How to Get from Valletta to Birgu (+ What to Do Once You’re There)

Valletta and Birgu are two cities in Malta, both worth a visit not matter how short your stay.

While Valletta is the capital and a bustling hub of activity, Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa) offers a quieter, more traditional Maltese experience.

Birgu is part of you may already know as The Three Cities, together with Senglea and Cospicua. The Three Cities are among the best places to visit in Malta.

The good news is Birgu and Valletta are just across the Grand Harbour from each other. Getting from Valletta to Birgu takes as little as 10 minutes by water taxi, and the journey itself is half the fun.

Birgu dates from the Middle Age, and that makes it order than Senglea and Cospicua, the two cities built by the Knights of St John during the 16th – 17th centuries.

To find out more about this, read my article about the Three Cities of Malta.

Located just across the Grand Harbour from each other, Valletta and Birgu are easily accessible to visitors. If you have accommodation in Valletta, you can enjoy many wonderful morning walks along the streets of Birgu.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply looking to explore more of Malta, this guide will help you navigate the journey from Valletta to Birgu efficiently and enjoyably.

The first time I visited Malta, I took a walk from Valetta to Birgu, as I wanted to take some photos and to get to know the island better.

I returned from Birgu to Valletta by water taxi. That was a very fun 2 Euro ride that took about 10 minutes.

A map of Birgu with its main landmarks

1. Ferry / Water taxi

The ferry is the fastest and most scenic option for traveling between Valletta and Birgu.

• Departure point: Valletta Waterfront (near Lascaris Wharf)
• Journey time: Approximately 10 minutes
• Frequency: Ferries run every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (may vary seasonally); water taxis are small boats that accommodate 6 people
• Cost: Affordable, with discounts available for residents and frequent travelers
• Benefits: Offers breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and Birgu’s fortifications
• Tips: Consider taking the ferry at sunset for spectacular views; the water taxi ride is fun, but the boat is shaky and passengers may occasionally get splashed with water

🔗 Book a return ferry ticket Valletta ↔ Three Cities on GetYourGuide — convenient if you want a pre-booked, flexible ticket

2. Bus

Buses provide an economical and comfortable option for those who prefer land travel.

I have to say that buses in Malta are an awesome option, provided that you use them only outside rush hours.

During rush hours buses become one of your worst commuting options, as they can get extremely crowded.

The big number of people willing to get on the bus will take a long time at each stop, as they must pass by the driver to pay or to tap their transport card to the reader.

• Routes: Take bus number 2 or 3 from the Valletta bus terminal
• Journey time: 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions
• Frequency: Buses run every 20-30 minutes throughout the day
• Cost: Very affordable, with options for single journey tickets or multi-day passes
• Benefits: Air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and allows you to see more of the local area
• Tips: Avoid rush hours for a more comfortable journey

3. Taxi / Bolt / Uber

This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option.

• Pickup points: Available throughout Valletta, with stands at major squares and hotels
• Journey time: About 15 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Higher than public transport, but can be economical for groups
• Benefits: Door-to-door service, air-conditioned, and comfortable
• Options: Traditional taxis or rideshare apps such as Bolt and Uber
• Tips: Always agree on the fare before starting the journey if using a traditional taxi.

4. Walking

For the adventurous and fit traveler, walking is an option, albeit a long one.

• Route: From Valletta, head towards the Three Cities area
• Journey time: Approximately 2 hours
• Distance: About 8-9 kilometers
• Benefits: Allows for exploration of the areas between Valletta and Birgu
• Challenges: Involves crossing the Grand Harbour (via the bridge near Marsa) and can be hot during summer months
• Tips: Start early in the morning to avoid midday heat, wear comfortable shoes, and carry water

Each mode of transport offers a unique perspective on the journey from Valletta to Birgu.

The Birgu harbor – the gondola bay is somewhere in the middle. Just ask for directions, should you not see people waiting to board

The ferry provides beautiful views and great photo opportunities, the bus offers an economical route through local areas, taxis provide convenience, and walking allows for a more intimate exploration of the cities.

If you’re into walking, you’ll love the exercise.

If you’re not that much of a walker, you’d better take the ferry or the water taxi. When you can only walk a limited distance, you’d better strong along the narrow streets of Birgu rather than taking that long walk from Valletta.

Cool waterfront restaurant in Birgu

Comparison at a Glance

What to Do in Birgu

Once you arrive, Birgu rewards slow exploration. The streets are narrow, the stone is warm, and there’s a remarkable amount of history packed into a small area.

Fort St Angelo

The most iconic landmark in Birgu, Fort St Angelo sits at the tip of the peninsula with panoramic views across the Grand Harbour. It played a central role in the Great Siege of 1565 and remains one of Malta’s most impressive fortifications.

Click here to book a ticket to a Fort St. Angelo tour with audio guide.

🔗 Book your 3-hour Three Cities walking tour — the tour is excellent and worth the three hours of walking

The Inquisitor’s Palace

One of the only surviving Inquisitor’s Palaces in the world. The building dates to the 1530s and now houses a museum exploring the island’s complex history of the Inquisition. Unusual and genuinely fascinating.

The Maritime Museum

Located right where the water taxis drop you off, the Maritime Museum covers Malta’s seafaring history across several floors of a converted Naval Bakery. Good value and easy to pair with the harbour crossing.

Birgu Waterfront

The marina in Birgu is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Malta. Lined with restaurants and superyachts, it’s a great place to have lunch before or after exploring the fortifications.

Explore the Back Streets

The real pleasure of Birgu is simply wandering. The residential streets behind the waterfront are full of colourful doors, baroque churches, and quiet squares where locals go about their day entirely unbothered by tourists.

Guided Tours: The Three Cities from Valletta

If you’d rather have an expert take you around and explain the history as you go, a guided tour of the Three Cities is one of the best value experiences in Malta.

🔗 Three Cities guided tour from Valletta with harbour cruise — GetYourGuide — combines a walking tour of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua with a dgħajsa ride on the harbour. Highly recommended for first-time visitors.

Where to Stay Near Birgu

Staying in or near the Three Cities puts you away from Valletta’s tourist buzz while keeping you close to everything. It’s a quieter, more local experience — and accommodation tends to be better value than in the capital.

🔗 Browse hotels near Birgu on Booking.com

If you prefer to stay in Valletta and day-trip to Birgu (a perfectly reasonable plan given the 10-minute crossing), the options in the capital are plentiful.

🔗 Browse hotels in Valletta on Booking.com

Practical Tips

• Go early or late. Birgu gets busy in the middle of the day, especially in summer. Arriving before 10am or after 4pm makes a real difference.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are cobblestone and uneven throughout.
• Carry cash. The water taxi operators are cash-only.
• Combine with Senglea. The two cities are a short walk apart, and Senglea Garden has one of the best views in Malta.
• Check ferry hours. The last ferry back is typically around 7:00 PM, so plan accordingly if you’re not taking the water taxi.

FAQ

How long does it take to get from Valletta to Birgu? The water taxi takes about 10 minutes. The ferry takes around 15 minutes. By bus it’s 20–30 minutes, and by taxi about 13 minutes.

How much does the water taxi from Valletta to Birgu cost? €2 per person one way. Harbour tours cost around €8–15 per person for a 30-minute trip.

Is Birgu worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s one of the most historically rich and atmospherically intact places in Malta, and the combination of Fort St Angelo, the waterfront, and the back streets makes for a genuinely excellent half-day trip.

Can you walk from Valletta to Birgu? Yes, but it takes about 2 hours and covers roughly 8–9 km, including a detour via the bridge near Marsa. Start early to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water.

What is Birgu also known as? Birgu is also called Vittoriosa. It’s part of the Three Cities of Malta, alongside Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla).