Looking for the best party places in Malta? You’re in the right place. Malta packs a lot of nightlife into a small island: the all-night club strip of Paceville, rooftop bars with views over the sea, huge open-air venues with international DJs, and relaxed wine bars in Valletta’s old streets. This guide covers where to go, what each place is like, when to go and how to get home safely.
Looking for a specific night out? See all upcoming parties and nightlife events in Malta, updated every week.
Malta nightlife at a glance
- Best for clubbing: Paceville in St Julian’s
- Best for big-name DJs: Gianpula Village and UNO Malta
- Best for views: rooftop venues around St Julian’s
- Best for sunset and pool parties: Café del Mar (summer season)
- Best for a relaxed drink: Strait Street in Valletta
- Legal drinking age: 17, and some venues set a higher age, so carry ID
Paceville, St Julian’s: Malta’s party capital
If you ask anyone where to party in Malta, the answer is Paceville. This small area of St Julian’s is packed with clubs, bars and late-night food spots, all within a few minutes’ walk of each other. Many clubs are free to enter on regular nights, and most people move between several venues in one night.
Paceville is at its busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, and from June to September it’s lively almost every night. The peak is roughly between 1am and 3am. From October to May, weeknights are much quieter.
Havana
One of Paceville’s best-known clubs, on St George’s Road. Havana has several rooms playing hip-hop, R&B and commercial hits, and entry is usually free on regular nights. A good first stop for groups.
Footloose
A Paceville favourite with students, known for chart hits, party classics and wallet-friendly drinks. Expect a fun, busy crowd rather than a polished club.
Sky Club
One of the largest venues on the strip, Sky Club hosts big DJ nights and special events. These nights are usually ticketed, so check the line-up and book ahead.
Toy Room
A popular club playing hip-hop, R&B and reggaeton, with themed nights through the week. It draws a slightly older, dressed-up crowd, so leave the beachwear at home.
St Rita Steps
Not a club but a staircase lined with small bars, right in the heart of Paceville. It’s the classic place to start the night with a few drinks before heading to the clubs. Promoters often offer drink deals along the way.
Also on the strip: Club H and Hive, which run themed nights on most days of the week.
Rooftop and stylish nights out
Twenty Two
On the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Tower, right next to Paceville, Twenty Two is the place for cocktails with 360-degree night views. It’s more upmarket than the clubs below: smart dress is expected (no sportswear or trainers), and there’s usually a small entry fee later in the night.
Hugo’s Infinity
A rooftop pool club a few minutes’ walk from Paceville, with themed pool-party nights through the week. Some nights are strictly for over-21s, so check the night before you go.
Big open-air venues and festivals
For big international DJs and festival-style nights, head away from St Julian’s to Malta’s large dedicated venues. You’ll need a taxi to reach them, so plan your ride there and back.
Gianpula Village
Malta’s biggest club complex, set out in the countryside, with several rooms and outdoor spaces including the Main Room, The Club House, Groove Gardens, The Vault and The Rooftop. Music ranges from techno and tech house to commercial and 90s throwback nights, and it hosts the Glitch Club Series. Coming up: Halloween Village, Glitch Club Series ft. Kobosil and Class of 95.
UNO Malta
An open-air club in Ta’ Qali with several spaces and a big sound system, known for hosting major festivals and international DJs. See what’s next on our nightlife calendar.
Café del Mar Malta
An open-air pool and lounge venue on the coast at St Paul’s Bay, famous for sunset DJ sessions and its CDM Sundays. It’s seasonal, so it closes for winter. This year’s closing party is on 25 October.
Valletta: Strait Street for a relaxed night
Prefer conversation to a dance floor? Valletta’s Strait Street, once known as “The Gut” for its rowdy sailors’ bars, is now lined with wine bars, cocktail spots and venues with live music. It’s smart-casual, atmospheric and ideal for couples or a quieter evening.
Trabuxu Wine Bar, in a centuries-old stone cellar on Strait Street, is a favourite. On Friday and Saturday nights it’s worth booking a table.
Practical tips for a night out in Malta
- Age and ID: the legal drinking age in Malta is 17, but some venues and nights are 18+ or 21+. Always carry ID.
- Getting home: book a ride with an app such as Bolt or eCabs. If you take a white taxi from a rank, agree the fare before you get in. Night bus options are limited, so check Malta Public Transport before you rely on one.
- Book your ride early: between 2am and 4am on weekends, expect surge prices and longer waits.
- Budget: as a rough guide, beers cost about €5–7 in clubs, cocktails about €10–15, and entry ranges from free to around €10–20 for special nights.
- Stay safe: buy your own drinks and never leave them unattended, keep valuables in a zipped bag in crowded areas, and stick with your group.
- Dress code: casual is fine for most Paceville clubs, but rooftop and upmarket venues expect smart dress.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to party in Malta?
Paceville in St Julian’s is Malta’s main party area, with dozens of clubs and bars close together. For big DJ events, Gianpula Village and UNO Malta are the top venues.
What is the legal drinking age in Malta?
The legal drinking age in Malta is 17. Some clubs and events set their own higher age limits, so bring ID.
Is entry to Paceville clubs free?
Many Paceville clubs are free to enter on regular nights. Special events, guest DJs and VIP areas usually charge.
What is the best night to go out in Malta?
Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights all year. In summer, Paceville is lively almost every night of the week.
How do I get home after a night out in Malta?
Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and eCabs are the easiest option. Book early on weekend nights, and if you use a white taxi, agree the fare first.
Find your next party
Club nights and DJ events change every week. Check our Parties & Nightlife calendar for what’s on, or browse the full Malta events calendar.