Malta stands out as a fantastic destination for city tours thanks to its layered history, stunning architecture, and vibrant streets. Unlike many small islands, Malta’s cities are packed with stories of knights, pirates, and empires, making every tour a chance to step into the past. We love how Malta’s compact size makes exploring on foot easy and rewarding—whether it’s a guided walk through Valletta’s elegant streets or a family-friendly adventure that keeps kids engaged. The tours we’ve chosen shine because they combine rich storytelling with practical experiences like visiting St. John’s Co-Cathedral or wandering past the Grand Master’s Palace.
One of our favorites is the Valletta City Walking Tour with St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which offers a detailed, 3-hour immersion in the city’s highlights. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting an overview with expert commentary. For those interested in Malta’s ancient roots, the semi-private Mdina tour offers a deeper dive into the medieval city’s secrets, while the Valletta Private Tour for Families makes history fun for kids. Whether you’re a history lover, a family traveler, or a culture vulture, Malta’s city tours will enrich your visit.
Below, we explore each of the top-rated Malta city tours, highlighting what makes them special, who they suit best, and practical details to help you decide.
1. Valletta City Walking Tour with St. John’s Co-Cathedral(optional)
At number one on our list, the Valletta City Walking Tour with St. John’s Co-Cathedral offers a captivating 3-hour stroll through Malta’s capital. The tour kicks off at Freedom Square, where your guide shares insights into Valletta’s founding by the Knights of St. John after their victory over the Ottomans in 1565. You’ll get to see palaces, churches, and gardens, all while learning how this city was planned as a fortress and a symbol of Maltese resilience.
The highlight is a guided visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, famous for its stunning baroque architecture and Caravaggio’s masterpiece, ‘The Beheading of St. John the Baptist’. Admission to the cathedral is at your own expense, but the tour provides context to appreciate its intricate artwork and history. The guide’s commentary makes the experience lively and informative, with reviews praising the guide’s deep knowledge and engaging storytelling. The relaxed pace makes it accessible for most travelers.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive, well-paced introduction to Valletta’s architecture, history, and art, this tour offers excellent value for just over $25. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a good overview with an option to visit the cathedral independently afterward.
2. Mysteries of Mdina: Semi-private Tour of the Ancient City
Number two on our list is the Mysteries of Mdina: Semi-private Tour, which takes you into the silence and shadows of Malta’s ancient capital. This 2.5-hour tour focuses on Mdina’s winding alleys, imposing walls, and secret corners. Your guide will weave stories of knights, rulers, and the city’s role in Malta’s history, bringing history to life in a way that’s both engaging and accessible.
The tour includes key stops like the Mdina Main Gate, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul, and Bastion Square, where panoramic views stretch across farmland and the Mediterranean. Special attention is paid to filming locations, with sites used in Game of Thrones and other films, adding a pop culture twist to the history. The guide is praised for her storytelling, making the city’s centuries of history feel personal and real. Entrance fees are minimal, mainly for the cathedral, but the tour’s value lies in its expert narration and exclusive access to Mdina’s most photogenic spots.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and Instagram lovers alike, offering an intimate look at Malta’s medieval jewel for around $55. It’s a great choice for those wanting richer stories and fewer crowds.
3. City Highlights Tour of Mosta with Buffet Lunch
At number three, the City Highlights Tour of Mosta with Buffet Lunch provides a half-day exploration of one of Malta’s most distinctive villages. For around $30, you get a blend of sightseeing, history, and local flavor. The tour’s centerpiece is the Mosta Rotunda, with its massive unsupported dome, the third-largest in the world. Inside, you can admire its stunning interior and learn about the miracle during WWII when a bomb fell through the dome but did not explode.
The tour also includes a visit to an underground WWII air-raid shelter, offering insight into Malta’s wartime experience. A walk through Mosta’s streets reveals local architecture and traditional life, culminating in a visit to Razzett tal-Markiz Mallia Tabone, a historic farmhouse. The tour allows flexibility, with departure times between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., which helps you plan your day.
Guests love the personal guidance of Jean-Paul, who makes the experiences informative and fun. The inclusion of the buffet lunch adds great value for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a taste of local cuisine.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a mix of history, WWII stories, and local charm, this tour is a solid choice, especially with the included lunch and manageable price point.
4. Valletta Private City Tour for Kids and Families in Malta
Number four on our list is the Valletta Private City Tour for Kids and Families. This 2.5-hour experience is tailored for families, making Maltese history engaging for children and adults alike. The tour begins at the Triton Fountain, where the guide uses games and storytelling to bring Valletta’s Renaissance streets alive.
It’s designed to keep kids interested with interactive activities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal and St. George Square. The guide also explains the city’s fortifications and the role of the Knights of St. John in a way that captures young imaginations. The tour includes highlights like Auberge de Castille and overlooks the Grand Harbour, giving everyone a visual sense of Malta’s strategic importance.
The personal approach, paced for kids, makes this a favorite among families. The price is higher at roughly $223 per person, but the tailored experience and family-friendly focus justify the cost for those traveling with children.
Bottom Line: Best suited for families wanting an engaging, educational, and enjoyable way to explore Valletta together. It’s a memorable way to introduce kids to Malta’s history without overwhelming them.
5. Valletta City of the Knights 3.5-Hour Walking Tour
Finally, the Valletta City of the Knights offers an in-depth 3.5-hour walk through Malta’s fortified capital. This tour covers the essential sites: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. It’s perfect for travelers who want a detailed look at Valletta’s architectural and historical treasures without rushing.
Your guide will point out the significance of each site, explaining how Valletta’s design reflects its role as a fortress for the Knights of St. John. The visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral is especially noteworthy, with a detailed insight into its art and history. The tour also includes panoramic views of Grand Harbour and a discussion of Malta’s strategic importance in Mediterranean history.
While reviews mention that the tour is well-paced and informative, some note it’s slightly less comprehensive than longer options. Still, at around $63, it provides good value for travelers with limited time wanting a focused experience.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive, history-rich walk in a manageable timeframe, ideal for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time.
How to Choose the Right Malta City Tour for You
Choosing the ideal city tour depends on your interests and schedule. For a quick overview, the Valletta City Walking Tour is a great starting point—perfect if you’re new to Malta and want a structured introduction. Families or travelers with kids should consider the Valletta Private Tour for Kids, which makes history engaging for all ages.
History enthusiasts who want a more in-depth experience might prefer the Valletta City of the Knights, especially if you’re short on time but want to see the highlights without rushing. For those interested in Malta’s medieval past and filming locations, the Mdina tour offers a quieter, story-rich experience with fewer crowds.
If you’re looking to explore beyond Valletta, the Mosta tour combines history with local flavor and WWII stories, making it perfect for history buffs and those wanting a taste of rural Malta.
When booking, consider the time of year (Malta’s weather is mild year-round), your budget, and whether you prefer guided walks, private experiences, or family-friendly activities. Many tours fill up quickly in peak season, so booking early is advised.
Final Thoughts
Malta offers a surprisingly diverse range of city tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. Whether you want a quick historical overview, an engaging family adventure, or an in-depth walk through Valletta’s secrets, there’s a tour for you. The Valletta City Walking Tour remains a top pick for its balance of price, content, and accessibility, but don’t overlook the Mdina mysteries or the family-specific options if they better suit your trip.
Booking early is wise—Malta’s popularity means these tours fill fast, especially in summer. Whatever your choice, exploring Malta’s cities on foot is a rewarding way to uncover the island’s story. Happy travels!