Malta: City Sightseeing Premium Pass (CMO)

Malta: City Sightseeing Premium Pass (CMO)

Location: Malta, Malta
Duration: 7 days from first activation
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Supplier: iSeeMalta

A Quick Glimpse of What You’ll Get

If you’re planning a week in Malta, the City Sightseeing Premium Pass offers a convenient, flexible way to explore. For about a week, you can hop on and off double-decker buses covering both northern and southern routes, take a boat trip to nearby islands like Gozo and Comino, and visit more than 20 heritage sites, including Mdina Cathedral and the Malta National Aquarium. It also includes a harbour cruise with live commentary, plus free entries to select attractions, like Esplora Science Centre and Malta’s famous Three Cities.

What we love most: First, the unlimited bus rides mean you can explore at your own pace — no rushing or tight schedules. Second, the combined island excursions make it easy to see Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon and the countryside of Gozo without booking separate trips.

A potential downside? This package might feel a bit crowded or rushed during peak times, especially if you’re eager to linger longer at certain sites. It’s best suited for travelers who want a rundown rather than in-depth, slow exploration.

If you enjoy a flexible, all-in-one approach that mixes city sights with island adventures, this pass is likely to suit you perfectly.

Key Points

• Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Flexibility to explore Malta’s key areas at your own pace.
• Island Excursions: Scheduled boat trips to Gozo and Comino, including the Blue Lagoon — perfect for a day of swimming and relaxing.
• Heritage & Cultural Sites: Entry to over 20 sites such as Mdina Cathedral and Esplora Science Centre, providing a mix of history and modern science.
• Additional Experiences: Harbour cruise with live guides and free entries add value to your trip.
• Flexible & Cost-Effective: Valid for 7 days with the option to cancel 24 hours in advance, payable later, ideal for flexible planning.
• Wheelchair Accessibility & Multilingual Guides: Ensuring everyone can enjoy Malta comfortably.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Review of the Malta City Sightseeing Premium Pass

Exploring Malta often feels like stepping into a living museum — every corner packed with history, culture, and stunning vistas. The iSeeMalta Premium Pass aims to streamline this experience, combining sightseeing, heritage, and island adventures into a single, seven-day package.

The Core of the Experience: Unlimited Bus Rides

The backbone of this pass is unlimited access to the Hop-On Hop-Off buses, which operate on North and South routes. This feature essentially gives you a mobile passport to Malta’s key neighborhoods, historic sites, and scenic coastal spots. The buses are equipped to carry a fair number of passengers but generally move at a steady pace, making it easy to plan your day around their schedule.

We appreciated the flexibility to hop on or off as often as you like. A typical route might take you from the lively streets of Sliema to the historic heart of Valletta, or to quieter spots like Marsaxlokk fishing village. The buses run regularly enough for most travelers, and the open-top design means you get great views and photo opportunities along every route.

Island Excursions: Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon

The boat trip to Gozo and Comino is a highlight, especially if you enjoy a bit of sea air. The scheduled cruise usually departs from a central point, and the boat is comfortable enough for a couple of hours on the water. The Blue Lagoon at Comino is a favorite among travelers — a picture-perfect spot with clear waters, perfect for a swim or just relaxing on the boat deck.

One reviewer mentioned, “The boat trip to Comino was the highlight — the water was so clear, and the scenery was stunning.” Keep in mind, however, that boat schedules are fixed, so if you’re very particular about timing or want to linger longer, you might need to plan ahead or consider extra arrangements.

Heritage & Cultural Sites

Your pass includes entry to over 20 heritage sites, which cover a broad spectrum — from the Mdina Cathedral, a jewel of medieval architecture, to the Esplora Science Centre, great for kids and curious minds.

One traveler noted, “Having free access to Mdina was a real bonus; it’s such a captivating city, and walking its narrow streets felt like stepping back in time.” The Malta Experience or 5D Show offers a good orientation about Malta’s complex past, and is a quick, immersive introduction that can be especially useful if you’re short on time.

More Great Tours Nearby

Harbour Cruise and Additional Benefits

The Harbour Cruise offers a different perspective — from the water, you’ll see Malta’s historic fortifications and busy port activity. The guides provide live commentary in English and German, making it accessible for many visitors.

Access to attractions like the Malta National Aquarium and Esplora Science Centre is a one-time benefit, providing a fun or educational break during your trip.

Practical Considerations and Tips

While the pass offers excellent value, keep in mind that it’s designed for broad exploration rather than deep dives into specific sites. If you have particular interests, like exploring Mdina’s alleys or visiting museums in detail, you might want to supplement this tour with additional visits.

The meeting point is conveniently located opposite Marks and Spencer in Sliema, a popular spot for travelers. Since the pass is valid from first activation for 7 days, you have flexibility to start when you arrive and set your own pace.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers guides in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian), which increases its appeal for diverse travelers.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews complimented the convenience of the all-in-one package, with one stating, “It made seeing Malta so much easier — no fuss about ticketing or transportation.” Others noted that the value for money was excellent considering the number of attractions covered, especially if you want a broad overview of the island.

However, some travelers found the schedule a bit rushed — “We wished we had more time at some stops, but the bus and cruise schedules kept us moving.” This highlights the importance of planning your days to make the most of each experience.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This pass is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to Malta, or travelers who prefer a less stressful, all-inclusive approach. It suits families, couples, or solo explorers eager to cover as much ground as possible without juggling multiple bookings.

If you’re a history buff or island explorer who enjoys a mix of city streets and seaside adventures but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on separate tickets, this package offers solid value.

On the flip side, if your idea of travel involves slow, immersive visits to fewer sites, you might find this too fast-paced. The focus here is on broad coverage rather than in-depth exploration.

Final Thoughts

The Malta City Sightseeing Premium Pass offers a well-rounded, flexible way to see the highlights of Malta and nearby islands. With unlimited bus rides, island excursions, and a variety of cultural sites included, it provides great value for those wanting a rundown during a short stay.

The ease of combining transportation and entry to major attractions means less hassle and more time to enjoy Malta’s stunning scenery, historic streets, and beautiful waters. Plus, the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds a layer of peace of mind for spontaneous travelers.

While it might not satisfy those seeking a slow, tailored experience, it’s an excellent choice for first-timers, families, or anyone eager to maximize their Malta visit without breaking the bank. Just be prepared for a busy schedule — but with plenty of rewarding sights along the way.

FAQ

What is included in the Malta City Sightseeing Premium Pass?
It includes 7 days of unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off bus rides, a boat trip to Gozo and Comino, entry to over 20 heritage sites, a harbour cruise with live commentary, and free access to attractions like the Malta Aquarium and Esplora Science Centre.

Can I use the bus as much as I want during the 7 days?
Yes, the pass is valid for unlimited rides on the North and South routes for 7 days from your first activation.

Is the boat trip to Gozo & Comino scheduled or flexible?
The boat trip is scheduled, with a set departure time. Contact [email protected] to secure your spot on the cruise.

Are the heritage sites included in the pass free?
Yes, your pass grants you one-time free access to sites like Mdina Cathedral, Esplora Science Centre, and the Malta Experience or 5D Show.

Does the pass include any guided tours?
The harbour cruise provides live commentary in English and German, and guides are available on the buses in multiple languages.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

Can I cancel the pass if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides are available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is opposite Marks and Spencer in Sliema, a central location convenient for most travelers.

This package offers an engaging, practical way to weave Malta’s sights into your travel story, whether you’re after a quick overview or a lively, adventure-packed week.

You can check availability for your dates here: