Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

A Practical Look at Malta’s City Sightseeing HOHO Bus & Boat Tour

Malta’s blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant towns makes it a perfect destination for exploring via a guided tour. This City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour offers a flexible way to see Malta’s top sights, while the optional boat cruise adds a splash of Mediterranean charm. With over 7,000 years of history packed into the island, touring with a hop-on hop-off model allows you to customize your experience, making it ideal whether you’re short on time or prefer a leisurely pace.

What immediately catches our eye are the large number of stops and points of interest, the multi-language audio guide, and the opportunity to combine the bus tour with a harbor cruise. These features promise a comprehensive view of Malta, from its ancient temples to lively fishing villages. However, some travelers mentioned that navigating the start points and certain routes could be a bit tricky, especially without clear instructions or reliable timing. This is something to consider if you’re on a strict schedule or unfamiliar with public transport systems.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want an overview of Malta without renting a car, and for those eager to see both historic sites and stunning coastlines at an affordable price. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this experience offers flexibility and a good value for your money.

Good To Know

• Flexible & Convenient: Hop-on hop-off style allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Diverse Stops: Over 30 stops covering major heritage sites, villages, and natural wonders.
• Audio Guide: Multilingual commentary enhances the experience but some reviews note it’s quite limited.
• Additional Options: Combining the bus tour with a harbor cruise adds a scenic dimension.
• Two Routes: North and South options let you customize your sightseeing.
• Value for Money: At $32 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to see the island’s highlights.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Honest Breakdown of the Malta City Sightseeing Tour

How the Tour Works and Its Layout

This tour operates as a hop-on hop-off system, providing two main routes: North and South. Each is designed to showcase different parts of Malta, with stops at key sites like Mdina, the Blue Grotto, Valletta, and Marsaxlokk. The routes run daily, with specific departure times – every hour or so – giving you ample flexibility to plan your day.

The North Route departs from Bugibba, passing through popular spots such as Qawra, St Julian’s, and Valletta. Highlights include the Mosta Dome, Valetta’s historic center, the Roman sites at Rabat, and Golden Bay. The South Route offers a different perspective, covering Tarxien Temples, Marsaxlokk fishing village, and Hagar Qim Temples.

Both routes are approximately 3 hours long, ideal for a comprehensive sampling without feeling rushed. The bus fleet features open-top buses, perfect for catching the sun and taking in Malta’s scenery. Reviewers mention the buses are frequent, but some experienced delays or late arrivals, so planning with some buffer time is wise.

Stops and Sights: What You’ll See

Starting your day in Bugibba, you can expect to hop off near attractions like the Malta National Aquarium or the Seatrips Outlet. From there, the journey takes you to Valletta, where the impressive Knights Hospital War Museum, Fort St. Elmo, and the Malta Experience provide a window into Malta’s storied past.

The Blue Grotto is a standout stop, offering stunning views of sea caves carved into the coastline. It’s worth noting that entry into the caves isn’t included—so if you plan a boat trip, be prepared for additional costs. Reviewers recommend doing the boat ride on your last day, especially if you’re tired but still want more sea views.

The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua) are accessible via the tour and are praised for their authentic atmosphere and waterways. Mdina, known as the silent city, is frequently highlighted as a must-see, with visitors describing it as “beautiful” and “a quiet escape from bustling towns”.

In the south, stops at Marsaxlokk, the picturesque fishing village, provide a chance to see traditional boats and enjoy local seafood. The Tarxien Temples and other ancient sites give a glimpse into Malta’s Neolithic past.

The Boat Cruise: A Scenic Bonus

Adding the harbor cruise brings a seaside flavor to your exploration. Several reviews mention this as a major plus, with some noting the views of Malta’s coastline and the chance to relax after busy bus touring. The cruise is valid for 3-5 days depending on your ticket choice, allowing flexibility.

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From Review Insights to Practical Tips

Many travelers found the audio guide somewhat limited. While it’s available in 13 languages, some wished for more detailed explanations. If you’re a history buff or curious about the sites, consider doing some prep beforehand or bringing your own headphones for a more personalized experience.

Getting to the bus stops could be confusing at first, especially in Valletta, but once you find the right location, the buses run smoothly. Reviewers suggest arriving early and checking the timetable carefully since buses don’t run late into the evening, especially in winter.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At $32 per person, this tour offers a reasonably priced way to see a large chunk of Malta’s major attractions. Many reviews highlight the good value, especially when you consider the number of stops and the inclusion of an audio guide. The option to add a harbor cruise for a small fee makes it even more appealing.

However, some critics pointed out that the audio commentary could be more engaging, and the timing of stops isn’t always perfectly clear. Several travelers also mentioned that buses can be delayed or crowded, especially during peak times or cruise ship days.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want an overview of Malta’s highlights without the hassle of public transport or car rentals. It suits those who enjoy scenic views, historical sites, and the flexibility to hop on and off at their own pace. Families, solo travelers, and couples will find it convenient and affordable.

If you’re a history enthusiast, Mdina and the temples will be a highlight, while beach lovers will enjoy the coastal stops like Golden Bay and Blue Grotto. For those with limited time, this tour packs a lot into a manageable format.

Final Thoughts

The Malta City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour, combined with an optional boat cruise, offers a practical and enjoyable way to get an overview of the island’s major attractions. Its two-route system covers both cultural gems and scenic coastlines, making it a versatile choice for most travelers.

While the audio guide could be more in-depth, the frequent buses and diverse stops ensure you won’t miss out on beauty or history. The added harbor cruise enhances the experience, giving you a different perspective of Malta’s rugged coastline and charming villages.

This tour provides good value for the price, especially for those who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal stress. It’s well-suited for travelers wanting an efficient, scenic, and flexible way to explore Malta’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour cover both the North and South routes?
You can choose between the two routes — North and South — or combine both with a 2-day ticket for broader coverage.

What is included in the tour?
The hop-on hop-off bus tour, an audio guide in 13 languages, headphones, and stops near major sights. The harbor cruise is optional and can be added for extra fun.

Are entry fees to attractions included?
No, entry to sites like the Blue Grotto Caves or temples is not included, so you’ll need to budget for some additional tickets.

How long does each route last?
Each route takes about 3 hours, making it easy to plan your day around the stops and sightseeing.

Can I join the tour in Valletta?
Yes, the tour begins or ends at designated stops such as Valletta Waterfront or Sliema Ferries. Mobile vouchers can be redeemed there.

What about timing and schedule?
North Route departs from Stop N1 at multiple times from 8am to 2:30pm. South Route departs from Stop S10 starting at 9:05am, with buses running daily. Buses generally run until late afternoon, but check the timetable to plan properly.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely, especially since it offers an easy way to see many sights without long walks or complicated logistics.

What is the quality of the buses?
They’re open-top and generally well-maintained, though some reviews mention that seats can get wet or crowded at busy times.

Can I combine this with other Malta experiences?
Yes, the tour can be a great starter before exploring sites independently or booking additional activities like boat trips or cultural visits.

To sum it up, the Malta City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour offers a practical, scenic, and flexible way to discover the island’s treasures, particularly suited for first-time visitors or those short on time. Though some minor hiccups like timing or limited commentary exist, overall it’s a solid choice for exploring Malta without the hassle of renting a car or planning complicated routes. Add the harbor cruise for extra views and relaxation, and you’re set for a memorable Maltese adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: