Where Is St. Julian’s?
St. Julian’s – known locally as San Ġiljan in Maltese – sits on the northeast coast of Malta, roughly 8 kilometres from the capital Valletta. It is wedged between the quieter residential town of Pembroke to the north and the shopping town of Sliema to the south, connected to both by a beautiful seafront promenade that runs along the entire coastline.
If you are travelling from Valletta, a taxi takes about 15 to 20 minutes. From Malta International Airport, the drive is around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Several bus routes – including lines 12, 13, 14, and 21 – connect St. Julian’s directly to Valletta, making it easy and affordable to reach without a car. From Bugibba and St. Paul’s Bay to the north, direct buses run through too, so wherever you are based on the island, San Ġiljan is well within reach.
Once you are here, you will not need transport at all. The entire town is walkable, and that is one of its greatest qualities.
Why St. Julian’s Should Be on Every Malta Itinerary
Malta often brings to mind ancient walled cities, Baroque cathedrals, and fortresses that have stood for centuries. All of that is real, and all of it is worth seeing. But if you spend your entire trip in Valletta and Mdina without visiting St. Julian’s, you will leave with only half a picture of what this island actually is today.
San Ġiljan is the contemporary heartbeat of Malta. It is where the island eats, drinks, parties, swims, and lives. We have spent around eight years based right in the centre of this town – not visiting, but genuinely living here – and this guide is built entirely on that experience. It is not a collection of things copied from other websites. It is what we actually do, eat, and recommend to every friend who visits.
If we had to pick a number: there are at least 12 genuinely worthwhile things to do in St. Julian’s, and you could fill three or four days here without repeating yourself. Here they are, properly explained.
Top 12 Things to Do in St. Julian’s, Malta
1. Explore Paceville – Malta’s Nightlife Capital
Paceville is not just one street of bars. It is the entertainment capital of the entire island – a dense, walkable district of nightclubs, rooftop cocktail lounges, pubs, live music venues, and underground dance floors all pressed together within a few hundred metres.
The energy changes as the night moves. By 8 PM, people are at street-side pubs and casual restaurants. By midnight, the real Paceville begins – multi-level clubs pumping electronic music, hip-hop, Latin beats, and commercial pop, all within a few steps of each other. Club-hopping is simply what people do here; there is no planning required.
The streets are lined with dozens of clubs and bars, each with its own personality. Hugo’s and Havana Club are the most consistent headline venues, drawing a genuinely international crowd and packing out every weekend. Footloose is another firm favourite, and The Thirsty Barber has a brilliant character – a craft cocktail bar with a barber-shop theme that stands out from the standard club offerings. Beyond those, just follow the music and the crowd and you will find your spot.
For something more elevated, Anima Rooftop offers a gorgeous open-air terrace with views and cocktails, and Club 22 at Portomaso brings a sophisticated, upscale club experience right on the marina – a more grown-up alternative to the Paceville main strip that is well worth knowing about.
After the clubs wind down, the streets fill with people hunting late-night food. Kiosks serving pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) and kebabs appear throughout Paceville in the early hours – quick, cheap, and exactly what you want at 2 AM. It is part of the ritual.
It is worth knowing that Paceville has a reputation, and some of that reputation is earned. The area is very lively on weekend nights. It is also very safe, with a visible police presence during peak hours. Stay aware of your belongings, stick to main streets when walking back late, and you will have a brilliant time.
2. Visit Mercury Tower – Malta’s Most Spectacular Building
Mercury Tower, designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, is both tallest building and one of the country’s most recognizable modern landmarks. Its twisting, fluid form is unlike anything else on the island – seeing it for the first time genuinely stops you in your tracks.
The tower sits at the heart of the Mercury Shopping District, which brings together curated retail, dining, and immersive experiences in one of the most modern complexes in the country. It is worth exploring as a destination in itself, not just as a shopping stop.
At the very top of the tower is Anima Rooftop (also known as Level 33), a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Maltese coastline, the harbour, and the open Mediterranean that stretch as far as the eye can see. It is one of the most spectacular views in all of Malta, and the bar itself is elegant and well-run. This is strictly an adults’ experience – but for those who can go, do not miss it.
During the day, the Mercury Shopping District also has family-friendly activities and attractions inside, making it worth visiting for all ages at different times.
3. Walk the Promenade to Sliema
One of the best free things you can do in Malta costs nothing and takes about 45 minutes each way. The coastal promenade from St. Julian’s stretches south all the way to Sliema, running flat and wide along the edge of the Mediterranean the entire way.
This is not a tourist attraction in the conventional sense – it is simply a beautiful walk. Joggers, dog walkers, families, couples, and elderly locals all share this path every single day. Along the route you will pass small kiosks selling fresh juice and ice cream, benches where you can sit and stare out to sea, and stretches of smooth limestone rock where people swim.
Try to walk it late afternoon heading into sunset – the limestone buildings along the coast turn a deep gold as the sun drops and the light on the water is something you will not forget. Early morning is equally worth it; you will have the whole promenade almost entirely to yourself. Keep walking toward Sliema and you will pass Cat Park – a well-known local spot where dozens of community cats gather – and further on, Exile Park, which has good play areas popular with local families.
4. Discover Spinola Bay
Spinola Bay is the emotional heart of St. Julian’s. This small, curved harbour is where the traditional Maltese luzzu fishing boats sit in calm water, their painted eyes facing outward just as they have for generations. It is the most photographed spot in the town, and for good reason – especially at dusk, when the restaurant lights reflect off the still water and the whole bay feels quietly magical.
Walk down near the Gululu restaurant area and you will find relaxed waterfront seating, traditional boats as your backdrop, and some of the nicest people-watching in Malta. The famous Love Monument by Maltese artist Richard England also sits here – the letters are inverted so that the word LOVE appears correctly when reflected in the water below.
Spinola Bay also has a food court nearby with a wide variety of options for different tastes, and right alongside it, a free kids’ play area that makes it a perfect spot for families to base themselves for lunch or an early dinner.
5. Explore Portomaso Marina
If Spinola Bay is traditional Malta, Portomaso Marina is the island’s most glamorous face. This privately managed waterfront area is home to dozens of luxury yachts in perfectly still water, surrounded by high-end apartments, the Portomaso Business Tower, and some of Malta’s finest restaurants and bars. The Portomaso Casino is also here for those who want an evening of it.
What most visitors do not know is that the marina sits several levels below street level, and reaching it requires taking a lift. There are three separate elevator access points:
- Near the Rolex shop
- Near the Portomaso Tower
- Near the Hilton Hotel
Take any of these down to the -5 level and you emerge into one of the most beautiful and undervisited corners of St. Julian’s – a calm, elegant marina walkway away from the noise of the town above. We used to come here regularly just to eat – grab food from Alice, Tuk Tuk, or Ninja Bowl on the street above, take the elevator down, and eat by the fish pond at the Hilton overlooking the yachts. It is one of those experiences that feels like a local secret even though it is right in the middle of everything.
Also worth a visit near the marina: the fish pond at the Hilton Hotel, which sits just below the main lobby level. Children love it, and it is one of those small, charming details that most people walk straight past.
6. Swim at Balluta Bay
Balluta Bay is a small urban beach in St. Julian’s that combines a sandy bathing area with rocky limestone platforms. The bay is popular with both locals and visitors, offering easy access to the sea in a scenic setting overlooked by the neo-Gothic Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the historic buildings of Balluta Square.
One important note before you jump in: always check the current water quality status before swimming at Balluta Bay. The Maltese government periodically issues warnings when water quality does not meet safe bathing standards, and Balluta Bay can occasionally be affected by contamination. Check the official notices posted at the bay itself or look up the latest status via the Malta Environment and Resources Authority before your visit. If a warning is in place, head to either St. George’s Bay or Exile Beach instead – it is a few-minutes walk.
7. Swim at St. George’s Bay
If you are travelling with younger children or simply prefer sand under your feet, St. George’s Bay is your answer. It sits right at the bottom of the Paceville district and features a proper stretch of imported sand – one of the very few sandy beaches in this part of Malta. In summer it gets busy with swimmers, sunbathers, and language students taking a break, but it is never overwhelming. The convenience alone makes it special: no bus, no drive, just walk down.
8. Museum of Illusions Malta (Paid)
One of the newest and most enjoyable attractions in St. Julian’s is the Museum of Illusions Malta, which has quickly become a favourite for visitors of all ages. The museum is packed with optical illusions, mind-bending rooms, and interactive exhibits designed to trick your brain and produce genuinely funny photos. It is the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned, because every room produces a new moment of disbelief. Great for couples, families, and groups – and one of the most entertaining hours you can spend on a rainy afternoon or a slow morning.
9. Eat Your Way Around the Food Scene
The food in St. Julian’s is, genuinely, some of the best on the island. Because of the large international community that lives and works here, the range of cuisine available is extraordinary.
For a full roundup of the best restaurants in St. Julian’s Malta – including local favourites, waterfront dining, pizza spots, and fine dining experiences – check out our complete restaurant guide.
Here is how we break it down:
For a special occasion: Mamachi is one of the finest dining experiences in Malta. Order the sushi platter – it is exceptional – and make sure you try their famous bathtub cocktail, which is as theatrical as it sounds and genuinely delicious. Blue Elephant offers beautiful food in a setting where you can choose between sea views or a gorgeous indoor space – both are worth experiencing. Paranga rounds out the top tier as another excellent choice for a proper evening out. And if you want a classic, beautifully located seafood restaurant with character, Barracuda is a long-standing favourite in St. Julian’s – a proper grown-up dinner spot perched right on the water that has earned its reputation over many years.
Michelin recognition but still budget friendly: KuYA Asian PUB is Michelin-listed, bringing seriously talented fusion cooking to what is styled as a street food concept. Do not let the casual framing fool you – the food is exceptional.
Reliable and enjoyable: Wagamama is consistently good for Asian-inspired dishes. Two Boys is a local favourite. salumeria gardens offers a relaxed garden-dining atmosphere that is lovely in the evenings.
The pizza experience: This deserves its own category. Pizza di Michele at Balluta Bay is the Malta outpost of the legendary Naples pizzeria – the one with queues around the block in Italy, as featured in Eat Pray Love. Here, you can walk in. The pizza is the real thing. Alice, nearby, offers Roman-style pizza by the slice – you choose your slice from the display and go. Our personal tip: grab food from Alice, Tuk Tuk, or Ninja Bowl, take the elevator down to Portomaso Marina, and eat by the water. Zero cost for the view; the food tastes twice as good.
Do not miss: Fuwamai (Japanese soufflé bakery) serves the most famous Japanese fluffy pancakes in St. Julian’s – thick, perfectly made, and unlike anything else you will find on the island. A quietly wonderful spot that locals love.
10. Try Your Luck at the Casinos
St. Julian’s has two of Malta’s best casinos within easy walking distance of each other, and both are worth knowing about. Portomaso Casino sits right within the marina complex – a beautifully designed space where the setting alone is worth the visit, whether you are a serious player or simply curious. Dragonara Casino occupies a stunning position inside the historic Dragonara Palace right on the seafront – one of the most atmospheric casino settings you will find anywhere in the Mediterranean. If you fancy an evening of gaming, or even just a look inside a genuinely impressive building, either one delivers.
11. Attend the St. Julian’s Feast (Late August)
If you are in Malta at the end of August, the feast of San Ġiljan is not to be missed. The highlight is the għostra – a centuries-old tradition where men attempt to run along a long, greased pole suspended over the sea to grab a flag at the end. It is far harder than it looks and draws enormous crowds. The Musketterija tradition also takes place, where blank black-powder cartridges are fired from the church roof when the statue of the patron saint is brought out. It is noisy, joyful, and deeply Maltese.
12. Friday Evenings at Exile Beach
If you are visiting on a Friday evening, do not miss Exile Beach. It is a short, easy walk from the centre of St. Julian’s, and on Friday nights it transforms into one of the most atmospheric free experiences on the island. Local people gather on the beach with BBQs going, the smell of smoke and charcoal drifting through the sea air, and live music playing as the sun drops. It is informal, lively, and completely authentic – not a tourist event, but a genuine local ritual that visitors stumble into and never forget. The combination of the beach setting, live music, and that warm smoky BBQ atmosphere on a Friday evening is something that is very hard to replicate anywhere else. If you are in San Ġiljan on a Friday, make the walk. You will not regret it.
St. Julian’s for Families
San Ġiljan works exceptionally well for families, but it helps to know which parts of the town suit children and which are better saved for evenings without them.
Beaches: Balluta Bay for confident swimmers comfortable on rocks; St. George’s Bay for families with young children who want sand and easy water entry.
Rainforest Cafe: Book ahead in summer. Children genuinely talk about this one for years.
Eden Mall, Bowling & Cinema: Perfect for hot afternoons or rainy days. The bowling alley at Eden Mall is a reliable crowd-pleaser for all ages, and Eden Cinemas is the best screen on the island.
Museum of Illusions Malta: A brilliant option for families – interactive, funny, and genuinely surprising. Every room is designed to produce a new moment of disbelief. Children and adults enjoy it equally.
Mercury Shopping District: Explore during the day for family-friendly attractions. Return in the evening (without children) for Anima Rooftop at the top of Mercury Tower.
Spinola Bay Food Court + Free Play Area: The most practical family lunch spot in the whole town. A wide variety of food options, a free play area children can use while adults eat, and one of the prettiest harbour views in Malta as your backdrop.
Hilton Fish Pond: A small but genuinely delightful stop just below the main Hilton lobby level near Portomaso Marina. Easy to miss; children love it.
Promenade Walk to Cat Park and Exile Park: The walk itself is the activity. Children enjoy spotting the cats at Cat Park along the way, and Exile Park at the Sliema end has proper play equipment.
Pizza di Michele: Even a casual lunch at one of the world’s most famous Neapolitan pizza brands– right at Balluta Bay – feels like a special occasion. There are benches right beside the restaurant where you can sit, relax, and eat with the bay in front of you. Simple, perfect, and completely free.
Where to Stay in St. Julian’s
San Ġiljan has accommodation across every price point, all within walking distance of everything described in this guide.
At the top end, the InterContinental, Hilton, and Radisson are the flagship properties, each offering excellent facilities and prime coastal locations. For mid-range and budget travellers who still want a pool and a good location, there are several solid options: IKYK Hotel, Hotel Shoreline, Onyx, and Hotel Levante St. Julian’s are all worth considering. If you want to stay close to the water with easy access to Balluta Bay and Spinola, there are several smaller guesthouses and aparthotels in that area too – a quick search filtered by the Balluta Bay / St. Julian’s neighbourhood will surface a good range.
One honest note: parts of the town are currently under active construction due to ongoing development. If you are sensitive to daytime noise, check the location of your hotel relative to active building sites when booking.
Getting There and Getting Around
From Valletta: Taxi 15–20 minutes; buses 12, 13, 14, or 21, approximately 25 minutes.
From the airport: Approximately 20–30 minutes by taxi; 40–50 minutes by bus. The easiest way to reach St. Julian’s from Malta International Airport is by taxi or ride-hailing services such as Bolt or Uber, as they offer a direct journey with no stops and usually take around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. White airport taxis are also readily available outside the terminal. If you prefer public transport, buses are available but take longer and are less direct. The most convenient option is taxi, while for buses the main routes are: TD2 (Fastest): A direct airport express service designed for travelers with limited stops. It usually takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. X2 (Standard Express): A regular express bus route connecting the airport with St. Julian’s and Sliema. It makes more stops than the TD2 and typically takes around 50–60 minutes.
From Bugibba / St. Paul’s Bay: Direct bus northward, approximately 30–40 minutes.
Within the town: Walk everywhere. The entire usable area of San Ġiljan – from Paceville down to Portomaso – covers less than two kilometres of coastline. You will not need a taxi within town.
The Best Time to Visit
St. Julian’s is active year-round, which is one of its genuine advantages over smaller Maltese towns that go quiet in winter. That said, the experience changes significantly by season.
Summer (June–August) is the most intense: hottest weather, biggest crowds, most vibrant nightlife, and the most active beach scene. Book accommodation well in advance.
Spring and autumn (April–May, September–October) offer the best all-round experience. The weather is warm enough for swimming and all outdoor activities, but the summer crowds have thinned. Restaurant tables are easier to get; the promenade is less hectic.
Winter (November–March) is genuinely quiet compared to summer, but San Ġiljan never fully closes. The large expat and business community keeps restaurants, cafes, and bars open and lively. The promenade is beautiful in low winter light. If you are looking for a peaceful, authentic experience of the town rather than the tourist version, this is when to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan), Malta
Where is St. Julian’s, Malta? St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan) is a coastal town on the northeast side of Malta, located roughly 8 km from the capital Valletta. It sits between Pembroke and Sliema along the shoreline and is one of the main tourist hubs on the island.
What is St. Julian’s like? St. Julian’s is a lively coastal town known for its mix of restaurants, hotels, seaside walks, and nightlife. During the day it has a relaxed Mediterranean feel, especially around Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay. In the evening, Paceville becomes the main entertainment area with bars and clubs, making it one of the most active parts of Malta.
What to do in St. Julian’s, Malta? You can walk along the promenade toward Sliema, explore Spinola Bay and Portomaso Marina, swim at St. George’s Bay or Balluta Bay, visit Mercury Tower, experience nightlife in Paceville, and enjoy the wide range of restaurants. It also works well as a base for exploring the rest of Malta.
What to see in St. Julian’s? Key sights include Spinola Bay with its traditional fishing boats, Balluta Bay and its historic church, Portomaso Marina, Mercury Tower, and the Dragonara area.
Where to eat in St. Julian’s? The town offers a wide range of dining options, from waterfront seafood restaurants to upscale venues and casual cafés. The food scene is diverse, with Mediterranean, Italian, Asian, and fusion cuisine widely available.
What food is St. Julian’s known for? St. Julian’s is not known for one specific dish but for its international food scene, especially seafood, Mediterranean cuisine, and a strong mix of global restaurants.
What to do in St. Julian’s for a week? A week can include exploring Spinola Bay, Balluta Bay, and Sliema, enjoying St. George’s Bay, visiting Valletta and Mdina, and taking day trips to Gozo or Comino.
Where should I go in St. Julian’s? Main areas include Spinola Bay for scenery, Balluta Bay for a quieter atmosphere, Portomaso Marina for modern waterfront views, Paceville for nightlife, and the promenade for walking.
How far is St. Julian’s from Valletta? It is about 8 km from Valletta. Travel takes around 15–25 minutes by taxi or 20–30 minutes by bus.
How far is Malta Airport from St. Julian’s? Malta International Airport is around 10–12 km away. Travel time is about 20–30 minutes by taxi or 40–60 minutes by bus depending on the route.
How to get from Malta Airport to St. Julian’s? The easiest way to reach St. Julian’s from Malta International Airport is by taxi or ride-hailing services such as Bolt or Uber, as they offer a direct journey with no stops and usually take around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. White airport taxis are also readily available outside the terminal. If you prefer public transport, buses are available but take longer and are less direct. The most convenient option is taxi, while for buses the main routes are: TD2 (Fastest): A direct airport express service designed for travelers with limited stops. It usually takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. X2 (Standard Express): A regular express bus route connecting the airport with St. Julian’s and Sliema. It makes more stops than the TD2 and typically takes around 50–60 minutes.
How to get to Valletta from St. Julian’s? Frequent buses and taxis connect St. Julian’s and Valletta. The journey takes about 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and transport type.
How to get to Gozo from St. Julian’s? Travel to Cirkewwa in northern Malta by bus or taxi, then take the ferry to Gozo. The total journey takes around 75–90 minutes.
How to get to Comino from St. Julian’s? Go to Cirkewwa by bus or taxi, then take a ferry or boat to Comino. Many also choose organised boat tours from various coastal departure points.
Is St. Julian’s the same as Paceville? No. Paceville is a nightlife district within St. Julian’s, while the town itself also includes Spinola Bay, Balluta Bay, Portomaso Marina, and residential areas.
We have spent eight years living right here in San Ġiljan, and we are still finding things to appreciate. From the ancient fishing harbour of Spinola Bay to the sky-high drama of Anima Rooftop at Mercury Tower; from world-famous Neapolitan pizza eaten on a marina bench to Michelin-listed fusion cooking a five-minute walk away – St. Julian’s holds more within its small borders than most places manage across an entire region. If you are planning a trip to Malta and want a base that puts everything within reach, San Ġiljan is the answer.