Upper Barrakka Gardens Tours
Overview
Perched on eastern Valletta’s harbor walls, Upper Barrakka Gardens is one of the city’s top attractions. Created in 1661, the shaded gardens center on a fountain, statues, and colonnaded terraces that command views over Malta’s Grand Harbour.
The Basics
Visit Upper Barrakka Gardens for its sweeping view of Grand Harbour, but don't miss a chance to learn about Maltese history by noting the busts and plaques in its gardens, including Les Gavroches, a sculpture by Antonio Sciortino. Most Valletta guided city tours stop here, from private and group Valletta walking tours to island-wide tours that cover Valletta and Malta attractions such as Mdina. Plan an evening visit to see the gardens and other sites floodlit.
Things to Know Before You Go
The easiest way to reach Upper Barrakka Gardens from within Valletta is to walk to Castille Square and enter via the gateway near Malta Stock Exchange. If you’re coming to Valletta by bus, disembark at the main terminal near the Triton Fountain. Then, walk through the City Gate and turn right at the Royal Opera House to find Castille Square. Parking is available near the City Gate.
When to Get There
The gardens are open early morning to late night and can get busy, particularly around the twice-daily gun salutes (12pm and 4pm) staged at the Saluting Battery terrace located below. For the best experience, visit at sunset to see the sky change color over the Grand Harbour, in the early morning when the gardens are virtually empty, or after dark, when the colonnades are illuminated.
Making the Most of Upper Barrakka Gardens
Follow your fellow visitors and head first for the garden terraces to absorb sweeping Grand Harbour views. From there, take your pick: Relax on the fountain benches, view the statues, or watch the cannon-firing from the Saluting Battery. Don’t miss a ride on the elevator linking the gardens to Valletta’s waterfront below—the views as you glide up or down are well worth the ride.
Perched on eastern Valletta’s harbor walls, Upper Barrakka Gardens is one of the city’s top attractions. Created in 1661, the shaded gardens center on a fountain, statues, and colonnaded terraces that command views over Malta’s Grand Harbour.
The Basics
Visit Upper Barrakka Gardens for its sweeping view of Grand Harbour, but don't miss a chance to learn about Maltese history by noting the busts and plaques in its gardens, including Les Gavroches, a sculpture by Antonio Sciortino. Most Valletta guided city tours stop here, from private and group Valletta walking tours to island-wide tours that cover Valletta and Malta attractions such as Mdina. Plan an evening visit to see the gardens and other sites floodlit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a must for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts.
- The gardens are free to enter and wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.
- Facilities include a cafe and public restrooms.
The easiest way to reach Upper Barrakka Gardens from within Valletta is to walk to Castille Square and enter via the gateway near Malta Stock Exchange. If you’re coming to Valletta by bus, disembark at the main terminal near the Triton Fountain. Then, walk through the City Gate and turn right at the Royal Opera House to find Castille Square. Parking is available near the City Gate.
When to Get There
The gardens are open early morning to late night and can get busy, particularly around the twice-daily gun salutes (12pm and 4pm) staged at the Saluting Battery terrace located below. For the best experience, visit at sunset to see the sky change color over the Grand Harbour, in the early morning when the gardens are virtually empty, or after dark, when the colonnades are illuminated.
Making the Most of Upper Barrakka Gardens
Follow your fellow visitors and head first for the garden terraces to absorb sweeping Grand Harbour views. From there, take your pick: Relax on the fountain benches, view the statues, or watch the cannon-firing from the Saluting Battery. Don’t miss a ride on the elevator linking the gardens to Valletta’s waterfront below—the views as you glide up or down are well worth the ride.
Address: 292 Triq Sant' Orsla, Valletta, Malta
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Upper Barrakka Gardens
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Valletta City of the Knights 3.5-Hour Walking Tour
Discover the Maltese capital of Valletta, the ‘City of the Knights’, on a 3.5-hour walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral, see the Grand Master's Palace, and admire views of the Grand Harbor from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
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From
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From
$50.52
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Valletta (UNESCO) guided tour including St John's Co-Cathedral, Malta Experience
Our guided walking tour through the vibrant streets of Valletta will allow you to discover the beauty and charm of the fortified city built by the Knights in 1566. The Order of St. John ruled over the islands for 268 years and left a unique cultural legacy of which Valletta is the prime example and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We first enjoy a breathtaking view of the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barracca Gardens. Then we visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, including the Caravaggio masterpieces in the Oratory, the Flemish tapestries and the church museum. The Co-Cathedral houses one of the most beautiful marble inlaid floors in the world.
Going down Republic Street you will walk past the Grand Masters’ Palace and the recently restored St. George’s Square before watching the Malta Experience, an audiovisual show where Malta’s history throughout the centuries is brought back to life.
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From
$53.32
From
$53.32
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private Tour of Valletta, Malta's Capital City
A bespoke private tours service with 30 years of knowledge in the tourism industry! Malta Shoreline Excursions is dedicated in delivering a memorable private tour experience. Our guides are passionate and view their work as a vocation rather than just a job.
Visit some of the most prominent sites in Valletta, Malta's capital city. Your personal guide will cater to your needs and interests while providing you with an in depth understanding of Malta's culture, history and way of life.
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From
$156.04
Price varies by group size
From
$156.04
Price varies by group size
Valletta Private Walking Tour
See the sights of Valletta on a 3-hour private walking tour with a guide who provides insight into the history and architecture of Malta's capital. Explore both the top attractions and less-visited locations in the city, hearing interesting facts as you go. Enjoy the personalized service of a private guide.
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From
$181.65
per group
From
$181.65
per group
Mosta Crafts Village Mdina and Valletta Full Day Tour
Explore Malta’s historic architecture, handicrafts, and history on a full-day tour of Malta, Ta’Qali, Mdina, and Valletta. You’ll see some of Malta’s highlights and a part of Valletta’s UNESCO World Heritage Center. This full-day Malta tour includes entrance fees and pickup and drop-off at hotels in selected towns, and it’s the perfect overview of the island for first-time visitors.
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From
$63.40
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8 days best of Malta guided tour
This tour will enable you to discover the best of Malta.
The Maltese islands include the main islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino. The islands lie at the cross-roads of the Mediterranean and are filled with history and colour.
Malta’s capital city Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are Malta’s famous Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. Valletta is described by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.” Valletta has also been listed in CNN’s 20 most beautiful World Heritage Sites.
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From
$553.30
Price varies by group size
From
$553.30
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
5 days Malta highlights guided tour
This tour will enable you to discover the highlights of Malta.
The Maltese islands include the main islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino. The islands lie at the cross-roads of the Mediterranean and are filled with history and colour.
Malta’s capital city Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are Malta’s famous Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. Valletta is described by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.” Valletta has also been listed in CNN’s 20 most beautiful World Heritage Sites.
…More
From
$360.85
Price varies by group size
From
$360.85
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Malta Shore Excursion: Malta in One Day Private Sightseeing Tour
Leave the cruise port behind and spend the morning exploring beautiful Malta on this private, half-day shore excursion. In the company of your very own driver-guide, you’ll be whisked around the archipelago of Malta. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the UNESCO-listed capital city of Valletta, taking in top sights like the Grandmaster’s Palace and the Mosta Dome from the comfort of your private vehicle. You’ll also visit Upper Barrakka Gardens and have free time to explore at your own pace.
…More
From
$196.06
Price varies by group size
From
$196.06
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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