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Guide to Traveling to Malta with a Baby: How to Make the Most of 72 Hours

Deciding whether to spend a few days or a week in Malta can be challenging, given the mixed opinions from various content creators, influencers, and bloggers. We were told Malta could be done in 48 hours and that it wasn’t the ideal vacation spot. But let me tell you—don’t believe everything you hear. Experience a place for yourself! We’re so glad we didn’t let others' negative views influence our travel plans. However, their opinions did affect the number of days we initially decided to stay.


So, how should you spend 72 hours in Malta with an infant, solo, or as a couple? We are giving you our itinerary that we used with an infant.


Day One: Valletta

Valletta is easily reachable by ferry or Bolt. We opted for the ferry, which costs 2 euros per adult and 1 euro per child one way. A round trip is 3.80 euros per adult and 1.50 euros per child—quite reasonable. The ferry offers stunning views of both Sliema and Valletta. Once in Valletta, be prepared to walk; the city is a gem of beauty and culinary delights. Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be challenging. We recommend a foodie tour, strolling through Old Town, and admiring the beautiful Maltese balconies, known as gallarijas. We would also recommend that you visit before 3 PM, as many of the museums close around that time, or at least make sure to know the closing times of each of the places that you would like to visit or dine at.



Where to Eat:


TRIBE:

There are three TRIBE locations in Malta: Valletta, Naxxar, and San Gwann. We chose the Valletta location for its fluffy pancakes and pastries. Unfortunately, the kitchen had just closed when we arrived, so we only enjoyed drinks and milkshakes. The vibe at TRIBE was fantastic, with aesthetically pleasing decor throughout.


Rampila:

Rampila’s terrace was originally a gun emplacement overlooking Valletta's defensive ditch and entrance. To dine here, especially on the terrace, book 3 days to a week in advance. We ate inside, which was fine given the temperature. The restaurant offers many Maltese dishes, wines, and locally sourced cheeses and meats. We ordered braised duck with seasonal vegetables, surf and turf, and fish dumplings. The fresh bread with oil was outstanding—better than anything I've had in America.


We would recommend that you spend time in Valletta exploring museums of your liking and enjoying much of the local cuisine. It is best to customize your itinerary based on your interests to make the trip worthwhile.


Day Two: The Three Cities

The Three Cities can be reached by ferry or car. We took the ferry from Sliema to Valletta, then a bus to another ferry stop, and finally a ferry from Valletta to The Three Cities. You can also use Bolt for convenience. Once there, we would recommend that you spend the whole day exploring the area.


What to Do: (Focus on Birgu)

  • Fort St. Angelo

  • Inquisitor’s Palace

  • Malta at War Museum & Shelter

  • Maritime Museum


Where to Eat:

Don Berto Restaurant

Overlooking the seafront in Birgu, Don Berto serves authentic Maltese food. We enjoyed Shellfish Soup (also known as Fish Soup), which was fresh and well-seasoned. Our entrees included Linguine Octopus & Calamari and Berto’s Cheesy Chicken, both deliciously prepared. We are still dreaming about this meal that we had at Don Berto.


Stay in The Three Cities until nightfall to witness the stunning view of boats on the water illuminated by minimal light—a sight you don’t want to miss.


Day Three: Mdina

Start early if you plan to visit Mdina without a tour guide. The earlier you go, the fewer crowds you will encounter. Mdina can get extremely crowded from 10:00 am onwards.


Interesting Facts:

  • Mdina was once the capital of Malta during the Middle Ages.

  • It’s known as the Silent City because it was almost abandoned overnight when the capital moved to one of the Three Cities.

  • Season one of Game of Thrones was filmed at the Mdina Gate. The scene is of the entry to the King's Landing.


Where to Eat:

Fontanella Tea Garden

Go early, right before it opens, to avoid crowds. Fontanella offers beautiful panoramic views of Malta’s vineyards and landscapes. Known for their cakes and desserts, we enjoyed an English breakfast and a traditional Maltese sandwich, Ftira Maltija, with Bigilla, Ġbejna, Maltese sausage, sundried tomatoes, and basil. Fontanella’s famous chocolate cake was a true indulgence.


Crystal Palace Bar

Recommended by locals for authentic pastizzi, Crystal Palace serves traditional ricotta cheese and chicken with peas pastizzi, which were flaky and delicious. (If you go here, please be respectful because this is a spot that the locals enjoy, hang at, and have fun throughout the day. As tourism becomes popular it is difficult for locals to be able to enjoy the area. So just be mindful of this!) We ended up here due to a recommendation from a local Maltese photographer who took our pictures. We told her about our cancelled pastizzi experience and she told us if we wanted the best pastizzi to go to Crystal Palace.


La Brioscia

After exploring Mdina, we cooled off with a Lemon Granita from La Brioscia, a refreshing treat that reminded us of a Lemonade Slushie from Sonic in the States.


Where We Stayed: Sliema

We based ourselves in Sliema at 1926 La Plage, enjoying their amenities, especially the Beach Club. Sliema is an ideal location for easy transport to Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities. There are plenty of food and coffee places to enjoy, with a good mix of tourists and locals.


Abrazo

A lovely spot for breakfast or drinks, Abrazo offers some of the best juices and lattes. We visited daily during our stay, even stopping by on our way to the airport. Our recommendation for a latte is to try the salted caramel latte, it may be a seasonal drink but ask if they can make it because it is extremely good.


Qui Eatery

Near the seafront, Qui Eatery serves all-day meals with a pastry and coffee shop, a bar, and a restaurant offering Maltese foods. While the food is good, it’s not something you must rush to try. However, it’s a reliable option when other places are closed.


Sotto Pinsa Romana

For a quick takeaway dinner, we chose pinsa from Sotto Pinsa Romana. The friendly service and light, airy crust of the pinsa were perfect for the rich and varied toppings.


Malta is a treasure trove of history, culture, and culinary delights. Don’t let mixed reviews deter you from exploring this beautiful island. Plan your visit, savor the local flavors, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage Malta has to offer.


Have you been to Malta? Share your favorite spots and experiences in the comments below! If you’re planning a trip, let us know what you’re most excited to see and do!

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