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If you think Malta is only for luxury seekers, think again. I’ve lived here since 2011, and I can tell you, there’s a lot you can see and do without spending much at all. Most of the things that make Malta special sun, sea, culture, and history are open to everyone.
Here’s my guide to the nine best free things to do in Malta, based on what I’ve experienced and what I always recommend to friends and visitors who want to get the most out of the islands without breaking the bank.
1. Wander the Walled City of Mdina
Mdina, Malta’s “Silent City,” is a true open-air museum, and you don’t need a ticket to step back in time. This is the oldest town in Malta – car-free, peaceful, and loaded with centuries of history. Walking into Mdina through its iconic gate feels like crossing into the past. The narrow, winding streets form a kind of labyrinth, with beautiful facades, quiet corners, and hidden courtyards around every turn.
What makes Mdina stand out from other old towns in Europe? It’s the calm. Fewer than 300 people live here, so even in peak tourist season, you can always find a quiet alley. Don’t miss the views from Mdina’s bastions. The city is built on a hill, and you can see much of Malta on a clear day, all for free.
For budget-conscious travelers, my best tip is to stop by Crystal Palace Bar just outside Mdina’s gate in Rabat. Grab a traditional Maltese pastizzi (a flaky pastry with cheese or peas) for less than a euro, and eat it while exploring the city streets.
2. Enjoy Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta is one of my favorite places to take a breather. This public garden sits on top of the city walls and offers what might be the best panoramic view of the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities.
You can visit the gardens any day, and entry is always free. If you want some peace and quiet, I suggest going in the morning or evening. Early mornings are especially tranquil, while evenings offer the glow of Grand Harbour lit up below. The gardens are also a perfect spot for a simple picnic – just bring pastizzi, sandwiches, or anything you want and enjoy the benches and views.
If you’re around at midday (12:00) or 4:00 PM, you’ll catch the Saluting Battery, a historic cannon firing tradition that happens daily. It’s a fun, free way to experience a piece of Malta’s heritage and always a hit with first-timers.
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3. Hit the Beaches
One thing that always surprises visitors is that all Maltese beaches are public and free to access. No entrance fees, no private zones, just the open Mediterranean. You can pick from sandy or rocky beaches, depending on what you like.
For sandy beaches, I recommend Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, and Għajn Tuffieħa. These are sandy, family-friendly beaches. Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa are next to each other and offer some of the best sunsets on the island. If you want to save money, take the bus. Public transport in Malta is cheap and reliable for reaching the beaches.
If you prefer rocky beaches, Sliema is my go-to. I love swimming and snorkeling along the Sliema shore, especially in the evening. You get a lively, local vibe with people playing music, hanging out, and enjoying takeaway food from nearby shops or bars like Exiles.
For those looking for something quieter, Selmun Beach is a hidden gem. It’s more remote, and you’ll need to walk about 20 minutes from the nearest bus stop, but it’s worth it for the shade and fewer crowds. Go early in the morning for the most peaceful experience.
My biggest tip: in Malta, you can swim anywhere along the coast except for harbors. Even in busy summer months, if you’re willing to walk a little further, you’ll always find a quiet patch of sea.
4. Explore Valletta’s Streets
Valletta isn’t just the capital of Malta, but an attraction in itself. And roaming the city on foot is always free. Whether you love history, architecture, or photography, Valletta’s grid of limestone streets is full of surprises.
You can start with some of the classic sights like the Auberge de Castille (the Prime Minister’s office) or the new Parliament building at City Gate, both easy to see from outside. But for a deeper experience, I recommend setting your own walking tour. Try to find the British red telephone booth near Bridge Bar, a perfect photo spot.
If you want to understand Malta’s history well, take a walking tour in Valletta. Look at my guide for the best Valletta walking tours.
If you’re looking for something quieter, walk around the city’s perimeter along the water. Start where the ferry from Sliema arrives and follow the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass rock formations, old boathouses, and even a “cat village”, a quirky area home to a friendly colony of cats.
Don’t forget to look up. Valletta is known for its colorful wooden balconies and intricate facades. If you want a guide, you can use my free walking tour map of Valletta, which highlights the city’s hidden gardens and lesser-known corners.
5. Watch a Village Festa
No visit to Malta in summer is complete without seeing a village festa. These are local religious festivals held in every town and village, usually celebrating a patron saint. The streets are covered in hand-made decorations, there’s a mass and procession, and the whole community comes out for food stalls, live music from marching bands, and fireworks after dark.
You can find a festa almost every weekend from June to September. Most are easy to reach by public transport. My personal favorite is the Mqabba festa on August 15th, which is famous for its spectacular fireworks, honestly, the best I’ve ever seen.
A tip for first-timers: talk to the locals. Everyone speaks English, and people are friendly and happy to explain the meaning of the celebrations. Don’t be shy – this is one of the best ways to get a real taste of Maltese life.
6. Hike the Dingli Cliffs & Buskett Gardens
Malta isn’t all beaches and cities, there’s also plenty of nature to enjoy for free. Dingli Cliffs are the highest point in Malta and the best place to watch the sunset. The views over the sea are breathtaking, especially in the evening when the sky turns gold and pink. Pack some drinks and snacks for a simple picnic, find a spot on the rocks or a bench, and just relax.
A short drive (or bus ride and walk) away, you’ll find Buskett Gardens, the only real forested area on the island, originally planted by the Knights of St. John. Locals love Buskett for its shade and peaceful atmosphere, especially during the heat of summer. You’ll find orange trees, picnic tables, and lots of families on weekends.
Near Dingli Cliffs, you’ll also find a small chapel, the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, which is my favorite place for photos, both at sunset and during the day.
7. Three Cities by Foot
On the other side of Grand Harbour from Valletta, you’ll find the Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua. These towns are some of Malta’s oldest and are packed with history, but they’re still very much alive, people live here, kids play in the streets, and you’ll see daily life up close.
Exploring the Three Cities on foot takes a full day if you want to do it properly. My favorite walk is along the harbor wall in Birgu. Here, you can actually walk on the fortifications, with amazing views of the marina.
The small streets are perfect for photos, with beautifully painted doors, traditional balconies, and local scenes everywhere you look. These cities feel authentic, and you’ll often have whole alleys to yourself, especially in the afternoons.
8. Sunset at the Cliffs or the Beach
Malta’s sunsets are famous, and watching the sun go down is always free. My top spots are Dingli Cliffs (mentioned above) or any of the sandy beaches on the west side of the island, like Għajn Tuffieħa or Golden Bay. Bring a picnic or just sit on the sand, and enjoy the view. You’ll see locals doing the same thing, it’s one of the best ways to feel part of the real Malta, even if you’re only here for a few days.
9. Walk the Beachside Promenades
If you want a lively, free activity, walk one of Malta’s many seaside promenades. The most popular route is from Gzira through Sliema to St. Julian’s. Along the way, you’ll pass rocky beaches where people swim, public art installations, small gardens (like Independence Garden in Sliema), and plenty of spots to sit and watch the world go by.
You can jump in for a swim almost anywhere along the way, and in the evenings, the promenade fills up with locals walking, chatting, and relaxing. It’s safe, busy, and always free.
Final Tips for Free Things to Do in Malta
- Use Public Transport: Buses are cheap and reach all the main sights, beaches, and villages.
- Bring Your Own Food: Picnics are a great way to save money and enjoy Malta like a local.
- Talk to Locals: Maltese people are friendly and love to share their favourite free spots and events.
Malta has something for everyone, even if you’re on the tightest budget. The islands’ beauty, history, and community spirit are open to all. I hope these tips help you make the most of your trip, without spending much.
