Upper Barrakka
Upper Barrakka things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Created in 1661, the Upper Barrakka Gardens is must see stop as you explore Valletta. The gardens themselves are picturesque and a great place to sit and people watch. Originally they were used as the private gardens and training grounds for the Knights. There are numerous bronze statues, gardens and a fountain within the grand arched viewing points. From a practical standpoint there are toilets and a cafe. The gardens are open from 7am - 10pm year round and access is free. You can either walk to the gardens via the main gate or, if you're on the waterfront, there's a lift that will take there for 1 Euro (return ticket). The gardens also offer panoramic views across the Grand Harbour - the only natural harbor in the Mediterranean. You can see the 3 cities, Fort St. Angelo, Fort St. Elmo (for Game of Thrones fans) and the abandoned Fort Riascoli. Directly beneath the top tier of the gardens you can see the saluting battery where every day the guns were fired to mark the passing of mid day. You can take a tour of the area for 3 Euros or snag a viewing spot from the Upper Gardens for free. The guns are fired every day at 12pm and 4pm. One word of caution: The gardens are located quite close to where the cruise ships dock and this is usually one of the spots they visit in the few hours they have on land.
StevenSteven
20
A beautiful, very attractive garden at the top of Valletta, with incredible views. I think the best views of Valletta as well as across to the Three Cities. There are plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs, particularly around the two rows of stone archways at the back. There are public loos and a kiosk for refreshments and food. I found the Lower Barrack Gardens to be more beautiful and peaceful, and certainly less people, but the Upper Gardens have a ‘Saluting Battery’ which features a gun that is fired at midday and at 4pm everyday except Sundays which is certainly a spectacle to be seen. To view the gun being fired in the Saluting Battery, tickets are 3 euros per adult, otherwise you can stand on the balcony above it (through the archways) and have a good view - though worth getting there early as people line up quickly along the balcony, and so you might not have a clear view if you arrive late.
ConnieConnie
40
My favourite spot to be, amazing views of the Grand Harbour where you can see the forts. The garden itself is a moderated size with some monuments included, a fountain which i’ve seen that it has been recently filled with clean water unlike the times i’ve visited, a lot of greenery and isn’t that noisy in my opinion. There is some music, a brief audio guide of its history and at 12 PM and 4 PM they do shoot cannons everyday, but make sure to at-least see a cannon firing twice or so. A lot of foreigns as expected hence why it’s a top tourist destination spot but awesome to relax and enjoy the view. Just below there is the Saluting Battery where you can see the cannons up close which i believe you have to pay but it’s really cheap for what it has to offer. Maybe the only downside is that the fact there’s a lot of pigeons, but i don’t really bother, maybe when you’re eating it gets annoying, but minor.
Mireya CamilleriMireya Camilleri
10
The nicer of the gardens, so if you dont have much time in Valletta, I would visit the Upper Gardens! You get fantastic views over all of Malta, so it is one of the better places for pictures in the region. There are plenty of statues and monuments that give great insights into the history of Malta during the war and there are also tours of the underground areas which give a more detailed description of the war times if you are someone who's interested in that. They also set off a cannon at 4 o clock, which was something you don't really see anymore, and it was only 3 euro to see it up close. They also have a nice cafe on site to sit down and enjoy the fabulous weather! Overall, it is definitely worth seeing if you are visiting Valletta.
Jack MorrisseyJack Morrissey
00
A beautiful garden at the top of Valletta, with incredible views to the Three Cities which are across. Upper Barrakka Gardens have a ‘Saluting Battery’ which features a gun that is fired at 12am and at 4pm every day except Sundays which is certainly a spectacle to be seen. To watch the gun firing in the Saluting Battery, tickets are €3 per adult, otherwise you can stand on the balcony above it and have a better view. It is good to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for a better view. I expected him to shoot from both cannons because he loaded them, but I don't know why he shot only one. There is a boy at the exit who collects money because they are an independent organization.
majamaja
00
A fabulous location to find uninterrupted views across the Grand Harbour. If you get there early enough it is also a perfect place to watch the firing of the cannon at 12 and 4pm. There are a number of interesting statues spread across the Gardens which I would recommend you take time to consider. There are also public toilets here which are clean and queues not too bad (there is no pressure to tip the toilet attendant who wants outside but if you feel like it a few cents is all that is expected; definitely don't give more than a Euro). On your way out check out the President's residence on your right hand side.
Stu RadleyStu Radley
00
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Overview
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Upper Barrakka
