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St Julian's

A locally-written guide — where to stay, what to eat, and what not to miss.

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Guests & rooms

The St Julian's guide

An insider’s read on St Julian's

By night, the neon grid of Paceville takes over, drawing crowds to Malta's densest concentration of clubs, casinos, and late-night eateries.

St. Julian's operates at two distinct speeds. By day, the sun glints off the bobbing wooden fishing boats in Spinola Bay while locals sip espresso along the stone promenade. By night, the neon grid of Paceville takes over, drawing crowds to Malta's densest concentration of clubs, casinos, and late-night eateries. It is a coastal town defined by rapid vertical growth, where traditional limestone townhouses stand in the shadow of modern glass-and-steel high-rises.

Where to base yourself

The neighborhoods

Where you sleep shapes the trip. Here’s the honest orientation, area by area.

via Google

Spinola Bay

For Dining enthusiasts and those who want classic coastal views, though it comes with high foot traffic and premium prices.

The scenic heart of the town, defined by its curved waterfront, traditional colorful luzzu boats, and waterfront dining terraces.

areas.whereToSleepUpscale boutique hotels overlooking the bay or apartments set just one block back from the water.

The Love Monument, which casts a reflection spelling 'Love' in the calm water.
The old fisherman's chapel and the restored Spinola Palace gardens.

via Google

Balluta Bay

For Travelers seeking a slightly calmer atmosphere while remaining within walking distance of the nightlife.

A more architectural and relaxed neighborhood, dominated by the neo-Gothic Parish Church and grand Art Nouveau apartment buildings.

areas.whereToSleepMid-range to luxury hotels situated around the main square and the rocky beach area.

The iconic Balluta Buildings, a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture on the island.
The terraced steps of the square, popular for morning coffee and evening drinks.

via Google

Paceville

For Younger travelers and partygoers. The trade-off is constant noise, crowded streets, and a gritty late-night atmosphere.

The undisputed nightlife capital of Malta, packed with multi-story clubs, bars, strip clubs, and fast-food joints.

areas.whereToSleepBudget hotels and party-oriented hostels, though light sleepers should look elsewhere.

The main staircase of stairs on Wilga Street, lined with bars.
The Eden Cinemas complex for indoor entertainment.

via Google

Portomaso

For Luxury travelers seeking privacy, security, and high-end amenities away from the main tourist crowds.

An exclusive, modern marina development featuring luxury yachts, high-end apartments, and fine-dining establishments.

areas.whereToSleepFive-star resort accommodation with private pool decks and marina views.

The Portomaso Marina, ideal for viewing luxury yachts.
The Portomaso Business Tower, Malta's tallest building.

via Google

St. George's Bay

For Beach lovers and students, though the beach gets incredibly crowded during summer afternoons.

A busy sandy beach area surrounded by language schools, shopping malls, and large resort hotels.

areas.whereToSleepLarge international resort chains offering direct beach access or private lido decks.

The sandy beach of St. George's Bay, one of the few sandy stretches in the immediate urban area.
Bay Street Shopping Complex for retail and dining.

via Google

Ta' Giorni

For Budget-conscious travelers and long-term visitors seeking peace and lower rental prices.

A quiet, residential neighborhood located uphill, away from the immediate coastline.

areas.whereToSleepResidential apartments, guesthouses, and quiet boutique hostels.

Quiet residential streets offering a glimpse of local Maltese life.
Easy walking access to both St. Julian's and the neighboring town of Gzira.

Eat & drink

Where to eat in St Julian's

Real tables, by category — from seafood and grills to the budget classics locals actually queue for.

Seafood

With its deep maritime roots, St. Julian's excels in fresh Mediterranean catches, typically served grilled with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

Zeri's

€€€

Portomaso

$$$$Closed

via Google

Overlooks the marina and is highly regarded for its consistent handling of fresh daily catches and Mediterranean classics.

SignatureSalt-crusted sea bass carved tableside.

Piccolo Padre

€€

Balluta Bay

$$$Open now

via Google

Housed in a converted 18th-century villa directly over the water, offering exceptional coastal views alongside fresh seafood.

SignatureOctopus carpaccio with local capers and olive oil.

Caviar & Bull

€€€€

St. George's Bay

$$$$Closed

via Google

An upscale venue focusing on molecular gastronomy and high-end seafood presentation.

SignatureAncient grain-crusted tuna with local honey glaze.

Steak & grills

The town offers premium meat dining, drawing on South American and European beef imports cooked over open flames.

Sciacca Grill

€€€€

St. Julian's

$$$$Closed

via Google

A unique concept where there is no set menu; diners choose their specific cuts of meat directly from the display counter.

SignatureDry-aged ribeye cooked over charcoal.

Wigi's Kitchen

€€€

Balluta Bay

$$$$Closed

via Google

A family-run bistro that sources premium beef globally, changing its menu daily based on market availability.

SignatureSlow-cooked USDA beef short ribs.

Lore & Fitch

€€€€

Paceville

$$$$Closed

via Google

An elegant steakhouse overlooking Spinola Bay that specializes in premium cuts of Wagyu and Black Angus.

SignatureTomahawk steak shared between two.

Tapas/local

Maltese cuisine is hearty and rustic, heavily influenced by Sicilian and North African flavors.

Gululu

€€

Spinola Bay

$$$Closed

via Google

The most accessible spot to try authentic Maltese dishes in a casual, waterfront setting.

SignatureFenkata (traditional rabbit stew cooked with garlic and red wine).

The Avenue

€€

Paceville

$$$$Closed

via Google

A long-standing local favorite known for its massive portions of pasta and casual Mediterranean dishes.

SignatureSpaghetti with rabbit sauce.

After dark

Nightlife

Where the night goes — clubs, rooftop cocktails and the rooms with the best live music.

Nightclubs

The clubbing scene is concentrated in Paceville, where entry is generally free but venues get extremely packed on weekends.

Havana

Energetic, young, and loud with commercial beats.

Paceville

$$$Closed

via Google

A massive multi-room club that has been the anchor of the local hip-hop and R&B scene for decades.

Toy Room

Stylish crowd dancing to commercial dance and hip-hop.

Paceville

$$$

via Google

An international club brand offering a more polished clubbing experience with regular themed nights.

Shadow Club

Upmarket clubbing with house and techno DJs.

Paceville

Closed

via Google

Features an open-air terrace area and a focus on house music, attracting a slightly older crowd.

Cocktail & rooftop bars

For a more sophisticated drink, head to the rooftops or the marina edges away from the main Paceville strip.

TwentyTwo

Exclusive, high-end lounge with a strict dress code.

Portomaso

$$Closed

via Google

Located on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Tower, offering panoramic views over the entire island.

Hugo's Terrace

Trendy, lively, and perfect for sunset drinks.

St. George's Bay

$$$Closed

via Google

Directly faces the beach, offering comfortable outdoor sofas and a massive cocktail menu.

The Thirsty Barber

Intimate, retro, with live acoustic sets on select nights.

Paceville

$$Closed

via Google

A Prohibition-era themed bar serving highly creative craft cocktails in a detailed vintage setting.

See & do

Culture

Museums, landmarks and galleries worth structuring a day around.

Landmarks & architecture

The architectural landscape is a stark mix of British colonial structures, baroque chapels, and soaring modern towers.

Balluta Buildings

Balluta Bay

Open now

via Google

One of the finest remaining examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the Mediterranean, featuring intricate stone carvings.

NoteBest viewed from across the bay at sunset when the limestone glows orange.

Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Balluta Bay

Closed

via Google

A striking neo-Gothic church that rises directly from the water's edge, defining the skyline of the bay.

NoteFree entry; visitors must cover shoulders and knees.

Spinola Palace

Spinola Bay

A grand 17th-century palace built by the Knight Giovanni Spinola, featuring a well-kept public garden.

NoteThe palace interior is closed to the public, but the baroque gardens are free to enter.

Don’t-miss

Signature experiences

Walk the Coastal Promenade to Sliema

Spinola Bay to Sliema1-2 hours

It is the quintessential local experience, offering continuous sea views, kiosks selling pastizzi, and sea-breeze air.

via Google

Paddleboarding in Balluta Bay

Balluta Bay1 hour

Allows you to view the dramatic neo-Gothic church and Art Nouveau buildings from a unique perspective on the water.

via Google

Sunset Drinks at Portomaso Marina

Portomaso2 hours

Watch the sky change color over the luxury yachts while enjoying a glass of local Maltese wine.

via Google

Beyond the city

Day trips

Valletta

Explore the grand baroque capital of Malta, built by the Knights of St. John, featuring St. John's Co-Cathedral.

Getting thereTake the local bus directly to the Valletta Valletta terminal, or walk to Sliema and take the scenic passenger ferry across the harbor.

Mdina & Rabat

Step back in time in the silent, medieval walled city of Mdina, and explore the ancient catacombs in neighboring Rabat.

Getting thereDirect bus route 202 runs from St. Julian's to Mdina, taking approximately 45 minutes.

Gozo & Comino

Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon and explore the rugged, rural landscapes of Malta's sister island.

Getting thereTake a bus north to Cirkewwa, then board the Gozo Channel Ferry, or book a direct day-boat excursion from the Sliema strand.

via Google

Book ahead

Things to do in St Julian's

Top-rated tours, tickets and experiences — book in seconds, skip the line.

from $411 approx.

Malta: Luxury Private Taxi Tours, Customize your itinerary

5.0 (43)4 hours

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from $552 approx.

Full Day Private Tour around the Island in Malta

5.0 (38)8 hours

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from $781 approx.

Half-Day Malta Highlights

5.0 (30)4 hours

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from $270 approx.

Malta Sightseeing Tour licensed Taxi - flexible and personalized

5.0 (21)1 hour

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from $18 approx.

The Farsons Brewery Experience Entry Ticket and Beer Flight

5.0 (18)40 minutes

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from $294 approx.

Half Day Private Tour In Malta Nicest Places

5.0 (8)6 hours

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from $317 approx.

Valletta Private Historical and Cultural Walking Tour

5.0 (6)3 hours

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from $292 approx.

Harbors and Knights of Malta. Private tour from Valletta port.

5.0 (5)4 hours

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from $441 approx.

Shore Excursion: Private Full-Day Tour of Valletta & Mdina

5.0 (4)5 hours

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from $1821 approx.

"Live Your Sicilian Dream" 4-Day Private Tours from Taormina”

5.0 (4)96 hours

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from $135 approx.

Malta Full Day Self Drive Buggy Tour with Lunch and Swim Stop

5.0 (3)7 hours

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from $45 approx.

Good Friday Easter Procession with Live Commentary and Transport

5.0 (3)2 hours 30 min

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These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Tours are sold and operated by our partner, who is the merchant of record.

What it costs

Budgeting

St. Julian's is more expensive than rural Malta, but it remains highly accessible compared to major European resort towns if you utilize public transit and local eateries.

Travel style	Per day
Backpacker	€50-70
Mid-range	€120-180
Luxury	€250+

Timing

When to visit

The shoulder seasons offer the best balance of warm swimming weather and manageable crowds, avoiding the intense heat and packed streets of mid-summer.

SpringApril to May brings comfortable temperatures around 20°C, ideal for walking the promenade before the intense summer humidity arrives.

SummerJune to August is hot, dry, and crowded. Temperatures frequently exceed 30°C, making air conditioning essential and driving crowds to St. George's Bay.

AutumnSeptember and October feature warm sea temperatures and fewer tourists, though short, heavy rain showers become more common.

WinterNovember to March is quiet and windy. Many outdoor venues close, but accommodation prices drop significantly.

Logistics

Getting around

Orientation map of St Julian's — Map data © Google

From the airport

The TD2 express bus runs directly from Malta International Airport to St. Julian's. Alternatively, local ride-hailing apps like Bolt, eCabs, and Uber offer direct transfers taking approximately twenty to thirty minutes depending on traffic.

Public transit

Malta Public Transport operates a network of buses connecting St. Julian's to Valletta, Sliema, and northern ferry terminals. Buses can get crowded and delayed during peak summer hours.

Passes & tickets

The Tallinja Card offers multi-day or multi-ride options, which are highly cost-effective if you plan to use the bus network daily.

On foot

The coastal promenade is highly walkable and flat, linking St. Julian's directly to Sliema. However, walking inland requires navigating steep hills and narrow, uneven pavements.

1
Avoid hailing traditional white taxis on the street; they are significantly more expensive than booking through ride-hailing apps.
2
Bus routes starting with 'TD' are direct express services that save considerable time during rush hour.

Travel smart

Safety & etiquette

St. Julian's is generally very safe, but Paceville can get rowdy and aggressive in the early hours of the morning due to heavy drinking. Keep a close eye on personal belongings in crowded clubs and on public buses.

Local etiquette

When visiting churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered; wraps are often provided at the entrance.
Tipping of 10% is customary in sit-down restaurants if a service charge is not already included.

From the ground

Practical tips

1
Download ride-hailing apps like Bolt or eCabs before arriving; they are far cheaper and more reliable than traditional street taxis.
2
Buy a Tallinja card at the airport if you plan to use the bus network; it saves money and hassle with cash fares.
3
Wear sturdy shoes; the streets leading inland from the bays are incredibly steep and can get slick when wet.
4
Book weekend dinners in Spinola Bay well in advance, as waterfront tables are highly sought after by locals.
5
Be prepared for slow bus journeys during the summer peak hours due to heavy coastal traffic.

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Good to know

St Julian's FAQs

Is the tap water safe to drink in St. Julian's?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink, but it is desalinated seawater and has a distinct, heavily chlorinated taste that most visitors dislike. Bottled or filtered water is widely preferred.

Can you swim in St. Julian's?

Yes, you can swim at the sandy beach of St. George's Bay, or join locals diving off the flat rocks along the promenade in Balluta Bay.

Is Paceville too noisy to stay in?

Yes, if you value quiet sleep. If you prefer peaceful nights, book accommodation in Balluta Bay or Portomaso instead of central Paceville.