Gazing across the Grand Harbour from the beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens, you’ll likely notice three port neighborhoods of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua, alongside the prominent Fort St. Angelo.
These neighborhoods are known as The Three Cities of Malta, a place full of history, culture, and stunning cultural sites.
After visiting the Three Cities by tour and via the local “dgħajsa” boat taxis, I’ve written this blog post detailing everything I learned about getting to, and visiting the Three Cities. You’ll learn alittle bit of the history and things to do and see, and I’ll include some photos and a quick recap of my experience.
How to Get to the Three Cities of Malta from Valletta
Travelers visiting Malta will likely find their way to Valletta at one stage or another. Whether you're staying in one of the traditional basque terraced hotels overlooking the Grand Harbour, or you're just making your way into the capital from Sliema or Paceville– you'll want to designate some time to explore the Three Cities!
There are two main options for getting to the Three Cities from Valletta. Both involve a traditional Maltese water taxi called a dgħajsa (Għaqda Barklori l-Isl) from Valletta.
This is a long, wooden boat with an outboard motor and long oars attached serving as a small ferry. These boats have navigated the Grand Harbour since the 17th century and continue to serve as the main way to travel across the channel.
The most convenient way to get to the Three Cities is to book a tour of the Three Cities online, which includes a tour guide and a habour ferry cruise aboard a dgħajsa. This costs roughly 35 euros and is well worth it since many of the main sites and attractions are difficult to find on your own.
Book: Three Cities Boat
The second option is to pay a water taxi driver just two Euros for a shared boat transfer across the channel. Keep in mind that you will need to wait for these boats to fill up before you depart.
To find the boat drivers, head down from the Upper Barrakka Gardens via the Barrakka Lift and continue straight ahead towards the harbour waterfront.
While it is still possible to take public transport buses from Valletta bus station (lines 1, 2, and 4), I would highly recommend the water taxi option instead as it is cheap and much more enjoyable.
About the Three Cities of Malta
Malta has a very interesting and long history. From ancient prehistoric settlements to the rule of the Knights of St. John, there's much to learn and discover.
The Three Cities in particular was one of the first settlements in the modern-day Grand Harbour, resulting in many identifying the Three Cities as the Cradle of Maltese history!
According to UNESCO, settlers in Valletta used the many harbour inlets since Phoenician times, and this area was the original settlement for the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. As a result, you'll discover that many of the iconic churches, forts, and palaces are much older here than in Valletta.
What to expect
The Three Cities offer an opportunity for travelers to experience a more off-the-beaten-path destination, rich with culture and offering a slice of authentic Maltese life. After exploring many regions of Malta, I find this area is more laid-back, with quiet, cobblestone streets and quaint cafes and traditional restaurants.
Tip: If you're planning to visit many historic & cultural sites in Malta, I highly recommend getting the discount card called the "Malta Pass". This includes a boat trip and free entry to up to 20 Heritage Malta sites once it's activated with 6 & 7 day passes available.
What to Do & See in Malta's Three Cities
Need some travel inspiration? Perhaps you're just a little curious about what to do at the Three Cities.
In this section, I'll break down my experience exploring this important historic urban area, with an outline of the best things to do and the main places of interest to see, including historical buildings and some of the Three Cities' palaces.
Crossing the Grand Harbour in a dgħajsa (Water Taxi)
While only a very short distance from the main Maltese city of Valletta, the ferry crossing is quite spectacular.
Looking back, you'll get an incredible glimpse of Valletta, with its unique basque terraced buildings, domed churches, and iconic sandstone-colored harbour promenades.
Travel tip: If you book the Grand Harbor tour above, you'll also get a harbor cruise (not just a transfer). I highly recommend this as it cuts out a lot of walking time down the maze of narrow streets.
1. Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Coming in from Valletta, the first harbour inlet will likely be at the beautiful fortified city of Vittoriosa (also called Birgu). This is immediately recognizable for its giant yacht marina, housing some insane super yachts.
In my opinion, Vittoriosa is the most fascinating and beautiful of the Three Cities, and by far the oldest.
We disembarked immediately from the gondola-shaped boat and headed to Don Berto, an iconic restaurant and lunch spot that I highly recommend. Next, we explored the narrow streets, snapping some photos and enjoying the slow pace compared to Valletta.
Top highlights in Vittoriosa (Birgu) include:
- Malta Maritime Museum - found in the former Royal Naval Bakery, a great museum for those interested in Malta's great naval history. The museum houses naval artifacts and weapons. This is a great place to learn about significant historical events like the Great Siege of Malta from the times of the Order of St. John to Malta's role in the Second World War.
- St. Lawrence's Church - a 17th century church directly near the small harbour boat dock
- Inquisitor's Palace - a historical building where the Maltese inquisition took root (16th - 18th century)
- Victory Square: - the main square in Vittoriousa where you will find some statues and some small cafes popular with local people and tourists
Tip: BeBirgu is an amazing restaurant overlooking the water in Birgu and they make some amazing cocktails too!
Fort St. Angelo
Next, we took the chance to explore Fort St. Angelo, the jewel in the crown of the Maltese Islands' military heritage. To enter, you'll need to pay €10.00 (adults) or €6.00 (for kids under 18) but this is definitely worth it! This is one of the most iconic forts in Malta and has played an important role in its long history.
Best of all, Angelo Fort offers some of the best panoramic views of Valletta and the Grand Harbour from its towering bastions and fortified city walls.
Tip: You can get free entry to Fort St. Angelo by getting the Malta Pass.
2. Senglea
Senglea is the second of the Three Cities in Malta and is located directly west of Vittoriosa. This is a smaller neighborhood with fewer places of interest. However, it's still definitely worth visiting to see the Gardjola Gardens and the iconic Sanglea Basilica. If you're taking the Grand Harbour Three Cities boat tour, you'll likely stop by the gardens and get a good glimpse of them from the water too.
There are also several cafes and wine bars in the city of Senglea, where you can sit on a street corner to enjoy the less crowded streets.
3. Cospicua
After exploring much of the Three Cities, we made a quick visit to Cospicua (also called Bormla). This neighborhood sits between Senglea and Vittoriosa and has some beautiful streets with iconic Maltese balconies. I recommend walking down its scenic streets and enjoying a slice of authentic life.
Top attractions in Cospicua include:
- Immaculate Conception Church - a beautiful church beside a nice walking area surrounded by grass
- Bir Mula Heritage Museum - a private museum exhibit of an Arab-era farmhouse developed into a 17th-century palazzo.
- Harbourside promenade - nice walk along the beautiful yacht marina from Cospicua to Senglea
- Cottonera Lines (Valperga lines) - a line of fortifications serving as the outer defenses of the Three Cities and surrounding areas built by the Knights of Malta
Grand Harbour Boat Cruise of the Three Cities
Those who booked the Three Cities tour will be treated to a Grand Harbour boat cruise aboard the iconic dgħajsa. This for me was one of the highlights in Valletta. We navigated the harbour, stopping by the Three Cities, passing around Fort St. Angelo, and completing a short detour around Rinella Bay and Fort Rcasoli before making our way past the Lower Barrakka Gardens and back to the Quarry Wharf.
#1 Rated Three Cities Tour
Looking to cut out all the hassle of organizing a day trip to the Three Cities on your own? Book this top-rated 3 cities tour which includes a traditional luzzu or dgħajsa harbour ferry and a walking tour run by a knowledgeable local guide.\
Finding the Most Picturesque Streets in the Three Cities
Aside from the fort and the historical context, one of the main draws to the Three Cities for me were the famous cobblestone streets. I explored around all three neighborhoods on foot with Haylea on assignment with the Maltese Tourism Board and here are my favorite streets for capturing amazing photos.
- Triq San Filippu - walk around this straight street in Birgu and take many of the side alleyways including De Opertis.
- San Mikiel - a scenic street leading to the harbour in Cospicua
- Tramuntana - another scenic, winding street to get lost on in Birgu
Where to Stay in Malta
While you can stay in the Three Cities, I recommend picking accommodation elsewhere. This is because to get back to Valletta from the Three Cities you'l need to take a boat. Buses, public transport, and parking is also not as accessible form this side of the Harbour in my experience.
However, I do recommend staying in either Valletta, Sliema & St Julian's, Mellieħa Bay, and Gozo Island.
Below are my favorite picks but make sure to read my guide on where to stay in Malta, or this guide to Gozo's Best Boutique Hotels.
1. 1926 Hotel & Spa Sliema
This amazing 4-star luxury facility in Sliema offers Mediterranean Sea views & a rooftop infinity swimming pool. Easy access to the ferry terminal running to Gozo & Valletta.
2. Iniala Harbour House Valletta
Perched atop Valletta's stunning St Barbara Bastion, this incredible boutique experience offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour & the Three Cities from traditional Maltese balconies.
3. db Seabank Resort Mellieħa
Situated just feet from the white sandy shores of Malta's longest beach, this all-inclusive hotel offers five restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, multiple pools, & a bowling alley!
4. Quaint Boutique Hotel (Nadur) Gozo
A beautifully renovated boutique hotel beside the Nadur Parish Church. Find spacious balcony terraces overlooking the town square & offering a peaceful, traditional ambiance.
I hope you've enjoyed this quick travel guide to visiting the Three Cities in Malta!
While you're here, take a pick from the below list for more inspiring travel blogs from the Maltese Islands!
- Best Things to do in Malta - my massive Maltese Travel Guide with all the must-see attractions and hidden gems across all islands.
- Malta's best Beaches - find the best beaches and rocky coves in the country
- How to Visit to Mellieha - plan your trip with the best things to do in the seaside town of Mellieha
- My Favorite Sunset Spoints in Malta - I spend every night on my trips to Malta at one of these spots
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