Three Cities
Three Cities
4.5
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Top ways to experience Three Cities
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,061 within 3 miles
Attractions
407 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- 16jamesdocLondon, United Kingdom665 contributionsSo nice they named them twiceLots of places around Valletta have two names, e.g. Birgu/Vittoriosa and Bormla /Cospicua. The half-hourly ferry from Valletta takes only a few minutes and justifies at least half a day visit. The nicest part of Birgu is around St. Lawrence church, with a fine baroque townscape.Visited December 2022Written 13 December 2022
- XavierBBLleida, Spain46 contributionsStunning views of Valletta and the portYou must take a trip to the Three Cities. You will see an incredible panorama of Valletta. There are ferries or small boats that will take you from one side to the other in a few minutes. Touring the streets and fortifications of the Three Cities is fantastic.Visited January 2023Written 17 January 2023
- jsrBrackleyUnited Kingdom284 contributionsNot to be missedStunning, do not miss the The Cities when you visit Valletta. Take the small boats, we paid €8 for a 30 minute harbour cruise and we were given interesting facts about the cities. We also took one of the boats back for €2. We wondered around the area our own admiring the beautiful streets and probably spent half a day in the area. A must when in Valetta.Visited March 2023Written 30 March 2023
- Terry MHamilton, Canada4,638 contributionsWELL WORTH A DAY TO MEANDERViewable from Old Valletta or on a harbour cruise, the Three Cities of Vittoriosaa, Senglea and Cospicua are worth visiting. Vittoriosa was the original home of the Knights of St John. Visit St Lawrence Church. Senglea has fine views from the Gardjola Gardens. Tucked further back is Cospicua, probably the less visited of the three sites. Its dockyard is being redeveloped as a marina.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 April 2023
- JPswimIpswich, United Kingdom54 contributionsGreat trip and viewsHaving visited Valletta before we would looking for something different, the ferry is a great way to see Valletta from the water. 10 min ride enables a walk around Maltese streets and cafes along the waterfront. Ferry’s run every 30mins Easier way to locate is across the road at bottling m of millennium lift. Definitely recommend for a relaxed half day sightseeing, timed right would be able to see 12noon canon.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 29 June 2023
- Lou576West Midlands, United Kingdom65 contributionsNice, not touristy area. Lovely boat rideLess touristic area, but with the hear, we didn’t really walk around too much. Very quiet and some areas were quite pretty. I think I enjoyed the boat ride across in the water taxi yo be honest as it was so cooling in the heat. The boats charge 2 euros one way, maximum of 6 people per boat. Again we didn’t go around to all 3 cities as it was too hot.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 July 2023
- Zarza's TravelsLondon, United Kingdom457 contributionsNumber. 1 thing to do in Valletta. Magical!The number 1 thing to do in Valletta in my opinion! Take the elevator down to the seafront and hop on one of the smaller boats (2 euros each way) and experience the splendour of both Valletta and the three cities. When you arrive, well...simply walk and take in the sights and smells! I'd suggest a morning or afternoon is long enough to have a good walk round - especially in the heat! Lovely views, cafes and people everywhere!Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 13 August 2023
- KmanWentAshby de la Zouch, United Kingdom177 contributionsFerry to Three CitiesEasy to get to from Valletta. Motorised catamaran holding 100 people costs 2.8 Euro return, or less if you qualify for a concession. I'm over 65 so my ticket was 90 euro cents return. Had ID but wasn't needed. You can also go over on a motorised skiff which holds 6-8 people (with no lifejackets, and you sit on the edge) for 2 Euro a head. Three cities themselves (well, Birgu and L'Isla) also well worth a visit, for tourist sites and restaurants.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
923 reviews
Excellent
528
Very good
303
Average
78
Poor
8
Terrible
6
Bill644
8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We got a ferry from Florian’s after catching the lift down ….very easy…to the Three Cities about a 5 minute boat ride …great to see both sides of the city’s from the water …both sides are very different…we walked around and had a nice lunch at one of the restaurants on the water …the history and the atmosphere are amazing.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pistachon279
Cancun, Mexico10,976 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Very nice towns across the bay of Valleta, we took a tour in the Cruise ship, it is next to the terminal, beautiful old cities to visit, a walkable town, you can see the whole área from the top, next to the Cathedal.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KEN M
5 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Malta is a wonderful place to see
This tour thru shore excursions group was well work the cost
The only negative was the tour operator was 1 hour late
We did a land and sea tour with a tour guide that was knowledgeable
I would use shore excursions again as the value and company provide beat other tour operators
This tour thru shore excursions group was well work the cost
The only negative was the tour operator was 1 hour late
We did a land and sea tour with a tour guide that was knowledgeable
I would use shore excursions again as the value and company provide beat other tour operators
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KmanWent
Ashby de la Zouch, UK177 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Easy to get to from Valletta. Motorised catamaran holding 100 people costs 2.8 Euro return, or less if you qualify for a concession. I'm over 65 so my ticket was 90 euro cents return. Had ID but wasn't needed. You can also go over on a motorised skiff which holds 6-8 people (with no lifejackets, and you sit on the edge) for 2 Euro a head. Three cities themselves (well, Birgu and L'Isla) also well worth a visit, for tourist sites and restaurants.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davide G
Palermo, Italy3,511 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Amazing walk with Valletta right in front. Plan a full day here and explore all of the cities, each has something particular to offer.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zarza's Travels
London, UK457 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
The number 1 thing to do in Valletta in my opinion! Take the elevator down to the seafront and hop on one of the smaller boats (2 euros each way) and experience the splendour of both Valletta and the three cities. When you arrive, well...simply walk and take in the sights and smells! I'd suggest a morning or afternoon is long enough to have a good walk round - especially in the heat! Lovely views, cafes and people everywhere!
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lou576
West Midlands, UK65 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Less touristic area, but with the hear, we didn’t really walk around too much. Very quiet and some areas were quite pretty.
I think I enjoyed the boat ride across in the water taxi yo be honest as it was so cooling in the heat. The boats charge 2 euros one way, maximum of 6 people per boat. Again we didn’t go around to all 3 cities as it was too hot.
I think I enjoyed the boat ride across in the water taxi yo be honest as it was so cooling in the heat. The boats charge 2 euros one way, maximum of 6 people per boat. Again we didn’t go around to all 3 cities as it was too hot.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JPswim
Ipswich, UK54 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Having visited Valletta before we would looking for something different, the ferry is a great way to see Valletta from the water. 10 min ride enables a walk around Maltese streets and cafes along the waterfront. Ferry’s run every 30mins Easier way to locate is across the road at bottling m of millennium lift.
Definitely recommend for a relaxed half day sightseeing, timed right would be able to see 12noon canon.
Definitely recommend for a relaxed half day sightseeing, timed right would be able to see 12noon canon.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicky W
Ramsgate, UK39 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
There is so much history and beauty here, and you walk between all three with ease. Definitely recommend a visit. It is not commercialised, so full of charm.
Written 7 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kamilla G
Copenhagen, Denmark18 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful area of Malta with tons of charm.
We lived in Bormla/Conspicua for a week and in Senglea for a month in march-april 2023. In this time we of course also visited Birgu several times.
We adore these 3 cities for the indefinite number of charming and picturesque streets and houses. As well as the many local and sweet people whom live there.
It is definitely a must when visiting Malta.
We lived in Bormla/Conspicua for a week and in Senglea for a month in march-april 2023. In this time we of course also visited Birgu several times.
We adore these 3 cities for the indefinite number of charming and picturesque streets and houses. As well as the many local and sweet people whom live there.
It is definitely a must when visiting Malta.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marakion 13
1 contribution
Να κάνω την βόλτα με το τραίνο στις Τρεις πολεις; Αξίζει τον κόπο; Θα καταφέρω να δω τα αξιοθέατα;
Helen F
Dereham, UK3 contributions
A lot of the places offer reduced price to over 60s. Do you need local ID for this like you do for the reduced price on the ferry or is British ID ok
deemac
Newtownards, UK17 contributions
Hi,
My wife and I are unfortunately in the senior category, we visit Malta quite a lot and have never been asked to show ID for any visits or travel, most seem very relaxed about this.
Hope this helps, enjoy your trip.
David
Pejola6772
Mittagong, Australia251 contributions
Is this a booked tour or something like a water taxi? If a booked tour which company did you use?
Paparossco
Glasgow, UK82 contributions
We walked. Any half decent guide book will lay out a path for you. It is worth it.
Nicole Y
Portsmouth, UK496 contributions
Hi could anyone tell me the cost of the gondola please ? Many thanks
Yolanda RL
Madrid, Spain166 contributions
I previously said it was 2 euros, but I wasn’t sure. Other people have answered 4 euros. So, most likely it was 4 euros.
harpbyjane
Denver, CO10 contributions
May I ask where your apartment was? Is there a way for me to find it online? thank you! Jane
MalcolmM1947
Richmond-upon-Thames, UK437 contributions
We stayed at the Hotel Grand Excelsior in Valletta.
elisabeth212
Marrakech, Morocco1 contribution
Hvor tar man færgen fra valetta til tre cities
Maggie F
2 contributions
I'm going to Malta next week
Staying in Bugibba
How do I get to Valletta Three Cities ?
ItchyfeetDorset
Poole, UK796 contributions
Bus to Valletta bus station. Enter Valletta, turn right at the open air theatre, slight uphill walk and keep going until you reach Upper Barrakka Gardens (sign posted as you enter City). Small gardens, and walk to back right corner where you will find a lift down to the ferry. This should take around 5 minuters but it will take much longer as you will be distracted on the way! So much to see.
At bottom of lift, turn left after crossing the road. Within 20 metres gateway on right to ferry (also sign posted).
Choice of main ferry or we chose the fun trip on a smaller boat which cost 2 euros each (one way) to Vittoriosa. You can walk to the other two cities from this island. There is a bus stop in the centre of Vittoriosa.
We returned using smaller ferry but the lift costs 1 euro each to reach the top. Well worth the money.
Ferry trip provides great views. Bus take a very long detour.
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Claim your listingTHREE CITIES: Tickets, Tours & Things to Know (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Three Cities
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Three Cities:
- Malta Full Week Tour - Including 4*/3* Hotel Accommodation (From £868.02)
- Malta Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour (From £292.77)
- Full day private driver in Malta (With optional licensed guide) (From £266.16)
- Private Customizable Full-Day Tour in Malta (From £246.45)
- Valletta & Three Cities Harbour Cruise (From £17.74)
- Hotels near Three Cities:
- (0.03 mi) Harbour View Apartment 2
- (0.11 mi) Cugó Gran Macina Malta
- (0.16 mi) The Snop House
- (0.14 mi) Indulgence Divine, self catering romantic rental for two
- (0.04 mi) IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina
- Restaurants near Three Cities:
- (0.01 mi) Birgi
- (0.03 mi) Old City Pub
- (0.10 mi) Enchante Restaurant
- (0.12 mi) Il-Hnejja
- (0.12 mi) Bebirgu
- Attractions near Three Cities:
- (0.03 mi) Happy Train Malta
- (0.13 mi) Malta at War Museum
- (0.11 mi) Vittoriosa Waterfront - Birgu Waterfront
- (0.09 mi) Malta Maritime Museum
- (0.05 mi) St. Lawrence's Church