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Visit The Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea & Cospicua

May 6, 2026

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by

Erin

in Europe, Malta

1,004 words

4–6 minutes

Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta lie the fortified cities of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua—collectively known as The Three Cities. You can see them from the Upper Barrakka Gardens; they are three peninsulas jutting into the harbour. These historic neighbourhoods offer a quieter, more lived-in feel compared to the polished energy of Valletta, and are deeply tied to Malta’s maritime and military legacy.

The Three Cities Summary

Easy half- or full-day trip from Valletta (10 min ferry or short bus ride)
Explore Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua
Best for: history, waterfront views, slow wandering
Highlights: Birgu marina, Senglea viewpoint, narrow historic streets, harbour views
Notes: everything is walkable, less crowded than Valletta, but just as atmospheric

The Three Cities

Birgu or Vittoriosa

Birgu, the most historic of the three, was the first seat of the Knights of St. John when they arrived in Malta. Its narrow alleyways are filled with golden-stone buildings, charming doorways, and local life. Don’t miss Fort St. Angelo, strategically perched at the tip of Birgu, which offers panoramic views of the harbour and an excellent deep dive into Malta’s layered history—from the medieval period through WWII. The Malta at War Museum is housed in 18th-century barracks sitting above an enormous rock-hewn WWII air-raid shelter. The underground guided tour is the highlight — you descend into tunnels where hundreds of civilians sheltered during the sustained German and Italian bombing campaigns of 1940–43.

Along Birgu’s waterfront, cafés and restaurants sit beside bobbing boats and yachts, making it a great place to stop for lunch or a drink with a view.

A highlight in Birgu is the Inquisitor’s Palace, a rare surviving institution from the time of the Roman Catholic Inquisition (one of three in the world). The museum explores 200 years of Malta’s religious past but also its legal and social structures—equal parts fascinating and eerie. The dungeons, courtroom, and private apartments are all preserved. Note it’s closed Mondays and Wednesdays.

Senglea

Senglea, known locally as L-Isla, occupies the narrowest peninsula. It is not as touristy as Birgu, so it has a much more local feel. It suffered the worst WWII bombing of the three cities and was almost entirely rebuilt after the war, so it’s less architecturally dramatic than Birgu. But it offers one of the best lookout points in the area: the Gardjola Gardens, where a small guard tower overlooks the Grand Harbour with views directly across to Valletta. It’s a perfect photo spot and often less crowded than the Barrakka Gardens.

The Senglea Waterfront faces towards Birgu and is a quiet, local promenade dotted with traditional, colourful luzzu fishing boats. It’s a peaceful spot for a coffee away from the tourist trail.

Cospicua

Cospicua, the largest of the three, wraps around the back of the other two and is the most everyday and least touristed of all. It is mostly residential but rich in character and great for a peaceful walk among traditional Maltese homes. It’s also surrounded by the most impressive fortifications of the group.

The Cottonera Lines are the massive 17th-century star-fort bastions that encircle and protect all three cities from landward attack. Built by the Knights after the Great Siege, they’re a remarkable feat of military engineering. You can walk along sections of the walls for free, and the scale — stretching for several kilometres — is genuinely impressive.

St Helen’s Gate is the grand monumental entrance through the inner Santa Margherita Lines into Cospicua, a striking ceremonial arch framed by the fortification walls. A good spot for photos, though busy with traffic.

The Bir Mula Heritage Museum is the Three Cities’ best hidden gem — a private house in Cospicua whose owner has uncovered and preserved layer upon layer of history going back thousands of years, all within the fabric of the building. Tours are free, deeply personal, and conducted by the passionate curator himself. It requires booking (Saturday mornings primarily) and is described by visitors as one of the most unusual and memorable experiences in all of Malta.

How to Get to the Three Cities

You can reach the Three Cities from Valletta easily, and the journey itself is part of the charm! Even though the Three Cities are often grouped, take your time in Birgu, the most significant and historic. From there, Senglea and Cospicua are just a 10–15 minute walk away. Here are a few options for getting to the Three Cities:

By Ferry (Recommended)

The most picturesque way to get there is by taking the Valletta–Three Cities Ferry from Lascaris Wharf, near the Lower Barrakka Gardens.

Duration: ~5–7 minutes
Cost: ~€1.50 one way / €2.80 return
Bonus: You get a stunning view of the Grand Harbour, Valletta’s fortifications, and the historic waterfronts of the Three Cities.

Once you disembark at Vittoriosa/Birgu, you’re right in the heart of the action and can explore the others on foot. Valletta Ferries

By Traditional Dgħajsa (Water Taxi)

For an even more atmospheric experience, hop on a dgħajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, from the same ferry area. It’s slightly more expensive but worth it for the charm and photo ops.

Cost: Around €2–€5 per person
Tip: You can sometimes negotiate with the driver or get a mini-tour of the harbour.

By Bus

Buses run regularly from Valletta Bus Terminal to all Three Cities:

Bus 1, 2, or 3 will take you to Birgu/Vittoriosa, Cospicua, or Senglea
Duration: 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic
Cost: €1.50–€2.00 (valid for 2 hours)

Less scenic than the ferry, but good for rainy days or if you’re already using public transport.

By Car or Taxi

Driving is possible, but parking is limited and navigating the narrow streets can be tricky. If you’re short on time, a taxi or Bolt ride from Valletta takes ~15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Three Cities offers a chance to see Malta from a more local perspective—quiet, historic, and full of charm. You will need a whole day to visit all three. Birgu will likely take the bulk of your time.