Teatru Manoel (Manoel Theatre) is Malta’s national theatre in Valletta, with a history dating to 1732. You can take a general visit or book a guided tour, then travel from Sliema by ferry or bus.
- Location: Triq it-Teatru l-Antik, Valletta VLT 1426.
- From Sliema: about a 34-minute walk from Sliema Tigne Suites.
- General visits: Monday to Saturday; Sundays are closed.
- General-visit price: €10.
What to see at Manoel Theatre
Manoel Theatre is a historic working venue, reputed to be Europe’s third-oldest working theatre and the oldest working theatre in the Commonwealth. Its general visit introduces the theatre’s story and evolution and includes its decorated Baroque interior; the theatre says the visits suit all ages.
The main auditorium may not be accessible during a visit. Rehearsals and technical work can affect which spaces are open, and visits may be cancelled or rescheduled, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
If you want to make a wider day of it, the theatre gives you a cultural stop in Valletta. For broader route ideas, see this guide to Valletta from Sliema by ferry, bus or day trip.
Performance tickets and guided visits
- Hours
- Monday to Friday 10:00–17:00 and Saturday 10:00–13:00 from 1 September to 19 Jun
General visits run at set times, while the Grand Tour and Exclusive Tour offer longer guided options. Tour content and available spaces can vary because the theatre remains in use.
From 1 September to 19 June, general visits are scheduled Monday to Friday at 11:00 and 15:00. From 20 June to 31 August, the weekday times are 10:30 and 12:00. Saturday visits are at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30.
The Grand Tour of Teatru Manoel is listed as a one-hour tour. The Exclusive Tour also lasts one hour and costs €20; it is for ages 8 and over, has a maximum capacity of 15 people, and is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
For general information and tours, the theatre lists bookings@teatrumanoel.mt and +356 2124 6389. Its box office has seasonal hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–17:00 and Saturday 10:00–13:00 from 1 September to 19 June; Monday to Saturday 10:00–13:00 from 20 June to 31 August.
How do you get from Sliema to Manoel Theatre?
You can travel from Sliema to Valletta by ferry or bus, then continue through the city to the theatre. The Sliema–Valletta ferry runs on a published winter schedule from 1 November to 31 May.
Its Monday-to-Thursday timetable starts at 06:45, runs every 30 minutes through 19:15, then has departures at 20:15, 21:15 and 22:15. Winter Sunday and public-holiday service runs from 08:45 until 18:30; additional Friday-to-Sunday trips are listed at 23:15 and 00:15.
Winter ferry fares are €3.00 for an adult day single and €5.00 for an adult day return. Children’s day fares are €1.00 single and €1.50 return. Malta Public Transport also lists route 15 between Sliema and Valletta, with the Sliema stop named Ferries.
For a closer look at the area before or after your visit, this Sliema neighbourhood and promenade guide covers the local setting. Check the official site before you go for current visit, box-office and ferry details; the ferry timetable and fares are seasonal.
Planning around show times
Leave room in your schedule for the visit itself and for the journey into Valletta. If you are seeing a performance, check its start time and arrange your travel around it; general visits follow their own timetable and the auditorium may be unavailable during theatre work.
The theatre operates as a working venue, so the spaces and content available on a tour can change. Contact the box office or use the theatre’s listed general-information email if you need to confirm details before setting out.
FAQs
Where is Manoel Theatre?
It is at Triq it-Teatru l-Antik, Valletta VLT 1426.
How long is the Grand Tour?
The Grand Tour of Teatru Manoel is listed as a one-hour tour.
Can the main auditorium be seen during a general visit?
Not always. Rehearsals and technical work can make it inaccessible.
Are general visits suitable for children?
The theatre describes general visits as suitable for all ages.