Fort St Elmo & National War Museum
Explore centuries of Malta's military history at Fort St. Elmo, featuring the National War Museum and stunning Grand Harbour views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Fort St Elmo & National War Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of Malta's military history at Fort St. Elmo, featuring the National War Museum and stunning Grand Harbour views.
"A truly remarkable historical site with clear, insightful explanations and stunning ocean views."
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 1.5-2 hours to see everything. It's surprisingly big!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe: Be prepared to walk!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Bastion Views
Upper levels of the fort
Breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and Valletta's skyline. Perfect for photography.

National War Museum Exhibits
Inside the fort
Fascinating artifacts and displays covering Malta's military history from the Knights to WWII.

VR Experience
Designated VR area
An immersive virtual reality experience bringing Malta's wartime history to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Exploration
Weather-Wise Preparations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lascaris War Rooms v. Fort St. Elmo
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 1.5-2 hours to see everything. It's surprisingly big!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe: Be prepared to walk!
Any fun stuff to do in Malta?I only have 6 hours🥲
Mind the Wind
It gets very windy up top, hold onto your hat! :wind_face:
Check for VR
Ask about the VR experience; it's a cool addition! :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 1.5-2 hours to see everything. It's surprisingly big!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe: Be prepared to walk!
Mind the Wind
It gets very windy up top, hold onto your hat! :wind_face:
Check for VR
Ask about the VR experience; it's a cool addition! :iphone:
Ticket Value
Around €10 for 3 hours of history. :euro: Great value!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum as a remarkable historical site offering insightful explanations of Malta's rich military heritage. The stunning ocean and port views are a significant draw, complementing the extensive exhibits that span from the Knights to WWII. While the sheer size and numerous steps require a good amount of time and physical effort, most find the experience well worth the visit.
"A truly remarkable historical site. The exhibits provide clear and insightful explanations of Maltese history, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the island’s rich heritage. Additionally, the fort presents a stunning ocean and port view."
Mon A
"This was a cool experience. Not only was this a fort but they have incorporated a few rooms with memorabilia from different times in Malta's history. Well worth a visit. There is a lot of steps to see everything for those that my struggle with steps. We also got to experience the VR they opened the day we visited (we were told). This is a place where if walls could talk it would amazing to hear. If you want to see everything this can take upto 1.5 to 2 hours easily. Also some great views of the sea and the skyline."
Giovanni S
"A very interesting fort for those interested in military history. You can enter the rooms where the shooting took place, visit the observation post, and simply enjoy the beautiful views."
Mary Pershay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort St. Elmo is located at the tip of the Valletta peninsula. You can easily walk there from most parts of Valletta, as it's a compact city. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes from the city center. Taxis are also readily available if you prefer not to walk.
Parking in Valletta can be challenging. There are a few paid parking garages within the city walls, such as the MCP Car Park. From there, it's a walk to the fort. It's often easier to use public transport or walk if you're already in Valletta.
Yes, several bus routes stop in Valletta, and from the main bus terminal, you can walk to the fort. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes depending on your starting point in Malta.
Due to its historic nature and many steps, full wheelchair accessibility might be limited in certain areas. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
Approaching from the Valletta waterfront offers some great vantage points for exterior shots of the fort. Once inside, the upper ramparts provide stunning photographic opportunities of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding coastline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around €10 per adult. Prices can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the official Heritage Malta website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the fort is open daily, often from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. It's best to confirm the exact hours on the Heritage Malta website before your visit.
Yes, purchasing tickets online through the Heritage Malta website is often recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and guarantee entry.
Heritage Malta often offers combined tickets or passes that include entry to multiple historical sites across Malta, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit several attractions. Inquire about these options when purchasing your ticket.
Occasionally, certain areas of the fort may be temporarily closed due to adverse weather conditions. In such cases, visitors may be offered reduced ticket prices.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the fort and its museum exhibits to see everything thoroughly.
The museum covers Malta's extensive military history, from the Knights of St. John through World War II and beyond. You'll find artifacts, weaponry, uniforms, and detailed explanations of key historical events.
While not always explicitly advertised, inquire at the ticket office or information desk about the possibility of guided tours or audio guides to enhance your understanding of the fort's history.
Yes, it can be child-friendly, but close adult supervision is strongly recommended due to the historical nature of the site, potential hazards, and many steps.
The upper ramparts offer stunning views of the Grand Harbour and the Mediterranean Sea. The courtyards and historical rooms also provide excellent opportunities for capturing the fort's atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically facilities like restrooms available on-site. While there might not be a full-service restaurant, there could be a small cafe or vending machines for refreshments. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water.
Valletta offers a wide array of dining options, from traditional Maltese restaurants to cafes and international cuisine. You'll find many choices within a short walking distance of the fort.
Generally, bringing your own water is acceptable. For food, it's best to consume it in designated areas outside the main exhibition spaces to maintain the integrity of the exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic lighting for exterior shots. Mid-day can be harsh, but the interior courtyards and exhibits are still photogenic.
Photography for personal use is usually permitted, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
You can capture sweeping panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, detailed shots of the fort's architecture, historical artifacts within the museum, and atmospheric scenes of the ramparts and courtyards.
Drone usage is generally prohibited over historical sites and within city centers like Valletta due to regulations and safety concerns. Always check local drone laws before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and architecture. A zoom lens can be useful for details within the museum. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light interior shots, but check if it's permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Malta's Military Past
The museum's collection is extensive, featuring weaponry, uniforms, medals, and personal artifacts that tell the stories of those who defended Malta. The VR experience offers a unique, immersive way to connect with these historical narratives, bringing battles and daily life during wartime to vivid reality. The sheer scale of the fort means that exploring its ramparts, bastions, and interior chambers is an adventure in itself, offering a tangible connection to centuries of conflict and resilience.
Beyond the exhibits, the fort's strategic location provides unparalleled views of the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities, and the open Mediterranean Sea. These vistas are not just scenic; they offer a powerful perspective on why Malta has been so fiercely contested throughout history. Be prepared for a lot of walking and numerous steps as you traverse the different levels, but the historical insights and breathtaking scenery make it a truly rewarding experience.
Navigating Fort St. Elmo: Practicalities and Perspectives
For those interested in military history, the National War Museum is the main draw. It provides a chronological journey through Malta's defense history, with particularly strong sections on the Knights and World War II. The VR experience, if available during your visit, is a modern addition that many find highly engaging and informative. Remember to check the weather forecast, as the exposed ramparts can be very windy, and occasionally, sections of the fort may be closed due to adverse conditions, sometimes leading to reduced ticket prices.
When comparing it to other historical sites like the Lascaris War Rooms, Fort St. Elmo offers a broader historical scope within a grander, more visible fortification. The stunning ocean and port views are an added bonus that many reviewers highlight, making it a visually spectacular as well as historically significant destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit