best walking tours malta

THE 10 BEST Malta Walking Tours

Walking tours in malta.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. The Original Valletta Walking Tour

2. The Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour

3. Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers

4. Valletta City Walking Tour

5. Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local

6. Mdina and Rabat - City Walking Tour

7. Dark Tales in an Mdina Palazzo - Guided Tour

8. Valletta Private Walking Tour

9. Valletta Walking Tour, Knights, Slaves and Mistresses

10. The Grand Tour of Valletta

11. Customizable Tour in Malta or Gozo - Private Car

12. The Malta Experience Private Tour - Discover Malta

13. Mdina and Rabat Insider's Tour

14. Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour inc. Catacombs and St. Paul's Grotto

15. 4 Hours Paceville Pub Crawl

16. Valletta World War II Private Walking Tour

17. Private Valletta Food Tour

18. Discover Mdina & Rabat Private Walking Tour

19. The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers

20. The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour

21. City Highlights Tour of Mosta with Buffet Lunch

22. Best of Valletta Walking Tour

23. Valletta City Walking Tour with St. John's Co-Cathedral

24. Vittoriosa Three Cities Private Walking Tour

25. Maltese Islands History Audio-Visual Show and La Sacra Infermeria Tour

26. 3 Cities Tour

27. The Dark History of Valletta - Walking Tour

28. Valletta's Timeless Tales a Historical Walking Guided Tour

29. Prehistoric Temples and Highlights of the South Full-Day Tour

30. Discover Valletta Private Walking Tour - Insider Tour

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The Best Walks in Malta: Something For All Fitness Levels

From the walled cities to the wild cliffs, malta is a haven for walkers, offering something that can suit almost every fitness level. this short article highlights some of the best walks and places for hiking., the best walks in malta.

City Walks in Malta

Malta’s old walled cities are almost completely pedestrianised, with some of the lanes barely wide enough for the donkey carts that used to plod along. It can be easy to get lost but that’s part of the fun and a great way to admire the intimate details. Try the easy one-mile stroll through the Floriana part of Valletta, or a self-guided walking tour of Mdina. Each of the Three Cities also makes for a great cultural adventure on foot.

Coastal Walks on Malta Island

Walking along the coast is an iconic thing to do in Malta and it’s made easier by the developed coastal promenades. Sliema to St. Julian’s is a leisurely three-mile stroll while the promenade in St. Paul’s Bay is perfect for the evening. Escape the towns and you’ll find wild and wonderful hiking trails. 

• The nine-mile Marfa Ridge circuit in far-north Malta loops back to Mellieha Bay: it is one of the most beautiful walks in the Mediterranean. If you don't want to walk the full 9 miles then you can just walk a section of it.
• A full-day 19-mile hike takes you from coast to coast across Malta, following British-built fortified walls known as the Victoria Lines: Fomm Ir-Rih to Bahar Ic-Caghaq.
• Cross the ethereal Dingli Cliffs on a six-mile hike from Is-Siggiewi to the Had-Dingli radar station.

Outstanding Walks on Gozo and Comino

Avid hikers should travel to Gozo, where you can spend weeks walking to all corners of the island. There are some adventurous half-day options here, like the seven-mile circular route from Victoria to the Salt Pans and back. Xlendi to San Lawrenz is a spectacular but challenging full-day hike, while a five-mile hiking trail can take you all around the island of Comino in just two hours with an amazing place to cool off when you've finished - the Blue Lagoon.

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Eating Out in Malta

A Fresh Healthy Food Paradise

Malta - A Country for Lovers of the Coast

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Top 11 Different Styles of Dining in Malta

A Great Cultural Herritage...

Top 10 Churches and Cathedrals to Visit in Malta

9 Outstanding Natural Attractions in Malta

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Malta’s Top 9 Ancient Sites

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Malta Walking Tours

A Decade of Personal, Authentic Walking Tours reviewed by thousands and organised by Colour my Travel

• Let's Explore

History in the Fortified Baroque Capital

Valletta Tours

We'll take you around this living museum. Valletta's grid-like streets reveal Baroque palaces, stunning fortifications, and breathtaking views at every turn. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage city overflowing with culture and activity .

• Complete Tour

Twin Cities, Timeless Treasures

Mdina & Rabat Tours

Explore the fortified 'Silent City' of Mdina, a maze of palaces and medieval splendor. Then venture into neighbouring Rabat, bustling with Roman ruins, quaint streets, and a touch of modern Maltese life.

Chilling tales and mysterious legends

Malta's Dark Tours

Explore the shadows of Valletta, Mdina, and Birgu. Unravel centuries of dark secrets, chilling ghost stories, and captivating tales of tragedy and the macabre on our unforgettable night tours.

• South Valletta Ghost Tour
• Birgu Ghost Tour
• Mdina Ghost Tour

A culinary adventure through Malta's capital

• Valletta Food Tour

Discover how food influenced Valletta's design and culture. Stroll its streets, sample flavors through the ages, and hear fascinating stories of how cuisine shaped the city.

Travellers Love our Tours

Don't Just Take Our Word For It! Explore the thousands of positive reviews from our amazing guests on TripAdvisor , Google Maps , and more.

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City Walking Tours Malta

The ideal way to see Malta’s main city highlights.

Saving time discovering hidden gems

City walking tours are now finally in Malta.  Why bother spending time attempting to identify the most picturesque streets, quaint alleys and the not-to-miss when you can see it all stress-free with one of our expert guides?  Our walks are well-planned and unstrenuous; we will take you around without tiring you out. No steps to climb, and no stress as we maintain a slow and comfortable pace.

With us, you will not only receive insights into the history and culture of the Maltese Islands (without having to constantly flip through your guide-book), you will also glean interesting tit-bits and behind-the-scenes stories. Moreover, you will be taken to all the highlights whilst both saving time and discovering hidden gems, which you might have otherwise missed. We also assist with orienting and advising you  as how to best continue exploring on your own steam.

Scheduled Walks

Private Tours

One Day In Malta

One Day In Gozo

Go As You Please

Courtesans and Barmaids

Valletta, Mdina, and Vittoriosa Walking Tours

Malta Food Tours

Scenic Malta Shore Excursion

Panoramic North

A Tale Of Two Cities

Hagar Qim and Mdina

On The Footsteps Of The Knights

Group Tours and Tours for Incentives and Corporates

Free Walking Tours in Malta by a Maltese guide (Ben)

[Updated 23 May 2024]

Hi 👋 My name is Ben. I was born and raised in Malta 🇲🇹 and I'm a full-time , licensed , Tourist Guide .

Table of Contents

Tours I offer

Ben's Recommendations!

Article List

What to expect on a "Ben" tour™

What is a "Free Tour"?

Tours i offer right now:.

I am currently operating Free Walking Tours of: Valletta , Mdina , and the 3 Cities the Temples , and St John's co-Cathedral -->.

As a rule, I open up tour bookings a month in advance. If tours are not appearing later on in the year, no need to worry as I will be adding them later 😊

Ben's Valletta Free Walking Tour (👈 link to book)

Valletta is the capital city of Malta created by an elite, European, nobility . I take you to see the most important sites, monuments, and views of Valletta. I also explain the context behind the monuments, including the history, and the current culture and attitude of the Maltese people.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This was the best tour I’ve done. Ben was really knowledgable, friendly and made the whole tour super interesting. He also gave me some great recommendations which really improved my experience of Valletta the next day. Thank you Ben!"

Link to book the tour and more info 👈

Ben's Mdina Free Walking Tour (👈 link to book)

Mdina is Malta's old capital, and "the silent city". Mdina was, and still is, inhabitated by an entirely different people: the ancient nobility and powerful clergy of Malta. Here I again explain the context and history of the buildings, together with the people of Mdina.

"We booked the tour and didn’t know what to expect, but all expectations were exceeded. Ben is a great guide who packs historical knowledge in an exciting way, even for history buffs. His English is easy to understand even for non-native speakers. He is also a charismatic guy who is a pleasure to listen to and who responds to every question and involves the participants individually."

Ben's 3 Cities Free Walking Tour (👈 link to book)

"I am a return guest with Ben. He is witty, informative and this tour of Birgu was very well organised. Ben went above and beyond assisting us with transportation requirements, and further Malta recommendations. I highly recommend bengoodtour.com"

Ben's Temples Tour (👈 link to book)

Ben's St John's co-Cathedral Tour (👈 link to book)

"Ben, is amazing! He’s personable, informative and sensitive to his audiences questions. He helps you focus on what the decorative embellishments represent for the various knights and Grand Masters. Highly recommend this tour & guide."

Ben's Recommendations

Have you just completed one of my tours and want my recommendations?

Go here to see Ben's Valletta recommendations .

My articles, in no particular order.

• List of Michelin Restaurants in Malta
• Getting Tickets for the Hypogeum
• How to get from Sliema to Mdina
• Gozo Recommendations
• Cannon Fire Valletta

A "Free Tour" is a tour where the participants don't pay anything up front to join or book the tour. They can also decide not to pay anything at the end of the tour. However, if many people did this, the free tours would be unsustainable, and guides would not be able to provide them.

Those who regularly partake in Free Tours, "donate" or "give" whatever they think is fair to the tour provider. This can be somewhere around €10 per person. Of course there are those who give less, and those who generously (🙏) give more.

So to be really clear: there's an expectation that the guest will give a certain amount of money at the end of the tour.

So why are they called "Free Tours" if they're not entirely "free"?

I agree with you. I would prefer if they were called something more accurate like "donation-based tours" or "pay-what-you-want tours". However the "free" moniker has taken hold, and there's no turning back.

Now tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of visitors actively seek out "free tours", knowing that at the end they will give a healthy donation to the guide.

What's the benefit of Free Tours?

There are participants who argue that the tour guides in "free tours" actively try much more to give a pleasant tour experience to the guests, as they are "fighting" to earn their tips/donations at the end of the tour.

For me personally, the above argument doesn't hold much sway as I always try my best in every tour to engage and make the tour participant happy.

Another benefit however, is that it can be much cheaper for you and more cost-effective for the guide, as they cut out the middle man.

Again, for me, it's just a simpler no-nonsense approach to guiding. I give you the best service I can, and then you pay me, without many payment systems, middle-men, etc.

Cookie notice: This website uses Google Analytics (GA). I don't see, store, nor have any interest in, any personal information. The anonymised and abstracted data that I receive through GA is purely used to see the amount of visitors to the website (daily, weekly, monthly), and possibly from where they arrive, i.e. by Google Search or by directly typing in the website address in the browser. No data or information of any kind, as anonymous and abstract as it is, is shared with 3rd parties. Besides GA, no other services are used.

Best things to do and see in Valletta

Valletta is the capital of Malta and the most important city in the country. It is the economic and cultural focus and the locality that attracts more travelers and tourists throughout the year. It is known for its museums, gardens, palaces and monumental churches (of Catholic tradition). It emphasizes on the rest the concathedral of San Juan that owns in its interior one of the masterpieces of Caravaggio, "The decapitation of San Juan Bautista". In addition, it is a very accessible city by sea thanks to its good port connection with Athens, Palermo or Naples. One of the best ways to get to know this city is to do it together with a local guide who knows the history and culture of this town. There is a free walking tour in Valletta that will allow you to discover places like the Palace of the Grand Master, the Fort of San Telmo or the Upper Barrakka Gardens, although it is also interesting to know the Casa Rocca Piccola, the Grand Port, the Manoel Theater, the The Museum Malta Experience, the gardens of Lower Barrakka Gardens, the Fort of San Angel, the City Gate, the Fountain of the Triton, the Plaza de San Jorge, the Armory of the Knights of San Juan or the Covered Market. All Valletta free tour have ratings and opinions from other walkers who have already experienced the experience of touring this city. It can help you decide which guided tour is best suited to your trip and what you want to know about this city bathed by the Meditarranean Sea and which is the heart of Malta.

Want to share your culture with travelers from all the world?

Free walking tour near valletta, malta, others cities to visit after valletta, malta, where are you traveling to.

THE 10 BEST Malta Walking Tours

Walking tours in malta.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. The Original Valletta Walking Tour

2. The Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour

3. Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers

4. Valletta City Walking Tour

5. Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local

6. Mdina and Rabat - City Walking Tour

7. Valletta Private Walking Tour

8. Valletta Walking Tour, Knights, Slaves and Mistresses

9. Dark Tales in an Mdina Palazzo - Guided Tour

10. The Grand Tour of Valletta

11. Customizable Tour in Malta or Gozo - Private Car

12. The Malta Experience Private Tour - Discover Malta

13. Mdina and Rabat Insider's Tour

14. Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour inc. Catacombs and St. Paul's Grotto

15. City Highlights Tour of Mosta with Buffet Lunch

16. 4 Hours Paceville Pub Crawl

17. Valletta World War II Private Walking Tour

18. Private Valletta Food Tour

19. Discover Mdina & Rabat Private Walking Tour

20. The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers

21. The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour

22. Best of Valletta Walking Tour

23. Valletta City Walking Tour with St. John's Co-Cathedral

24. Vittoriosa Three Cities Private Walking Tour

25. Maltese Islands History Audio-Visual Show and La Sacra Infermeria Tour

26. 3 Cities Tour

27. The Dark History of Valletta - Walking Tour

28. Valletta's Timeless Tales a Historical Walking Guided Tour

29. Prehistoric Temples and Highlights of the South Full-Day Tour

30. Discover Valletta Private Walking Tour - Insider Tour

What travellers are saying.

Self-Guided Valletta Walking Tour: Explore Malta’s Capital on Foot

Explore the capital city of Malta with our self-guided Valletta walking tour. It’s an easy and free way to explore if you have just one day in Valletta.

This Valletta city tour starts just outside the main gates but you can join it at any point along the circular route.

Use our free Valletta walking tour map (at the bottom of this page) to help you navigate around the streets and alleyways of the historic capital of Malta.

If you don't fancy the self-guided version, why not book onto a guided tour of Valletta with a friendly local?

Bookings: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a booking, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank You!

Triton Fountain: Valletta walking tour starting point

We start our tour at the impressive Triton Fountain.

Three grand bronze Tritons holding a huge basin of water above their heads stand proudly outside the main gates of Malta’s capital.

The original statue, due to structural errors, collapsed in 1978. But thanks to the local artist and restorator, Kenneth Cauchi, the fountain was dismantled into 54 pieces and then brought back to life as an elaborate piece of art.

It was refurbished just in time to celebrate Valletta’s stint as European Capital of Culture in 2018 and is a popular spot to hang out at any time of the day or night.

It's located right next to the main Valletta bus terminal and taxi rank if you are taking public transport.

Anyone driving can use the main MCP underground car park just outside the city walls on St Anne Street, Floriana. Postcode for satnav: FRN 1460.

Valletta City Gate

After you’ve admired the circular Triton Fountain, step into the city of Valletta through the controversial yet grand Valletta City Gate.

This fifth and the most modern edition restored during 2011-2014 is often referred to as the ancient Egyptian temple of Edfu.

The grand entrance will lead you across the bridge and onto the 1 km-long Republic Street. This stretches the full length of the city from the gate, all the way down to Fort St. Elmo at Valletta’s waterfront.

Bonus: hidden gardens - Valletta walking (de)tour!

If you want to take a quick detour on this Valletta walking tour then check out Hastings Garden.

This lesser-visited Valletta attraction sits at the top of St. John's Bastion and St. Michael's Bastion . Just head up the steps on the left as you enter the city.

Here you can grab a panoramic view of the coastal Maltese towns Floriana, Msida and Sliema. It also overlooks the Manoel Island and Marsamxett Harbour.

This recreational space is dedicated to the British General Francis Marquis of Hastings who was a Governor of Malta during the British period on the island. Today, it’s a nice spot to grab some rare peace on the busy Maltese islands.

New Parliament building

Next on your Valletta city walking tour is another sight regarded as too contemporary by the many critics – the New Parliament Building. Built at a cost of around 90 million euros, the project has sparked anger and disapproval among many locals.

Standing on stilts at Republic Square, Renzo Piano’s masterpiece blends in well with the rest of the monuments surrounding the area. It consists of two massive stone blocks with laser-cut windows and solar panels covering the roof. The north section houses MPs’ rooms while the south holds parliament offices.

Despite the controversy, the City Gate project has been instrumental in improving this area into a pleasant and beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.

Try to imagine a messy car park next to the derelict Royal Theatre site instead of the New Parliament Building and the restored Royal Opera House. That’s what Valletta's entrance was like before 2015 - not so grand!

Royal Opera House site

As you continue your self-guided Valletta walking tour, stop by the earlier mentioned Royal Opera House to the left of the Parliament building.

This unusual Royal Theatre is another site brought to life after sitting derelict for years as a carpark in Malta’s capital city.

Although it looks a bit like a Roman ruin, the columns are the remnants of the once-grand exterior. Before the bomb hit and severely damaged the precious Maltese site during WWII, the Royal Opera House was regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in Valletta.

It was built by Edward Middleton Barry, the British architect who also designed the stunning Covent Garden Theatre in London.

Originally, the Maltese government proposed to clear the site for the Parliament buildings instead. But, luckily, Mr Piano had a better idea. He revived the bombed site as an open-air theatre naming it after its original structure, Pjazza Teatru Rjal.

Church of Our Lady of Victories

Just behind the Royal Opera House, on your right-hand side, you’ll see the Church of Our Lady of Victories. It’s the first church building completed in Valletta by the Order of St. John in 1566 following the Great Siege of Malta.

The church served as the burial site for Grand Master La Vallette, the 49th Grandmaster and the hero of the Order. Later, his remains were moved to the elaborate John's Cathedral.

Pop in and see how they are fighting to restore the intricate Alessio Erardi ceiling paintings.

Auberge de Castille

Next up on your guided Valletta walking tour is Auberge de Castille. It sits proudly, looking inland across the recently remodelled plaza area. You’ll find it just past the Church of Our Lady of Victories towards Upper Barrakka Gardens.

The present building dates back to the 1740s in a Baroque style, and it has been called "probably the finest building in Malta."

It now houses the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta hence the security guards waving away any curious visitors.

Top Tip: Download this article as a self-guided walking tour on your smartphone. Check out our Valletta sightseeing guide on gpsmycity.com

Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery

You shouldn’t leave Valletta without visiting the two-tier Upper Barrakka Gardens. The view from the upper level is probably the most satisfying on the island.

Just follow the signs to find the gate in. Head straight over to the terrace and soak up the vista across the Grand Harbour towards the "Three Cities" of Malta.

There’s the fortified Birgu jutting out into the sea closely guarded by Sanglea (Isla) and Caspiscua (Bormla).

The Grand Harbour tour boats leisurely pass by showcasing the grandest of the fortifications of Valletta from below. You’ll also see tiny Traditional Maltese fishing boats bobbing up and down the harbour crewed by the local folk.

The public garden at the top tier contains beautiful arches built by the Italian knights and a number of monuments commemorating several famous people including Sir Winston Churchill.

It’s a relaxing spot so, be sure to sit on a bench next to the fountain for a couple of minutes.

Saluting Battery

The lower tier of the Barrakka Gardens houses the Saluting Battery, overlooking Fort St. Angelo. It was originally used for the firing of the saluting guns but during WWII it was used for military purposes when needed.

Today it's used for its original purpose and, of course, for tourists’ amusement. Hordes of visitors gather at the upper and lower tiers to hear the loud bang and see the three cities disappear in a cloud of smoke.

The guns usually fire daily at 12pm and 4pm.

At this point, you can either carry on following this Valletta city walking tour or stray away to the tranquil Three Cities. If you have plans to spend a couple of Hours in Birgu, take the Barrakka Lift from the gardens down to boats across to the Three Cities.

There’s a regular ferry or for a truly local experience, jump aboard a fishing boat. The latter, as we mentioned earlier, is run by locals who can even give you a quick 1-hour Grand Harbour tour for a few euros extra.

This is a superbly quirky thing to do in Valletta if you have some spare time.

The Lascaris War Rooms

Back inside the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you’ll find some more military history if that’s your thing. Head down the stairs to discover "Malta’s best-kept secret." Their words, not ours!

The British began expanding the existing network of tunnels and chambers during the Siege of Malta in 1940.

Completed in 1943, these rooms hidden 150 feet below the city streets were the central hub for directing allied military operations in Malta and the wider Mediterranean.

The complex lived on long after the end of WWII, being used by NATO to intercept Soviet submarines in the Med until shutting down in 1977.

The rooms are now open to the public having been fully restored.

Tourist Information Centre – Merchants Street

If you’re in need of some more info and what to see, do, eat and drink whilst in Malta then pop over to the Tourist Information Centre on Merchants Street.

Follow the map to find it, it’s annoyingly tucked away and non-signposted for a tourist office, but hey, at least it won’t be busy!

Plus, don’t forget to visit our Top things to do in Malta post for a full guide to the islands!

National Museum of Archaeology

Back on our self-guided walking tour, head two streets over and back onto the main shopping drag of Republic Street.

Construction of this "auberge" on Republic Street began in 1571. It is one of the first buildings to be erected in Valletta after the Great Siege in the late 16th century and therefore one of the oldest buildings in the city.

It was originally a palace, used by the Knights of Malta, and now houses the National Archaeology Museum of Malta which is worth a quick look.

St. John's Co-Cathedral Museum

Head a little further along Republic Street and you’ll find the visitor entrance to the Cathedral on your right.

Despite its relatively plain exterior, a quick look inside will show you why St. John's Co-Cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.

Adorned with intricate details, embellished dome ceiling and artwork donated by the knights, it was designed to rival the churches of Rome. The marble floor here houses tombs of around 400 Knights of the Order and so carries massive significance within Malta.

One of the most notable works of art and the one tourists flock to Valetta to see is the Beheading of St John the Baptist by Caravaggio. Considered to be his greatest work, the painting offers a rather gory depiction of human death.

The canvas was commissioned by the Knights of Malta as an altarpiece for the cathedral and is the biggest canvas the artist ever painted. It was also Caravaggio's only work which he signed.

If you visit, be sure to pick up an audio guide to learn all the details about this masterpiece of shadows.

Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck, Valletta

Head back towards the waterfront along St Lucia’s Street and hang a left on St Paul Street just before the steps.

Here sits the Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck, one of Valletta's oldest structures, dating back to the 1570s.

It is famous for the wooden statue of St. Paul, which is paraded on the streets of Valletta on February 10th each year during the celebration of St. Paul's Shipwreck.

Head out of the church and further along St Paul’s Street and then left, down St Christopher's Street to find...

Lower Barrakka Gardens

Twinned with the Upper Gardens of the same name, Lower Barrakka Gardens are a much smaller and quieter affair.

The view across the Grand Harbour from here is no less impressive though. It’s a lovely spot to take a load off and escape the busier streets of Valletta.

Siege Bell Memorial

Right beside the gardens, you’ll see a giant bell hanging in a simple memorial tower overlooking the Grand Harbour.

It rings out every day at 12 noon in memory of all those who lost their lives during the incessant bombing Malta took during WWII, often known as "The Siege of Malta."

As the signs warn, the noise is very loud so cover your ears if you’re closeby at midday!

Head back down the monument steps and along Mediterranean Street and seek out the Mediterranean Conference Center on the corner of North Street.

The Knights Hospitallers

Hidden below the conference centre is "The Knights Hospitallers," an exhibition detailing the medical beginnings of the Order of St John.

Sometimes also known as the Knights of Malta, history generally depicts them as a band of sword-wielding warriors. This attraction focuses instead on their work in the Holy Infirmary, which once stood on this site, treating the sick and injured of the Crusades of the 1500s.

It’s worth a look to experience the spooky network of tunnels running deep into the Valletta rock.

Fort St. Elmo – National War Museum

A little further along Meddeteranian Street, sticking out at the very end of Valletta, you’ll find Fort St Elmo . This former gunpowder magazine and armoury is now home to a massive exhibition covering the history of Malta from the bronze age to the 1990s.

If you’ve got the time then it’s a great place to get a handle on the complete history of the islands. There’s a heavy focus on World War II with the St George’s Cross which Malta received for its pivotal role in the allied victory, proudly on display.

Casa Rocca Piccola

Navigate your way back to the furthest end of Republic Street and begin walking back up towards the city gates. Just past St Dominic Street on the left, you’ll see a sign for Casa Rocca Piccola.

Inconspicuous from the outside, stepping through the door here will transport you into the 16th- century palace of a noble Maltese family.

There are 50+ lavishly decorated rooms to explore and the included 45-minute guided tour will take you down to the hidden bomb shelters and tranquil gardens too.

Madonna tal-Karmnu - Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Take a wander along St Christopher's Street and take a left when you reach Old Mint Street. Further along, here you’ll see the side of The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the right side of the street.

There’s no shortage of churches to visit in Malta but this one holds a special place for many of the locals. The iconic dome can be seen from far across the country and is easy to pick out of the Valletta skyline.

There’s been a place of worship here since 1570 but the current structure only dates from 1958 despite seamlessly blending into the surrounding streets.

Teatru Manoel - Manoel Theater

Pretty much next door to the church, standing on Old Theatre Street, is Europe's third-oldest working theatre. This stunning venue has been hosting performances since 19th January 1732.

Nothing special on the exterior, all the magic is hidden inside. Despite multiple alterations over the years, the interior still holds true to the original stunning 18th-century design.

It’s currently home to Malta's National Theatre and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Check the listings to catch shows in English or Maltese, including opera, pantomime or a musical.

Grandmaster’s Palace and Armouries

Just a block away from the theatre is the open space of St George’s Square and the imposing facade of the Grandmaster’s Palace.

Built as a home for the "Grandmaster" (ruler of Malta) in the 16th century, it’s been used and altered by various occupants every since. Today it’s home to the office of the President of Malta.

The public can visit the State Rooms and Armoury exhibition areas run by Heritage Malta. Entrance for both of these can be found on Old Theatre Street to the right of the building.

Pop in the entrance regardless as you can wander around one of the two palace courtyards for free.

Queen Victoria Statue

Right across from the Grandmaster’s Palace is Republican Square, called Pjazza Regina or Queen’s Square by the locals. This is your final stop on your self-guided Valletta walking tour.

Look up at the white marble statue located away from Cafe Cordina and in front of the National Library.

It was erected in 1891 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 50th Jubilee during British rule, despite her never having visited the country.

It’s also a tribute to Queen Victoria ordering “eight dozen pairs long and eight dozen pairs short mitts, besides a scarf” made from Maltese lace. She’s therefore credited with single-handedly reviving the old tradition of lace-making on the Maltese islands at a time of need.

Come closer to look at the ornate shawl covering Queen’s lap - it’s made from Maltese lace.

Café Cordina

From what was a small tea shop in Bormla in the 1800s, Cafe Cordina grew into a Valletta icon. With its striking interior, mouth-watering cakes and pastini, the cafe, located in an old palazzo, is a popular coffee pitstop for both locals and visitors.

Celebrate completing the tour by pulling up a chair at one of the courtyard tables and grabbing something nice to eat and drink.

Despite being a tourist hotspot the prices are reasonable and the service is snappy. Enjoy!

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What to Do in Valletta – A Complete Self-Guided Walking Tour [+Map]

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What to do in Valletta, you ask? Malta’s capital, Valletta, is amazing, and you should take your time to explore it all. This city is rich in history and it’s surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea views from every corner. 

Since 2011, I’ve called Malta home. I love its history and natural beauty. And as a seasoned traveller who has visited every continent, I understand the value of a well-planned holiday.

This article will guide you on what to do in Valletta to make the most out of your stay there. You will find a list of must-see locations. It includes their key highlights and pins on Valletta Google Maps for easy navigation. I’ll also provide a self-guided walking tour map to explore the city at your own pace. And if you need a break from sightseeing, I’ll give tips on finding lovely places to relax.

With this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Valletta. So check out this blog and put on your walking shoes. You will be amazed by all that this ancient city has to offer.

Table of Contents

The Self-Guided Valletta Walking Tour Map

Below is a self-guided Valletta walking tour map that will show you what to do in Valletta. In the city, you will see quite a few stands with a tourist map of Valletta. But it’s better to use the online map; it’s more convenient.

You can fit in and see all the attractions on this map of Valletta in one day. But if you don’t want to rush, you can also break it down into a two-day tour.

If you’re tight on time, include these places to your Valletta one day itinerary:

• Triton’s Fountain
• Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Republic Street
• Grandmaster’s Palace
• St. John’s Co-Cathedral. 

These are the top Valletta spots you definitely shouldn’t miss.

The tour is about 4 kilometres long, and the walking should take over one hour. Please note that most attractions close around 5 pm, so it’s best to start early.

If you want to understand Malta’s history well, take a guided walking tour in Valletta. Look at my guide for the best Valletta walking tours .

What to Do in Valletta: Take a Photo next to Triton’s Fountain

The self-guided walking tour focuses on must-see sites in Valletta. It starts at Triton’s Fountain , marked as 1 on the Valletta sightseeing map. It just outside the City Gate of Valletta.

Must-See: A trip to Valletta isn’t complete without seeing Triton’s Fountain.

I remember the first time I saw Triton’s Fountain. Three bronze tritons, strong and graceful, held up a massive basin against the blue Valletta sky.

During the day, the fountain was sparkling in the sun. At night, its lights transformed it, making the whole place feel magical.

Insider tip: The best view of the fountain is from Hastings Gardens .

Enter via Valletta’s City Gate

Walk straight from the Triton Fountain and you’ll soon come across a bridge leading to the new City Gate . It’s number 2 on the map of Valletta.

This gate was built alongside the new Parliament House.

Crossing this bridge, you’ll go over the old Valletta ditch. It is now transformed into the lovely Ġnien Laparelli garden.

The original gate, constructed by the Knights of Malta, was destroyed in World War II. Back in the ’60s, they replaced the bridge with another one, but people didn’t like it.

Now there’s a new, minimalistic bridge designed by a famous architect Renzo Piano. It matches the Parliament’s style. On both sides of the gate, you’ll see two poles. They symbolise swords held upright, saluting everyone entering the city.

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Admire the New Parliament House

Opening times: Occasionally open for visitors, usually during city events Location: Google Maps

After you cross the city gate, on your right is the Parliament House of Malta. On the Valletta self-guided tour map, it’s labelled as number 3.

It is a striking modern structure designed by Renzo Piano. It stands as a symbol of Malta’s contemporary architectural vision.

The Parliament House was built between 2011 and 2015. It replaced the old railway station, which wasn’t in use since 1931.

Before its opening, Malta’s parliament met in the Grandmaster’s Palace.

The building has two separate blocks linked by bridges. It is built using Gozitan limestone, concrete, and steel. Its cladding, resembling honeycombs, reflects Malta’s name origins related to honey.

Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens

Opening times: daily, 7 am to 10 pm Entrance fee: Free Location: Google Maps

Must-See: A trip to Valletta isn’t complete without seeing Upper Barrakka Gardens.

After visiting the fountain, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The Valletta self-guided tour map marks it as number 4.

The gardens are one of the most popular attractions in Valletta. Located on the top of the Valletta bastions, they offer stunning panoramic views of the Three Cities .

The Upper Barrakka Gardens were built in the 16th century by the Knights of St John. They were used as private gardens by the Grand Master and the Knights of St John.

Today, upper Barrakka Gardens are a must-see for visitors to the city. You can enjoy the views from the gardens and be part of the historic gun salute. This place is also reached by a lift, making it accessible to all visitors. The ride goes from the ground level to the top of the gardens.

Explore War HQ Tunnel and the Saluting Battery

The Saluting Battery is next on our Valletta self-guided walking tour, marked as 5 on the Valletta attractions map. It’s a historic landmark that dates back to 1565.

Opening times: Saluting Battery is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am till 4:30 pm ( more details ) Guided tour fee: €3 for adults Location: Google Maps

It was used to announce the opening and closing of the city gate at sunrise and sunset and to fire a signal shot at noon. It also served a ceremonial purpose, saluting ships and special guests as they arrived and departed.

In 1954, the British Royal Navy closed the Battery and removed the cannons. In 1965, after Malta gained independence, the former Battery was converted into a public garden.

Eight replicas of 32-pounder cannons were installed in 2011. Since then, there have been regular salute shoots at 12 noon and 4 pm daily and for special state guests.

Opening times: The War HQ Tunnels organise guided tours at 10:30 am and 1 pm from Monday to Saturday ( more details ) Guided tour fee: €17 for adults Location: Google Maps

The most interesting rooms are:

• Anti-Aircraft Gun Operations Room. In this room, the Royal Artillery controlled the anti-aircraft guns. It coordinated the operation with the air defence system.
• Filter Room. The radar data was combined from several stations to get accurate incoming aircraft information.
• NATO Operations Rooms. NATO used this secret room to track Soviet submarines in the Mediterranean.

After the British military left Malta in 1977, the War HQ Tunnels were closed. They remained untouched for a long time.

In 2009, a non-profit Heritage Foundation, Wirt Artna, started restoring the site and offering guided tours. To visit the War HQ Tunnels, you must book a tour. The price includes visiting the Saluting Battery.

What to Do in Valletta: Learn about Lascaris War Rooms

Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm ( more details ) Entrance fee: €14 for adults Location: Google Maps

Next on our list of what to see in Valletta, is the Lascaris War Rooms (refer to point 6 on the map of Valletta).

They are next to the Upper Barraka Gardens and the Saluting Battery. The War Rooms are an underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers.

The Lascaris War Rooms served as Britain’s War HQ in Malta during the Second World War. The military was planning and managing Malta’s defence in this ultra-secret complex.

The army also used these rooms to coordinate other operations in the Mediterranean. At some point during the Second World War, more than one thousand people worked in the War Rooms.

The tunnels have many rooms. Some of the important ones include the RAF sector fighter control room. It was used to monitor and manage all air and sea operations. The artillery fire against air raids was organised in the anti-aircraft gun operations room.

Some rooms housed encryption machines for secret communications. 

To get the most out of your visit, get a guided tour.

Relax at the Lower Barrakka Gardens

Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 7 am to 9 pm Entrance fee: Free Location: Google Maps

The Lower Barrakka Gardens are next on our walking tour of Valletta. On the Valletta self-guided tour map, it’s labeled as number 7. There you can have a nice break.

The Gardens are only 15 minutes on foot from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. They are a charming part of the history and culture of Valletta.

These gardens are quieter than the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Yet, the views are breathtaking! They are on the top of the Valletta bastions. So, you can see the Valletta breakwater and the Three Cities – Senglea, Birgu and Cospicua.

It is best to get there by walking th rough a beautiful street called St Barbara Bastion . 

On the way, you’ll see an old British phone boot and a house with red balconies that are very Instagrammable. You’ll also see old houses that have been beautifully restored.

The Lower Barrakka Gardens are my go-to spot in Valletta for quiet time. Sometimes, I find myself there, book in hand, lost in its peaceful atmosphere. It’s also an ideal place for a chat with a friend.

Nearby, there’s a small cafe where you can grab a coffee or a light bite and enjoy the views.

If you like parks and gardens, visit my guide to the best gardens in Malta .

What to Do in Valletta: Discover Fort St Elmo – National War Museum

Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 9 am to 5 pm in Jan & Feb and 10 am to 6 pm from Mar to Dec. Entrance fee: €10 for adults, discounts provided for seniors, students and chil dren ( more details ) Location: Google Maps

Fort St Elmo, also known as the National War Museum, is another must-see museum in Valletta (refer to point 8 on the street map of Valletta). Don’t miss it if you want to learn more about the island’s rich military history.

The fort is located in the eastern part of Valletta. It was built in the 16th century to protect the harbour from foreign invasions. It has since been restored and maintained to its former glory. 

Upon entering the fort, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the harbours and the Three Cities . Inside the fort, you will find a variety of exhibitions about the many battles that took place in Malta.

The museum is split into six parts. It chronicles 7,000 years of Malta’s military history, from the Bronze Age till the 21st century. It houses various weapons and uniforms, photographs, and documents from different eras.

Many events are organised in the fort throughout the year. They include re-enactments of famous battles, living history weekends, and guided tours. These events give visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Malta’s military history in a fun and engaging way.

The fort can be reached by bus or on foot. It only takes about an hour to explore the entire site.

Visit Casa Rocca Piccola

Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm Entrance fee: €9.50 for adults, discounts provided for students and children ( more details ) Location: Google Maps

Next on our Valletta self-guided walking tour is Casa Rocca Piccola , marked as 9 on the Valletta map. It’s definitely on the top of the list of things to do in Valletta.

This privately owned house has a fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century, the time of the Knights of St John. Today, it’s an important historical site and a popular tourist destination.

The palace has more than fifty rooms, including two libraries, two dining halls, multiple drawing rooms, and a chapel. Most of these rooms are accessible to the public.

Credit: Photo by No Swan So Fine , licenced under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are eager to learn the customs and rituals of the Maltese aristocracy, then Casa Rocca Piccola is the place to go. It is filled with beautiful furniture, silver, and artwork from Malta and Europe.

Additionally, it has the most extensive private collection of antique garments in Malta. Moreover, visitors can get an exciting experience by visiting the World War II air raid shelters.

Those wanting to explore Casa Rocca Piccola should expect to spend an hour. I also recommend taking a private tour. Book one here .

What to Do in Valletta: Check out Teatru Manoel

Opening times: Monday to Friday at 11 am and 3 pm. Saturdays at 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Entrance fee: €5 for adults ( more details ) Location: Google Maps

Baroque-style Teatru Manoel is one of the oldest theatres in use. On the Valletta map, it’s marked as number 10.

Teatru Manoel name comes after Grand Master Fra António Manoel de Vilhena. He commissioned the construction of the theatre in 1732.

The Maonel theatre is a beautiful gem, but not that popular with tourists. However, tours are available, taking visitors through the theatre. You will also visit the museum attached to the building of the theatre. It displays the history and other interesting information about the Teatru Manoel.

Part of the museum is also devoted to the Royal Opera House, which was ruined in a WWII air raid.

Scroll Republic Street

Must-See: Include Republic street in your Valletta sightseeing list. 

Republic Street in Vall etta is a must-see for anyone visiting Malta (refer to point 11 on the map).

This street is home to stunning Baroque buildings, churches and other architectural wonders. It is a great place to explore and appreciate the history of Malta. The Grandmaster’s Palace and the Auberge de Castille are famous buildings on Republic Street .

Apart from admiring the architecture, there are plenty of other things to do on Republic Street. Stroll down the street and explore the many shops, cafes and restaurants.

Experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Republic Street is amongst the best things to do in Valletta. Locals and tourists are often out and about, enjoying the street’s lively vibe. During the summer, there are plenty of street events such as concerts, open cinemas or art exhibitions.

Visit Grandmaster’s Palace

Opening times:   Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm Entrance fee: €12 for adults, discounts provided for seniors, students and children ( more details ) Location: Google Maps

Must-See: A Valletta sight you shouldn’t skip.

The Grandmaster’s Palace (labeled as number 11 on the Valletta map) is a key piece of Malta’s history, originally built for the Grand Master of the Order of St. John. It’s been a multi-purpose building, even serving as Malta’s Parliament.

Its architecture is a mix of Mannerist and Baroque styles, reflecting the changes it’s undergone. After being closed for major renovations, it reopened in early 2024.

The renovation has brought back its old grandeur. When you’re in Valletta, the opulent state rooms and the impressive armoury in the Palace are definitely worth a visit.

What to Do in Valletta: Get Astonished by St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Entrance fee: €15 for adults, discounts provided for seniors, students and children ( more details ) Location: Google Maps

Must-See: St. John’s Co-Cathedral is the top highlight of Valletta

Our next must-see in Valletta is the St. John’s Co-Cathedral (refer to point 13 on the map of Valletta). Don’t miss it if you appreciate art and history and art.

This stunning church was built in the 16th century and has been a place of worship ever since. The church looks rather modest from outside, but once you step inside, you’re surrounded by beautiful marble floors and walls.

It has eight magnificent chapels. Each chapel is decorated with works of art, giving you a glimpse into the church’s history. The ceilings are also adorned with intricate paintings, adding to the beauty and grandeur of the place.

The entire visit usually takes around an hour, so make sure you take your time and enjoy the experience.

Whether you’re religious or not, St. John’s Co-Cathedral is sure to leave you with an appreciation for the beauty and history of the church.

Explore the National Museum of Archaeology

Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 9 am to 5 pm in Jan & Feb and 10 am to 6 pm from Mar to Dec Entrance fee: €5 for adults, discounts provided for seniors, students and children ( more details ) Location: Google Maps

The National Museum of Archaeology is in the Auberge de Provence on Valletta’s Republic Street (see number 14 on the Valletta city map). It is a superb example of Baroque architecture, constructed in 1571 as per the design of an architect Ġilormu Cassar.

The National Museum of Archaeology boasts an impressive array of artefacts. They span from the Neolithic period (5900-2500BC) until the early Phoenician period (8th – 6th Century BC).

You can find an exhibition of tools, coins, human and animal figures, pottery, and jewellery. Also, you will get a glimpse of how people lived in pre-historic times. Some of the museum’s most famous objects are the “Sleeping Lady” from the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum . Also, there is the ‘Venus of Malta’ from Ħaġar Qim.

Credit: “Venus of Malta”  by Hamelin de Guettelet , licenced under CC BY-SA 3.0; “Sleeping Lady” by   Jvdc , licenced under CC BY-SA 3.0

What to Do in Valletta – Visit Strait Street for Fun & Food

Valletta’s Strait Street is also known as Strada Stretta in Maltese. On the Valletta map, you’ll find it as number 15.

It has a long and fascinating history. Strait Street was a nightlife hub in the 19th and mid-20th centuries. American and British military men, often accompanied by Maltese, spent their nights there. Over time it evolved into an iconic representation of multi-culturalism in Valletta.

Strait Street was a bustling hub of activity and culture during its heyday. Live music, especially jazz, was a popular attraction.

Unfortunately, the street’s reputation was tarnished by drunkenness and prostitution. With time, its popularity declined. But don’t let that put you off because today, Strait Street is just as vibrant as it ever was!

Thanks to renovations, Strait Street was revived about a decade ago. It is home to some of Malta’s best restaurants, cafes, and pubs. The street’s revival has also seen a resurgence of live music. You can listen to jazz, folk, and even rock music playing in the many bars and restaurants.

After a full day of sightseeing, Strait Street is perfect for a great night out.

Food and Drinks in Valletta: My Top Picks

If you’re in Valletta and feeling hungry or thirsty, no worries. This city has fantastic spots for food and drinks. Check out my top picks below. I’ve visited them all many times and keep going back.

First up, Coffee Circus . This basement café has great coffee and delicious cakes. Watch your head on the way in! Try the Portuguese pastéis de nata and pão de queijo. The staff is super friendly, making it a place worth revisiting. It’s a must-visit spot for sure!

Then there’s Caffè Berry Valletta . I found this place at a friend’s suggestion. The pistachio drinks are amazing! They serve tasty coffee and cheesecakes. It’s a cosy spot not to be missed.

Lot 61 Coffee Roasters is another gem. They serve great coffee and delicious treats. Try the flat white, apple & ginger slice, and croissant.

For a dinner with a view, the Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Valletta can’t be beaten. Perfect for a romantic evening watching the sunset in Malta. The food and atmosphere are excellent.

Prefer tapas? Iber&co offers top-notch Spanish cuisine and wine in a cosy, friendly setting. It’s small, so remember to book in advance.

And for pizza lovers, Sotto is amazing. They serve authentic Roman pinsa, which is so yummy.

So, those are my favourite spots in Valletta for meals or coffee. Each spot has something unique, so why not check them out?

Accommodation in Valletta

Staying in Valletta is unforgettable. The city’s historic houses, many hundreds of years old, have been converted into charming guesthouses and boutique hotels. Imagine waking up within thick, stone walls, then stepping out onto a balcony overlooking narrow streets teeming with history.

Also, staying in Valletta is very convenient for many reasons. Firstly, the city brims with dining options, ranging from charming local cafes to world-class restaurants. This means you’re never too far from an excellent meal or a cosy spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Secondly, Valletta is a hub of activity. There’s always an event taking place, be it a music festival, art exhibition, or historical reenactment. Valletta is not just a place to stay, but a place to experience.

Thirdly, Valletta serves as a well-connected transport hub, making it easy to venture beyond the city’s walls and explore Malta. Frequent ferry services can get you to Sliema , the Three Cities or even Gozo .

There are many unique accommodations in Valletta, each with its personality. The houses have stayed the same, some have been modernised for a contemporary feel, but all have a story to tell. 

Authentic Places to Stay in Valletta

La Falconeria Hotel : Modern, spacious, and well-located in Valletta with a fitness centre, bar, and baby-friendly amenities. Book here .

Palazzo Jean Parisot Boutique Suites : Elegant apartments with a rooftop terrace and hydromassage tub. Book here .

Casa Ellul – Small Luxury Hotels of the World : 19th-century boutique hotel with authentic Maltese décor. Centrally located, and spacious. Book here .

What to Do in Valletta: FAQ

Explore the key attractions in Valletta using a self-guided walking tour. I recommend choosing 3 to 5 attractions to visit, then relaxing in the gardens, enjoying coffee and lunch, and ending with dinner at one of Valletta’s many restaurants and bars.

Valletta’s stunning architecture and rich history make it a top destination in Malta. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site , it offers a unique, multicultural history and is the top 1 destination in Malta. There are so many things to do in Valletta: visit museums, stroll the streets, relax in one of the gardens, enjoy coffee or a meal.

Yes, Valletta’s compact size is suitable for walking. However, be prepared for uphill and downhill streets, especially if you explore from Republic Street towards the waterfront.

Valletta is famous for its history, Mediterranean views, and landmarks like Triton’s Fountain and Fort St Elmo. It was built by the Knights of St John. For more historical facts, check out my post on the top historical sites in Malta .

Eating out in Valletta varies in price, with average meals costing between 15-25 euros. Options range from affordable sandwich places to upscale rooftop restaurants.

Republic Street is the most famous, leading to historic sites like St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace. Strait Street is popular for bars and dining.

For me, St Barbara Bastion is the prettiest, with beautiful buildings and a sea view.

Valletta’s uniqueness comes from its rich military history, stunning architecture, and underground tunnels . It offers spectacular Mediterranean views.

One day is enough to see the main attractions, but many visitors prefer one to three days for a fuller experience of the city’s museums and landmarks.

Yes, it’s walkable around the perimeter along the water, offering views of the Three Cities, Sliema, and fortifications. This less-travelled path promises a quiet time.

Valletta offers a vibrant nightlife with pubs and bars, especially around Strait Street and the Valletta Waterfront. Note that there are no clubs.

I hope you now longer wonder what to do in Valletta and found the Valletta map helpful. There’s so much to explore and enjoy in this vibrant city. You’re going to love Valletta.

If you’re putting together your Malta trip itinerary, you should check out my guide to top things to do in Malta . It’s packed with all you need to know – from top places to visit to the best beaches and even some hidden spots.

Don’t forget to explore other historical places such as Mdina , Rabat and Three Cities. For a day trip, here are my guides to the Blue Lagoon and Gozo. Also, learn about the best time to visit Malta  so you can have an amazing experience.

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Home » Valletta - Malta's capital city » Valletta tours and excursions

The Best Valletta Tours and Excursions

Heading to  Valletta  on your next trip and looking to take a tour or excursion to see some of the highlights there?

You’ve come to the right place.

In this article I’ve curated the best Valletta tours and excursions that will take you past some of  the best places of interest in Malta’s capital city .

Save big on sightseeing Valletta with iSeeMalta museum combo tickets and their Valletta harbour cruise ferry .

Valletta tours at a glance

These are the types of Valletta tours that I’ll cover today:

• Valletta walking tours
• Valletta boat tour  (around Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour)
• DIY Valletta tours (with itineraries)
• Private tours (also for cruise passengers)
• Segway tours  around the city
• Three Cities tour

Valletta is not a big city, in fact, it’s one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. But within its thick 16th century walls are so many interesting things to learn within short walking distance from each other. And the fun part about all this is that you can tour Valletta in a number of ways.

The below are a few Valletta tours and excursion options to consider. I’ve also included links to a few providers that I recommend booking with online for each.

Best Valletta walking tour

Stretch your legs and warm up your muscles! The best way to explore the city is the most traditional – on foot. Even better if you have a guide to pinpoint items of historical significance which you might otherwise never notice, who can also provide interesting background info.

During this half day Valletta tour, you’ll visit the most important highlights of the city:

• You’ll start at the  Upper Barrakka Gardens  which overlook the Grand Harbour. Admire the great views while enjoying a quick coffee to kickstart your day.
• From there, it’s straight to the spectacular  St. John’s Co-Cathedral . Prepare yourself to meet Caravaggio’s masterpiece  The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist  in the Oratory of the Cathedral, after entering one of the most beautifully decorated cathedrals in Europe.
• You’ll continue to the  Grand Masterʹs Palace and the Armoury . This holds a most-impressive collection of medieval war artefacts.
• Finally, you’ll finish off this tour by visiting the  Malta Experience , a multimedia show that takes you through thousands of years of Maltese history.

The cost of this tour is €40 per person for persons 13+ and €17 per person for children under 12 years.

More info and booking here

Going to a new destination can be daunting and the easiest way is to book a tour, but with Valletta being so small, it’s super easy to do your own sightseeing.

Although I don’t offer tours myself, I’m a huge Valletta fan and wrote a fully-fledged Valletta guidebook. There’s a ton of info in there, but the content is centred around a few itineraries with easy-to-follow walking routes in which I’ve prioritised the best places to visit in the city.

So if you’re only around for one day (on a cruise stop, for example), I’ve presented the best of Valletta on a silver platter.

Either way, if you’re keen to get to know Valletta better before you visit, it’s a very informative guidebook that’s well-reviewed by my readers.

More info here:  Valletta guidebook by Malta Uncovered .

Best Valletta boat tour

There’s the city from the inside, and then there’s the city from the outside. The Grand Harbour is closely tied to Valletta and its rich history. And what better way to explore the two natural harbours on either side of the city than by boat, one of the few Valletta tours at sea?

Hop on board a Wi-Fi-enabled harbour boat for a cruise around Marsamxett Harbour and the captain will take you very close to the fortifications. Meanwhile, a detailed audio commentary provides you with info on the rich history that shaped Valletta and the harbours around it.

You can get on or off at three points of the journey for added flexibility:

• Valletta Waterfront
• Sliema Ferries (great to hop on further tours to other places around Malta and Gozo)
• Esplora Interactive Science Centre (fun outing for kids)

Tickets are just €10 per person and €7.50 for children (ages 4-12).

Get tickets here and learn more here: Traditional Harbour Cruise Malta .

Private tours of Valletta (also for cruise passengers)

If you’re looking to explore Valletta with the rich insight that a private tour guide can offer you, there are a few highly knowledgeable and experienced tour guides that do a great job.

For cruise passengers who have a short amount of time available for sightseeing, taking a private tour is the best way to maximise time on shore. These are a few options to consider, starting and ending at the cruise port terminal:

• 3-Hour private walking tour  (max group of 4)
• 4-Hour private walking tour , including the Three Cities

If you’re not a cruise passenger, you can still join these private walking tours. The cruise port terminal is a 10-15 minute walk away from City Gate, located at the end of the Valletta Waterfront down at the harbour.

Valletta tours by segway

Probably the most fun way of exploring Valletta is taking a segway tour. Hop on these noiseless two-wheeled contraptions and follow the leader around the straight streets of the city.

With 3 choice tour durations of 1.5 hours, 2 hours or 3 hours, you can go on a segway tour during mornings, afternoons and evenings. Your guide will help you get familiar with the easy-to-steer segways, and then show you around the most interesting places in the city.

Segway tours can be enjoyed by persons from 14 years to adult and prices start from €45 per person.

Tip: My Valletta travel guide book shortlists some of the best places to see and visit, so you don’t have to depend on excursions or tours to explore the city!

Other Valletta tours

The three cities tour – half day (morning).

This half-day trip takes you around the three fortified cities of  Birgu , Cospicua and Senglea. Popularly, these are known as the Three Cities (also referred to as Cottonera ). On their arrival on the islands, the Knights of the Order of St. John  made these cities their domain. They built some of the most impressive fortifications in the world, famous for having repelled a massive Ottoman invasion (known as the Great Siege of 1565).

During the duration of the tour, you’ll experience Malta by car, on foot and also by small boat ferry. First, there’s an informative drive through Cospicua. This is followed by a walking tour of Birgu (Vittoriosa), visiting several historical buildings and churches.

Next up, is a harbour cruise on a traditional Maltese boat from where you can truly be amazed by the immensity of the fortifications built by the Knights. The tour ends in Senglea, with a visit to the watchtower overlooking the Grand Harbour.

The cost of this tour is €32 per person for persons 13+ and €15 per person for children under 12 years.

Are you looking for any other options to tour Valletta?

Leave a comment below and let me know!

Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.

As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.

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Valletta Food Tour

The most amazing experience of Valletta you’ll ever get.

Valletta Walking Tour

A small group experience which will give you amazing insight into the history of Valletta but also places to go, where to eat, what to visit and much much more. It is not just a tour but a friend showing you an amazing city he loves.

Mdina and Rabat Insider’s Tour

A small group experience which will give you amazing insight into the history of Mdina and Rabat but also places to go, where to eat, what to visit and much much more. It is not just a tour but a friend showing you an amazing city he loves and lives in.

The Good Friday Food Experience

Discover the millenial traditions related to Holy Week which are still carried down to this very day.

Private Valletta Food Tour

Eat and Drink your way through Malta's enchanting history as you discover the beauty of Valletta with our professionally licensed tourist guides.

The Vegan Valletta Food Tour

The food tour in Valletta for vegans and non-vegans alike to discover this amazing capital city and the food of its people.

Tour della Valletta con visita alla Con-Cattedrale di San Giovanni

An amazing experience to discover Valletta done solely in the Italian language.

3 Cities Tour

Lesser known with tourists, yet as beautiful as can be.

What's Included

Small groups.

Being in a smaller group gives you the opportunity to ask all the questions whilst also easily interacting with the other members of the group.

Close to Transport

All our tours start close to easiest bus or other transportation routes making it easy to reach our guides using public transportation as well.

Expert Guide

All our guides are fully licensed professional guides who look into narrating the history and culture in a most fun and easy way to understand.

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before start time of the experience and you will be fully refunded.

A very informative & explorative experience!

Contact information.

• [email protected]
• +35699235842

I have been a professional guide for the past 15 years and it is a passion for me more than only a job. I love showing my beautiful country to the many visitors I encounter along the year.

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A majestically beautiful island that rises from the midst of the Med in a symphony of rock and Greek, Roman and medieval ruins, Malta is not to be missed. Get a local tourHQ guide to show you around.

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Don’t let the fact that Malta is one of the world’s smallest countries put you off, because there are plenty of surprises packed into this unassuming outcrop of rock in the central Mediterranean Sea. For one, its history is a story of nearly 8,000 years, ranging back to the arrival of tribal groups from Sicily in the 5th millennium BC and incorporating a veritable range of cultural influences, from the ancient Phoenicians to the North African Muslim Moors. Consequently, today Malta boasts a wealth of prehistoric sites like no other Island in the region, and guests should be sure not to miss the subterranean sepulchre at Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, or the sprawling remnants of World War II forts that dot the cliffs around the coast.  But it’s not all about looking back in time here, and today’s Malta tour guides are quick to direct visitors to the beautiful baroque capital of Valletta, where shiny new government complexes rub shoulders with elaborate churches from the 17th century. What’s more, the caves and coves of Malta’s coast are famed for their wild appearance and rugged character, making them a real haven for divers and shore swimmers after something a little different from the typical seaside destinations on the Med.

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How to spend a day in Valletta, Malta's baroque, harbourside city

Plan the perfect day in the Maltese capital, from breakfast pastries to a waterfront dinner.

Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, Valletta retains much of its time-worn charm, with narrow streets leading between honey-coloured buildings, and glimpses of the Mediterranean never far from view. It’s a small place – just 0.3 square miles – so all of its attractions are within easy walking distance. Here’s how to make the most of it.

8am: Breakfast at Caffe Cordina

Opened in 1837, this elegant cafe in the heart of the city centre not only serves up traditional Maltese pastizzi   (savoury pastries stuffed with ricotta or peas and beef) and round qassatat   pies, often filled with peas, but also a sublime atmosphere. Expect marbled floors, gold-lined ceilings and elegant chandeliers to backdrop your coffee and cake consumption. If you’re chomping at the bit to get exploring, they also sell some treats to take away.

10am: Explore Casa Rocca Piccola

If you visit one museum in Valletta, make it this 16th-century palace — the family home of the ninth Marquis de Piro. A glorious timewarp showcasing artistic treasures both Maltese-made and imported, the series of treasure-cluttered rooms contain everything from a portable altar hidden in a bureau to possibly the last surviving set of medical instruments from the Knights of St John. There are underground tunnels used for shelter during Second World War bombings, too. Tours run every hour and last about 45 minutes.

11am: Water taxi to the Three Cities

Get a prime view of Valletta’s skyline and a nautical adventure at the same time by hopping aboard a dgħajsa   (traditional water taxi) to the historic towns known as the Three Cities, just across the Grand Harbour. Trips departing from water level below the Upper Barrakka Gardens cost just a few euros per person and only take around 15 minutes each way. Alternatively, ask your skipper to give you a personalised boat tour of the harbour.

1pm: Lunch at Café Jubilee

Filled with quirky art pieces — including vintage posters and inverted milk jugs repurposed into pendant lights — this homely family-owned restaurant in the historic core of Valletta specialises in the cuisine of Malta’s neighbouring island, Gozo. Tuck into dishes such as sheep’s cheese ravioli with tomato and basil sauce, rabbit stew with orange, spices and red wine, and baked marrow stuffed with beef. Wash everything down with the local Cisk lager or Maltese craft beers such as Blue Lagoon Witbier.

3pm: Tour the Teatru Manoel

Opened in 1732 by António Manoel de Vilhena, a Grand Master of the Knights of St John, Teatru Manoel is a spectacular example of a surviving baroque theatre. Twice-daily tours, which run at 11am and 3pm on weekdays, cost €5 (£4) and will take you from the stalls up into the wooden boxes where the people-watching opportunities are often as thrilling as what’s shown on stage.

4pm: Valletta Design Cluster

Set on a quiet side street in a building that was once used as a slaughterhouse, the Valletta Design Cluster doesn’t look like much from the outside — but step into the lobby and take the lift to the top floor, and you’ll be welcomed by a verdant surprise. The leafy rooftop garden with seating, tables and a pond provides an elevated perspective of the surrounding city rooftops, and is the perfect outdoor place to sit and relax for an hour among trees, shrubs and fragrant lavender blooms.

5pm: Aperitifs at Kamy Cocktail Bar

Wander around Valletta’s historic centre in the waning light, then pop into this popular cocktail bar. Mixologist Iliyan Iliev combines creative flavours with artistic prowess; try the clarified negroni. Paintings and photographs line the walls and each cocktail comes topped with a recognisable (and drinkable) masterpiece floating on its surface — for example, Munch’s The Scream or Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.

8pm: Dinner at The Harbour Club

On the south Valletta waterfront facing out to Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities, this elegant dining favourite in an 18th-century building provides impressive views over the Grand Harbour. The menu is inspired by the streets of Valletta, with dishes like Strait Street, starring local pork loin with celeriac and pork gratin, and Old Theatre Street, featuring crab tart and marie rose sauce. Rather unusually in meat-loving Malta, there’s also a seven-course vegan tasting menu.

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Best Tours in Rome for Families That Won't Disappoint! (2024)

T he Italian capital is a great city to visit with kids of all ages. Rome’s history stretches back thousands of years and the city’s ancient ruins are sure to impress the whole family. Sometimes the size and grandeur of the Eternal City can overwhelm younger kids. Luckily, many tour companies in Rome offer family-friendly tours allowing you to skip long lines, learn from enthusiastic guides, and create lasting memories. This guide includes only the best tours in Rome for families from city tours to cooking classes to full-day excursions.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Best Rome Tours with Kids

Free walking tours in rome italy, city walking tour.

First time visiting Rome? Traveling on a budget? No problem, the  Free Walking Tours of Rom e  is the perfect tour for you and your family.

This two-hour city tour meets at the Spanish Steps in the city center twice during the peak season. They offer morning and afternoon tours.

In the morning, your English-speaking tour guide will lead a group of no more than 20 through the historic center. Along the way, they will provide a brief overview of ancient Roman history and modern daily life.

Some of the sights you will visit date back to the Roman Empire, including the Column of Marcus Aurelius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

If you take the afternoon tour, expect to explore different landmarks like an ancient Roman Aqueduct, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forums, and outside the Colosseum.

Most major European cities offer free walking tours where you can tip your guides at the end of the tour. Due to their huge popularity, Rome Free Walking Tours requires a deposit of €1 to confirm your booking. We recommend a tip in cash or card once the tour is finished!

These cheap tours are a great way to see the highlights of a new city and welcome travelers of all ages.

Best Food Tours Rome

Pizza making class.

Booking a pizza-making class on a vacation to Rome is a no-brainer. This local, unique experience is something the entire family (and your taste buds) will enjoy! Rome4Kids Tours runs some of the best family tours in the city. They offer both private and group pizza-making classes in Rome for kids .

This one-hour workshop is located in a real pizzeria near Piazza Navona so it’s in a super central location. The class is held twice a day around lunch and dinner time. It is the perfect amount of time for the attention spans of young children. They will love learning new cooking skills in a fun, hands-on way. 

Drinks are included and, of course, you get to eat your creation at the end! 

Gelato Making Class

Everyone knows the best way to enjoy pizza is to follow it with a scoop or two of gelato afterward. Learn how to make authentic Italian gelato (different from ice cream!) in this highly-rated,  private gelato-making class .

Private classes allow the chef to give you special attention. Families will have ample time to ask questions about the gelato-making process. Everyone can wear fun aprons and chef hats and try a second gelato flavor in addition to the one you will make together.

Rome Culinary Food Tour

A walking tour of the city’s top culinary delights is one of the best Rome tours you can take, with or without kids. Secret Food Tours runs fantastic food tours all over the world. We highly recommend adding their top-rated Rome food tour  to your vacation.

Sample Roman pasta, authentic cannoli, lots of ham, salami, cheese, fresh pizza, gelato, and a signature secret dish. The company offers a private option which is a sensible idea when traveling with younger children. You can easily skip visiting coffee shops for espressos and wine pairings if you would prefer.

This tour lasts over three hours, which is great value! Another option is a tour with a private guide. This will allow you to travel at your own pace to make sure the whole family has a great time.

Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

Most will agree the best area for authentic Roman dishes and a true Rome experience is the neighborhood of Trastevere across the River Tiber. Check out this  perfect tour of the culinary scene in Trastevere at Twilight  if you’re traveling with older kids.

On this incredible four-hour tour, dine out on the best street food at restaurants like Da Enzo al 29 and ‘Spirito Divino . Expect to visit ancient wine cellars and listen to interesting stories about the neighborhood as you walk through it. You will learn how to spot fake gelato while gorging on the best gourmet scoops you’ve ever tasted.

It’s hands down one of the best tours in Rome for families with teenage kids , though children aged four and up are very welcome. You can choose the group tour option or enjoy a private tour to explore Trastevere your way!

Riding Tours in Rome

Bike ride at night.

Rome’s historical center is  huge . It’s full of incredible archaeological sites and iconic landmarks which would take you many days to explore on foot. Get out of the midday heat and save little legs by booking this cool  e-bike tour of Rome by night !

Over three hours, you can tick off many iconic spots on your Rome hit list as well as have a fun time with your family. Just some of the stops include Oppian Hill (one of the best views of Rome!), the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Capitoline Hill.

Enjoy the sunset as well as the architecture of this beautiful city. This is one of the best Rome kids tours because they offer options for kids of all ages. You can request child seats, a trailer bike, or a child-sized bike so no one is left out.

Rome Golf Cart Tours

Another fun way to explore Rome on wheels is to book a golf cart tour for the whole family. Venture on a  golf cart tour along Rome’s Appian Way or explore Rome’s seven hills on a golf cart tour with Rolling Rome .

On a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the  Appia Antica  Roman road, head out of the crowded city and see important ancient sites. You will travel past the Aurelian Walls and the Baths of Caracalla followed by an underground tour of the Catacombs of Rome.

On the three-hour tour of Rome’s hills, you will visit over a dozen places including the famous Mouth of Truth from  Roman Holiday,  the Arch of Janus, and the Knights of Malta keyhole. Most of these spots are in or close to the historic center on top of famous Roman peaks like Capitoline, Aventine, and Palatine Hill.

Both of these tours of Rome are private. Not only are they two of the best kids’ tours of Rome, but they are both ideal if you’re traveling with older family members with limited mobility too. 

History Tours in Rome

Gladiator school.

Rome’s Gladiator School  is exactly as awesome as it sounds. We are sure your kids will be talking about this experience for years.

Known as  Gruppo Storico Romano  in Italian, your children can take part in a two-hour lesson where they will learn how to become gladiators. They will be just as fierce as those who fought in the Colosseum during the times of Ancient Rome.

Passionate child-friendly guides with years of experience will teach your kids about the history of gladiatorial fights. They are provided with armor and (wooden) weapons as instructors teach them the skills necessary to ‘compete’ in one of the ‘bloody’ games at the end of the session.

Free drinks, a small snack, and free entrance to the Gladiator Museum of Rome are included in this experience.

Sistine Chapel

Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel can be a busy, overwhelming experience for adults, let alone kids! But you can’t visit Rome with kids without witnessing the beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Make the most of your visit to the holy Vatican City by booking an early morning express tour of the Sistine Chapel  or a  Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour  with Context Travel.

Both tours offer skip-the-line tickets. The early morning express tour of the Sistine Chapel is semi-private for up to six people and lasts one hour and 45 minutes. On the Vatican tour of both the museums and the Sistine Chapel, you can book the small-group or private option which lasts around three hours.

There are two of the best tours in Rome for families visiting Vatican City. You can choose the tour that makes sense for the age and interests of your kids. We promise your family will be glad you booked ahead and aren’t stuck waiting in a huge line outside in the baking sun!

Visiting Rome without a stop at the Colosseum is like visiting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef but not snorkeling. It has to be done! Luckily, the scale and history of this Seventh Wonder of the World are sure to impress even the most unfazed kids.

If you want to take a Colosseum family tour, there are so many great ones. This express Colosseum tour for kids  is a classic. The private family tour lasts two-and-a-half hours and includes a skip-the-line ticket, games, a treasure hunt, and prizes to engage little ones. 

Booking a private, underground Colosseum tour will give you access to areas of this ancient ruin which are usually restricted to the general. Both the  underground tour of the Colosseum  and the  underground Colosseum tour with LivTours include skip-the-line tickets.

On either tour, you can visit the underground where animals were kept for gladiator fights, all levels of the structure, access to the exhibition, and further exploration at the Roman Forum.

Visiting the subterranean burial chambers of Rome’s Catacombs is a fun thing to do with children who are intrigued by spooky and macabre places. One of the best tours in Rome for families of the Catacombs is this  private Catacombs tour .

With over 2,000 years of history underneath Rome, it is a great place to learn about Roman gods, pagan temples, and Christian crypts. There are even graves of some of the first popes in the Rome Catacombs!

This tour goes the extra mile by offering luxury transfers to the city center. It lasts three hours and since it’s a private tour, you can linger at places or skip whatever you want.

Day Trips in Rome

Only two and a half hours south of Rome, Pompeii is the perfect place for a fascinating and educational day trip. However, the hassle of renting a car and driving on windy Italian roads is no one’s idea of fun!

LivTours offers a fantastic  semi-private, small-group day tour of Pompeii  or you can book a  private day tour to Pompeii and Capua with Tours of Pompeii.

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city near Naples whose residents tragically perished in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. They were preserved under the ash for over a century until excavations began and unearthed this window to the past.

LivTours works with an archaeologist in Pompeii who will show you around the site and answer any questions. Tours are limited to six people and include transfers to and from Rome in a luxury van.

Tours of Pompeii also includes transfers but has an extra stop in Capua, a city north of Naples with some fabulous ruins. This is also an opportunity to visit the second-largest Roman amphitheater after the Colosseum and all the top sites in Pompeii including the Vettii House, the Baths, the Forum, and the House of Faunus. 

Ostia Antica

Do you only have space in your itinerary for a half-day tour? Viator offers five-hour  private tours of Ostia Antica from Rome . 

This ancient Roman port town is only 17 miles away from Rome. Kids of all ages (even those in strollers!) are welcome on this tour which includes hotel pick-up, a driver, and a child-friendly guide.

Check out the ancient Roman buildings in Ostia Antica including the necropolis, dye houses, cleaners, large baths, city center, apartments, and bakery!

It’s a completely flexible tour and you could easily turn it into a full-day trip. The beach is only two miles away from Ostia Antica so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic.

Enjoy the Best Tours in Rome for Families on Your Vacation

Whether you’re looking for private tours with a dedicated, expert guide or budget-friendly tours for small groups, you won’t regret booking as many tours as possible on your family vacation. They take the pressure off you to entertain and inform so that you get to be hands-off, learn something, and enjoy a fun tour too. Happy kids plus happy parents is a win-win!

Hopefully, this list of the best tours in Rome for families has given you plenty of inspiration when planning your trip to this ancient city. 

The post Best Tours in Rome for Families That Won’t Disappoint! (2024) appeared first on .

The Best Walking Tours in Bologna

Located in Northern Italy, Bologna is considered one of the food capitals of Italy . And given Italy’s culinary reputation, that must be saying something.

Food is what draws most visitors here ( it’s what drew me there ). I had heard it’s the place for foodies in Italy and I was not disappointed.

Unsurprisingly, there are lots of amazing food tours here that allow you to eat your way around town while learning about the region’s traditional cuisine. There are also wine tours galore plus plenty of history-oriented tours to ensure you learn about this food-centric city’s past.

In short, Bologna is the perfect place to take a walking tour. And, since I love walking tours of all kind, I took a bunch while I was in town. Some were great, some were ok, some where terrible . Here’s the best walking tours I took in Bologna to help you plan your visit:

Best Overall Tour

Take Walks is my go-to tour company in Italy, offering access to places that no other gets and featuring incredibly knowledgeable guides. I always have fun and learn a lot on these tours. I can’t recommend them enough.

Their Tastes & Traditions tour lasts 3.5 hours and includes nine mouth-watering offerings (plus coffee and wine). You’ll get to visit markets, sample artisan fare, and learn all about traditional cuisine. If you only do one tour here, make it this one.

Best Free Tour

Free Walking Tour Bologna

Offered daily, this is the best (and most popular) free tour in town and a good introduction to Bologna. It lasts two hours and covers all the highlights, including Piazza Nettuno, the Jewish Ghetto, Piazza Maggiore, and more. It’s informative without being boring and perfect primer for first-time visitors. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

While those are my favorite paid and free tour operators in town, Bologna as a lot more to offer walking tour companies. Here are three other companies I like a lot:

1. Do Eat Better

If you’ve still got an appetite, join Do Eat Better’s Traditional Food Tour . Led by an expert local guide, this 3.5-hour tour makes stops at four hand-picked eateries, where you can try fresh pasta, artisanal ice cream, locally sourced meats, and more (you’ll definitely leave full). I especially like that you not only get to try some amazing traditional food but get off the tourist trail and beat the crowds. It’s a must-do tour for foodies.

Tours start at 90 EUR.

Book here!  

2. Bologna Wine

If you’re like me and love vino, you’re going to want to book this guided wine tour . It’s led by a sommelier and features a wide variety of wines from around Bologna. You’ll visit lesser-known spots, try some unique vintages, and develop a deeper appreciation for the region’s wines. You’ll also get to stop at the city’s oldest tavern, which I think is really neat. Tours last 2-3 hours (depending on which you book) and include 2-5 glasses of wine (again, depending on the tour). The guides really know their stuff, so you’ll learn a ton on this tour.

Tours start at 69 EUR.

3. Travelhoo

To burn off all the amazing food you’ve been enjoying, take a guided bike tour with Travelhoo. Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll learn about Bologna’s long history and visit its main sights, such as Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the Neptune Fountain. It’s a solid introduction to the city and how it came to be the food and wine hub that it is today.

While this is an active tour, the guide leads you at a leisurely pace, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy it.

Tours start at 75 EUR.

Bologna may not get the attention that Rome or Venice do, but when it comes to food, it holds its own. Take one of the walking tours above and learn about its history and culture and feast on the amazing eats that have put the city on the map for centuries!

And while these are my favourite tours in the city, the website GetYourGuide has lots more options so check them out if you’re looking for additional tours!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Italy: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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