How to Get From the Malta Airport to the City Centre
Malta International Airport may be small, but it’s got big taxi prices. A ride to Valletta or Sliema can cost around €20–€25, which—let’s be honest—is better spent on gelato. Enter: public buses. For just €2 (or €1.50 in winter), you can hop on an X1, X2, X3 or TD bus and be on your way. Just grab a tall bottle of patience; the bus takes its sweet time (25 to 45 minutes), but hey, so do sunsets.
Pro tip: Buy a Tallinja card (€6 deposit) for discounted fares and pretend you’re a local.
Public Transport: Like a Knight’s Horse, But with Wi-Fi
The buses in Malta are a vibe—air-conditioned, reliable-ish, and way cheaper than taxis. A 12-journey card costs around €15, and you can use it to criss-cross the island like a boss. There’s even a ferry between Valletta and Sliema for €1.50 with 10/10 views.
If you’re feeling bougie-but-still-broke, rent an electric scooter (from €0.21/min) and zip along the promenades like a caffeinated knight. Just mind the potholes—they’re part of the Maltese obstacle course.
How to Enjoy Malta for Free (or Almost)
Valletta: Free Views, Royal Vibes
Walk the capital city’s streets and you’ll feel like you’re in a Renaissance TikTok. Think cobbled alleys, vintage balconies, and sun-drenched limestone. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a must—not just because they’re free, but because the views of the Grand Harbour will have you accidentally FaceTiming your ex just to flex. At noon, the Saluting Battery cannons fire with a bang so dramatic you’ll think they were choreographed by Netflix.
While you’re there, take a walk through Republic Street and Merchants Street. They’re filled with charming shops, street performers, and unexpected nooks where you can sit and people-watch like a true Mediterranean philosopher.
Mdina: Silence and Aesthetic Streets
This “Silent City” is straight-up ASMR for your eyes. No cars, no noise—just timeless architecture and a calm that feels like a Sunday morning nap. Mdina’s sandstone buildings glow at golden hour, turning the city into a literal filter-free dream.
Fun fact: Mdina was the original capital of Malta and served serious medieval energy. Also, some GoT scenes were filmed here—so don’t be surprised if you start whispering “Winter is coming” to strangers.
Wander into St. Paul’s Cathedral (free from outside, €5 fee if you’re nosy enough to go in), and then grab a pastizzi from the nearby café with the kind of views poets cry about.
St. Peter’s Pool: Cliff Diving (or Sunbathing Like a Lizard)
Located just outside Marsaxlokk, this rocky bay is Mother Nature’s plunge pool. It’s 100% free, and cliff diving here is basically a rite of passage. The vibe? A mix of daredevils, sun-worshippers, and snack-slinging locals who know how to live.
Bring everything you need—there are no shops, no toilets, and definitely no lifeguards. But what it lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in unforgettable dips, perfect photo ops, and fish that might photobomb your feet. Bonus: on Sundays, pair it with a visit to Marsaxlokk’s famous fish market.
Blue Grotto (Viewpoint): Blue. Like, So Blue.
Sure, you could pay for the boat ride (around €8 for a 20-minute tour), but the viewpoint alone is a whole experience. Walk to the cliffside and you’ll see the water doing its best impression of a gemstone. It’s free, fabulous, and perfect for deep-thought gazing.
If you’re early, you’ll catch the sun hitting the sea caves at the right angle and creating that iconic electric-blue glow. It’s basically free therapy. Extra tip: bring binoculars or a zoom lens—you’ll feel like a National Geographic contributor in no time.
Golden Bay Sunset Hangs
Golden Bay is where sunsets go to show off. With soft sand and warm vibes, it’s the go-to beach for locals and backpackers alike. There’s no entrance fee, no need for fancy beach clubs—just claim your spot, unwrap your €2 pastizzi, and soak in the golden glow.
If you’re in the mood to stay, bring a blanket and some local wine (or whatever’s on sale). You’ll probably end up in a spontaneous guitar sing-along or a moonlit swim. Just watch out for the jellyfish—they also love a sunset.
Hike It Off: Scenic Treks with Zero Entry Fees
Malta isn’t just beaches and bars—it’s also packed with dramatic cliffs, countryside trails, and Instagrammable overlooks that cost absolutely nothing. If you’ve got comfy shoes and a snack stash, here’s where to go:
📍 Dingli Cliffs – Western Malta’s most jaw-dropping natural balcony. Think epic sea views, salty breeze, and sunsets that make you question if you need therapy or just vitamin D. Great for an easy walk or a more rugged adventure further along the coast. Distance: Flexible (1–5 km), Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your pace and route.
📍 Victoria Lines – Locally dubbed “Malta’s Great Wall,” this historic trail stretches across the island with 12km of countryside, ancient military fortifications, and sweeping views. Ideal for history lovers and picnic enthusiasts. Distance: 12 km, Time: 3–4 hours.
📍 Fomm ir-Riħ – A hidden gem near Bahrija. The hike to the bay is steep but manageable, and the reward is a secluded pebble beach with crystalline water. The return climb will test your glutes, but it’s 100% worth it. Distance: ~2.5 km round trip, Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour total.
📍 Mġarr to Ġnejna Walk – This coastal trek is a Mediterranean highlight reel: clay slopes, natural arches, and views for days. Great for photography lovers and sea breeze seekers. Distance: ~4.5 km one way, Time: 1.5–2 hours.
Each hike is free, low-traffic, and full of that sweet “wow-I’m-alive” feeling. Just bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and your sense of direction (Mapy.com helps, but so does asking a grandma in the village).
Feast Mode: Malta Edition (No Bank Account Harmed)
Pastizzi: The Snack of the Gods
Flaky, cheesy, pea-filled pastry magic wrapped in golden layers of crisp. These little bundles of joy cost around €0.50 each—aka the best deal you’ll ever bite into. You’ll find them stuffed with ricotta, mushy peas, or sometimes even chicken if you’re feeling wild. Maltese locals treat pastizzi like a personality trait. You should too.
Get them at Crystal Palace in Rabat—an unassuming hole-in-the-wall that slings these beauties 24/7 (okay, technically till 3 AM, but that’s still hero behaviour). Bonus: It’s the perfect stop after a Mdina night stroll or when you’re not ready to face your hostel bunk just yet.
Ftira Sandwiches: Bread, but Better
Traditional Maltese ftira is what happens when bread dreams big. Shaped like a ring or a chubby disc, it’s crusty on the outside, airy on the inside, and packed with the kind of Mediterranean flavours that make your tastebuds want to do the Macarena. Standard fillings include tuna, tomatoes, capers, olives, pickled veggies, and drizzles of olive oil like it’s being paid to do it.
You can find these in any corner shop, village bakery, or beachside kiosk for €3–5. If you’re heading for a hike or boat trip, grab one and consider yourself prepped and blessed.
Cheap & Cheery Eats
📍Sundown Snack Bar (Sliema) – A chill spot with seafront views and hearty Maltese meals for under €10. The staff are sweet and the vibe is ‘sunset with chips.’
📍Legligin (Valletta) – For when you want to try local tapas-style dishes without selling your shoes. Go with a friend and share everything—it’s a wallet-friendly way to taste the island.
📍Nenu the Artisan Baker (Valletta) – Home of the mega-ftira. It’s baked in a traditional wood-fired oven and big enough to feed you, your mate, and the ghost of your past decisions. Prices start around €10–15, but splitting is the name of the game.
DIY Market Meals
Hit up Is-Suq tal-Belt, Malta’s central food market in Valletta. Grab some ġbejna (local cheese), crusty bread, olives, sundried tomatoes, and fruit that smells like summer. Local markets in Marsaxlokk, Mosta, and Birgu are also goldmines for picnic gear.
Put together a DIY lunch, find a shady garden or a seaside wall to perch on, and live out your main character moment. Budget bonus: leftovers = next meal sorted.
Nightlife on a Budget: Party Smart, Not Hard
Happy Hour = Holy Hour
Head to Paceville, Malta’s chaotic party central. It’s like Vegas, but with more humidity and fewer regrets (maybe). This is the place to go when you want to party without a plan. Most bars open late and stay open until sunrise, so your €5 cocktail could technically last through three dance floors and two questionable life decisions.
Happy hours are everywhere—2-for-1 cocktails, €1 shots, and buckets of beer for under €10. Look out for bars handing out flyers with free drink tokens (yes, really). Just smile, nod, and take the deal.
📍Native Bar (St. Julian’s) – Cheap drinks, good music, and absolutely zero dress code pressure. Perfect for meeting other budget-savvy travellers and testing your best dance moves.
📍Café Society (Valletta) – For the low-key crowd. Tucked into a steep cobbled street, this bar offers live jazz, excellent wine, and an atmosphere that feels like a Mediterranean indie movie. Grab a bean bag on the terrace and watch the city twinkle below.
Open-Air Vibes & Free Beats
Summer in Malta turns the whole island into an open-air club. Head to Gianpula Fields—a collection of outdoor clubs and event spaces just outside Rabat. Entry is often free before a certain time (check online or with locals), and DJs spin everything from house to Afrobeat under the stars.
In Valletta and Sliema, the party often spills into the streets. Plaza pop-ups and impromptu sets bring live music to steps, gardens, and courtyards. You might stumble across acoustic singers, reggae bands, or full-on raves disguised as cultural festivals.
Feeling spontaneous? Head to St. George’s Bay or Exiles Beach where informal beach parties light up the night—especially on weekends. Just follow the sound of Bluetooth speakers, and don’t forget to bring your own drinks and a towel for late-night dips.
Tourist Attractions Worth the Splurge
Blue Lagoon (Gozo/Comino Ferry – €13-20)
Turquoise water so clear you’ll forget how many unread emails you have. Take a ferry from Cirkewwa and bring snacks to avoid buying overpriced crisps. You’ll want to stay forever. And sunscreen costs less than a dermatologist, just sayin’.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (€35)
3 levels of underground prehistoric realness. Think ancient tombs and Indiana Jones energy. You need to book way in advance because only 10 people get in at a time. But if you love history (or air conditioning), it’s worth the coin.
Malta National Aquarium (€14)
Sharks, rays, jellyfish—all the sea drama with none of the drowning. Great on a too-hot-to-function day.
How Expensive is Malta, Really?
- Food: Street eats from €1, full meals from €7–10
- Drinks: Local beers €2–3, cocktails €5–7
- Transport: Buses €1.50–2, Tallinja pass saves you heaps
- Accommodation: Hostels from €15, budget hotels from €35
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
Malta’s always sunny, but pick your vibe:
- Spring (Mar–May): Fewer tourists, max chill.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Parties + beach, but bring deodorant.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Still warm, still pretty, still fab.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cheap and surprisingly sunny. Not beach weather, but great for city strolls.
Ready to Conquer Malta?
With this guide, you’re basically a modern knight of the budget round table. Whether you’re jumping off cliffs, sipping cocktails in a medieval city, or tanning like your future depends on it, you’ll do it all with coins to spare. Now pack your bag, grab your sunnies, and let’s Maltafy your life.