Upper Barrakka Gardens

Upper Barrakka Gardens featuring heritage architecture and a garden
Perched above Valletta's Grand Harbour is an exquisite park of flowers and statues, from where a cannon salute is fired every day.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens is a beautiful park that lies high above the Grand Harbour. The landscaped grounds were designed as a retreat for Italian knights in 1661 and opened to the public in the 19th century. Enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and its fortified towns and watch the centuries-old tradition of salute by cannon fire.

From the harbor area, climb up the stairs to the gardens or take the elevator. The gardens sit on a bastion at the highest point in the city. Make your way to the colonnaded walkway where there are lots of benches, and take in the gorgeous setting. From here you will be able to see the medieval cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea.

Just below you is the saluting battery of cannons. For nearly 500 years the guns protected the harbor and fired salutes on special occasions such as religious festivals, anniversaries and the arrival of dignitaries. At the beginning of the 19th century, they started to fire a signal at midday, a practice that continues to this day. Turn up 1 hour before they are due to fire for a guided tour of the battery and to watch the canons being loaded.

As you stroll through the gardens with their palm trees and exotic plants, stop by the statues and monuments, which include the figure of Sir Winston Churchill. There are also memorial tablets to important naval figures. 

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are open every day and admission is free, although there is a fee for the guided tour of the Saluting Battery. The gardens are situated in the city’s pedestrianized area, approximately a 5-minute walk from the bus station. Drivers can park their car in the metered parking area outside the City Gate.

If you are arriving in Malta by cruise ship, the gardens' stairs and elevator are a short walk from the dock.

Reviews of Upper Barrakka Gardens

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
244
" "5 - Excellent 53.04347826086956%
4 - Good
195
" "4 - Good 42.391304347826086%
3 - Okay
19
" "3 - Okay 4.130434782608695%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.43478260869565216%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Feb 2020

Well worth visiting the Saluting Battery for the gun firing demonstrations

3/5 - Okay

Mari
27 Sep 2019

Currently being renovated.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Sep 2019

Cool spot with views away from the sun

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Jul 2019

Went there to see the cannons go off which I was told everyday at midday well the day I went it never happened 

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 May 2019

Best view of the Grand Harbour

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 May 2019

Beautiful view. Cute gardens. A must see!

Popular places to visit


Top Upper Barrakka Gardens Hotel Deals

Grand Harbour Hotel
Grand Harbour Hotel
2 out of 5
47, Battery Street, Valletta, MALTA
Grand Harbour Hotel
Iniala Harbour House
Iniala Harbour House
5 out of 5
12, St. Barbara Bastions, Valletta
Iniala Harbour House
Corinthia St George's Bay
Corinthia St George's Bay
5 out of 5
St. Georges Bay, St. Julian's, Malta
Corinthia St George's Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.