizzeria), Porticello (sea food), and the Harbour Club (fine dining).
The Three Cities (Bormla, Isla, and Birgu, collectively called Cottonera) are right opposite Valletta in the Grand Harbour side. They are easily accessible by boat from Valletta (you can get the lift from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to get to the ferry terminal). These historic noble cities are actually older than Valletta and used to be the Knights' base before the capital's construction. Quiter and less touristic than Valletta (expect for the Birgu waterfront), and with equally amazing views of the Grand Harbour (especially from the Gardjola Gardens in Isla).
144 locals recommend
Birgu
The Three Cities (Bormla, Isla, and Birgu, collectively called Cottonera) are right opposite Valletta in the Grand Harbour side. They are easily accessible by boat from Valletta (you can get the lift from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to get to the ferry terminal). These historic noble cities are actually older than Valletta and used to be the Knights' base before the capital's construction. Quiter and less touristic than Valletta (expect for the Birgu waterfront), and with equally amazing views of the Grand Harbour (especially from the Gardjola Gardens in Isla).
Malta's old capital is right in the centre of Malta. Sitting right on top of a large hill, it's an amazing location for views of the north of Malta. The silent city has a long history, which is still perfectly preserved and which can be enjoyed easily by foot (Mdina is even smaller than our capital). After having a stroll around Mdina, I would suggest also visiting the surrounding ditch, which has been recently opened to the public, as well as a quick visit to the Is-Serkin pastizzeria, which is situated close to the city gate.
472 locals recommend
Mdina
Malta's old capital is right in the centre of Malta. Sitting right on top of a large hill, it's an amazing location for views of the north of Malta. The silent city has a long history, which is still perfectly preserved and which can be enjoyed easily by foot (Mdina is even smaller than our capital). After having a stroll around Mdina, I would suggest also visiting the surrounding ditch, which has been recently opened to the public, as well as a quick visit to the Is-Serkin pastizzeria, which is situated close to the city gate.