Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Malta, chances are you’ll want to see as much as possible without spending hours figuring out public transport or renting a car. This hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus experience promises to cover Malta’s most popular sights comfortably, with the option to add a boat cruise for those stunning Mediterranean views. Our review digs into what it really offers, weighing its strengths and weaknesses so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your Maltese adventure.

What we appreciate about this tour is its accessibility—with over 30 stops and 50 points of interest, it’s designed to make exploring straightforward and flexible. Plus, the scenic boat cruise around the Blue Grotto and coastline can be a refreshing highlight. That said, it’s not without its quirks, especially regarding timing and ease of finding stops. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, budget-friendly way to get a broad feel for Malta’s diverse landscapes and historic sites.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with 1- or 2-day tickets and multiple routes
• Access to major sights like Mdina, Valletta, Blue Grotto, and Marsaxlokk
• Audio guides in 13 languages, but with limited commentary compared to other tours
• Scenic boat option with views of the Mediterranean and Blue Grotto
• Good value for money considering the breadth of sights covered
• Some logistical challenges like stop locations and bus punctuality
• Ideal for first-time visitors who want an overview without the hassle of planning

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Introduction to Malta’s HOHO Experience

This City Sightseeing Malta tour aims to take the stress out of sightseeing for travelers wanting to maximize their time on the island. For around $32 per person, you get access to a double-layered open-top bus—perfect for catching the breeze and snapping photos of the colorful fishing villages, ancient temples, and historic towns.

Two routes—north and south—allow you to tailor your exploration, with buses running every hour and stops near all the major sights. Along the way, an audio guide in 13 languages provides commentary, though reviews suggest that the narration could be more engaging. Still, many find the buses frequent enough to keep waits short, and the stops well-placed to visit key attractions.

This package also offers an optional harbor cruise, giving you a chance to see Malta from the water, which many travelers find a refreshing addition. The Flexibility to combine bus and boat gives this experience a good bang for your buck.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Scenic routes covering all of Malta’s highlights: The routes are designed to take you through historic towns like Mdina, the vibrant capital Valletta, the fishing village Marsaxlokk, and the famous Blue Grotto caves. With so many stops, you can plan your day around specific sites, hopping off and on at will.

Ease of access: The stops are conveniently located near major heritage sites and local hotspots. For example, the Valletta stop is close to important buildings like Fort St Elmo, while Mdina is just a short ride away from Rabat with its ancient Roman sites.

Cost-effective: At just $32, it’s a budget-friendly way to cover a lot of ground. When you consider the price of individual entry fees (which are not included), the value of getting around comfortably on a well-planned route becomes apparent. The reviews often mention it as “great value for money.”

Variety of experiences: Beyond the bus ride, the option to add a harbor cruise lets you see Malta’s coast and the Blue Grotto caves from a different perspective. Many reviewers recommend this as a perfect way to end the day, especially on a warm summer evening.

What to Expect: The Itinerary Details

North Route – Starting from Bugibba

The North Route begins at the Topaz Hotel in Bugibba and takes you along the coast, passing notable stops like the Bugibba Jetty, Malta National Aquarium, and Qawra Palace Hotel. You’ll travel through Qawra and St Julian’s, famous for their lively seaside ambiance, before moving into the historic heart of Valletta.

From Valletta’s city center, the route continues southward, stopping at the Blue Grotto caves, where you can admire the natural sea caves carved by time and tide. Though entry to the caves isn’t included, views from the bus are stunning enough.

The bus then heads inland to Rabat and the Mdina Main Gate, allowing travelers to explore Malta’s medieval capital—a highlight praised for its charming streets and ancient ambiance (“Darren appreciated Mdina’s beauty”). The route also includes stops at Temple sites like the Tarxien Temples, built around 3000 BC, which are cultural landmarks for history buffs.

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South Route – Starting from Sliema

The South Route begins at Sliema Ferries and winds through notable spots like Vittoriosa, a picturesque harbor town with medieval fortifications, and Marsaxlokk, the lively fishing village famous for its colorful boats and seafood markets. Many reviews highlight the appeal of Marsaxlokk, noting it as a “delightful” place to stroll and enjoy local fare.

Next, the tour visits Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, two of Malta’s most impressive prehistoric sites, offering a glimpse into ancient rituals. The route concludes back in Valletta, giving you options for further exploration or a break before heading home.

The Blue Grotto and Seaside Highlights

The Blue Grotto is often cited as a standout stop, with many travelers remarking on its breathtaking views. While entry isn’t included, you’ll see the caves from the bus and have the option to join a boat trip for closer views. The boat cruise, when booked, runs within 3 to 5 days of activation, offering a relaxed way to take in Malta’s coastline.

Stops and Accessibility

The bus stops are well-positioned near main sites but can sometimes be a challenge to find, as reviews suggest. For instance, getting to the Valletta stops can be confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Once onboard, the buses run on a predictable schedule, but delays of up to 45 minutes have been reported, which can throw off your plans.

The audio guides in 13 languages add an informative layer, though some reviews note they are somewhat limited, with less narrative depth compared to other similar tours. If you’re expecting detailed stories about the sites, you might find the commentary somewhat sparse.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Timing, and Tips

Duration: The north route takes about 210 minutes, and the south route approximately 180 minutes. You can choose to do one route in a day or combine both over two days with the 2-day pass, which provides flexibility. The bus tickets are valid for 1 or 2 days, but the harbor cruise can extend your sightseeing within a longer window.

Frequency: Buses run every hour, making it easier to plan your stops around your pace. However, timing is key—if you want to see everything, early mornings and starting first thing is advisable.

Stops near all major sights: From Mdina to Valletta, the Three Cities to Marsaxlokk, the stops are conveniently located, but be prepared for some walking from the bus stops to the actual sites.

Cost & Value: While $32 seems modest, keep in mind that access to attractions like the Blue Grotto caves or temples isn’t included. The value lies in the convenience of transportation and comprehensive local overview rather than entry discounts.

Boat cruise: If you opt for the harbor cruise, you’ll get a different perspective of Malta’s coastline and caves. Many reviewers recommend doing this on your last day when tired but still wanting to see more.

Tips: Carry sunscreen for the open-air upper deck, especially on hot summer days. Be aware that some reviews mention wet seats, so a raincoat or towel might be handy. Also, pay attention to the timetable; buses don’t run late into the evening, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

One frequent theme among reviews is that this tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Malta, ideal for first-timers. “Very interesting and a good way to decide where you want to go back and visit,” one traveler noted. Many appreciate the balance of scenic drives and stopping points, while others found the commentary a little limited but still enjoyed the views and sites.

The discontent about stop locations and bus delays echoes in several reviews. Travelers mention confusion about pick-up points, especially in Valletta, so studying the map beforehand can save time. A few note that buses can be crowded, especially in peak season, and some seats upstairs can get wet or uncomfortable.

Interestingly, the value for money is a common compliment, with many saying it’s a good way to see most of Malta without hiring a car. The scenic boat ride is often singled out as a highlight, offering a relaxing break from bus touring.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want to get a good overview of Malta’s top sights without the hassle of planning individual transport. It’s a solid choice if you prefer guided routes and appreciate the flexibility of hop-on hop-off buses.

If you’re someone who values in-depth narration, you might find the audio commentary somewhat light, and supplement your trip with a guidebook or app. For those interested in a scenic coastal perspective, the boat cruise is definitely worth adding.

Travelers with limited time will benefit from the 1- or 2-day flexibility, but be prepared for early starts and some waiting. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy scenic drives and cultural landmarks but aren’t overly concerned about detailed historical explanations.

The Sum Up

Overall, Malta’s City Sightseeing HOHO Tour offers a practical, budget-conscious way to see the island’s broad landscape and key sights. The buses are frequent, the stops are strategically placed, and the option to include a boat cruise provides a scenic bonus. While the commentary could be more detailed, many travelers find the experience informative and relaxing.

This tour is perfect for first-timers or those wanting a stress-free overview of Malta’s highlights. It provides good value for money, especially considering the convenience and breadth of sights covered. Just remember that some logistical issues—like bus timing and stop locations—require a little patience and planning.

In essence, if you’re after a cost-effective, flexible way to explore Malta’s diverse towns, temples, and coastlines, this tour will serve you well. It’s a good starting point to figure out what you want to explore more deeply—perhaps on a second trip or with a guided tour.

FAQ

Is the bus tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the open-top buses and scenic stops make it suitable for most ages, especially families and older travelers looking for a relaxed way to see Malta.

How long do the bus routes take?
The north route lasts about 210 minutes, and the south route approximately 180 minutes, not including time spent exploring stops.

Can I visit major sites like Mdina or Valletta on my own afterward?
Absolutely. The stops are near key sights, and you can hop off and explore at your own pace.

Is the harbor cruise included in the price?
No, the cruise is optional and can be added for an extra fee. When booked, it’s valid within several days of the bus tour.

Are the audio guides comprehensive?
The guides are available in 13 languages but may be limited in detail. They provide basic commentary to identify sites and give context.

What should I bring?
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat), water, and comfortable shoes. Be aware that some bus seats upstairs might get wet if it rains.

How do I find the bus stops?
Most stops are well-marked, but some reviews mention difficulty in locating certain stops like Valletta. Reviewing the map beforehand can help.

This Malta HOHO bus and boat combo offers a practical, scenic, and budget-friendly way to enjoy the island’s highlights. Whether you’re tight on time or just want a relaxed overview, it’s worth considering for your Maltese adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: