The best things in life are free, (especially when in Valletta). Malta’s fortified city is a bastion of fun and being Europe’s tiniest capital city makes Valletta an extremely walkable city! Soo… you could easily spend a day here admiring [iconic] traditional balconies, baroque architecture or exploring the cobbled streets; which by the way, offer breath-taking views. Plus there’s Valletta’s gorgeous gardens that you can wander around (or relax in) all without an entrance fee. Being a hub of culture, you may even catch a free festival or three! So, if you’re asking whether Valletta is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding YES!
What Not to Miss in Valletta!
Valletta is an open-air museum ready to have you out and about for the day exploring inside its walled city. Whether you live here, are passing for the day, or a weekend city break, (lucky you), below are the quick links taking you to the best free things to do in Valletta. Enjoy!
- Triton Fountain
- Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Lower Barrakka Gardens
- The Siege Bell Memorial
- Valletta Waterfront
- City Gate
- Visit Hastings Gardens
- Watch the Canon Firing at Saluting Battery
- Church of Our Lady of Victory
- Changing of the Guard Parade
- Wander Valletta Market
- Pjazza John De Valette Square
- Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
- National Library of Malta
- Attend Free Festivals
- Take a Free Walking Tour
Don’t Miss Ya Photo Op at the Triton Fountain
Before you sashay on through Valletta’s City Gate, you must stop at Malta’s top landmark – Triton Fountain! If you’re a fan of Greek Mythology, then you may already know the meaning behind three mermen holding up a bronze platter. Which of course, is strength! The Triton Fountain symbolises Malta’s history with the Mediterranean Sea.
Fun Fact:
The original fountain was constructed back in 1959 but collapsed in 1978. The second got a dramatic facelift that kinda stole the Triton’s moment. But in 2017, the fountain was restored to what is today.
So, the tritons are certainly worth ogling from up close and is definitely there with one of the best free things to do in Valletta. Besides, you cant miss out on a good photo op, now can you?
Visit Upper Barrakka Gardens
If you’re looking for some tranquility with a slice of beautiful views, then head to Upper Barraka Gardens. Entrance is free and you can enjoy panoramic views over the city, like The Three Cities and the Grand Harbour, which did you know is the oldest marina in the world?
The Upper Barrakka Gardens also overlooks the saluting battery, where replica canons are “fired” daily at noon and 4pm sharp. (More on this below).
Founded in 1661 Upper Barrakka Gardens originally served as the Knights of St Johns private gardens, but was opened to the public in the early 19th Century. Both the Upper and (Lower Barrakka Gardens) are beautifully maintained. So, just find yourself a spot and have a picnic. Or if you’re an early riser, you’ll be pleased to know Upper Barrakka Gardens are open everyday from 7am to 10pm. So, come for the peace and stay for the sunrise.
Lower Barrakka Gardens
You might prefer The Lower Gardens, where it is more serene, greener and has far less people. But, certainly ranks as one of the top free things to do in Valletta.
What’s more, the Lower Barrakka Gardens give you access to the Siege Bell Memorial, another historical monument to check out. Like, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lower Barrakka Gardens were also the private gardens of the Knights of Malta. From here, you have uninterrupted views of the Grand Harbour and breakwater. Further out you’ll see Kalkara. Stop here and you can also watch all the huge cruise ships rolling in and out of the Grand Harbour. Best of all entrance to the Lower Barrakka Gardens is free and opens from 7am to 10pm daily.
The Siege Bell Memorial
The Siege Bell Memorial was erected in 1991 by the late Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate those who lost their lives during World War II and the Siege of Malta. There are hundreds of bells ringing across the island but not all have such awesome views. As well as the huge bronze bell sitting in the belfry, you can also spot The Three Cities that seemingly leaps out of the water and into view.
Stroll Along Valletta Waterfront
Nowadays you’ll find Valletta Waterfront lined with upmarket restaurants, beautifully restored baroque buildings and swaying palm trees. But, during the 18th Century, the buildings were commissioned for the sole purpose of storing food. Colour was used as a means to indicate what went where. Valletta Waterfront is less popular with tourists. So, if you want to experience Valletta like a local…take a leisurely stroll along the promenade of the Marsaxmett Harbour. Or better yet enjoy a spot of people-watching from the waters edge.
Btw, this is also where you can take the ferry (or the traditional dgħajsa boat ride) to visit The Three Cities.
City Gate
In Maltese, the Door of the City is called “Bieb il-Belt”. This modern entry was finished in 2014, making it, Valletta’s fifth one. If you’re into things all things architecture, then you may already know that the architect behind Valletta’s city gate is none other the Renzo Piano (the guy behind The Shard, London). The original one, called Porta San Giorgio, was finished in 1569. As you’ll come to discover, architecture and history are part of the parcel, where Valletta is concerned. So stopping here is one of the best free things to do in Valletta.
Visit Hastings Gardens – It’s Free
Just beyond the Valletta City Gate, keep walking, and you’ll get to Hastings Gardens. It’s another garden in Valletta, but get this…most people don’t even know it’s there. Find it on top of St. John’s and St. Michael’s bastions, giving you breath-stealing views of Floriana, Manoel Island and Marsamxett Harbour. I know I said Lower Barrakka Gardens is serene, but Hastings Gardens is even more peaceful and less crowded. Fan of monuments? Well, you’ll find them here too. Most notable is the tomb of Lord Hastings – Governor of Malta, and how this garden got its name. Ready for the best thing about Hastings Gardens? It’s completely free to visit!
Watch the Canon Firing at Saluting Battery ( *Top* Free Thing to do)
Perhaps among the top free things to do in Valletta is head on over to the Saluting Battery. Every day at noon and 4pm on the dot, you can see an enthusiastic re-enactment of a 500 year old tradition. Twice daily a replica canon is fired by the military and worthy of stopping to see, if you’re around. What started out as a tradition to alert of naval ships visiting is now a main attraction enjoyed by everyone, young and old.
Church of Our Lady of Victory
Did you know that in Malta, there are over 350 churches?
There are 28 churches in Valletta alone!
However, what makes Church of Our Lady of Victory special is this church was the very first one! It has the notable distinction of being the first completed building in Valletta under the Order of St. John. It’s another honorary nod in the direction of the great siege of Malta, and surprisingly completely free to visit!
Changing of The Guards
Ah, and if you’re around at the end of the month, then you’re in for a treat, because you can see the changing of the guard at St George’s Square. But, it’s not as simple as a guard leaving his post for the day! There’s a full on traditional parade, put on by Malta’s Armed Forces Band from 10.30 am, where they march from Republic Street to the square in front of Valletta Palace in a trail of celebration. The whole fanfare lasts about an hour and shouldn’t be missed!
Wander Valletta Market
Valletta’s open-air market not only gets you closer to the culture but also another great to stretch your legs. If you’re in Merchant Street, you can’t miss it. Browsing is free and here, you’ll see souvenirs, local produce, clothing, and much more. As you take a stroll through Valletta Market, see your visit as initiation into living like a local as you get a glimpse of life in Malta.
Pjazza John De Valette Square
If you’re seeking a free spot for watching Valletta come to life then head straight to Pjazza John De Valette Square. You cant miss it, it’s just behind the Opera House and is a serene oasis in the middle of the busy square. No worries if you’re riding solo. You’ll be in good company with none other than Valletta’s founding father. Well, a statue of John De Valette actually; the Square was dedicated to him. Plus its a great spot to admire the gorgeous baroqued architecture!
Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
Another recommendation (and church) for free things to do in Valletta is…to see the Church of St Pauls. Named after Saint Paul the Apostle who I must say, made quite the impression on the Maltese islands. According to the New Testament, Paul wrecked his ship in Malta (or Melite the name in the Bible). He stayed here for three months and took the opportunity to bring Christianity to those who lived here. Today, over 95% of the residents identify as Catholics. This church is full of fascinating relics including a gilded statue of Saint Paul and bones from his wrist.
National Library of Malta
Have you even been to Valletta, IF you haven’t got a pic of the National Library of Malta? And before you ask, of course, it’s free. Taking the picture and venturing inside. Admittedly, I’ve missed it a couple of times, what with it not being like a normal library, but more like a museum, housing old manuscripts dating back to the 16th Century. Its considered a national treasure with the wealth of history held there. And you can pop inside on any day until just gone 1 pm.
Enjoy a Free Festival (or two)
Alongside Valletta’s stunning architecture and historical monuments, the capital city is well known for its festivals. You’ll likely to catch one because these vibrant events run throughout the year. The good thing is that many of Valletta’s festivals will allow you to experience Malta’s culture at its finest like the religious processions during Easter. By the way, not all the festivals hosted here are free. But you can still catch some of the best when considering free things to do in Valletta!
Best Free Festivals to Visit in Valletta
- Carnivals
- Feasts
- Independence Day Celebrations
- Malta International Fireworks Festival
- Notte Bianca
- Religious Processions
- Valletta Green Festival
- Victory Day
- Rolex Middle Sea Race
Go on a Free Walking Tour Through Valletta
Oh, one more thing. Around on a Wednesday at 5 pm or a Saturday at 10 am? Perfect! You’re in for a treat because Colour My Travel runs a 90-minute walking tour – completely free! Starting at City Gate (the meeting point), the host takes you on a fun guided tour through the Capital City of Malta, ending in St Georges Square (the main square in Valletta, just beyond Republic Street!) You won’t visit all the 300 monuments as that would take days. Even with a local! But you’ll wander past all the main ones and get all the juicy stories too!