September 4, 2025

Three Cities Malta from Valletta: Boat Trip & Top Things to Do

Discover Malta’s Three Cities—Birgu, Senglea & Cospicua. A quiet, authentic escape across the Grand Harbour with history, charm & local life.

Why Visit the Three Cities?

The “Three Cities” refers to Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). These fortified towns predate Valletta and were the original strongholds of the Knights of St. John before the capital was built. Walking through their narrow streets feels like stepping into Malta’s medieval past but without the crowds. Here you’ll find a mix of harbour views, winding alleyways, traditional balconies, churches, fortresses, and authentic Maltese life. The pace is slower, the atmosphere more local, and the history runs deep.

Getting There from Valletta

From Valletta’s Lascaris Wharf Terminal, you can hop on a traditional dgħajsa tal-pass (seating 6 people) to cross the Grand Harbour. The ride only takes about 10 minutes and costs just €3.

The experience: Unlike a regular ferry, the dgħajsa is small, low to the water, and beautifully painted, giving you a unique perspective of Valletta’s fortifications and the Grand Harbour.
📍 Where you’ll land: Most dgħajsa rides take you directly to Birgu (Vittoriosa), the most historic of the Three Cities.

Crossing the Grand Harbour on a traditional dgħajsa ride from Valletta to Birgu costs just €3 and is such a unique experience.

Alternatively, if you prefer something less rustic, you can take the ferry service from Valletta to Cospicua. The ferry leaves from the same spot and costs €2.50. It takes you a bit further inside the port to Cospicua; nonetheless, both stops are a short walk from each other.

Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, taking the ferry is a more suitable option.

Learn more about top things to do in Valletta in my detailed guide.

If small boats aren’t your thing, the Valletta–Cospicua ferry is a smooth and affordable alternative. It leaves from the same spot as the dgħajsa, making it the perfect option if you’re prone to seasickness.

Things to Do in the Three Cities

1. Explore Vittoriosa (Birgu)

In my personal opinion, Birgu is the most beautiful and the highlight of the Three Cities.

🚶 Birgu’s Back Streets – For a short but charming 8-minute stroll through some of my favourite colourful streets in Birgu, start at Victory Square and follow the route along Triq il-Palazz ta’ l-Isqof, Triq Gilormu Casser, and Triq Hilda Tabone, before looping back to Victory Square. You’ll wander through quiet alleyways lined with traditional Maltese balconies and plenty of character. The Google Maps link below shows the exact route.

Stroll along Triq il-Palazz tal-Isqof in Birgu and admire the vibrant, character-filled Maltese balconies that give the street its charm.

Wander down Triq Gilormu Cassar in Birgu, where lush plants and charming Maltese character bring the quiet street to life.

🍷 Birgu Waterfront – Perfect for a relaxing drink or meal overlooking the marina, especially at sunset, or on Sundays when the waterfront comes alive with locals enjoying lunch with their families. It’s the perfect way to soak up the authentic Maltese atmosphere.

The Birgu waterfront is perfect for a relaxed drink, lunch or dinner with marina views. This view is from Don Berto restaurant.

If you’re into history and Maltese culture, you won’t want to miss:

🏰 Fort St Angelo – A massive fortress that guarded the harbour for centuries, offering panoramic views of Valletta.
🏛 Inquisitor’s Palace – One of the few surviving Inquisitors’ palaces in Europe, showcasing Malta’s judicial and religious history, as well as its baroque architecture and artistic traditions.

Every year, Birgu comes alive during its annual Birgu Fest, when the streets are beautifully lit by thousands of candles. The atmosphere is especially magical around Fort St. Angelo, which glows against the night sky. For 2026, the festival will take place on Friday, 9th and Saturday, 10th October. Entrance to both Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace is offered at a heavily discounted price — this year, a combined ticket for both cost just €3.

The pictures below give you an idea of how stunning the Fort St. Angelo looks after dark, but this magical experience is only available during Birgu Fest; there are no night entries at any other time of the year.

2. Stroll Through Senglea (Isla)

The smallest of the Three Cities.

🚶 Harbour Promenade – From the Birgu waterfront, you can walk to the ferry terminal (technically located in Bormla), where you’ll see a footbridge. This bridge takes you across the creek directly into Senglea, making it an easy and scenic walk between the two cities. On Google Maps, search for DATE (Art Café) to locate the bridge quickly.
🌅 Gardjola Gardens – Known for its iconic lookout tower with carved eyes and ears, symbolizing vigilance, Gardjola Gardens offers stunning views over Valletta and the Grand Harbour. Entrance is free, but it’s about a 25-minute walk to reach it from the ferry terminal. Trust me, it’s definitely worth the stroll or, if you prefer, check out my recommendation below! 😉

View from Gardjola Gardens in Senglea, looking across the harbour towards Fort St. Angelo and Valletta.

Funny how the centuries-old limestone buildings along Birgu’s waterfront seem to have more character and soul than the sleek new developments going up nearby. The old really does outshine the new here.

3. Discover Cospicua (Bormla)

Often overlooked, Cospicua is primarily a residential area, so it doesn’t have as many tourist attractions as Birgu or Senglea. You won’t need much time to explore it, unless you’re a photography enthusiast, it’s one you could easily skip.

🧭 Authentic Feel – This is the least touristy of the Three Cities, where you can really soak in everyday Maltese life. Stroll through the quiet streets to admire traditional balconies, colourful townhouse doors, and classic Maltese habbata (door knockers).

Malta’s traditional door knockers, known as il-habbata, add so much charm to the colourful doors of the islands.

Prefer a Guided Experience?

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If you’d rather have everything organized for you, including pick-up and drop-off transfers from anywhere in Malta (included in the price!), this half-day guided tour is a fantastic option. It includes:

A stop at Gardjola Gardens
Guided walking tours of Birgu and Senglea (Isla)
A ride on a traditional Maltese boat across the Grand Harbour

Tour recommendation: The Best Way to Experience the Three Cities

While I haven’t tried this myself, I recommended it to my family after reading glowing reviews from other travellers and they absolutely loved it! This experience lets you explore the Three Cities (and optionally nearby Kalkara and Smart City) in a self-drive electric car with a pre-programmed GPS and audio guide for up to 4 people.

The tour lasts 2.5 hours, which gives you the perfect amount of time to take in the highlights without feeling rushed. The audio guide shares fascinating stories and hidden facts that you might easily miss on your own.

It’s also a convenient option if you’d rather skip walking under the scorching Summer sun, want a comfortable way to explore on a rainy day, or are travelling with children, all while staying budget-friendly.

Tips for Your Visit

⏰ Timing: Morning or late afternoon is best, especially in summer when it’s cooler.
💶 Cash: Bring a few euros for the traditional boats, as they don’t accept card payments.
📸 Don’t rush: The joy of the Three Cities is in wandering aimlessly.
🍝 Food & Drink: Stop at one of the waterfront restaurants in Birgu or Isla.

Happy Travels! x

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