Upper Barrakka

This place is beautiful, not sure why it took me so long to find it but definitely a must. They have a cannon show at 12pm and 4pm everyday which we conveniently missed both times we were there despite being in the vicinity. The Xmas markets were on at the time so it was a pleasant atmosphere. Parking nearby in the car park but spaces are small.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens is a public park in Valletta, Malta, perched at the highest point on the city's bastions. Created in 1661 as a private retreat for Italian knights, it now offers the most famous panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua). It is free to enter the gardens. Open Daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Located at 292 Triq Sant' Orsla, Valletta. It is a 5-minute walk from the main Valletta bus station. The gardens are wheelchair accessible and can be reached from the waterfront via the Barrakka Lift (€1 per trip, free to go down). One can Watch the daily ceremonial firing of cannons at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM from the terrace below the gardens. While free to watch from the garden balcony, you can pay a small fee (~€3) to enter the battery for a closer view and guided tour. The paths are lined with historical markers, including the famous bronze sculpture Les Gavroches by Antonio Sciortino and a bust of Sir Winston Churchill. Stroll through the iconic roofless colonnades, originally built as a covered walkway before the ceiling was removed following the "Rising of the Priests" in 1775.

⸻ 💥 Saluting Battery – Valletta 💥 The cannon firing at the Saluting Battery in Valletta is absolutely awesome and a must-see! It’s a brilliant glimpse into Malta’s rich history and naval traditions, brought to life with precision and ceremony. The setting overlooking the Grand Harbour makes it even more impressive – you can really feel the history echo through the city. Definitely one to add to your list when visiting Valletta! However, I do urge you to arrive at least an hour before the midday and 1600 cannon salutes because the crowds tend to gather early, and you’ll find yourself jostling for a decent view. The views from the gardens are worth a visit alone! The surround area has a really nice vibe to it as well.

Upper Barrakka Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Malta. The view over the Grand Harbour is absolutely stunning and perfect for photos. I really like the peaceful atmosphere, even though it’s a popular tourist spot. The daily cannon firing is a unique experience and adds to the historical feeling of the place. Overall, it’s a must-visit location if you are in Valletta.

Nice public gardens above the war rooms and saluting battery. Free public toilets that were clean. If you were visiting to see the battery, been aware that it does not take place on Sundays, and get there early to secure a spot as it does get busy

Views are spectacular - Even in the drizzly weather! Well worth a ride up the lift (€1 cost for a return ticket)

Great fortress and a beautiful old Valletta. Salute battery remains an attraction - be there at noon. Historical place with a strategic location at the bay and the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and short distance to North African coast and Italy.

Excellent site to see the Grand Harbour of Malta. Peaceful place of flowering beauty to quiet the mind. At the overlook you can witness the Saluting Battery-traditional firing of a single canon at Noon and 4pm daily. It is impressive and loud! The firing was once used to welcome and set time for vessels in the harbour.