Things to do in Valletta this weekend

Birgu / Senglea

5-minute dgħajsa water-taxi to the older fortified harbour cities — wine bars, marinas, quiet alleys.

Valletta

Saluting battery fires daily at noon — best view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.

Comino

Day-boat from Sliema to turquoise lagoons — go early to find an empty patch.

Mdina

Silent walled medieval capital on a hill — palaces, baroque cathedral, sunset from the bastions.

Valletta

Plain outside, gilded riot inside — Caravaggio's largest canvas hangs in the oratory.

Valletta

Reborn alley of jazz bars and natural-wine spots — locals call it the new soul of Valletta.

Café / Patisserie · Valletta

1837 institution on Republic Square — pastizzi, almond cake and people-watching.

Wine bar / mezze · Valletta

Cellar wine bar with a daily mezze parade — order the chef's seven-plate special.

Ftira / Maltese · Valletta

Wood-oven ftira flatbreads and bragioli in a converted bakery — locals' lunch spot.

Modern Maltese · Valletta

Michelin-starred basement room — rabbit, octopus, local cheeses with serious wine pairings.

Home-style Maltese · Birgu

Chef Donald cooks a set tasting in his front room — book a week ahead, BYO is welcome.