Birkirkara is a lively spot for beer lovers and curious travelers alike, thanks in part to its historic Farsons Brewery. Unlike some tourist spots that rely on guides and crowds, Birkirkara offers a variety of brewery experiences that let you explore at your own pace or enjoy a more in-depth look at Malta’s brewing scene. We’re especially fond of tours that combine tasting, history, and panoramic views—like the Farsons Brewery Entry Ticket and Beer Flight, which earns high marks for its flexible, self-guided format and friendly rooftop bar.
If you’re a fan of tasting Maltese beer while soaking up views, or just want a relaxed, educational experience, the options below give a good sense of what’s available.
1. Birkirkara: The Farsons Brewery Entry Ticket and Beer Flight
This experience offers one of the most flexible ways to explore Malta’s top brewery—the 1950 Farsons Brewery. With a self-exploratory ticket, you get the freedom to learn about Malta’s best-known beers at your own pace. The tour includes access to the historic brewing hall where you can see how beer was traditionally made and modernized over the decades.
What really sets this apart is the opportunity to sample freshly brewed beers directly at The Cisk Tap, a rooftop bar with sweeping views of Malta’s landscape. The exhibits are modern, well-explained via optional audio guides, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Reviewers praise the value, with many noting how much they enjoyed the “free beer at the rooftop bar” and the chance to watch the master brewers at work. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a relaxed, educational experience with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Malta’s flagship beer, Cisk.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a flexible, self-paced brewery visit with tasting opportunities and rooftop views.
2. Brewery Experience with Beer Tasting and Optional Transport
A slightly more structured but equally flexible option is this self-guided tour that combines a visit to the 1950 Farsons Brewery with a beer tasting session. For just $17 per person, you get about 1.5 to 2.5 hours of exploring at your own speed, with the convenience of optional transport included.
The tour focuses on Malta’s leading brewers, offering insights into the brewing process and the history behind iconic brands like Cisk. The highlight is sampling a variety of freshly brewed beers, which you can enjoy at your leisure. The rooftop terrace at The Cisk Tap provides a scenic setting, especially during good weather. Although reviews are limited, the high rating of 5/5 suggests a well-organized experience and excellent value.
This tour is best suited for those who prefer a relaxed approach to brewery visits, with the added bonus of transport making logistics easier. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who want to combine sightseeing with beer tasting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for budget-conscious beer fans who want a flexible experience without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
3. Farsons Brewery Experience & The Chapels Gastrobrewpub
At around $43 per person, this 3-hour tour offers an in-depth look at Malta’s favorite beers and brands. It combines a visit to the historic Farsons brewery with a stop at The Chapels Gastrobrewpub, where you can taste award-winning beers with scenic views. This experience is especially appealing to those interested in both the brewing process and enjoying good food.
The tour includes discovering how decades of innovation have made Cisk a household name in Malta. You get to sample a half-pint of The Chapel’s own crafted beer and learn about the microbrewery’s efforts to produce craft beer on-site. The knowledgeable staff and the on-site microbrewery make this a richer, more immersive experience. Reviewers highlight the quality of the beer and the fascinating stories behind Malta’s brewing scene.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a deeper dive into Maltese brewing, paired with excellent views and a chance to try craft beers.
$43 per person
4. The Brewery Experience and Beer Tasting including Transport
For those seeking a complete package, this 3-hour experience combines a visit to the historic Farsons Brewery with a guided tour that includes transport from major hotels and tourist areas. The tour offers a thorough look at Malta’s leading brewing company, with opportunities to explore the brewing hall and learn how Cisk beers are made.
What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of transport, making the logistics seamless, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transport options. You’ll also get to sample a diverse range of freshly brewed beers from the rooftop bar, which offers excellent views of Malta. Reviewers praise the smooth organization and the comprehensive experience, which is ideal for first-time visitors or those who prefer guided logistics.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a guided, all-inclusive brewery experience with easy transportation.
How to Choose Your Perfect Maltese Beer Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you’d prefer a guided or flexible experience. If you’re happy exploring at your own pace and want a scenic rooftop experience, the Birkirkara: The Farsons Brewery Entry Ticket and Beer Flight is hard to beat. For those wanting a more structured experience with transportation included, the Brewery Experience with Beer Tasting and Optional Transport or the full Brewery Experience including transport are excellent.
If craft beer and food pairing are your thing, then the Farsons Brewery Experience & The Chapels Gastrobrewpub offers a more gourmet take on Malta’s brewing scene. Budget travelers or those seeking a quick, informative visit might prefer the self-guided tours, while those looking to indulge in a detailed, guided experience will enjoy the comprehensive packages.
Final Thoughts
Birkirkara offers a range of brewery tours that cater to different interests—from relaxed tastings to full immersion in Malta’s brewing history. For casual beer lovers, the self-guided experience at Farsons provides excellent value and scenic views. For those wanting a more in-depth exploration, the full guided tour including transport ensures a seamless, informative day.
Whichever you choose, booking early is wise—these experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun introduction to Malta’s beloved brews, Birkirkara has something to offer.