Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

Traveling to Malta and considering a way to get a good feel for the island? This hop-on-hop-off bus tour combined with an optional boat trip promises to cover Malta’s highlights in a relaxed, flexible manner. We’ve looked into what this experience offers, and while it’s not perfect, it could be a great choice depending on what you’re after.

Two things we really like about this experience are the chance to see many of Malta’s major sights from the comfort of a top-deck bus and the opportunity to admire stunning views of the Mediterranean from the water. Plus, the price point of around $32 per person makes it quite accessible for most travelers who want a broad overview without breaking the bank.

However, a potential snag is the organization and clarity of the start points, which some reviews find tricky, especially in Valletta. The limited audio guide discussions could also leave those craving a deeper understanding a bit disappointed. This tour tends to suit travelers who want a quick, visual introduction to Malta rather than an in-depth historical tour. It’s especially ideal for visitors who prefer a relaxed pace and the option to hop off at key sites.

Key Points

• Flexible Experience: You can hop on and off at over 30 stops across the island, making it easy to customize your day.
• Diverse Sights: From Mdina’s ancient walls to the Blue Grotto caves and fishing villages, it covers a wide range of highlights.
• Water Views Included: The optional harbor cruise offers a chance to see Malta from the sea, adding a scenic dimension.
• Organizational Challenges: Some reviews mention difficulty in finding pickup points and limited guidance info.
• Value for Money: At $32, it provides good access to many attractions, especially if combined with the boat trip.
• Limited Audio Commentary: The guides provide commentary in 13 languages, but many travelers wish for more detailed explanations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Imagine sitting on the open top of a bus, wind in your hair, as Malta’s landscape whizzes by. The route starts from Bugibba, a popular tourist hub, and travels through key areas like Qawra, St Julian’s, Valletta, and down south. The North Route offers stops at landmarks such as Mosta’s domed church, the Roman Villa in Rabat, and Golden Bay on the coast. Meanwhile, the South Route takes you to Marsaxlokk’s fishing village, the Blue Grotto, and ancient temples like Tarxien.

This setup makes it simple to explore at your own pace. Want a quick glance at Mdina? You can hop off and wander the silent, historic streets. Craving a seafood lunch in Marsaxlokk? Just hop off, enjoy the scene, then reboard when ready. With over 30 stops and 50 points of interest, you’re bound to find stops that match your interests.

The buses run every hour or so, which is convenient but means you need to plan a bit ahead. As one reviewer noted, “both tours last a very long time and the buses are every hour so plan ahead.” Be prepared for some busy periods, especially when cruise ships dock, which can push the buses to capacity and cause delays.

When it’s time to relax on the water, you might opt for the harbor cruise, included if you choose the combo ticket. This adds a different perspective — the chance to see Malta’s rocky coastlines, caves, and fishing boats from the water.

What to Expect on the Bus

The audio guide is available in 13 languages, but many travelers mention that the commentary is quite limited. While it provides basic info, it doesn’t go into the depth some might want. If you’re a history buff or want detailed stories, you might find yourself wishing for more discussion. Still, the visuals and landscape provide plenty to enjoy.

The buses are frequent and generally comfortable, especially upstairs on the open deck, where you’ll get the best views. Just remember, if sitting in the sun, to bring sunscreen or a hat — some reviews mention the upper deck can get quite hot and the seats can be wet sometimes.

The stops near major sights are well-placed, including Valletta’s central area, the Three Cities, and Mdina’s main gate. However, some users found it tricky to find the exact pick-up points at first, so having a map or extra info helps.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Positive points include the scenic routes, the ease of hopping on and off, and the breadth of sites covered. Travelers appreciate the value for money, especially when combining the bus with the boat tour. It’s a great way to see Malta without renting a car or stressing over public transport schedules.

That said, some frustrations crop up. For example, “finding the pick-up location was not the easiest,” and some buses run late or don’t stop at all expected sites, which can be disappointing if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, entry to attractions like Blue Grotto caves isn’t included, so you might want to budget extra if that’s on your must-see list.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, no-hassle way to see many of Malta’s highlights, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview and the flexibility to explore on your own. Those with limited time can appreciate how it packs many sights into a manageable day or two, especially with the option to add a boat cruise.

It may be less suited for travelers craving detailed historical narratives or those who prefer small-group guided tours. Also, if you’re sensitive to organizational hiccups, be prepared for some initial confusion.

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Final Thoughts

This City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off tour offers a practical, accessible way to get a taste of Malta’s diverse sights. With a combination of bus routes and the option for a boat cruise, it covers everything from ancient temples to fishing villages and stunning coastlines. Overall, it’s a good value for the price, especially for those who want the freedom to explore independently and at their own pace.

While it’s not without some logistical quirks — like finding the right pick-up spots and occasional delays — the ability to see so much of Malta without stress makes it worthwhile. The scenic water views and the chance to hop on and off at your convenience add to its appeal. Just remember to manage expectations about the depth of the commentary and plan accordingly for extra entry fees if certain attractions catch your eye.

For travelers who prefer a broad overview rather than a detailed guided tour, and who value flexibility, this experience can be a real time-saver and a highlight of your Malta trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children? While not specifically marketed as family-focused, the open-top buses and scenic stops can be enjoyable for older children and teens. Keep in mind the overall duration and the need for patience in busy periods.

Can I use the bus ticket for more than one day? Yes, if you purchase a 2-day ticket, it’s valid for 2 days within five days of activation, and the harbor cruise can be used within 5 days too.

Are food and drinks included? No, the ticket doesn’t include food or drinks. You’ll need to plan for meals and snacks separately.

What if I want to visit the Blue Grotto caves? Entry to the Blue Grotto caves is not included in the ticket, so you’ll need to budget for that separately if you want to go inside.

How do I find the starting points? The meeting points are near key areas like Bugibba and Valletta, but some reviews mention that finding the exact stop can be tricky. Having a map or asking locals for directions helps.

What should I bring on the bus? Sunscreen, water, and sunglasses are recommended, especially on the open-top upper deck. Some seats may be wet, so a raincoat or quick-drying clothes are a good idea.

Is the boat tour weather-dependent? The water tour is optional and can be combined with your bus ticket. Bad weather might delay or cancel the cruise, so check ahead if this is important to your plans.

In essence, this Malta hop-on-hop-off experience offers a practical way to see many of the island’s highlights, especially if you value flexibility and scenic views. Just be prepared for some organizational quirks and plan your day accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here: