Birgu is a great place to visit if you want to avoid the crowds in Malta.
This fortified city is often overlooked by tourists, as it is surpassed in popularity by Mdina and Valletta. However, it’s packed with history and charm, and it’s home to some of the most significant buildings in Malta.
There are plenty of things to do in Birgu. You can explore the city’s impressive fort and churches, or simply wander through its quaint alleys and enjoy a nice meal by the sea.
This Birgu travel guide covers everything: how to get there, where to stay, best things to do, top attractions, and more — all recommended by a local.
So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why visit Birgu?
Also known as Vittoriosa, Birgu is a fortified city located in the southeastern part of Malta, overlooking the Grand Harbour.
It is one of the oldest and most historic cities on the island, and served as the capital of Malta during the rule of the Knights of St. John in the 16th century.
Today, Birgu is a bustling multicultural city, known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and stunning waterfront views.
Birgu is one of the Three Cities: a group of fortified cities on the Grand Harbour, locally known as Cottonera. The other two cities are Isla (or Senglea) and Bormla (Cospicua).
How to get to Birgu
If you’re using public transport, there are two many ways to get to Birgu:
- By bus. You’ll need to get on bus no. 2, 3, or 4 from Valletta. The trip takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.
- By ferry. There’s a ferry to the Three Cities, which departs from the Quarry Wharf (Valletta) every 30 minutes. This is quicker than the bus, and it offers scenic views of the Grand Harbour.
If you’re driving in Malta, follow the signs to Il-Kottonera. There are various parking areas just outside of Birgu. You can park along the marina, or in neighbouring Bormla.
Note that some streets like Triq San Lawrenz have time limits on parking, so keep an eye out for any signs.
Where to stay in Birgu
Are you thinking of spending a couple of days in Birgu?
I highly recommend staying at Palazzo Bettina, a 4-star boutique hotel right next to the Birgu parish church and square.
This 17th-century palace had lain abandoned for decades, before it was finally renovated into an elegant hotel with beautifully furnished rooms and modern amenities.
In the past, it served as a convent, a British military hospital, and a property used by Malta’s first saint: Dun Ġorġ Preca.
The hotel has a lovely rooftop area, with a pool, jacuzzi, and stunning views over the harbour.
There’s also a cozy courtyard, where you can enjoy a romantic drink or just wind down with a book.
My husband and I spent a weekend here, and we loved it. The staff were very attentive and the hotel was super clean and quiet.
Best things to do in Birgu
Birgu is a compact places, with quiet streets and a few pedestrianized areas. You can explore most of the city in two to four hours — just make sure to a wear comfy shoes!
Here are some of the most amazing things to do in Birgu.
1. Wander around Fort St. Angelo
Fort St. Angelo is Birgu’s star attraction, and one of the most important buildings in Malta.
Located at the heart of the Grand Harbour, this bastioned fort was originally a medieval castle. It was rebuilt by the Order of Saint John during the 1500s.
Fort St. Angelo played a key role during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565, and later during the Second World War.
Today, Fort St. Angelo offers visitors an immersive experience through Malta’s military history. It highlights the strategic importance of the fort and the Grand Harbour throughout the centuries.
You can also enjoy beautiful views of the harbour and surrounding towns.
Make sure to check out the medieval part of the fort (it’s quite easy to miss). There’s a stone staircase that takes you to the upper area.
Here, there’s the Chapel of St. Anne, which dates back to the 13th century. According to legend, it stands on the site of a Phoenician temple dedicated to Astarte.
There’s also the Magisterial Palace, with its well-preserved Norman architecture. Climb up the spiral staircase for a view of the lovely courtyard.
If you’re tired, get some rest at the peaceful nymphaeum, built by Grand Master L’Isle Adam.
You’ll need at least one hour to see the entire fort. It opens at 9am and tickets costs 10 Euros (at the time of writing).
2. Venture into the Inquisitor’s Palace
Another must-see in Birgu is the Inquisitor’s Palace. This imposing building was originally built to serve as the Civil Law Courts of the Order of St John.
In the 16th century, the Knights turned the palace into a prison complex and the private residence of the inquisitor.
During the British rule in Malta, the palace served as a military hospital.
Nowadays, the Inquisitor’s Palace walks visitors through the history of the Roman Inquisition in Malta. It also houses the National Museum of Ethnography.
Besides admiring the beautiful architectural features of the palace, you can also see the room that once served as the inquisitor’s private chambers, as well as the inquisitor’s private chapel and the tribunal chamber.
If you’re feeling brave, you can check out the torture chambers and step inside the small prison cells.
3. See the old gates
The 18th century gates of Birgu are integral to the city’s historic fortifications. They were designed by Charles François de Mondion in the Baroque Style.
Three of the four original gates survive:
- Couvre Porte Gate
- Advanced Gate
- Gate of Provence
These gates were designed to control access and provide defense. Today, they stand as historical landmarks, offering a glimpse into Birgu’s strategic importance during the era of the Knights.
4. Visit the Malta Maritime Museum
Housed in the former Royal Navy Bakery, the Malta Maritime Museum traces the island’s naval heritage from prehistoric times to the present day (that’s 7000 years of history!).
The museum has a collection of over 20,000 artifacts, making it the largest museum on the island.
Some of the most interesting artifacts at the museum include a 1950s marine steam engine, the figurehead of the Napoleonic gun ship HMS Hibernia, and the largest known Roman anchor in the world.
5. Explore Birgu’s quaint alleys
The heart of Birgu is a maze of alleys with traditional Maltese houses.
If you’re an avid photographer, you’ll definitely find several photo opportunities while exploring the streets of Birgu — colourful doors and balconies, stone walls lined with flower pots, and the occasional stray cat.
The Knights of St. John built several auberges in Birgu. Each building represented a linguistic division of the Order and served has headquarters.
Some of these auberges have survived and are open to the public. For instance, the Auberge de France serves as the town hall, while the Auberge d’Angleterre houses the local health centre.
6. Pop into the Sicolo-Norman House
The beautiful Sicolo Norman House is my favourite site in Birgu.
Nestled within the winding streets of Birgu, this fascinating building dates back to the 12th century and features a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic elements.
It is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Birgu.
This old house has been restored with love and patience by its current owner. The door is often open so passers-by can pop in and see the house.
7. Walk along the sea front
One of the best things to do in Birgu is to go for a walk along the city’s waterfront.
If you walk along the entire perimeter, you get to see two very different sides: the world-class marina with large, luxury yachts, and the more authentic part of the city, with traditional boats and local fishermen sitting along the shore.
Start your walk from the Birgu Waterfront. As you approach Fort St. Angelo, you’ll come across a wee alley on your right that leads to the other side of Birgu.
The area on this side of the harbour is known as il-Mandragg, and from here get some lovely views of the neighbouring town of Kalkara.
This is a popular swimming spot among locals. If you decide to go for a dip, make sure to remain within the bathing lines as small boats are constantly sailing in and out of the bay.
8. Check out the views from the ramparts
While walking around Birgu, make sure to head down to the ramparts on Triq Emanuel Attard Bezzina (right above il-Mandragg).
Here, you can enjoy stunning views over the Grand Harbour.
If you need a wee rest, head to the Birgu Belvedere, a nice and quiet viewpoint with benches.
9. Enjoy a coffee at the square
Victory Square is the social hub of Birgu. This is where locals meet up for a drink, and throughout the year the square hosts various events.
A 18th century monument stands in the middle of the square and commemorates the Great Siege of 1656.
On one side of the square, you’ll find an old crucifix in a small niche. This marks the place where prisoners were publicly executed during the rule of the Order of St. John.
Victory Square is teeming with cafes where you can enjoy a light lunch and a nice drink.
10. Have lunch at the waterfront
The Birgu waterfront is the perfect place to indulge in delicious Mediterranean food. There are several restaurants and bars in this area, all of them with outdoor seating.
One of my favourite places on the waterfront is Mykonos by Yiamas. This Greek restaurant is technically in Cospicua (Birgu’s neighbouring city), but it’s a stone’s throw from the Church of St. Lawrence.
They serve some amazing food here, including salads and gyros.
This place also offers unobstructed views of the Senglea fortifications on the other side of the marina.
The waterfront is also a great place to just chill with a drink. Some bars have a happy hour on cocktails.
After lunch, you can go for a nice stroll along the marina. If you fancy something sweet, go to Sotto Zero (next to the Church of St. Lawrence, for some delicious homemade ice-cream.
11. Go for a nice stroll through the Birgu Ditch Gardens
The Birgu Ditch Gardens are a little green oasis in a largely urban area. In the summer months, they offer some respite from the heat – and the crowds.
To get to the gardens, go through the Gate of Provence and then the Advanced Gate. Here, you’ll find the old barracks that house the Malta at War Museum.
Look for a set of steps that take to the foot of the fortifications. Then, simply follow the path through the gardens.
Eventually, you’ll end up at il-Mandragg, and you can make your way back into Birgu by walking along the seafront.
12. Grab a unique souvenir from the Birgu Flea Market
If you love bric-a-brac and antiques, you must check out the Birgu flea market. It takes place every Tuesday and Sunday, in an open area known as Fuq il-Fortina.
It’s actually a car boot sale, with locals setting up makeshift stalls right outside their vehicles. You’ll find all sorts of things, from tea sets and ornaments to old tools and second-hand clothes.
You’ll want to get there early in the morning, as many vendor start packing up well before noon.
13. Have a snack at Cafe Riche
This iconic cafe is a popular place among locals. It’s been around since the 1930s, and it’s run by the descendants of the original owner.
Cafe Riche has a cozy rustic courtyard, with vines and colourful bougainvillea. On a hot day, it offers some shelter from the sun.
The place serves a variety of snacks, including bagels and salads.
14. Grab some homemade goodies
Next to the Church of St. Lawrence, you’ll find a vault-like shop that sells a vast selection of local produce, including coffee, herbs, sweets, wine, and olive oil.
Many of these products are made in Gozo. You’ll also find a selection of gifts, including mugs and coasters.
The people who work here are very helpful, so if you’re looking for something in particular, just let them know!
15. Venture into the streets at night
And finally on this list of best things to do in Birgu — explore the city at night!
The streets are so magical in the night, with lanterns casting a gentle glow over the stone facades.
Additionally, Birgu is home to some very intriguing ghost legends. In fact, I recommend joining a ghost walk at night (I’ve done it three times!).
There are a few little nice restaurants in the streets of Birgu. One of my favourite places is Taste of Vietnam, which serves authentic Vietnamese dishes.
The place is small, so I recommend booking a table. After dinner, you could head down to the waterfront for a glass of wine by the sea.
Top attractions in Birgu
We’ve already mentioned a few important places in Birgu. Let’s take a closer look at the top attractions.
Fort St. Angelo
Positioned at the tip of the Birgu peninsula, Fort St. Angelo played a crucial role in Malta’s defense, particularly during the Great Siege of 1565, when the Knights of St. John defended the island against the Ottoman Empire.
This medieval castle was significantly reinforced by the Knights in the 16th century. Over the centuries, it continued to serve as a military base under various rulers, including the Britis.
Today, Fort St. Angelo is managed by Heritage Malta. You can explore its bastions and underground tunnels, and enjoy stunning views of the Grand Harbour and Valletta.
The Inquisitor’s Palace
Built in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, The Inquisitor’s Palace functioned as both a court and prison for those accused of heresy and other crimes.
The building features grand halls, a chapel, an audience chamber, and several prison cells.
Like Fort St. Angelo, the palace is now a museum managed by Heritage Malta. It offers a glimpse into the history of the Inquisition, the daily life of the inquisitors, and the legal and religious systems of the time.
The Malta Maritime Museum
Housed in the former Royal Naval Bakery, a 19th-century building constructed by the British, this museum showcases Malta’s deep connections to the sea, from ancient times to the modern era.
It houses over 20,000 artifacts, such as ship models, navigational instruments, cannons, uniforms, and historical documents. One of its most notable exhibits is the largest known Roman anchor in the world.
The museum also features artifacts from the Knights of St. John, the British Royal Navy, and Malta’s merchant and fishing industries.
Through its extensive displays, the Malta Maritime Museum offers an immersive journey through Malta’s seafaring past, highlighting the island’s crucial role in Mediterranean trade, naval warfare, and maritime innovation.
The Malta at War Museum
This attraction is dedicated to Malta’s experiences during World War II, particularly the island’s resilience during the brutal Axis bombardments.
Housed in a historic army barracks near the Couvre Porte, the Malta at War Museum provides a deep insight into the hardships faced by the Maltese people and their crucial role in the Allied war effort.
It features an extensive collection of wartime artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, documents, and personal belongings of soldiers and civilians.
A highlight of the museum is the underground air-raid shelter, which offers a firsthand look at how Maltese families sought refuge from relentless bombings.
The Sicolo Norman House
The Sicolo-Norman House, also known as Casa Normanna, is a rare medieval residence in Birgu.
Dating back to the 13th or 14th century, it is one of the few surviving examples of Sicolo-Norman architecture on the island. This architectural style, influenced by both Norman and Arab traditions, was common in Sicily and southern Italy during the Middle Ages.
The house features distinctive Norman elements, such as pointed arches, thick stone walls, and wooden beams. Its interior is relatively simple but reflects the medieval way of life, with small rooms and a functional layout.
Today, Casa Normanna serves as a heritage site. It is privately-owned, and the owners have take great care in restoring it to its former glory.
The Church of Saint Lawrence
The Church of Saint Lawrence is one of the most historically significant churches on the island.
Originally built in the 12th century, it was later expanded and redesigned in 1681 by the renowned Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà, who gave it its impressive Baroque style.
The church features a magnificent dome, grand altars, and intricate artwork, including paintings by renowned artists like Mattia Preti. It is dedicated to Saint Lawrence, the patron saint of Birgu, and hosts an annual feast in his honor every August.
The Oratory of St. Joseph
The Oratory of St. Joseph is a small yet historically significant church located next to the Church of Saint Lawrence.
Built in the 17th century, it was constructed to serve as a place of worship and devotion to St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers and families.
One of the oratory’s most treasured artifacts is a highly revered statue of St. Joseph, which is carried in religious processions during feast celebrations.
The interior is beautifully decorated with Baroque-style paintings, ornate woodwork, and intricate altars.
Birgu travel guide: a quick summary
🚌 Getting there: Buses 2, 3, or 4
🛏️ Accommodation: Bettina Palace
🏛 Top attractions: Fort St. Angelo, The Inquisitor’s Palace, The Malta Maritime Museum, The Sicolo-Norman House, and the Malta at War Museum.
🥘 Restaurants: Cafe Riche, Taste of Vietnam, Mykonos by Yiamas
Frequently asked questions about Birgu
Still have some questions about Birgu? Let’s answer them!
Is Birgu worth visiting?
Yes, definitely! It’s a quiet old town, packed with history and lovely streets.
What is Birgu known for?
Birgu is known for its key role in the Great Siege of Malta. It’s also home to significant buildings like Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace.
What are the three cities in Malta?
The Three Cities are Bormla (Cospicua), Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Isle (Senglea). They are three fortified harbour cities in the southeastern part of the island.
What can you do in Birgu for free?
There are many things to do in Birgu for free. You can:
– explore the quaint streets
– go for a stroll through the ditch gardens
– walk along the waterfront
What top attractions are a must-see in Birgu?
Fort St. Angelo and The Inquisitor’s Palace are my top recommendations. There’s also the Sicolo Norman House, the Maritime Museum, and the Church of Saint Lawrence.
