Experience Malta like a local: The ultimate 3 day itinerary
This itinerary was part of my Malta-Sicily combined trip. The initial plan was to fly to Malta and and take the ferry to Catania on the same day but I decided to stop and explore Malta for a weekend and I’m so glad I did.
Malta may be small, but it packs a punch and is perfect for a weekend getaway! You’re not rushing to cover too much ground, but there’s enough to keep you interested. Plus, its compact size means you can see a lot in just a few days and have spare time to unwind!
My quick tips for a local-style weekend experience
Don’t over-plan. Seriously, if you cram too much, you’ll end up exhausted. The first thing you’ll notice about Malta is how laid-back it is. The people are in no rush to go about their daily life. So take note and do the same.
Enjoy slow mornings with a slow coffee at a local café.
Use public transportation, the bus network is well organised and affordable and gives you a feel for the local rhythm.
And finally, talk to people! They’ll point you to spots you won’t find in any guidebook!
Getting to Malta
Most European cities have direct flights to Malta. Air Malta, Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2 and British Airways all fly directly from London and the flights take just over 3 hours. If you’re coming from Sicily, taking the ferry is the cheapest and less stressful option. Malta’s airport is not far from Valletta and getting a transfer is straightforward. We used Bolt as it was more frequent and slightly cheaper than Uber.
Getting around Malta
Renting a car may be tempting but Malta’s streets are narrow and parking can be a nightmare, especially in Valletta. I’ve witnessed many occurrences where drivers struggled to get out of tiny alleyways.
We used Bolt and local buses to move around the island and it was an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Where to Stay for a Local Experience
We wanted to have easy access to the ferry and the airport so we stayed in Valletta. Valletta is so charming and full of history and you could spend the entire weekend roaming the old streets, admiring the baroque architecture and enjoying outdoor entertainment especially in the Summer.
If you want a more modern setting with a livelier scene, stay in Sliema; but if you prefer a quieter ambiance, you might enjoy staying in Mdina. The car-free streets at night make walking a very enjoyable experience.
Thankfully, Malta doesn’t have the big old-fashioned corporate hotel chains. Instead you’ll find a lot of tasteful boutique stays and some luxury resorts along the beach. We stayed in Hotel Castille, a refurbished 16th-century building, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Not only was it central and reasonably priced, but the hosts shared insider tips that made our trip unforgettable.
Airbnb is a great option if you want to experience a local neighbourhood and be part of everyday Maltese life.
Experience Malta like a local : 3 day itinerary
Day 1: Explore Valletta
Republic street and st. john’s cathedral
Valletta is small but packed with history. Start your day at the City Gate and the Grand Triton Fountain nearby, then stroll along Republic Street, Valletta’s main street which is lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings. Stop for a leisurely breakfast at a local café. Try the ftira, a traditional Maltese sandwich which is served at many local bakeries. We had breakfast at Manouche which make delicious pastries and have the friendliest staff.
After breakfast, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral. I wasn’t prepared for how stunning the interior would be, the contrast between the plain exterior and the rich design inside took me by surprise. Give yourself time to explore it slowly. As for The Grandmaster’s Palace, the history is incredible, but don’t skip the armoury section. I’ve never seen such an impressive collection of medieval armour, it feels like you’re stepping back into a Game of Thrones set.
Once the residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St. John, the Grandmaster’s Palace today houses government offices and a museum.
It’s worth a brief stop especially to admire the state rooms and the Armoury, which holds a stunning collection of weapons and armour from the 16th century onwards.
National Museum of Archaeology
This is a small Museum that hosts artefacts and exhibits from the Neolithic to the Phoenician periods and is worth a visit to understand Malta’s rich prehistoric history.
Lunch stop
For lunch, If you want a quick bite, try a Maltese tuna sandwich at Grano or The Submarine. Don’t miss pastizzi. These are the savoury equivalent of Portugal’s pasteis de nata. These flaky pastries stuffed with ricotta or peas are Malta’s comfort food and you can find them at almost every corner bakery. They are absolutely delicious. Try Malta Pastizzi (Manuela), a popular bakery in Valletta but get there early as they get sold out pretty fast.
We were quite hungry, so we stopped for lunch at King’s Own Band Club Bar & Restaurant. This historic restaurant offers a delicious mix of traditional Maltese and Mediterranean dishes, all served in a cozy and authentic atmosphere. We tried seafood dishes, salads but the star of the menu was their signature dish, the rabbit stew (fenkata)! So delicate and full of flavour.
We came across a Food Market in one of the streets while walking. It’s a food court hosted in an old iron victorian building that had been closed for many years but reopened in 2018. The building houses several food stalls showcasing international cuisines and local delicacies. It’s not huge but we had dinner there one evening and I enjoyed a flavoursome Thai curry while my husband and son had each a burger and a Tunisian sandwich.
Valletta Waterfront
After lunch, head to the Valletta Waterfront, a colourful area with beautifully restored 18th-century warehouses that have been converted into restaurants and shops. Take time to explore artisan shops and boutiques, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs like Maltese lace, glass, and silver filigree.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Head to Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping views of the Grand Harbour. The gardens themselves are beautifully landscaped, with statues and plenty of shaded benches.
Grand Harbour
From the terrace, you’ll have a panoramic view of the Three Cities and the harbour below. This is one of Valletta’s most photographed spots so it can get busy at times.
The Saluting Battery Ceremony
This is a historic tradition that takes place every day at 12pm and 4 pm. For 3 euros (free for kids), you can go down to the batteries to get a closer look and a guided tour.
From there, wander through Valletta’s narrow backstreets. These lesser-known streets are filled with character and charm where you can admire the colourful wooden balconies and potted plants.
Dinner and evening atmosphere
Head back to the waterfront for dinner. There are several restaurants that serve fresh seafood dishes such as octopus stew or grilled fish. Skip the dessert and head to the Bridge bar where you can get a platter of delicious cheese while listening to live jazz.
Valletta has a fabulous night atmosphere, especially in the summer. There is live entertainment everywhere and the whole city just comes alive under the pretty lights.
Day 2: Malta’s charming cities
Morning Exploration: Uncovering the Three Cities
Situated directly opposite Valletta, the Three Cities—Senglea, Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa) and Cospicua are a must-see on your weekend trip. Getting there by dgħajsa, a traditional Maltese boat, is an experience in itself. The ride across the Grand Harbour offers some of the best views of Valletta. Once you land, you’re instantly transported to a quieter, more local side of Malta.
Each of the Three Cities has its own unque vibe. Vittoriosa, with its narrow, winding streets, feels like stepping back in time. As you wander through the alleys, you are likely to stumble upon quaint little squares where locals gather for coffee. Senglea has a laid-back waterfront scene, perfect for grabbing a drink and watching the boats go by. The Three Cities are often overlooked by tourists, but trust me, they’re worth your time.
Getting to the three cities is very easy. You can use bus line 1 to go from Valletta to Senglea and start your walk there or take a water taxi from Valletta to Birgu for a more scenic guide. If you want a more informative experience with a guide, you can book this tour.
You can easily spend the whole day in the 3 cities but if you have other plans, allow at least 4 hours to soak up the atmosphere.
Mdina and Rabat
In the afternoon, visit Mdina for a completely different experience. This would require you to head back to Valletta and take a 30 mins bus ride.
Known as the Silent City of Malta, wandering through the narrow, car-free streets of Mdina really took me back in time. The atmosphere here is hushed, but not in a creepy way! It’s more like a peaceful retreat from the rest of the world.
We spent a couple of hours exploring Mdina, getting lost in its labyrinth of alleys and courtyards. The views from the city walls are incredible, especially at sunset when the light turns golden and bathes the whole place in a warm glow.
Make a stop at the Fontanella Tea Rooms by the city wall and try their heavenly chocolate and strawberry or cherry and almond cakes.
Right next to Mdina is Rabat, which feels more lively but still retains that old-world charm. It’s the kind of place where you can casually stroll, stopping to admire the churches and catacombs.
Both Mdina and Rabat have some incredible restaurants including the Michelin starred De Mondion. I highly recommend the Fork and Cork for their slow-cooked lamb shank with white beans and The Medina for their exquisite location and their menu which offers a fusion of traditional classic mediterranean and middle-eastern cuisines.
Day 3: Discover Malta’s Natural Beauty
Early Morning Hike
Start your day with a sunrise hike at Dingli Cliffs. Trust me, you won’t regret the early wake-up call! Standing at the edge of those cliffs, watching the sun come up over the endless Mediterranean will leave you speechless. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some locals jogging or walking their dogs, but otherwise, it’s a perfect way to feel like you have Malta all to yourself.
For easier access, start at the cliffs north of Dingli and head south. You’ll encounter ancient rock formations, an old chapel, St Mary Magdalene which dates back to1646 and endless sea views.
Make a stop at the The Cliffs restaurant for a well deserved breakfast.
If you’re feeling in good shape, continue your walk to Blue Grotto. This is a 13 km walk that would take you between 4 and 5 hours to complete.
Photo by Giuseppe Milo. Flickr
if you didn’t rise early to hike, you can plan a visit to Blue Grotto from Valletta. Take bus route 74, which departs hourly.
To fully experience the Blue Grotto, consider taking a boat tour that explores the caves. Standard boat trips last just under 30 minutes and typically cost €10 per person. This is a popular spot so aim to get there early, ideally just as the boat tours start operating.
You can also do this full day tour which take you to the Blue Grotto and some nearby villages.
Visiting Traditional Farmhouses and Vineyards
Malta’s countryside is dotted with traditional farmhouses, many of which offer tours. You can visit farms that specialise in organic olive oil production where you can sample different varieties of oils. There’s something about sitting in the shade of an olive tree, sampling fresh bread dipped in olive oil, that makes you feel completely connected to the land. The local vineyards are also worth a visit if you like wine. A winery tour is a great way to unwind and experience the slower side of Malta.
Wrapping Up Your Weekend in Malta
For your last evening, find a perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Take a bus from Valletta to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay which offers a spectacular sunset view over the cliffs or head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. The view over the harbour is unbeatable, and the sky turns every shade of pink and orange as the day fades away. It’s the perfect way to end your weekend and say goodbye to this incredible island.
Great guide!!!! I’ve never been to Malta but looking forward going now when reading more about it!!