How to Spend a Perfect Day in Valletta - And Where to Eat?
Valletta is one of Europe's smallest capitals but one of its most rewarding. Compact, walkable, and stacked with history at every turn - you can cover the highlights in a single day. This is how to do it well, and where to stop for brunch, lunch, happy hour, or dinner along the way.
6/27/20262 min read
Malta's capital punches well above its size. First visit or tenth, a perfect day in Valletta always leaves you wanting more. Here's how to make the most of it.
Morning - The Must-Sees
St. John's Co-Cathedral is non-negotiable. The Baroque interior is jaw-dropping - painted ceilings, 400 marble tombstones on the floor, and 2 Caravaggios in the oratory. Book tickets in advance. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30am-4:45pm.
From there, walk Republic Street slowly. Baroque palaces, carved doorways, and hidden side streets around every corner. Duck down Strait Street and Merchants Street - Valletta rewards those who wander.
Finish the morning at Upper Barrakka Gardens — free entry, open daily, and home to the finest panoramic view of the Grand Harbour in Malta. Time your visit for noon and catch the famous Saluting Battery cannon salute.
Brunch or Lunch - Bocce Bistro (of course)
Walk down the stairs from Triq Marsamxett to Boat Street. Bocce Bistro sits directly at the water's edge on Marsamxett Harbour - our outdoor seating faces Fort Manoel and the open Mediterranean on the right.
Our brunch menu and lunch menu feature fresh Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine. Relaxed, unhurried, and one of the best restaurants in Malta for seaview dining. Dogs welcome.
Afternoon - Hidden Gems
Casa Rocca Piccola - a 16th-century palace open for tours, WWII shelters included
Valletta Design Cluster - rooftop garden with city views most visitors never find
Lower Barrakka Gardens - quieter harbour views and the Great Siege Bell memorial
Stay for Dinner - Bocce Bistro
Dinner - Back to Bocce Bistro
After a full afternoon back on your feet, Boat Street is the perfect place to land. Pull up a seat at our outdoor area, right at the water's edge on Marsamxett Harbour, and let the evening do the rest.
Our dinner menu features fresh local seafood, Mediterranean classics, and pizza - all served with unobstructed harbour views as the sun sets behind Manoel Island and the lights of Sliema slowly come on across the water. The ideal way to end a perfect day in Valletta.
Book ahead for evening by the sea.
Practical Information
Address: Boat Street, Marsamxett, Valletta VLT 1820
Phone: +356 9910 0011
Email: info@boccebistro.net
Opening hours: Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Getting there: Take the stairs down from Triq Marsamxett - Bocce Bistro is at the bottom, right on the waterfront
Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekend evenings - book online or call us directly
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bocce Bistro one of the best restaurants in Malta for seaview dining?
A: Yes - Bocce Bistro sits directly at the water's edge on Marsamxett Harbour, beneath Valletta's 16th-century fortified walls, offering unobstructed views of Fort Manoel and the open Mediterranean.
Q: What is the view like from Bocce Bistro?
A: From the terrace, you look across Marsamxett Harbour towards Fort Manoel on Manoel Island, with Sliema to the left and Fort Saint Elmo to the right. At sunset, the view is particularly spectacular.
Q: Is Bocce Bistro pet friendly?
A: Yes - dogs are welcome on our terrace, making us one of the few pet friendly restaurants in Valletta.
Q: What cuisine does Bocce Bistro serve?
A: Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine using fresh, seasonal ingredients including locally caught seafood, traditional Maltese dishes, and Mediterranean classics. We also have daily specials.
Q: How do I get to Bocce Bistro from Valletta city centre?
A: Walk down the stairs from Triq Marsamxett - Bocce Bistro is at the bottom on Boat Street, directly on the waterfront.
Q: Do I need to reserve a table at Bocce Bistro?
A: Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekend visits. Book online or call +356 9910 0011.
Bocce Bistro - Boat Street, Marsamxett, Valletta. Best restaurants in Malta for seaview dining, Mediterranean cuisine, and Maltese flavours with Marsamxett Harbour views.
Boat Street, Valletta VLT 1820
Malta
OPENING HOURS
Monday : 11:00 - 17:00
Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00 - 22:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00
