Hidden gem of Europe | Malta, a stone ancient city surrounded by blue sea
3-day cultural tour of Malta | knight city and jelly bay✨
Malta, an island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, is home to Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Golden limestone buildings and crystal-clear harbors fill the medieval old town with stories of the Knights of Malta. This guide focuses on Valletta’s old town, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Triton Fountain, and the silent city of Mdina, with all routes, dining, and accommodation organized.
📖 brief history
Malta was once the territory of the Knights of St. John. Valletta was built under their leadership, featuring Baroque stone buildings everywhere. Mdina, the old capital of Malta, is known as the silent city and served as a filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. With only a few hundred residents and almost no motor vehicles, walking its stone alleys feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Across the harbor are the Three Cities, former knight fortresses where luxury yachts and large cruise ships dock year-round, creating a full sea view atmosphere.
📅 itinerary
Day 1 | in-depth tour of Valletta old town (main photo location)
Getting there: If staying in Sliema, take a 10-minute ferry to Valletta; if staying in the old town, explore on foot. The city is small, and most attractions are walkable.
👉 route: Triton Fountain → old town main street → Upper Barrakka Gardens → harbor viewpoint → old town square at dusk
1. Triton Fountain: the iconic sculpture marking Valletta’s entrance. Three bronze sea gods hold a giant circular fountain. It’s the first stop entering the old town and perfect for photos.
2. Valletta old town streets: straight streets leading down to the sea, Baroque stone buildings, dark green wooden shutters, EU and Maltese flags hanging along the streets, and outdoor cafes filled with tourists. Stroll souvenir shops to feel the local vibe.
3. Upper Barrakka Gardens [key photo spot], free entry. From the garden terrace, overlook the grand harbor and the blue bay. Cruise ships, yachts, and ferries pass by, with the yellow fortress buildings of the Three Cities clearly visible across the water. This is the classic harbor view in photos. There’s also a noon cannon salute to watch.
4. Wander to Republic Square in the old town, where outdoor dining fills the square, perfect for a coffee break.
🍽️ dining today
· Try local Pastizzi cheese and pea pastries for breakfast, 1–2 euros each at street shops. Crispy and savory, a local breakfast favorite.
· For lunch, pick a family-run restaurant in the old town alleys and order seafood pasta made with fresh catch and rich tomato sauce.
· Dinner recommendation: Malta’s national dish Fenkata, stewed rabbit in sauce with tender texture. Many old town restaurants serve it.
🏨 accommodation options
Option 1: boutique guesthouse in Valletta old town. Stone houses right by attractions, 80–120 euros per night. Convenient for night views. Limited rooms, book early.
Option 2: Sliema waterfront area. Better value with more guesthouse choices. Ferry to old town is easy, and you can watch the seaside sunset in the evening.
Day 2 | full day in Mdina, the silent city
Transport: From Valletta, about 40 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by taxi. Private cars are not allowed inside the old town. You can experience a horse-drawn carriage tour for about 35 euros, slowly wandering medieval streets—the vintage carriage in the photos.
👉 route: Mdina gate → St. Paul’s Cathedral → old town stone alleys → city wall café viewpoint
1. Step through Mdina’s gate and instantly escape the noise. Golden limestone walls, narrow stone alleys, bougainvillea climbing ancient walls. No car noise, only wind and footsteps. The silent city lives up to its name.
2. St. Paul’s Cathedral: a grand Baroque church with marble-carved walls and exquisite sculptures. It’s the old town’s landmark and a great photo spot.
3. Wander winding alleys with thick, tall ancient walls, red wooden doors, and vintage street lamps. Every alley has a cinematic atmosphere.
4. Stop at Fontanella Tea Garden on the city wall. Sit by the wall overlooking Malta’s central countryside, order a traditional Maltese dessert and coffee, and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze.
🍽️ dining today
Lunch in Mdina or nearby Rabat, where prices are lower than Valletta. Try local grilled vegetable platters paired with Mediterranean red wine. Don’t miss the street ice cream shops—an ice cream while exploring the old town adds to the vibe.
Return to Valletta in the evening and dine at a harbor-side restaurant, watching cruise ships return.
Day 3 | leisurely harbor stroll
In the morning, visit remaining lesser-known spots in Valletta or take a ferry to the Three Cities across the harbor to see old knight fortresses, ancient cannons, and stone walls up close, experiencing Malta’s military history. In the afternoon, shop for souvenirs like local honey and handmade glass crafts.
🚗 travel tips
1. Bus: buy a 7-day pass for unlimited island bus rides. Easy access to Mdina and Rabat.
2. Short taxi rides: affordable between old towns, cost-effective with multiple passengers.
3. Private cars are restricted inside Mdina. Explore on foot or by horse carriage.
4. Best travel seasons: April–June and September–November. Sunny and comfortable temperatures. Summer midday sun is strong, so remember sun protection.
🥘 Malta specialty food summary
✅ Pastizzi pastries: widely available street snacks with cheese or pea filling, affordable and authentic
✅ Fenkata stewed rabbit: national dish with rich sauce
✅ Seafood dishes: seafood pasta, grilled fish and shrimp, available at harbor restaurants
✅ Local honey desserts: paired with coffee, a staple in old town cafes
💡 tips
Many Valletta and Mdina attractions are free. Most expenses are for food and lodging. Old town streets are stone-paved, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The midday sun is intense; avoid long outdoor walks from 12 PM to 2 PM and rest in cafes.