Walking Tours in Valletta

At just 0.6 square kilometers in size, Valletta is the smallest capital city in the European Union and it only takes around 30 minutes to walk from one end of the city to the other.

Despite its small size, Valletta is filled with many exciting things to see and do, with the Maltese capital being best known for its grand churches, charming alleyways, majestic palaces and Baroque architecture.

Walking tours in Valletta provide an authentic and affordable way to experience the fortified city and all its wonderful attractions on foot. With an expert local guide leading the way, you’ll learn so much more than if you were to explore the city on your own.

Here's all you need to know about walking tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing activities in Valletta.

What are the best walking tours in Valletta?

Original Valletta walking tour

Did you know that Malta’s capital is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site? Explore this special, fortified city on foot when you join one of Valletta’s most popular walking tours! The tour is limited to 20 people, so there will be plenty of opportunities to chat with your guide.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors as it covers all the major highlights that the city has to offer, including Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Our Lady of Victories Church, Il-Berga ta' Kastilja, Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John's Co-Cathedral and St George Square among others.

Throughout the tour, your guide will provide you with information and context about all the places that you see. End your tour in the Lower Barrakka Gardens, which offer incredible views over the city.

Street food and culture walking tour

Allow a local tour guide to provide you with an introduction to Malta’s vibrant culinary scene with a sightseeing and street food tour of Valletta on foot. Not only will you learn about the city’s history and see its famous sites, but you’ll also get to taste a variety of delicious local dishes.

Your tour begins with a brief introduction to the fortified city before you begin walking through the many charming alleyways with your guide, stopping to taste local antipasti, traditional dishes, Kinne and lager along the way.

In addition to stopping at a variety of eateries, restaurants and street food vendors, you’ll also see some of Valletta’s main attractions, including Merchants Street, Upper Barrakka Gardens and Castille Square among others.

Private Valletta walking tour

Make the most of your time in the Maltese capital when you book a private walking tour in Valletta. As you and your travel companions will be the only people on the tour, you’ll be able to customize your itinerary to suit your personal interests.

Choose a starting point that suits you and begin exploring Valletta with your local guide, who is eager to share fascinating information about this incredible city. Visit famous landmarks, such as the Royal Opera House, Auberge d'Italie, St. John's Co-Cathedral and many others.

After 3 hours of strolling around the city with your private guide, you will have gained a more profound understanding of Valletta, its history and what the city has to offer. Don’t be shy to ask your guide for advice regarding where to eat and drink during the rest of your stay.

Free walking tour of Valletta

Discover the beauty of Valletta while staying within a small budget by opting for a free walking tour. While this tour doesn't have a set cost, you’ll still be led by a licensed tour guide, and it is encouraged that you tip your guide at least €10 at the end of the tour.

Walk through the town’s main streets and squares, stopping to marvel at the magnificent Baroque architecture along the way. You’ll soon see why the city of Valletta has often been described as an “open-air museum”.

As you visit some of the city’s most notable landmarks, you’ll learn more about Valletta’s history, the local culinary scene and Maltese culture. After nearly two hours of exploring with your guide, your tour comes to an end at the famous St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Valletta after dark walking tour

While Valletta is undoubtedly beautiful during the daytime, the city has a thoroughly different atmosphere after sunset. Join an after dark walking tour of Valletta and learn more about the mysterious side of the Maltese capital under the moonlight with a guide by your side.

Get familiar with some of Valletta’s myths, legends and ghost stories as you explore the city’s famous streets, squares and buildings. You’ll visit the haunted house of Saint Ursula, and hear the stories of the Order of the Saint and the British Occupation.

Take photos, meet new people, and explore Valletta’s spooky side with a professional local guide leading the way. You’ll also be given plenty of free time to explore areas of the city on your own.

Which places are visited?

With a history dating back well over 4,000 years, Valletta provides a plethora of fascinating buildings and structures. The fortified city has often been described as an “open-air museum”, with no shortage of places to visit during your walking tour in Valletta.

While each walking tour’s itinerary is slightly different, you can expect to see most of Valletta’s top attractions and landmarks during your tour, including churches, gardens, palaces, ruins and many more.

Some of the most common places that are visited on Valletta walking tours include the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Auberge de Castille, Republic Square, Jean de Vallett Square and many others.

Walking tours that explore Valletta's gastronomic scene and history will typically go by all the city’s main attractions, but there’ll be more focus on food-related destinations. As such, you can expect to visit local eateries, restaurants, taverns, food markets and street food vendors.

Most tour operators will also highlight modern life in Valletta and will show you where the locals prefer to eat, drink and shop. Even though the city is the smallest capital city in Europe, you definitely won’t run out of places to visit during your time in Valletta.

How much do walking tours in Valletta cost?

No matter how much you are looking to spend, there is a walking tour in Valletta to suit your budget. There are comprehensive, private walking tours, which can cost hundreds of euros, but there are also many free walking tours available.

While free walking tours do not have obligatory costs, it is recommended that you tip your guide at least €10 per person at the end of your tour to show your appreciation. Of course, you are more than welcome to tip more than €10 if you feel your guide did a great job.

Basic walking tours in Valletta generally cost around €20 per person for a group experience, limited to around 20 people. Food and sightseeing walking tours cost slightly more, at around €40 per person, as these tours include various snacks and food samples.

Private tours, which allow you to customize the itinerary of your walking tour, typically cost around €200 per tour, accommodating as many as 4 people. Keep in mind that the prices of walking tour can fluctuate depending on the number of tour participants.

What is included?

Walking tours do not typically offer many inclusions. In most cases, you’ll simply be provided with the services of a local guide for the stipulated time slot, who will show you around the city. Some tour operators include entrance tickets and a bottle of water in the cost of the tour.

Sightseeing and food tours are slightly different in that they include around several food tastings/samples in the cost of the tour. However, you’ll still probably need to pay for your own beverages.

It is important to check specific tour inclusions before you make a booking so that you know exactly what to expect and what you need to pack to take with you.

Where does it start?

Most walking tours in Valletta begin at easy-to-find landmarks in the city, such as Valletta City Gate and the port. If you book a private tour, you may be able to choose which starting point suits you best.

Be sure to arrive at least 5 minutes before your tour is due to start so that you do not keep your tour guide waiting. Tour guides also usually provide a brief description of themselves so that tour participants can easily identify them.

How long does it last?

While the typical duration of a walking tour in Valletta is around 3 hours, there are many tours that are slightly longer or slightly shorter. Additionally, there are even full-day walking tours available for those looking for a more comprehensive sightseeing experience in the Maltese capital.

When is the best time for a walking tour in Valletta?

The best time for a walking tour in Valletta is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. When booking during the warm summer months (June, July and August), you may want to avoid tours that take place during the middle of the day as this is when temperatures can get uncomfortably hot.

Instead, you should opt for a walking tour that starts in the morning at around 9 AM or earlier or one that takes place slightly later in the day, from around 3 PM. This is when temperatures are slightly cooler, and walking is more pleasant.

Book your walking tour for the beginning of your stay in Valletta, as these tours provide a fantastic introduction to the capital city. Gain an understanding of the city’s layout and familiarize yourself with Maltese culture from the get-go.

Travel tips

• Book your walking tour in Valletta ahead of time to avoid disappointment and secure your place on your preferred tour.
• Wear breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the walled city on foot.
• Pack a light bag with a bottle of water, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and some extra spending money.
• Read walking tour itineraries carefully to ensure you book a tour that best suits your preferences and interests.