Valletta

Valletta

Malta

Wander through magnificent baroque palaces and honey-colored limestone streets in Europe's smallest capital, a UNESCO World Heritage fortress city.

Currency Euro (EUR)
Language Maltese, English
Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
Best Time to Visit May–Oct
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range From $459 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage capital city with stunning Baroque architecture, fortified harbors, and rich Mediterranean history, making it one of Europe's most picturesque cruise destinations.

Cruises that visit Valletta

Build Your Day in Valletta

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Upper Barrakka Plus, entry is free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 39k
St. John's Co-Cathedral The entry fee is reasonable, and the experience is well worth it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 26k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Valletta Waterfront You can even enjoy a horse carriage ride through the harbour. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 12k
The Point Shopping Mall Excellent mall in Malta and many brands , good value for money Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 12k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum Very nice museum with interactive exhibits! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 9k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Is-Suq Tal-Belt - Valletta Food Market Excellent selection of all foodstuffs and best in Valletta. Fresh food market · ★ 4.3 · 8k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Ħaġar Qim Archaeological Site Nice and interesting museum including interaction and 4D movie. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 8k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Bay Street Shopping Complex Multi level mall, nice bathrooms, restaurant options and gift stores. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 7k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
St. George’s Square Do have much to do at the square but tones of stuff to do around it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k
Sotto Pinsa Romana Valletta Very good food, motivated friendly staff and chilled atmosphere. Pizza · ★ 4.7 · 5k Closes soon · 11 PM
Zero Sei Trattoria Romana The food was excellent, the beer was excellent, the service was excellent. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 5k Closes soon · 10:35 PM
Casa Rocca Piccola Eccentric, informative, eclectic home/art gallery/museum. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Grand Master's Palace There are a variety of exhibits and rooms to visit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
St John's Co-Cathedral Museum Admission includes a free (very high brow) commentary. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 3k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Malta Experience Very reasonable admission charge. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Palazzo Preca Restaurant Friendly staff, beautiful decor and delicious fresh food and drinks. Maltese · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Valletta Everything was amazing—the service, food, and drinks were excellent. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closes soon · 11:30 PM
Legligin Restaurant The food was delicious and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Thu
The Lascaris War Rooms Lots of interesting boards to read, rooms to visit and objects to see. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
TRiBE Valletta Innovative fun menu for food and cocktails with super trendy interior. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Cafe Society Valletta Delicious cocktails, great music and friendly staff Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Kamy Cocktail Bar Valletta The cocktails were expertly crafted, and the atmosphere was chilled. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Fort St Elmo The museum has really interesting displays and exhibits through the ages. Heritage preservation · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ġnien Hastings It is a fun experience for people who are not afraid of tight spaces. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k 24 Sappers
Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Free entry, donations encouraged. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Thu
Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint Nature's work of art. Observation deck · ★ 4.8 · 1k
1522 a food story The food was delicious, the portions were large, and the drinks were great. Mediterranean · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar Quality drinks, good on street atmosphere, excellent service. Tapas Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Beati Paoli Restaurant The pasta, beautifully cooked, the steak was incredible. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
La Bottega Great live music, friendly staff and beautiful atmosphere! Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Siege Bell War Memorial This place has something that amaze me every single time i come here. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Angela's Valletta The food was outstanding—rich in flavor and beautifully presented. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closes soon · 11 PM
Mysterium Fidei Museum St Catherine's Monastery and Secret Garden It was a great immersive and educational experience. Museum · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Capitol City Bar Great cocktails with great prices and a beautiful and atmosphere. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Cheers Fantastic espresso Martini cocktail , good value and fast service. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closes soon · 11 PM
O’Sole Rooftop Garden - Valletta The rooftop atmosphere and views are beautiful, and the food was delicious. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Fat City Bar Great cocktails, great place, well decorated and amazing service. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Souvenirs That Don't Suck - Valletta Products are very modern, not a typical souvenir shop, worth visiting 💯 Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Valletta viewpoint They shoot canons at noon! Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Sip n Sail COCTELERÍA by FAT CITY Amazing vibe, the staff is super friendly and the cocktails are immaculate. Cocktail bar · ★ 5 · 0k
OZZY’S BAR - VOODOO TİKİ COCTEYL Great atmosphere, unique concept, good quality drinks and friendly staff! Cocktail bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Ta'Lonza Nice drinks, great atmosphere, and the owner a lovely human! Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Underground Valletta It is just a lot of tunnels and water/grain storage. Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
The Silversmith's Shop Nicer than the stores on the main drag and cheaper too. Goldsmith · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Central Business Centre Valletta - The Savoy In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ċekċik Amazing shop ,great selection worth a visit Clothing store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Next Valletta Excellent service, with a smile and good selection, true to size. Clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Blue Shop Valletta Cutest little store with excellent service and really nice clothes. Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Designers Boutique Valletta Beyond the stunning collections, the personalized service is exceptional. Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Valletta is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Valletta

About Valletta

Valletta stands as one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant cruise hubs, welcoming ships from sixteen major cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and luxury operators like Silversea and Seabourn. With nearly 1,500 upcoming cruises and peak seasons spanning May through October, this Maltese capital thrives as a port of call for seven-night Mediterranean itineraries that typically explore Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Messina, and Naples. The sheer variety of cruise options means you'll find everything from family-friendly mega-ships to intimate expedition vessels calling here.

When your ship docks, you'll step into a UNESCO World Heritage capital that seamlessly blends maritime history with Mediterranean charm. The harbor itself is one of Europe's finest natural anchorages, surrounded by centuries-old fortifications and waterfront architecture that tell stories of Malta's strategic importance. Whether you spend a few hours or a full day ashore, Valletta's compact, walkable layout makes the most of your port time.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

UNESCO World Heritage Architecture

Explore Valletta's stunning 16th-century fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Knights of Malta. Wander through narrow limestone streets lined with ornate balconies, visit the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral with its breathtaking baroque interior, and discover centuries of Mediterranean history within walking distance of your ship.

2

Authentic Maltese Cuisine & Markets

Savor traditional Maltese dishes like pastizzi (flaky pastries) and rabbit stew at family-run restaurants throughout the capital. Browse the vibrant food markets near the harbor for fresh local produce, then enjoy waterfront dining with views of the Grand Harbour while tasting authentic Mediterranean flavors unique to Malta.

3

Grand Harbour Scenic Views

Experience one of the world's most picturesque harbors with dramatic limestone cliffs and historic fortifications surrounding crystal-clear waters. Take a harbor cruise or stroll the waterfront promenade to capture stunning photographs of your ship framed against centuries-old architecture and the charming Three Cities across the water.

4

Valletta Street Shopping & Souvenirs

Discover boutique shops and local artisan stores along Republic Street, Valletta's main thoroughfare, featuring Maltese crafts, lace, and jewelry. Browse traditional handicrafts and contemporary designs in charming storefronts, then relax at outdoor cafés where locals gather for coffee and people-watching in this compact, walkable capital.

5

Knights' Legacy & Museum Exploration

Immerse yourself in the Knights of Malta's fascinating 400-year history at the National Museum of Archaeology and the Palace Armory. These world-class museums showcase ancient artifacts, ornate weaponry, and historical treasures that reveal Malta's strategic importance and the knights' profound cultural impact on the Mediterranean.

Cruise Lines at Valletta

Cruises Departing From Valletta

Cruises Visiting Valletta

Ship Schedule at Valletta

Valletta Location

Other Cruise Ports in Malta

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valletta known for?

Valletta is Malta's capital, famed for fortifications, palaces, and museums.

When is the best time to visit Valletta?

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

How can I explore Valletta on foot?

The city is compact with walkable streets, plus scenic harbor views.

What are must-see sites in Valletta?

The Grand Harbour, St. John's Co-Cathedral, and the City Gate area are highlights.