Whether you are on a quick layover or experiencing a cruise port for the day, we will show you how to spend a day in Malta. Get ready to soak in the bright scenery and local atmosphere!

During our first time in Malta, we skipped the scheduled tour and went at our own pace. It’s just easier when traveling pregnant.

If you’re a first-timer to Malta as well, here is a small background snapshot of these beautiful and culturally rich islands.

History

Maltese History starts its lengthy history with evidence of Neolithic farmers dating back to 3200 BCE. For many years, this country has been met by a variety of foreign powers that have conquered these lands for its position within the Mediterranean Sea, among other resources (Britannica).

Culture

As a result of different foreign powers stepping foot in Malta, the culture is influenced by many parts of the world. There is also a strong foundation of Roman Catholicism engrained in the Maltese culture. Catholic holidays are celebrated in colorful ways and can be seen in many of the island’s villages. In the city of Valletta, many cultural museums showcase the rich culture and capture the essence of art that contributes to this beautiful and engaging destination.

Geography

Malta is an archipelago of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Although there are 18 islands in total that comprise Malta, there are only three that are inhabited; Malta, Comino, and Gozo. Expect to witness limestone and terraced fields, among rocky coastlines when visiting. The island is also home to dry vegetation due to the island’s position within the Mediterranean Sea.

Keep on scrolling for a detailed guide on how to spend a day in Malta.

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

With limited time in Malta, the convenience of a hop-on, hop-off bus made the most sense in terms of exploring multiple places. Booking your hop-on, hop-off bus tour in advance of arriving in Malta will save your time and money also! There is more than one company that offers this service, but our personal experience was with City Sightseeing.

Save up to 50% on advance bookings with Viator.

The Stops

There are a total of 35 bus stops between the two routes. Some of the stops overlap, but there is a north and a south route. Check out the map ahead of time to see which route has the most intriguing stops for your travel taste. Stops are easily marked at each place, so getting on and off the bus is a breeze.

Experience

Enjoy the sites from an inside seat on the bottom floor of the bus or soak in the fresh sea air by riding on the top floor. Expect there to be lots of winding through the roads outside of the main city of Valletta. Plugging into the prerecorded info guide is another great way to learn more about Malta, especially the stops that didn’t make your premade plans.

Pro Tip: City Sightseeing only recognizes mobile vouchers at two stops (Sliema Ferries (stop 17) or Valletta Waterfront Terminus (stop 20). Use a paper voucher to get on at any stop.

Bus Stops to Explore

Blue Grotto

The bus takes you to the top of the panoramic views of the Blue Grotto. Soak in the scenery and snap some shots of this naturally beautiful location. The best views are discovered by boat, but from this vantage point, you can still take the opportunity to witness the rich shades of blue surrounded by the unique caverns.

Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples

Visit one of the oldest evidenced places in the world. The Ħaġar Qim temple ruins, temples of Mnajdra, and the visitor center house a rich prehistoric experience. Listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage community, these temples capture a world long gone. Before you make your way to the temples and excavation sites, experience the short movie that takes you back in time, helping you understand how the temples came to be.

Valletta Waterfront

Bustling with life, both local and tourists alike. The Valletta Waterfront is teeming with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the harbor. If you came by cruiseliner this will be the spot where you start. Many times, you can catch live music as well. Get your walk on and explore the area and snap some memorable photos.

Crave on the Valletta Waterfront

A fun place to soak in the scenery of the Valletta Waterfront and grab a bite of tasty cuisine. This restaurant has a menu with a variety of foods and drinks. Try some fresh seafood to complement your experience of dining at the harbor. Outdoor seating is a must!

St. George’s Bay

Lastly, catch yourself some sun at St. George’s Bay. Another lively spot to spend your afternoon while in Malta. The bay is lined with restaurants and hotels, overlooking the bay. The small beach is perfect for swimming and enjoying the sun.

Other Day trip stops to consider

If the hop-on, hop-off bus is not at the top of your list to experience, here are some other highly rated things to do in Malta, according to Google.

The Malta Experience

Out of 1716 reviews, The Malta Experience achieved a rating of 4.4/5. This unique audio experience showcases the history of Malta, taking you back 7,000 years. Another point made in the reviews was how educational and fun this excursion was.

Playmobil Fun Park

The Playmobil Fun park rates 4.2/5 out of 2152 reviews. Geared towards small children, this spot houses different themed play areas for the whole family to enjoy. This is a great option to get the kids out and active for the day.

Mdina Gate and Museums

Take a walk through the Mdina gate into a medieval fortress filled with history and picturesque points. Get your fill of baroque architecture while sitting at one of the local cafes. Or consider visiting one of the many museums housed within the city’s walls. You simply can’t go wrong exploring this part of Malta.

St. Paul’s Catacombs

These catacombs are an expansive complex of Roman burials. One of the higher-rated tourist spots, St. Paul’s Catacombs is an archeological tour that is popular. Be sure to visit the small museum and learn more about why this stop is a must for the history buff in you.

Travel with Kids and/or Pregnant Travel Tips

Here are some travel tips to consider while exploring Malta for one day.

Consider a lightweight Stroller or Baby Carrier

Getting on and off a bus may prove challenging or inconvenient with a stroller. You can opt for a baby carrier in lieu of a stroller. For toddlers, a hiking pack is a great option also. If a stroller is a must, look into a lightweight quality stroller that’s easy to maneuver with one hand.

Wear Comfortable and Stable Shoes

Make sure the whole family has comfortable and stable shoes to wear. Some of the terrains are weathered with age and can be uneven. Especially thinking of pregnant travelers, supportive shoes will mean the world to you once you are done with your adventure-filled day. You want to remember the sites, not how sore your feet and joints were!

Bus Travel

This is especially for the young ones that suffer from motion sickness or pregnant women who are still enduring morning sickness. Wearing a SeaBand has been a go-to for years, so it makes sense for little ones and pregnant women to give them a go! A huge selling point is that it focuses on pressure points, versus having to take medication.

Enjoy Spending the Day in Malta

Once you’ve experienced Malta (even for this one day), we are confident that you will be back for more. If you have been to Malta recently, please share in the comments where you think deserves a spot on this list!

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