See & do · Landmarks & architecture
Grandmaster's Palace
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Central palace courtyard offering bench seating in peaceful surrounds with palm trees.via Google
The historic seat of power in Malta, featuring magnificent state rooms and a vast armory.
- Good to know
- Recently restored, it offers a deep dive into the history of the Knights of St. John.
Reviews from Google
The Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta is incredible to photograph: sunlit courtyards with palm trees, dramatic arches and stone textures outside, then richly painted corridors, marble floors and ornate ceilings inside. The armoury, chapel details and heraldic symbols offer endless close‑up compositions, and the warm ambient lighting makes the whole place feel cinematic. I really enjoyed exploring it with my camera.
The Palace is not only historically important as it housed the Grandmasters of the order of the Knights of St. John but is where the presidential offices are today. Thus the security and scrutiny of the staff. The halls are gorgeous but with few descriptions. The tourist visit is easy to follow. The armory is the largest we have seen and is amazing with good descriptions in English and Maltese. The quality of and the exhibits themselves is astounding. We had purchased the Heritage Malta card and the admission process was seamless. Do be aware that, as of May 2026, there was only one scanning machine for bags. We went early and didn't wait but when we left, the line was quite long. There are lockers for bags.
The grand master's palace is a stunning building that has an incredible history. The architecture, art work, frescos and flooring are sensational. The collection of medieval armoury and weapons has got to be one of the best you could see with artifacts and pieces beautifully preserved and presented. There are secure lockers at the entrance where it is mandatory to leave rucksacks and bags, which made it easier to enjoy the museum. The route through the museum is logical and easy to follow and also includes some stunning courtyards where seating is available to enjoy a rest and the view. I highly recommend visiting the Grand Master's Palace, it is remarkable.
The Grand Master’s Palace is an absolute must‑see in Valletta. The building itself is stunning, but it’s once you get inside that it really comes to life. The state rooms are beautifully presented, with rich decoration and plenty of detail that helps you imagine the palace in use centuries ago. The real highlight for me was the armoury: rows of suits of armour, weapons, and military pieces laid out in a way that makes the history feel very real rather than dusty or dry. There’s good information throughout, and you can easily spend 1–2 hours wandering at a relaxed pace. It’s centrally located and easy to find, but I would recommend visiting earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. Check opening times before you go, as certain rooms can occasionally be closed. Overall, a brilliant visit and one of the most memorable historic sites in Malta.
The Grand Master’s Palace is a stunning testament to Malta’s rich history and a must-visit in Valletta. Walking through the opulent State Rooms and the impressive Armoury feels like stepping back in time; the attention to detail in the frescoes and the sheer scale of the collection are breathtaking. The recent restorations have truly brought the building back to its full glory. Whether you are a history buff or just appreciate incredible architecture, this palace offers a serene and fascinating look into the heritage of the Knights. Highly recommended for anyone spending time in the city!