Sights
Saluting Battery
The row of historic cannons just below the Upper Barrakka Gardens. A gun is traditionally fired at noon, which you can watch from the gardens above; check locally for times and battery tours.
9 things within 20 minutes of the ship in Valletta
For short stops, hot days and anyone who'd rather not watch the clock. Times are from the Valletta Cruise Port.
Beaches & parks
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Arcaded gardens on the highest point of the walls, with a sweeping view across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities. The lift from the quay arrives right here.
Sights
City Gate and Parliament House
The modern entrance to Valletta, designed by Renzo Piano together with the stone-clad Parliament building and the open-air theatre in the shell of the old opera house.
Sights
National Museum of Archaeology
Finds from Malta's prehistoric temples, including the small Sleeping Lady figure, displayed in a former Knights' inn on Republic Street.
SightsClosed Sundays
St John's Co-Cathedral
A plain-looking church from outside with a breathtaking gilded baroque interior, a floor of inlaid marble tombstones and Caravaggio's huge Beheading of St John. Audio guide included.
Food & drink
Is-Suq tal-Belt (Valletta Food Market)
A restored 19th-century market hall on Merchants Street with a food court of Maltese and international counters; an easy lunch stop.
Sights
Grandmaster's Palace
The former seat of the Knights' Grand Masters, with painted state rooms, a corridor of armour and one of the world's largest collections of historic weapons in the Armoury.
Boat & day trips
Birgu and the Three Cities
The fortified harbour towns facing Valletta, quieter and older, with Fort St Angelo, waterfront cafés and narrow lanes. A short ferry or traditional boat ride across the harbour from Lascaris Wharf.
Beaches & parks
Lower Barrakka Gardens
A small, peaceful garden with a classical temple monument and views over the harbour mouth and the Siege Bell Memorial.