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Ready to book the best Valletta walking tours? You’re in the right place! Here, I’ve put together a list of the best Valletta walking tours. How do I know they’re the best? Well, since moving to Malta in 2011, I’ve been all about exploring Valletta a lot.
Over the years, I’ve joined many Valletta walking tours in this historic city. I’ve personally vetted all the tours I’m recommending in this article. I did this to ensure they are top-rated and have great reviews. My goal is to make your choice easier. All you need to do is book a Valletta walking tour and have a fantastic time exploring!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Book the Valletta City Walking Tour. It has a nearly perfect rating of 5 stars.
There are many Valletta walking tours, but it’s difficult to tell which ones are worth the money. That’s why I’m here to help you.
You’ll find the best Valletta walking tours below. This will help you make the right choice when booking your tour.
Valletta Walking Tours: 5 Best Choices
These tours cover similar sights. They all stop at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John’s Cathedral, City Gate, Grandmaster Palace, and other important spots.
The difference is the guides. They are all knowledgeable, but some are better storytellers. Some answer questions or use humour. Whichever you choose, the Valletta walking tours are a great way to explore Malta’s capital city, especially if it’s your first time.
Best Choice: Valletta City Walking Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 our of 5 Stars |⏳Tour Length: 2.5 hours | 👉 Check Rates and Availability
If you are considering Valletta walking tours, this one is exceptional.
The walk starts near the City Gate, next to the new Parliament Building. During the walk, you will see the City Gate, gardens, the Auberges of the Knights, main squares, palaces, and churches. The walk ends at St. George’s Square, near the Grandmaster’s Palace.
I loved how the guide delivered the tour. She mixed history with anecdotes, keeping us engaged and entertained throughout. Despite the wealth of information, it never felt overwhelming.
We really enjoyed the walking tour of Valletta. Our guide, Nadine, was excellent! We recommend this tour for first time visitors to the city. – Scott (see more reviews)
The guide also shared some lesser-known interesting facts. I have done quite a few walking tours of Valletta and still got to know new stories.
For example, I didn’t know about Valletta’s famous hook.
There’s a mysterious metal hook at the corner of Merchant and St. John Street. It was used during the Order of St. John’s rule for public punishment. They tied up offenders and even tortured victims by suspending them by their wrists.
Lord Nelson is part of a famous legend that is both interesting and not very painful. The legend says that in 1803, Lord Nelson squeezed through a hook. He did this because people were making fun of him for being short. After that, he dared junior officers to do the same if they wanted to get promoted.
About 20 people were on the tour, but it didn’t feel too many. We all got audio equipment. This way, we didn’t miss a word.
The tour ran at a comfortable pace, so it’s perfect even if walking’s not your forte. It didn’t feel too long. The tour costs only 18 euros and is worth every penny. Plus, if you plan changes you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour.
Street Food and Culture Walking Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 our of 5 Stars |⏳Tour Length: 3 hours | 👉 Check Rates and Availability
This Valletta walking tour is different because you also get to try local food. It combines history, culture, and local cuisine.
Licensed guides lead the tour and they are passionate about Maltese culture. You’ll learn about local food traditions. You’ll also get to try some of the island’s most loved specialities.
We learned about the island’s history and how the food culture evolved with it.! I definitely recommend it. The portions were decent and they were delicious. – Duygu (see more reviews)
The tour starts at Valletta’s entrance by the Parliament Building. It goes through the city’s main sights, such as Republic Street and Upper Barrakka Gardens. It ends at the top of the Central Food Market. On the way, you’ll see city squares, cute bars, and old side streets, all in just a few hours.
The tour explores Valletta’s food scene. It shows you the city’s landmarks and lets you taste local dishes. The guide shares historical facts and stories, making the tour informative and delicious.
Get ready to enjoy delicious food! First, you will have pastizzi. Then, you’ll try Maltese sandwiches made with local bread. You will also taste smoked sausage, olives, garlicky beans, and other dishes. Finally, you will end the meal with a sweet pastry filled with dates.
This tour combines delicious food and interesting history. It’s a great way to explore Valletta.
It’s important to note that this is a street food tour, so don’t expect gourmet meals. Also, it might not be ideal on rainy days, as some eateries lack indoor seating.
Valletta Walking Tours: Small Group
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 our of 5 Stars |⏳Tour Length: 2.5 hours | 👉 Check Rates and Availability
This Valletta walking tour is special because it is intimate and personal. You can enjoy the history and culture without a big crowd because the groups are small (up to 10 people).
Chris, the guide, is amazing. He doesn’t only give you the facts, but he also makes you feel like you’re involved in Valletta’s story.
Great tour and the guide was brilliant. Loved it! – Ray (see more reviews)
The tour moves at a comfortable pace, allowing you to absorb the rich history and stunning views.
The tour starts next to the bus terminal. It takes you through the city’s heart. You’ll see sights like St. Paul’s Cathedral and historical squares. It ends at the Upper Barrakka Gardens with amazing views of the Grand Harbour.
In this tour, you will learn about the early years of Malta and the Knights of St. John. Additionally, you will see how these historical layers blend into modern Valletta. Chris shares many interesting stories: everything from ancient crusaders to contemporary coffee houses.
I loved how the guide combined history and the present. He showed old restaurants and unique coffee shops that had a real-life history. Chris’s passion for Malta’s history is contagious and makes you want to learn more.
A 3-Hour Walking Tour in Valletta
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 our of 5 Stars |⏳Tour Length: 3 hours | 👉 Check Rates and Availability
This 3-hour walking tour in Valletta is organised by a large tour company. They have many expert guides who each have their style. So, each guide provides a slightly different experience on every tour.
On the tour, you will learn about Maltese culture in a way that you can’t do online. The group isn’t small unless you do it in the low season. But you will get audio equipment to hear everything. You can also ask any questions you have.
Good sized group, the guide was very interesting and shared lots of facts. Well paced. Highly recommend. – Jeffrey (see more reviews)
The journey begins at the City Gate, next to the new Parliament building by Renzo Piano. It ends at the Upper Barrakka Garden.
Over three hours, you’ll explore Valletta’s medieval streets. You’ll marvel at Baroque architecture and get stunning views of the Grand Harbour. You will see St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Piazza Regina, Bibliotheca Nazionale, and many other sights.
This tour explores what makes Valletta unique. You’ll learn about its history, from the time of the Knights of St. John to now. The guides, who are historians, share interesting facts about the city’s past and present. They connect geography, history, religion, and art.
The tour guides were knowledgeable and friendly. They knew a lot about history and architecture. They answered all questions patiently.
The tour was well-planned, insightful, and engaging. Despite visiting in the summer, it didn’t feel long even in the heat. The guide ensured to stop in shaded areas, making the tour comfortable.
Valletta Walking Tour with St. John’s Co-Cathedral
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 our of 5 Stars |⏳Tour Length: 3 hours | 👉 Check Rates and Availability
This walking tour in Valletta lets you explore Malta’s history from the time of the Knights of Malta to the British period. You will also visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
The tour stands out because it combines history, architecture, and personal stories.
Absolutely fantastic experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and we had a brilliant time walking around the city. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Valletta. – Jessica (see more reviews)
The tour begins at the entrance of Valletta, in front of the Parliament Building. You will be guided through Auberges, palaces, and churches to St. John’s Co-Cathedral. You will see gardens with beautiful views of the Grand Harbour.
The tour takes about 3 hours and ends at St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
The highlight is St. John’s Co-Cathedral. You’ll get an up-close look at one of Caravaggio’s famous paintings. Just a heads-up, the entrance fee for St. John’s Co-Cathedral isn’t included in the tour price. It’s €15 for adults and €12 for seniors and students, but it’s worth it for what you get to see inside.
The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He made the history of Valletta come alive with their funny stories and insights. And there’s a funny fact about the Grandmaster and the Bishop that will make you laugh!
The Grandmaster didn’t want the Bishop residing in Valletta. In response, the Bishop built a house with a balcony. Not to be outdone, the Grandmaster constructed an even larger balcony right above it. He did this just to keep an eye on the Bishop’s activities. The Grandmaster also added a sculpture of a clown on a naked woman to his balcony. This cheeky move was intended to insult the Bishop.
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Final Thoughts: Valletta Walking Tours
If you want to learn about Malta’s history, take a walking tour in Valletta. On any tour you pick, you’ll see must-visit places like Upper Barrakka Gardens. What sets these tours apart are the guides.
The Valletta City Walking Tour is my top choice. I loved how the guide combined historical facts with interesting stories. It kept us engaged. Moreover, you will also hear many lesser-known stories.
The Street Food and Culture Walking Tour is another great option. It’s ideal for people who want to try local food and learn about its history. It’s a fun way to explore the sights and enjoy the local cuisine.
No matter which tour you pick, you’ll have a great time. These tours show Valletta’s interesting history and beautiful buildings. They also let you experience Valletta’s lively culture.
If you want more information, read my guide to the best things to do in Valletta. It has many interesting sites and museums that are not included in the Valletta walking tours.
