The Barrakka Lifts serve as a modern gateway to the historic heart of Valletta. Opened in December 2012, these lifts are a significant landmark, connecting the Grand Harbour with the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the bustling city center of Valletta. They stand on the very spot where a previous lift system operated from 1905 until its dismantlement in 1983, reinstating a vital link that had been lost for nearly three decades.

The structure comprises two lifts, each soaring to a height of 58 meters. They are designed to accommodate up to twenty-one passengers in a single journey, whisking visitors from the waterfront to the city in approximately twenty-five seconds. This makes it not only the quickest route into Valletta from the Valletta Waterfront but also a modern marvel that offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility.

The introduction of the Barrakka Lifts has been particularly beneficial for the throngs of tourists arriving by cruise ships at the Valletta Passenger Terminal. These lifts provide them with an easy and efficient means of reaching the city's core, where a plethora of shops, restaurants, churches, and museums await exploration. Additionally, the option to combine the lift ticket with a ferry crossing across the Grand Harbour to or from The Three Cities enhances the overall visitor experience, facilitating seamless travel and sightseeing opportunities across Valletta's historic and scenic locales.

Saint John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta represents the rich heritage of the Knights of Malta. Commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière and completed just a few years later, it served as the conventual church of the Order of Saint John. The design was entrusted to Glormu Cassar, the Maltese architect responsible for many of Valletta’s early buildings.

From the outside, the cathedral has a plain, fortress-like appearance—a reminder that it was built shortly after the Great Siege of 1565, during a time when defense shaped every corner of the new capital. The simplicity of the façade prepares visitors for the dramatic contrast they will encounter inside.

Once inside, you enter a very different world. Richly decorated walls are carved directly into the stone, and painted scenes from the life of Saint John by 17th-century Italian Baroque artist Mattia Preti cover the interior. Don’t miss the ceiling: Preti’s use of light and shadow makes some figures appear almost to lift off the surface. One of the most remarkable features is that the elaborate carvings were created directly on the walls, rather than being added later.

Make your way to the Oratory, located just beyond the right-hand side chapels. Here you’ll find Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, the cathedral’s best-known masterpiece and the only painting he ever signed. The vast canvas fills nearly an entire wall and is a striking example of his dramatic use of light and shadow. In the same space, look for his smaller work, Saint Jerome Writing, which is equally compelling.

Before leaving, pause in the Nave, where about 400 inlaid marble tombstones form a colorful, detailed floor. Each tombstone marks the final resting place of a knight of the Order of St. John and is decorated with heraldic symbols, coats of arms, and carvings highlighting the knight’s rank, achievements, and virtues. Many include allegorical figures, religious motifs, and inscriptions about their lives. The vibrant marbles, ranging from deep reds to soft whites and greens, create a mosaic-like effect across the cathedral’s nave and chapels.

Tip:
Get there early! This is a very popular attraction and the groups and cruise ship passengers descend by 10:30 or so.

Republic Street is the main artery of Valletta and the center of the capital’s administrative life. Stretching for just one kilometer, it runs straight from City Gate to the granaries beside Fort Saint Elmo, forming the backbone of the city’s grid. Today it is primarily pedestrian, making it an easy and enjoyable place to explore on foot.

As you walk along Republic Street, you will see many of Malta’s key institutions and landmarks. You will pass the modern Parliament of Malta near the entrance, followed by the Courts of Justice and the Grand Master’s Palace further along. The street also intersects several important squares, each offering different views of Valletta’s government buildings, churches, cafés, and small museums.

Down the street, you will find yourself moving through centuries of Maltese history. Don’t miss the traditional shopfronts and the contrast between older limestone facades and recent restorations. This is one of the best places to watch daily life unfold—office workers, shoppers, and visitors all sharing the same historic path.

Republic Street has carried many names. Laid out soon after the Great Siege of 1565, it was originally called San Giorgio Street. Under French rule it became National Street, followed by Royal Road during the early British period. In 1936 it was renamed Kingsway, a name many older residents still remember. After independence, it received its present name: Republic Street.

Bombed during World War II and later rebuilt, the street remains the heart of Valletta—busy, historic, and central to understanding the city.

The Grandmaster’s Palace, often simply called The Palace, is one of Valletta’s most historically significant buildings. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John and later became the Governor’s Palace under British rule. Today, it houses the Office of the President of Malta, while selected areas—such as the Palace State Rooms and the Palace Armory—are open to visitors through Heritage Malta.

As you approach the building, you will see its Mannerist façade, designed with a focus on balance and restraint. The front is noticeably asymmetrical, reflecting centuries of alterations. Two arched entrances lead toward an upper balcony, and you will find traditional closed timber balconies at the corners—features added during the 18th century. Originally, the exterior was coated in red ochre, a color used by the Order to mark official buildings.

Inside, don’t miss the Palace Armory, open to the public since 1860. This collection once equipped the Knights of Saint John during the 17th and 18th centuries and remains one of the largest armories displayed in its original setting.

The palace is organized around two courtyards, with one featuring a Neptune statue. The collection ranges from actual armor worn in battles on Maltese soil against Arab or Byzantine forces to swords and cannons, offering a vivid journey through history.

Tip:
The armory can also be visited on a joint ticket with the nearby Palace State Rooms, which are full of history and beautiful to look at. To get to the rooms, there are four flights of stairs or a lift to take.

Fort Saint Elmo is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Malta, positioned at the far end of Republic Street. It commands the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula, looking out over both the Grand Harbour to the south and Marsamxett Harbour to the north. These two natural harbors made the site crucial for defense, and each entrance is guarded by its own set of fortifications, with Fort Saint Elmo anchoring the central point.

The site’s military use dates back to the 1400s, when local militias built simple watchtowers to observe incoming vessels. After the Ottoman fleet entered Marsamxett Harbour without resistance in 1551, the Knights of Saint John understood the need for stronger defenses. The watchtower was expanded into a star-shaped fort, designed by the Spanish military engineer Pietro Pardo, creating a more resilient structure capable of withstanding heavier attacks.

Fort Saint Elmo became the focal point of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. For 28 days, the Knights and local defenders held out against the Ottomans before the fort finally fell. Their resistance bought the rest of Malta valuable time to strengthen other fortifications, shaping the outcome of the siege and the island’s history.
Among the highlights is the National War Museum, housed in the Old Drill Hall of Lower Saint Elmo. Originally focused on the two World Wars, the museum was expanded in 2015 to present Malta’s military story from the Bronze Age to the present.

Inside, you will find several key artifacts. From earlier conflicts, there are armors used by Ottoman forces and by the Knights of Saint John. From World War II, look for the Gloster Sea Gladiator aircraft—famous for its role in Malta’s defense—and the Jeep used by U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt during their wartime visits.

Tips:
When touring the fort, the views are spectacular. But it does require quite a bit of time outside. So if the weather is less than ideal, remember to bring appropriate clothing. The winds in the winter can be brutal!

Lower Barrakka Gardens is a public garden located on the waterfront of the Grand Harbour, offering a calm spot to enjoy the views and explore several monuments and statues. It’s an easy place to stop while wandering through Valletta, and the combination of open space, greenery, and historic features makes it well worth a visit.

The most notable feature here is the Neo-classical temple dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball, built in 1810. Ball was a British admiral and the first Civil Commissioner of Malta. Architect Giorgio Pullicino designed the monument in the style of an ancient Greek temple, taking inspiration from the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. Impossible to miss, it stands right in the middle of the gardens. Notice how the terrace’s elevated position overlooks the harbor—a fitting location for a monument to a naval officer who played a key role in Malta’s history.

As you walk through the gardens, look for the various commemorative plaques scattered around the terrace. You will find tributes to the 50th anniversary of the European Union, the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the Prague Spring, and other notable events and individuals. The combination of history and quiet green space creates a reflective atmosphere amid the city’s bustle.

Across Quarry Wharf, don’t miss the Siege Bell War Memorial, which honors those who lost their lives defending Malta during World War II. For a break, there is a small café kiosk where you can enjoy coffee, drinks, or a quick snack.

For an even wider view of Valletta and the Grand Harbour, consider heading to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, located on the upper level of the Saint Peter & Paul Bastion. From here, you can enjoy an extended perspective of the city and harbor, complementing your visit to Lower Barrakka Gardens and giving a fuller sense of Valletta’s waterfront and historical importance.