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City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

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City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)

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City Sightseeing Malta's Hop-On-Hop-Off buses provide one of the most efficient ways to explore the archipelago's key landmarks in a single day. The service is divided into two primary circuits: the North Route and the South Route, both typically originating from Sliema Ferries or Valletta. The North Route visits sites such as Mdina, the Mosta Dome, and Popeye Village, while the South Route covers the Three Cities, Tarxien Temples, and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. These open-top double-decker buses are particularly popular with families, as they offer children an elevated vantage point for sightseeing while the breeze helps mitigate the Mediterranean heat. An onboard audio commentary is available in over 16 languages, providing historical facts and cultural anecdotes about Malta’s 7,000-year history. Since its introduction, this sightseeing model has become a staple of Maltese tourism, bridging the logistical gaps in the public transport network. Tickets are generally valid for 24 hours, giving travelers the flexibility to disembark and re-embark at any designated stop at their own leisure.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off bus is an open-top double-decker bus that can be visited from inside and on top. Passengers board and alight at marked stops.
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Typical hours
Buses typically run from about 9 am to 5 pm every 15-30 minutes. The exact schedule varies by season and day of the week, so check in advance.
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Photography
The open top deck provides an excellent opportunity for city photos. Hold your camera securely, especially when the bus turns corners.
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Time needed
A full loop without getting off takes about one hour. With multiple hop-offs, you can easily spend a full day on the tour.
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Combine with
The bus stops at all major Maltese attractions, including Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities. First-rate for exploring them without parking worries.
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Getting there
The start and end stop is usually at the Valletta bus terminal. You can board at any stop along the route.
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Insider tip
Sit on the top front row for the best view. Book tickets online to avoid queuing at the stop.

Geography

Population
13,792 (2026)
Coordinates
35.91400, 14.49000

Facts

  • The service operates on two main routes: North and South.
  • Audio commentary is provided in more than 16 languages.
  • Primary hubs are located at Sliema Ferries and Valletta.
  • Buses typically run at intervals of 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Tickets often include supplementary discounts for attractions.
  • A full circuit takes roughly 3 hours without disembarking.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Julian'sSt. Julian's<1 km · NExplore →
San Ġwann Cart RutsSan Ġwann Cart Ruts1 km · SWExplore →
Ta' Xbiex MarinaTa' Xbiex Marina1 km · SEExplore →
Pembroke Heritage ParkPembroke Heritage Park2 km · NWExplore →
Ta' Ċieda HillTa' Ċieda Hill3 km · SExplore →
St. John's Co-CathedralSt. John's Co-Cathedral3 km · SEExplore →
IklinIklin3 km · WExplore →
Top of the WorldTop of the World4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (1)

IL-Bajja tal-Balluta🎡 recreation

Balluta Bay, a popular urban beach with a promenade in St Julian's.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many routes are there?
There is a North and a South route.
Is there commentary for children?
Yes, available via headphones in many languages.
How often do the buses run?
Usually every 30 to 60 minutes at each stop.
Can you sit on the top deck?
Yes, the buses have an open-top upper deck.
Where can I buy tickets?
Online, at kiosks, or directly from the driver.
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus: where is it located?
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus is located in Malta.
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus: why is it worth visiting?
City Sightseeing Malta's Hop-On-Hop-Off buses provide one of the most efficient ways to explore the archipelago's key landmarks in a single day.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nature

Ta&#39; Ċieda Hill — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
Ta' Ċieda Hill
A flat rise near Swieqi.

More places

Three Cities Ferry Service — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Gaming Industry Hub (Sliema/St. Julian&#39;s) — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
Gaming Industry Hub (Sliema/St. Julian's)
The area is a hub for the online gaming industry, a major pillar of the Maltese economy.
Spinola Bay (St. Julian&#39;s) — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
Spinola Bay (St. Julian's)
A picturesque bay with traditional fishing boats alongside modern restaurants.
San Giljan Waterpolo Club — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
San Giljan Waterpolo Club
A waterpolo club with a seawater pool and mooring facilities.
Duck Village (Gzira) — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
Duck Village (Gzira)
An informal sanctuary for ducks and cats run by volunteers.
Wied Ghollieqa Nature Reserve — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
Wied Ghollieqa Nature Reserve
A small but important valley ecosystem located near the University of Malta.
LaserMaxx (Bay Street) — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
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A laser tag arena in the Bay Street Shopping Complex.
Bowling at Eden Superbowl — City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (Malta)
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A large bowling alley offering fun for the whole family.