Two days in Malta: A brief guide to everything you must see

Breakfast - The Bagel Hole

Begin your day with a visit to the Bagel Hole, Malta’s only Bagel shop serving traditional hand-rolled New York-style bagels and specialty coffee.

• Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
• Time to next stop: A 5-minute walk away from the restaurant is St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

The St. John’s Co-Cathedral is truly a wonder to behold, with its Baroque frescos, adorning the walls and vaulted ceiling, ornate interiors, curved stone walls, and impressive collection of Caravaggio paintings.

• Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: The floor of the church, covered with marble tombstones honoring the Knights of St. John, Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, and the vaulted ceiling painted by Mattia Preti.
• Pro tip: The Cathedral has many important spots that are easy to overlook when it is crowded. So get an audio guide to make sure you do not miss any important sights on your tour.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: Palazzo Preca Restaurant is only a 10-minute walk away from the cathedral.

Lunch - Palazzo Preca Restaurant

Take a break from your sightseeing to grab lunch at Palazzo Preca Restaurant. Savor a range of Mediterranean gourmet meals made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to try their homemade pasta or the traditional stuffed rabbit.

• Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
• Time to next stop: Fort St. Elmo is a 20-minute walk away from the restaurant.

Fort St. Elmo

Located at the beginning of Malta’s Grand Harbor, Fort St. Elmo offers a glimpse into Matla’s military history. From the Great Seige of 1565 to World War II, this fort has faced many battles in its long lifetime.

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: The chapels of St. Anne, military armor of the Knights of the Order of St John, and the George Cross. 
• Pro tip: Visit the National War Museum, where you can see weapons, aircraft wreckage, and other military memorabilia.
• Suggested duration: 1.5 hours
• Time to next stop: The National Museum of Archeology is only a 20-minute walk away from Fort St. Elmo.

Dinner - Nan Yuan

Stop at Nan Yuan for dinner and help yourself to some of the most delicious Cantonese food in Malta. The restaurant offers plenty of vegetarian options and also has outdoor seating if you want to enjoy a meal out in the open air.

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
• Time to next stop: The Valetta Waterfront is less than a 5-minute walk away from Nan Yuan.

Valetta Waterfront Stroll

Stroll along the Valletta Waterfront peppered with shops, pubs, and historic warehouses. Admire the lights out on the sea as you wind down after a long day of sightseeing.

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Enjoy a long, peaceful walk along the waterfront lined with colorful warehouses.
• Pro tip: Stop by a local shop and get a gelato to enjoy while you walk.
• Suggested duration: 1 hour

Breakfast - Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant

Begin your second day in Malta with breakfast at Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant. You have a long day of walking ahead of you, so make sure to load up on your carbs.

• Nearest stop: Blue Grotto (Stop 26 on Red Route)
• Time to next stop: The Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples are only a 10-minute ride away from the Blue Grotto.

Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples

The megalithic temples are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating back to 3600 BC to 3200 BC. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these temples attract a lot of tourists, who hope to stand among the remains of an ancient world.

• Nearest stop: Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples (Stop 27 on Red Route)
• Highlights: Explore this network of temples that played an important role in ancient rituals and fertility rites.
• Pro tip: For detailed insights into the archeological discovery and renovation of the temples, get an audio guide.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: Hermanos Burgers is a 50-minute bus ride away from the Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples.

Lunch - Hermanos Burgers

Grab a quick lunch at Hermanos Burgers. Help yourself to a delicious meal consisting of classic American burgers, fast-food sides, and your favorite shake. 

• Nearest stop: Vittoriosa Waterfront (Stop 22 on Red Route)
• Time to next stop: The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is only a 2-minute walk away.

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a neolithic underground labyrinth that was used as a necropolis in prehistoric times. 

• Nearest stop: Vittoriosa Waterfront (Stop 22 on Red Route)
• Highlights: Explore these subterranean rock-cut chambers, including the Oracle Room and the Holy of Holies.
• Pro tip: Avoid or spend very little time inside the hypogeum if you have breathing difficulties or are claustrophobic.
• Suggested duration: 1 hour
• Time to next stop: The Tarxien temples are a quick 10-minute walk away from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

Dinner - The Bell Gastrolounge

Wind down at the Bell Gastrolounge, a charming Mediterranean restaurant located in Valletta. Their cozy atmosphere, excellent wine, and twinkling lights make for the perfect dining experience to mark the end of your Maltese adventure.

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on purple Route)
• Time to next stop: The Mediterranean Conference Center is only a 3-minute walk away from the restaurant. Head there after a satisfying meal.

Mediterranean Conference Centre

This historic venue in Valletta hosts a range of cultural events and exhibitions that could appeal to you after two long days of adventuring. 

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on purple Route)
• Highlights: Enjoy a live show or browse through art shows or local stalls at this historic venue. 
• Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to check their event calendar. If any of their experiences require tickets, make sure to book them in advance.
• Suggested duration: 1 hour

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Spend your afternoon strolling through the lush Upper Barrakka Gardens that offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and Three Cities. You could also pack a small picnic and feast on local treats towards the end of your visit.

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Curated gardens with seasonal blooms, picnic spots, and panoramic views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Vittoriosa’s Grand Harbour Marina.
• Pro tip: Visit at 12pm or 4pm to see the firing of the canons in the Saluting Battery.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: The Elephant Shoe is right next door to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. A minute’s walk and you’re at the restaurant.

Brunch - Elephant Shoe

After your stroll in the gardens, head to one of the best brunch spots in Valetta. Elephant Shoe’s dishes are diverse with a creative twist. They also have interesting names on the menu that you might want to pay close attention to for a quick laugh.

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
• Time to next stop: Auberge de Castille is only a 3-minute walk away from the Elephant Shoe.

Auberge de Castille

Situated at the highest point in Valetta, Auberge de Castille was once the seat of the Langue of Castille, a prominent Order of the Knights of St. John. Today, it serves as the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Take a moment to admire the building’s architecture, built in the Baroque style, and the bronze bust of Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca.
• Pro tip: Although the building is not open to the public, it is still a must-see spot in Malta, which also makes for a great photo op. 
• Suggested duration: 30 minutes
• Time to next stop: A three-minute walk away from Auberge de Castille lies the National Museum of Archeology.

The National Museum of Archeology

Spend your afternoon at the National Museum of Archeology, awe-struck by the discoveries from Malta’s excavations. The island’s ancient temples and archeological sites showcase finds from prehistoric times to recent modern history.

• Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Keep an eye out for numismatic collections, ancient spiral art on stone, and Bronze Age daggers.
• Pro tip: You must see the popular statue of the Sleeping Lady, discovered in the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. The statue is said to symbolize fertility and death.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: Head next to the Grandmaster’s Palace, which is only a 4-minute walk away from the museum.

Dinner - San Giovanni

Unwind after a long day of adventuring with a glass of wine and some live music to serenade you and your partner. Feast on traditional Mediterranean cuisine at San Giovanni and end your day on a high note.

• Nearest stop: Valletta City Centre (Stop 19 on Purple Route)
• Time to next stop: Board the bus at Valetta City Centre and ride for 10 minutes to arrive at the Valetta Waterfront Terminus.

Valletta Waterfront Stroll

The Valletta Waterfront is bursting with pubs, shops, and historic warehouses. Take a long walk along the water’s edge, hand-in-hand with your partner, and admire the glimmering lights out on the sea.

• Nearest stop: Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Enjoy a romantic walk along the waterfront lined with colorful warehouses.
• Pro tip: Stop at a local gelaterie and enjoy the rest of your walk with a cup of frozen sweetness.
• Suggested duration: 1 hour

Breakfast - Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant

Grab a quick bite to eat at the Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant. You have a long day of walking ahead of you, so make sure to load up on your carbs.

• Nearest stop: Blue Grotto (Stop 26 on Red Route)
• Time to next stop: The entrance to the Blue Grotto caves are only a 12-minute walk away from the restaurant.

Blue Grotto

Start your day off by exploring this coastal gem on a romantic boat ride with your partner. Nestled in the southeastern tip of the island, is the Blue Grotto, a series of sea caverns with crustal-blue waters dappled with sunlight sifting through rock formations.

• Nearest stop: Blue Grotto (Stop 26 on Red Route)
• Highlights: Marvel at the azure waters, towering limestone cliffs, and naturally occurring rugged rock formations.
• Pro tip: Check the weather before you set sail. Choppier seas and rain can make for a poor sightseeing experience. The sunnier the day, the clearer the waters, the more fun you’ll have.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: Catch a bus to Ghar Dhalam Caves, an hour’s ride away from Blue Grotto.

Lunch - Ferretti Restaurant

After a morning of brisk adventuring, dig into traditional Mediterranean dishes and bask in the stunning seaside views at Ferretti Restaurant.

• Nearest stop: Ghar Dalam Cave (Stop 25 on Red Route)
• Time to next stop: Ghar Dalam Caves are a 10-minute walk away from the restaurant.

Ghar Dalam Caves

Step back into an ancient era with a visit to the Ghar Dalam Caves, Malta’s oldest prehistoric site, excavated for the first time in the late 19th century.

• Nearest stop: Ghar Dalam Cave (Stop 25 on Red Route)
• Highlights: Watch out for the bones of prehistoric animals, including Ice Age animals, and the garden brimming with indigenous flora.
• Pro tip: Avoid exploring some of the deeper layers of these caves if you have breathing troubles or are claustrophobic.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: The Dingli Cliffs are only a 30-minute car ride away.

Dinner - Bobbyland

Stop for a quick dinner at Bobbyland restaurant and tuck into authentic Maltese cuisine with outdoor seating and pretty coastal views. 

• Nearest stop: Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples (Stop 27 on Red Route)
• Time to next stop: The heart of Rabat is only a 15-minute ride away from Bobbyland.

The streets of Rabat

Spend the end of your day wandering hand-in-hand through the quaint, atmospheric streets of Rabat. There are plenty of photo opportunities for you to take romantic pictures and also just as many bars and pubs where you can stop for a quick drink.

• Nearest stop: Mdina Main Gate (Stop 28 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Take pictures of prominent landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, St Cataldus Church and Catacombs, and more from the outside.
• Pro tip: Treat yourself to some premium Pastizzi pastries filled with mushy peas and ricotta while also sipping on some tinned milk.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours

Breakfast - Exquisito

Kick off your day with an early breakfast at Exquisito. The restaurant has outdoor seating and vegetarian meal options. Make sure your kids load up on plenty of carbs as they have a long day of sightseeing ahead of them.

• Nearest stop: San Anton Gardens (Stop 22 on Purple Route)
• Time to next stop: The Ta’Qali Artisan Village is only a 10-minute ride away from the restaurant.

Ta' Qali Artisan Village

Located in a former RAF wartime airfield, the Ta’Qali Artisan Village is a must-see with your kids. They get to see local craftsmen and goldsmiths create exquisite glasswork and jewelry right in front of their eyes.

• Nearest stop: Ta' Qali Crafts Village (Stop 27 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Learn more about the history of glassblowing in Malta and shop for filigree silverware, handmade lace, leather, linen, painted ceramics, and unique glassware.
• Pro tip: Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs for your friends and family from local artisans.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: Board the bus and ride for an hour to Bugibba Centre for lunch.

Lunch - Nine Lives

Indulge in mouthwatering traditional Peruvian dishes at Nine Lives. This restaurant has outdoor seating with stunning views of the sea. Grab a table outside with your kids and eat to your heart’s content.

• Nearest stop: Bugibba Centre (Stop 4 on Purple Route)
• Time to next stop: The Malta National Aquarium is only a 15-minute walk away from the restaurant.

Malta National Aquarium

Spend an afternoon discovering Malta's rich marine biodiversity and underwater life through back-of-house tours. You and your children are bound to enjoy this interactive experience.

• Nearest stop: Malta National Aquarium (Stop 6 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Explore marine life exhibits and touch pools and get access to kid-friendly educational talks.
• Pro tip: Don’t start your day without consulting the aquarium’s schedule in advance. You do not want your kids to miss seeing an aquarist feeding the local marine life.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: Board the bus and ride for about 45 minutes to reach the Grand Harbour.

Breakfast - Cafe du Brazil

Visit this quaint cafe in the heart of Birgu, where you can get fresh sandwiches and a glass of orange juice to kick off your day.

• Nearest stop: Vittoriosa Waterfront (Stop 22 on Red Route)
• Time to next stop: The Esplora Interactive Science Centre is only a 20-minute walk away from the cafe.

Esplora Interactive Science Centre

Overlooking the Grand Harbour, Malta’s Interactive Science Center is both an educational and recreational facility that aims to make science fun, exciting, and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

• Nearest stop: Esplora Science Centre (Stop 23 on Red Route)
• Highlights: Don’t miss the Outdoor Adventure Experience, the Planetarium, and the many interactive exhibition halls catering to a variety of interests.
• Pro tip: Check the Esplora schedule before setting off for the day. It is helpful to know which interactive exhibits are live on the day of your visit so you don’t miss them.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: Next, take a 50-minute taxi ride to Al Ponte Restaurant & Pizzeria and Popeye Village.

Lunch - Al Ponte Restaurant & Pizzeria

After your ride, stop for a quick but scrumptious lunch at Al Ponte Restaurant & Pizzeria. Feast on some authentic Mediterranean dishes under this rustic vault ceiling and a beautiful terrace.

• Nearest stop: Golden Bay (Stop 30 on Purple Route)
• Time to next stop: A 10-minute ride away from the restaurant is Popeye’s Village.

Popeye Village

Popeye Village

Popeye Village is a must-visit if you’re touring Malta with your kids. This whimsical theme park built on the original set of the 1980 movie, Popeye is a thrilling way to spend an afternoon.

• Nearest stop: Golden Bay (Stop 30 on Purple Route)
• Highlights: Greet characters from the movie, visit the Popeye Comic Museum, and enjoy picturesque boat rides.
• Pro tip: Don’t forget to carry swimwear for yourself and your kids, especially for the boat rides and other water-based activities.
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Time to next stop: Head next to the last attraction for your day: Golden Bay, which is only a 15-minute car ride away.