You’ve got half a day to kill, you’re looking for something fun to do, and the weather may or may not be cooperating.
While this island may be small, there’s no shortage of things to do in Malta.
Here are 5 places to visit rain or shine as a group that celebrate Maltese heritage and will satisfy foodies and culture-vultures alike.
1. Chocolate District
Self-proclaimed makers of the best hot chocolate in Malta, Chocolate District is Valletta’s tastiest underground secret. The moment you descend, you’re hit with the intoxicating smell of melting chocolate. They’re passionate artisans who serve unapologetically delicious coffee, teas and chocolate with a Maltese twist. If chocolate-orange is your thing, imagine a Kinnie inspired, bitter-sweet twist on a hot chocolate! On a rainy day, this is the spot to relax indoors while sampling their single origin brews and boldest creations in good company.
Browse their curated selection here: https://www.chocolatedistrict.com/
2. Malta Experience
Also in Valletta is the Malta Experience, a must-see audio-visual attraction for any tourist or curious resident. The film, followed by an indoor walk-through exhibition, is your go-to crash course on Malta’s 7,000 year history (available in 17 languages)! You can also join a guided tour of the Mediterranean Conference Centre, a 16th century hospital built by the Knights of St John – now a thriving events venue. The Malta Experience has captured millions of visitors for 40+ years for a reason.
Find out more about the Malta Experience here: https://themaltaexperience.com/
3. The Farsons Brewery Experience
Whether you love beer or not, there’s nowhere else in Malta quite like the former Farsons Brewery. An icon of mid-century industrial heritage, the 1950s building is Malta’s longest standing brewery, recently restored and opened to visitors. It’s an ideal pit-stop on your way to Mdina, with a 1-hour self-guided tour that leads to the brewhall with the original boiling coppers.
The €15 entrance ticket is undeniably good value for money. Besides including the audio-guide, available in 7 languages including English, Maltese, Spanish, Italian, Polish, German and French, the tour ends with a beer tasting flight of 5 classic beers in The Cisk Tap, a panoramic bar above.
It also includes a complimentary digital photo, with the option to upgrade against a limited-edition seasonal background! You can have these printed in the Farsons Brandstore while you browse household-name merchandise such as Cisk printed T-shirts and Kinnie-themed coasters. With 4 eateries on site and an in-house microbrewery serving fresh, small-batch craft beer, the ‘Home of Cisk’ is the perfect group or family activity on a gloomy day.
Book your tickets to The Farsons Brewery Experience here: https://farsonsexperience.com/buy-tickets/
4. Palazzo Parisio
The name itself sounds fancy, and it is! This mini-Versailles has hosted the likes of Oprah, but don’t be intimidated — Palazzo Parisio welcomes anyone wanting to indulge in exquisite architectural beauty and divine treats. The indoor tour of their frescoed-ceiling rooms will have your eyes firmly fixed to the heavens. Their boujee Afternoon Tea taps at €27.50 a head, but for the price of feeling like baroque royalty for an afternoon? Worth every cent. There’s also bottomless Friday brunch and a whole calendar of musical and cultural activities to enjoy all year round. Yes, it’s fancy, and yes, you should dress up – but it’ll be a day to remember.
Check out what’s on at Palazzo Parisio here: https://www.palazzoparisio.com/whatson
5. Mani
What started as family-run candle company ‘Nemnem’ in 2020 has become a full-blown love letter to Malta. ‘Mani’ is actually an acronym of the words ‘Manifattura, Arti, Novita, Imhabba’ (Manufacturing, Art, Novelty and Love), which tells you everything you need to know about their vision. Their new 300m² Ta’ Qali shop, in the heart of Crafts Village, is a treasure trove of local wines, handmade souvenirs, and yes — those irresistible candles. Sample products at their tasting corner, browse entirely Maltese goods, and soon, learn to make candles yourself in their upcoming workshops! It’s part boutique, part cultural experience. Perfect for group spending that actually supports Maltese artisans.
Learn more about Mani here: https://www.facebook.com/manicentremalta
Plan your visit