Upper Barrakka Gardens

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.

• 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.

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.

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.