Sight guide · Valletta · Malta
Visiting Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery
The arcaded garden on the highest point of the bastions looks across the Grand Harbour to Birgu, Senglea and Fort St Angelo.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: C T Johansson, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery is a viewpoint in Upper Valletta, Valletta. Allow 45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Viewpoint
- Area
- Upper Valletta
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, views, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- May–July
About Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery
The arcaded garden on the highest point of the bastions looks across the Grand Harbour to Birgu, Senglea and Fort St Angelo. Below it, the Saluting Battery's cannons are fired daily at noon, a tradition that once regulated time for ships in the harbour. The Barrakka Lift drops 58 metres from the gardens to the waterfront.
Tip: Arrive about 15 minutes before noon to get a spot on the terrace for the gun salute.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Upper Valletta, city Gate, Republic Street and the cathedral end of the capital.
Best time to visit Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery
Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- June: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
- July: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, very busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-May the sun sets at about 20:00 local time (calculated for Valletta).
When to visit Valletta has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Valletta itinerary visits Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery on day 1, together with St John's Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster's Palace and Manoel Theatre.
- No. 2 of the 16 sights in our Valletta things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Valletta.
- A family favourite in Valletta with kids.
Near Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery
Also in Upper Valletta, so you can walk between them:
- St John's Co-Cathedral — 1.5 hours, mid-priced
- Grandmaster's Palace — 1–1.5 hours, mid-priced
- Lascaris War Rooms — 1–1.5 hours, mid-priced
If you like Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery
- Fort St Elmo and National War Museum — Lower Valletta, 2 hours
- Lower Barrakka Gardens and Siege Bell — Lower Valletta, 30 minutes
- Birgu and Fort St Angelo — The Three Cities, Half a day
- Grand Harbour and Marsamxett cruise — Sliema, 1.5 hours
Staying near Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery
Stay in Upper Valletta ($$$$) to walk here: city Gate, Republic Street and the cathedral end of the capital. All areas to stay in Valletta.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery?
Plan 45 minutes. With St John's Co-Cathedral nearby, it fits a half-day in Upper Valletta.
+Is Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery?
May–July for the most comfortable weather. Arrive about 15 minutes before noon to get a spot on the terrace for the gun salute.
+Do I need to book Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Valletta. Malta is easy with children: English is spoken everywhere, distances are short, and forts, boat trips and the noon gun are a hit.