Travelers visiting Malta looking for an authentic taste of local craftsmanship will find the Farsons Brewery experience a must-do. This self-guided tour offers a fantastic way to learn about Malta’s leading beer brands, explore historic brewing areas, and enjoy a variety of fresh beers—all at your own pace.
What makes this experience particularly appealing? We love the flexibility of a self-exploratory journey, the stunning panoramic views from the rooftop bar, and the chance to sample a diverse range of beers without feeling rushed. However, it’s worth noting that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own travel to Birkirkara. Perfect for beer enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone who wants a relaxed, educational outing with excellent photo opportunities and tasty refreshments.
Key Points
- Self-guided experience allows you to explore at your own pace
- Enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop bar at The Cisk Tap
- Learn about Malta’s most popular beer brands and their history
- Includes sampling five fresh beers in a relaxed setting
- Well-suited for beer fans, families with kids, and anyone interested in Maltese culture
- Accessible and suitable for wheelchairs; open daily from 10 AM
An Introduction to the Farsons Brewery Tour
If you’re in Malta and want more than just a quick drink, this self-exploratory tour at the historic Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara offers a chance to uncover the story behind Malta’s top beer brands without the pressure of guided groups. It’s a flexible, informative, and fun experience, perfect for those who prefer pacing their own journey.
What sets this experience apart? First, the self-guided nature means you can linger longer at exhibits that catch your interest or move quickly through sections you’re less excited about. Second, the audi guides available in multiple languages—English, Maltese, German, Italian, Polish, and more—ensure everyone can enjoy the narrative comfortably. Third, the rooftop bar with stunning views provides a scenic backdrop for tasting beers, making every sip even better.
The experience is designed to be accessible and family-friendly, with children under 12 needing adult supervision. The duration is around one hour, but travelers often stay longer to enjoy the atmosphere, food, and more beer sampling.
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A Closer Look at the Itinerary
Check-in and Entry
Your journey begins at the Brewhouse in Birkirkara, where staff will welcome you and provide your access. From here, you step into a world of malt and hops, guided by your audio guides or printed info. The process is straightforward, with clear signage and helpful staff on hand.
The Self-Guided Tour
Within the brewery, you’ll stroll through exhibits that showcase the history of Farsons and how their iconic beers, especially Cisk, are brewed. Reviewers note that the exhibits are “modern and detailed,” making it easy to follow the story of Malta’s most loved beer brand. The info boards and displays are well set out, giving a good balance of historical insight and brewing techniques.
A highlight is the historic brewing hall, where you can see traditional brewing methods side-by-side with modern equipment. Many visitors mention how engaging it is to watch the beer-making process and learn about the entrepreneurial families behind the brand.
More Great Tours NearbyAudio Guides and Exhibits
The audio guides are available in several languages, providing a rich narration at each stop. Travelers especially appreciated the clear audio and ease of following the story, often mentioning how it enhanced their understanding. The exhibits include interactive displays and photographs, making the experience visually engaging.
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The Rooftop Bar at The Cisk Tap
The tour culminates at The Cisk Tap rooftop bar, which offers panoramic views of Malta. Here, you can relax and indulge in a beer flight of five freshly brewed beers. Many reviews highlight the friendly bartender who explains each beer, making it a personalized tasting experience. The bar is a perfect spot to soak up the sunshine, snap photos of the city, or simply enjoy a refreshing drink after your exploration.
Beer Sampling and Food Options
The beer flight at The Cisk Tap is a fantastic way to taste a range of beers, with many reviewers describing the selection as “well explained” and “delicious.” Plus, you can purchase food and snacks at the various eateries within the brewery complex, with some reviewers praising the quality of the food—ideal for a light lunch or snack while sipping your beers.
Souvenir Shopping
Before leaving, many visitors stop at the Farsons Brandstore to pick up souvenirs, from branded glasses to local snacks. It’s a convenient way to remember your Maltese beer adventure or pick up a unique gift.
What Travelers Love Most
Based on numerous reviews, several aspects of this tour stand out:
- The self-guided format allows full control over pacing and focus.
- The informative audio guides make the tour engaging and accessible.
- The view from the rooftop bar offers a spectacular setting for tasting.
- The friendly staff contribute to a welcoming experience.
- The quality and variety of beers sampled leave a lasting impression.
- Visitors appreciate the good value for money, especially considering the beer tasting and scenic views included.
Practical Details and Tips
Duration and Timing
The experience lasts about one hour, but many guests extend their visit for extra drinks or a leisurely meal. The brewery is open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, with the last entry at 5:15 PM. Check availability beforehand, especially during peak seasons.
Transportation and Accessibility
While transportation isn’t included, the brewery is accessible for wheelchairs, with straightforward paths and ramps. Consider arranging your own transport to Birkirkara, which is well-connected by bus. Parking is available on-site, including a multi-storey car park.
Costs and Value
The ticket covers entry, a self-exploratory tour, five beer samples, and the use of audio guides. For the price, many reviewers say it offers excellent value, especially for the quality of the beers and the scenic rooftop bar.
Additional Considerations
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Beer is not served to individuals under 17, so plan accordingly.
- No pets are allowed within the brewery.
Authentic Insights from Reviewers
Many visitors comment on the knowledgeable staff, with one describing the bartender as “very friendly and informative,” adding that the beer tasting was “well explained” and “delicious.” Another reviewer highlighted that the exhibits are modern and detailed, making the history of Malta’s beer approachable and interesting.
The rooftop terrace receives universal praise for its views and relaxed atmosphere, with several noting they stayed longer to enjoy their drinks while soaking up the scenery. The food options also receive compliments, with some describing their meals as “really good” and perfect to accompany their drinks.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
This experience suits beer lovers eager to learn about Malta’s brewing traditions, as well as families and groups seeking a relaxed and educational outing. It’s especially appealing to those who want flexibility—you can explore at your own pace, enjoy spectacular views, and sample a variety of drinks.
Travelers interested in local culture will appreciate the history and storytelling behind Malta’s most iconic beer brands. It also offers good value, given the combination of self-guided exploration, beer tasting, and scenic setting—all without feeling rushed or crowded.
Final Thoughts
The Farsons Brewery experience in Birkirkara offers a well-rounded, enjoyable glimpse into Malta’s brewing heritage. Its self-guided format makes it ideal for independent explorers who want to learn and taste at their own speed, while the scenic rooftop bar ensures a memorable and picturesque finish.
Whether you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun, cultural activity, this tour combines history, views, and great drinks in a way that’s both informative and relaxing. It’s a fantastic way to spend an hour or more, soaking in Maltese hospitality and craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transportation to the brewery included in the ticket?
No, transportation is not included, so you should plan to reach Birkirkara by bus, car, or taxi.
How long does the tour last?
The self-guided experience generally takes about one hour, but many guests stay longer to enjoy drinks and the atmosphere.
Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult, but note that beer will not be served to anyone under 17.
What languages are audio guides available in?
Audio guides are offered in English, Maltese, German, Italian, and Polish, among others.
Can I sample all the beers if I don’t want a full pint?
Yes, the beer flight includes five tasters—offering a great way to enjoy different flavors without committing to a full pint.
Is the brewery wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the brewery is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and suitable pathways.
What food options are available?
Within the brewery complex, there are eateries where you can purchase food to accompany your drinks, with many reviewers praising the quality.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the exhibits. Bring a camera for photos from the rooftop and your ID to verify age for alcohol tasting.
To sum it up, this self-guided brewery tour gives you the freedom to explore Malta’s beer heritage at your own pace, savor scenic views, and enjoy quality beverages—all in a friendly, relaxed setting. Whether you’re a beer lover, a curious traveler, or someone wanting a taste of local culture, it’s a solid choice for an engaging, flavorful experience.
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