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.
Valletta Cruise Port (Pinto Wharf, Valletta Waterfront)
Main berths are Quays 1–5 along the Waterfront. On busy days ships may use the overflow berths at Deep Water Quay, Laboratory Wharf or Boiler Wharf, which are further from the lift; check how your ship gets you to the terminal.
Getting into town
Walk about 5–10 minutes along the flat waterfront road (Xatt Lascaris) to the Barrakka Lift, which rises in under a minute to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in the city (small fare). Walking up by road and steps takes about 15 minutes. Bus 130 runs from the Waterfront stop to the Valletta bus terminus, and taxis, horse cabs and hop-on hop-off buses wait on the promenade. Ferries to the Three Cities and Gozo leave from Lascaris Wharf nearby.
Step-free
The waterfront is flat and the Barrakka Lift gives a step-free route up to the city; some Valletta streets are steep or have steps.
Ships due at this terminal
None listed yet
Closest to this terminal
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.
Practical
VisitMalta tourist information (City Gate)
The national tourism office's information point by the City Gate bus terminus, for maps, bus routes and ferry times. Hours vary, so check locally.
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.