One of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, Valletta was founded in 1565 by the Knights of St John as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades. Today, it is a World Heritage City and home to some of Europe’s finest artworks, churches, and palaces.
With a collection of original Baroque architecture and fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, every corner of this place is a work of art.
As content creators, this place is paradise! This is why we created this guide with the Best photo spots in Valletta so you know exactly where to go to create some dreamy Pinterest-like photos.
Also see: Top 10 Instagram Accounts to inspire your next trip to Malta
Triton Fountain
Located right in front of Valletta’s city gate, the Triton Fountain boasts three half-humans, half-mermen figures representing the mythological Greek God and the messenger of the sea, Triton himself!
Fun fact: You can spot all three Tritons’ faces when standing at Valletta’s City Gate.
The structure was finished in 1959, five years before the small archipelago of Malta became independent from the United Kingdom.
Pro tip: The best time to get a photo here is early in the morning, before 8:30 AM. You will catch the best light and the square will be virtually empty. You can also get nice shots at night when the fountain lights up.
Also read: Top 20 Most Secret Spots in Malta
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Built in 1661 as a private garden and exercise ground for the Italian League of Knights, this small garden boasts one of the greatest views in all of Malta. It was only in 1824 that it was open to the public and as mystical and incredible as it must have been for the people of that time to step on it for the first time, we’re certain it was not so different a feeling from visiting it for the first time today.
Pro tip: Visit during the morning on weekdays and you’ll have the space all for yourself! The Upper Barraka Gardens open every day at 7 AM. Another great time to visit is during sunset.
From up here, you can spot the Three Cities – Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua, which can be visited by going down the main Elevator at the Upper Barrakka Gardens (€1 up or down), and getting a water taxi on a traditional Maltese boat (super charming!).
Note: You can also visit the Three Cities by getting the normal ferry from Valletta (not as beautiful!)
The Bridge Bar
A Jazz Bar situated on one of the most charming streets of the capital! A small bridge sets the location for the bar that stands out from the yellow landscape with its lovely red gallarijas (traditional Maltese balconies).
Note: Photos here look lovely during the day, but make sure to pay a visit to the bar during the evening. With the fairy lights on, the jazz music playing and people spread out sitting on the stairs, you’re guaranteed a good vibe!
St. Barbara Bastion
To go from the Upper to the Lower Barrakka Gardens you have two options: the first is to take the main street of Valletta (Republic St), which can get very busy, and the second is to go via St. Barbara Bastion Street. If you’re looking for a great photo spot, then go for the latter!
Not only is this street very calm but also boasts breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour.
Lower Barrakka Gardens
Just like its bigger sister, the Lower Barrakka Gardens offer a peace of stillness in the middle of the bustling capital. Built in 1992 to commemorate the seven thousand service personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the Siege of Malta during World War II, the bell here chimes every day at noon in their memory.
Pro tip: during Spring Season, the trees around the garden have amazing pink blooms! The Lower Barrakka Gardens also opens at 7 AM and it’s supposed to close at 9 PM but it depends on the mood of the garden’s keeper lol.
St. Ursula Street
Just one of the many beautiful streets in Valletta, but a great example that you can take great pictures everywhere in this city! We love this one because of the greenery that contrasts with the yellow buildings.
Pro Tip: This is a very quiet street, and in mid-morning the light was great here. We recommend looking for streets with no businesses, as the ones with cafés get super busy as soon as they open for the day.
By the way, if you’re looking for a very good (and really photogenic) coffee shop in one of these cute streets, we highly recommend Sunday in Scotland.
Sliema Promenade
The best view of Valletta is… outside Valletta. The iconic skyline is best seen from Sliema Promenade, and the best photo spot in the area is at the Tigné Point.
Pro tip: This part of the city gets very busy during Summer as people head here to swim, so we recommend taking this photo either during sunrise (highly recommended!) or in the off-season.
On a separate note, below the Belvedere ViewPoint at Tigné Bridge, you will find a wooden path. This goes all the way to Fort Tigné where stairs will take you down to a really nice swimming spot!
Bonus – Fairyland Malta
In case you happen to be on the island during Christmas time, make sure to check out Fairyland Malta for yummy food and great photos!
