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Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast - Bay Square Cafe
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Bay Square Cafe. This charming spot overlooks St. Paul’s Bay and offers refreshing drinks to put you in the right mood for the day ahead. Sit outside in the sun and load up on all the nutrients you need for the coming day.
- Nearest stop: Bugibba Centre (Opposite HSBC) (Stop 4 on Purple Route)
- Time to next stop: Malta National Aquarium is only a ten-minute bus ride away.
Malta National Aquarium
At the Malta National Aquarium, you and your kids get to discover Malta's rich marine biodiversity and underwater life through back-of-house tours and interactive exhibits.
- Nearest stop: Qawra Palace Hotel (Stop 7 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Discover fascinating marine life exhibits and touch pools and access kid-friendly educational talks.
- Pro tip: Check the aquarium’s schedule before your trip. You do not want to miss seeing an aquarist feeding the local marine life.
- Suggested duration: 1.5 hours
- Time to next stop: A 30-minute bus ride away is your next stop: Apple’s Eye Restaurant.
Noon (12pm – 3pm)
Lunch - Apple's Eye Restaurant
Stop for a quick lunch at Apple's Eye Restaurant in Mellieħa. Make sure you load up on some carbs before heading to Popeye’s Village
- Nearest stop: Golden Bay (Stop 30 on Purple Route)
- Time to next stop: Popeye Village is a 25-minute bus ride away from Golden Bay.
Popeye Village
When touring Malta with kids, it is an absolute must to visit Popeye Village, a whimsical theme park built on the original set of the 1980 movie, Popeye.
- Nearest stop: Golden Bay (Stop 30 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Enjoy serene boat rides, meet characters from the movie, and visit the Popeye Comic Museum.
- Pro tip: Carry your swimwear for boat rides and other water-based activities.
- Suggested duration: 2 hours
- Time to next stop: San Anton Gardens is a 50-minute bus ride away from Golden Bay.
Evening (4pm – 7pm)
San Anton Gardens
After a day of enthusiastic exploration, head to San Anton Gardens. Spend your evening slowly meandering through their serene landscapes dotted with peacocks, sculptures, and fountains.
- Nearest stop: San Anton Gardens (Stop 22 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Stroll through their well-shaded pathways, spot peacocks, and pay a visit to the children’s play facilities.
- Pro tip: Pack a quick picnic, especially if you’re traveling with toddlers. Your calves will appreciate this moment of respite.
- Suggested duration: 1.5 hours
- Time to next stop: The Valletta Waterfront is 30 minutes away by bus.
Late Night (8pm – 12am)
Dinner - Browns Kitchen Valletta Waterfront
End your day with dinner at Browns Kitchen by the Valletta Waterfront. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and outdoor seating as you wind down from your day.
- Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
- Time to next stop: A quick 5-minute stroll away from the restaurant is the waterfront.
Valletta Waterfront Evening Stroll
After dinner, take a long stroll along this picturesque promenade lined with historic warehouses, bustling with activity and chatter from nearby shops and restaurants.
- Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront lined with family-friendly restaurants and gelaterias.
- Pro tip: Try ice cream from Gelatissimo and soak up the colorful night-lit facades of the buildings.
- Suggested duration: 2 hours
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast - Chocolate District
Start your day off with a bit of sweetness by visiting Chocolate District, an independent chocolate boutique and cafe in Valletta. You can also pick up souvenirs and gifts to carry back home.
- Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
- Time to next stop: MUŻA is only a 5-minute walk away from the cafe.
MUŻA – Malta’s National Community Art Museum
After breakfast, head to MUŻA – Malta’s National Community Art Museum, a community project established in 2018, showcasing Malta’s artistic legacy by juxtaposing Renaissance masterpieces with modern works.
- Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: View Renaissance masterpieces, modern art collections, and local Maltese all under the same roof.
- Pro tip: For a more immersive experience, opt for a guided tour and learn more about how the curators made their decisions and the stories they’re trying to tell.
- Suggested duration: 2 hours
- Time to next stop: Walk for 10 minutes to arrive at Rampila restaurant.
Noon (12pm – 3pm)
Lunch - Rampila
Dine at Rampila, a restaurant with a historic ambiance and traditional Mediterranean food near Valletta.
- Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
- Time to next stop: St. John’s Co-Cathedral is only a brush 5-minute walk away from the restaurant.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
St. John’s Co-Cathedral, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is a must-visit for anyone passionate about art history. The cathedral pays tribute to the High Baroque era, with Caravaggio paintings adorning the wall alongside intricate gilded interiors
- Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, the detailed gold interiors, and the vaulted ceiling painted by Mattia Pretti.
- Pro tip: Purchase an audio guide before you explore the Cathedral. This way, you can explore the Cathedral solo while also ensuring you do not miss any important sights.
- Suggested duration: 1.5 hours
- Time to next stop: Hop on the bus and ride for 50 minutes to the Mdina Glass stop.
Evening (4pm – 7pm)
Mdina Glass Factory
Curious about Mdina glass and its traditional glassblowing techniques? Pay a visit to the Mdina Glass factory and watch local artisans craft exquisite glassware by blending traditional practices with studio glass movements of the 60s.
- Nearest stop: Mdina Glass (Stop 26 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Learn about the history of glassblowing in Malta and watch artisans create marvelous works of glass art.
- Pro tip: If you’re interested in purchasing a souvenir, this is where you will find it. Go home with a unique piece of glass that you know was handcrafted with passion and care.
- Suggested duration: 1.5 hours
- Time to next stop: Ride for 60 minutes, and you will reach the Valletta Waterfront Terminus stop.
Late Night (8pm – 12am)
Dinner - The Bell Gastrolounge
Grab a bite to eat at the Bell Gastrolounge, a charming Mediterranean restaurant in Valletta. Enjoy a glass of wine while basking in the cozy atmosphere under twinkling lights before your final destination for the night.
- Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on purple Route)
- Time to next stop: After dinner, head to the Mediterranean Conference Center, which is only a 3-minute walk away from the restaurant.
Mediterranean Conference Centre
End your day with a visit to the Mediterranean Conference Centre. This grand, historic venue in Valletta hosts a range of cultural events and exhibitions that could appeal to your artistic sensibilities. Check their schedules in advance to see if any of their events might be of interest to you.
- Closest Stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on purple Route)
- Highlights: Browse through an art exhibition, and experience a live performance or a concert in this historic venue.
- Pro tip: Check the center’s event calendar in advance and book tickets for the relevant travel day.
- Suggested duration: 2 hours
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast - Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant
Break your fast at Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant. This ramshackle restaurant/pizzeria has a diverse menu, ranging from local Mediterranean delicacies to burgers and other fast food.
- Nearest stop: Blue Grotto (Stop 26 on Red Route)
- Time to next stop: Blue Grotto is only a 15-minute walk away from the restaurant.
Blue Grotto
Top amongst the treasure trove of coastal wonders in Malta waiting to be explored is Blue Grotto, a series of natural sea caverns with azure waters and limestone cliffs surrounding them.
- Nearest stop: Blue Grotto (Stop 26 on Red Route)
- Highlights: Don’t miss the crystal-clear waters, panoramic boat rides, and sunlight-dappled cave walls.
- Pro tip: Check the weather before you set off to the Blue Grotto. Choppier seas would make for a horrible sightseeing experience. Arrive early in the morning and explore the caves on calm seas.
- Suggested duration: 1.5 hours
- Time to next stop: Alka is only a 15-minute walk away.
Noon (12pm – 3pm)
Lunch - Alka
After your morning adventure, stop at Alka, a traditional Mediterranean restaurant for a quick lunch. Don’t forget to try their Calamari and white wine.
- Nearest stop: Blue Grotto (Stop 26 on Red Route)
- Time to next stop: Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples are only a 10-minute bus ride away from the Blue Grotto stop.
Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples
The Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples are ancient megalithic limestone temples are among the oldest freestanding structures in the world, dating all the way back to 3600 and 2500 B.C.
- Nearest stop: Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples (Stop 27 on Red Route)
- Highlights: UNESCO-listed megalithic temples.
- Pro tip: Rent an audio guide for detailed archeological insights into the origins and preservation of the temples.
- Suggested duration: 2 hours
- Time to next stop: Board the bus at the Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples stop and enjoy a picturesque 60-minute ride to the Valletta Waterfront Terminus.
Evening (4pm – 7pm)
Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbor and Three Cities. Spend a romantic evening with your partner, strolling through these serene gardens, and watching the sunset on the horizon.
- Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 21 on Red Route)
- Highlights: Sunset views of the Grand Harbor.
- Pro tip: Arrive just before sunset for the most romantic experience.
- Suggested duration: 1.5 hours
- Time to next stop: Sliema Ferries is a 30-minute bus ride away from the Valletta Waterfront Terminus.
Late Night (8pm – 12am)
Romantic Night Harbour Cruise
Head to Silema towards the end of your day. Here, you can shop to your heart’s content or board a scenic harbor cruise with a romantic dinner onboard. Clink glasses with your loved one and watch the Maltese night come alive with lights twinkling lining the shore.
- Nearest stop: Sliema Ferries (Stop 17 on Red Route)
- Highlights: Cruise along the Grand Harbor under the stars with views of Valletta and the Three Cities.
- Pro tip: Look up romantic harbor cruise options beforehand and book your spot in advance.
- Suggested duration: 2.5 hours
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast - Bacchus Restaurant
Break your fast at Bacchus, a restaurant brimming with old-world charm, where you can find the most authentic Mediterranean dishes to satiate your hunger.
- Nearest stop: Mdina Main Gate (Stop 28 on Purple Route)
- Time to next stop: St. Paul’s Cathedral is only a 5-minute walk away from the restaurant.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Built atop the ruins of a 4th-century church, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a feast for sore eyes. Its Baroque design, lavish stained-glass windows, and frescoes stretching across its ceiling are must-sees for anyone interested in art history.
- Nearest stop: Mdina Main Gate (Stop 28 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Don’t miss the Bishop’s Window, spy holes, and other such curiosities of the Cathedral.
- Pro tip: Carry a shawl or wrap to cover your shoulders before entering the Cathedral.
- Suggested duration: 2 hours
- Time to next stop: Il-Veduta is only a 5-minute walk away from the cathedral.
Noon (12pm – 3pm)
Lunch - Il-Veduta
Stop by at Il-Veduta Restaurant for a quick lunch. While you feast on their signature pastas and pizzas, you can enjoy views of the whole island from within the serene modern elegance of the restaurant.
- Nearest stop: Mdina Main Gate (Stop 28 on Purple Route)
- Time to next stop: The Silent City is only a 5-minute walk away from the restaurant.
Mdina, the Silent City
The Silent City of Mdina is the most popular tourist spot in Malta for history and architecture enthusiasts. This fortified medieval town was made popular as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones.
- Nearest stop: Mdina Main Gate (Stop 28 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Visit the Carmelite Priory, wander through the medieval streets, and visit the Mdina Dungeons Museum.
- Pro tip: There are many religious sites within the Silent City. So be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and ankles.
- Suggested duration: 2 hours
- Time to next stop: Valletta City Centre is a 40-minute bus ride away.
Evening (4pm – 7pm)
Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum
Glean insights into Malta’s rich military history by visiting Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum. You can also view rare Maltese artifacts, military paraphernalia, and vehicles.
- Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Don’t miss the exhibits showcasing Malta’s role in WWII and the significance of the fort during the Great Siege.
- Pro tip: Experience a live guided tour of the chapel of the Knights of St John.
- Suggested duration: 1.5 hours
- Time to next stop: After your visit, walk for 20 minutes to reach Ta’Detta Restaurant
Late Night (8pm – 12am)
Dinner - Ta' Detta Restaurant
Stop by Ta' Detta Restaurant, located at the heart of the Valletta Waterfront, and enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine prepared with the utmost care.
- Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
- Time to next stop: The waterfront is only a stone’s throw away from the restaurant.
Valletta Waterfront Stroll
After dinner, stroll along the Valletta Waterfront peppered with shops, restaurants, and historic warehouses. Admire the lights out on the sea as you wind down after your day of exploration.
- Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
- Highlights: Enjoy a serene walk along the waterfront lined with family-friendly restaurants and gelaterias.
- Pro tip: Get a gelato from one of the local shops and savor it as you walk along the waterfront.
- Suggested duration: 1 hour