The partying and pubbing scene in Malta is probably one of the best and most vibrant parts of the culture in Malta Nightlife. From busy clubs to a chic rooftop bar overlooking the Mediterranean, the island’s after-dark scene is as varied as its daytime attractions. From dancing until dawn and live music performances to enjoying a craft cocktail, Malta nightlife has something for everyone. Hot spots light up with neon tubes and a colourful crowd, offering everything from deep-house DJ sets to relaxing lounges.
10 Best Places To Visit For Enjoying Malta Nightlife
Visit the following places, from local village bars to open-air events that highlight the flavour and charm of the area.
1. Gianpula Village
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Gianpula Village is the biggest open-air nightclub in Malta and a favourite destination among nocturnal partygoers. It is also widely spaced and has a diverse schedule to choose from multiple different areas, including The Rooftop, Groove Gardens, and The Main Room, all boasting their unique vibes. Numerous world-class international DJs have played on this stage, everything from EDM and house to techno. It is also equipped with a high-tech sound system that quickly gets a vast crowd moving and enables a brilliant light show that bounces to the rhythm’s beat.
Timings: 10:30 PM – 4 AM
Location: Gianpula Village, Limits of Rabat, Malta
2. Paceville
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Paceville is the capital of Malta nightlife, providing an unrivalled bar-hopping experience. Chock-full of bars and pubs on surrounding buzzing streets, it’s a place for those who enjoy variety. Popular hangouts like the Nordic Bar for live music and laid-back vibes, the Havana cocktail bar for Latin-inspired drinks and Plush for hip ambience. Every venue has something different to offer, from craft beers and exotic cocktails to cheap shots and theme nights. The vibrant streets are teeming with life, with most of the venues lying close to one another, giving you a wealth of choice within minutes. Many bars offer happy hours, live performances and karaoke nights to make sure everyone’s catered to.
Timings: 6 PM to late
Location: Paceville, St. Julian’s, Malta
3. Cafe del Mar Malta
Photo: Cafe by the River / Wikimedia Commons
Café del Mar Malta, St. Paul’s Bay, is a stylish approach to nightlife with scenic Mediterranean views. Renowned throughout the city for its dressy but laid-back approach, it is ideal for an upscale evening without fuss. The space evolves from a more relaxed daytime pool club to a cocktail-fuelled haunt by night, with live DJ sets and ambient music. Signature cocktails, premium wines and gourmet snacks are available to sip and savour poolside or at trendy tables overlooking the sea. Sunset sessions are especially popular, with the sun setting low on the horizon. Frequent events, such as themed parties and exclusive music nights, draw both locals and tourists.
Timings: 6 PM to Midnight
Location: Triq it-Trunciera, St. Paul’s Bay, Malta
4. Havana Club Malta
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Havana Club, in the centre of Paceville, is a magnet for fans of hip-hop, R&B and reggaeton beats. A well-known spot located within the clubbing complex, it provides ample room to cut loose as streams of coloured lights dance around you and the music ascends in both beat and fullness. Havana Club is famous for its resident DJs, who also spin crowd-pleasing tracks, keeping the energy alive until the early hours. It’s a classic club with a modern interior and multiple bars serving cocktails, beers and shots to keep drinkers fuelled through the night. Havana is a diverse space, with locals, tourists, and students all coming to this part of town to be social. A popular place to dance in a vibrant setting of Malta nightlife, it also hosts regular themed nights and special events.
Timings: 10 PM – 4 AM
Location: St. George’s Road, Paceville, Malta
5. The Beer Cave
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Beer Cave, one of the coolest underground bars in Malta, is located inside the Osborne Hotel in Valletta. Famous for its homey atmosphere and good sound, it’s an ideal venue for catching live music in a cosy setting. You can regularly enjoy the minds and sounds of these local bands and solo musicians with blues, jazz, and rock-style themes. The Beer Cave has an impressive craft beer and local and state beer menu, along with a bar snack and comfort food menu. With dim lighting and rustic stone walls, the ambience is cosy and charming, perfect for a casual night out with friends or an intimate evening.
Timings: 8 PM – 1 AM
Location: 50 South Street, Valletta, Malta
6. Skybeach Lounge
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Skybeach Lounge, atop the InterContinental Hotel in St. Julian’s, offers a lavish night out with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. Famed for its infinity pool and chic decor, this rooftop venue is more for those looking for a classier night out. Skybeach shifts from a relaxing daytime hangout to a sophisticated evening venue with ambient tunes, house cocktails, and a curated selection of gourmet fare. Guests can lounge on plush cedars or private cabanas and bask in the panoramic vistas. Skybeach regularly holds private events, including sunset sessions by live DJs, making it an upscale space to mix and relax in Malta nightlife.
Timings: 6 PM to Midnight
Location: St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s, Malta
7. Bridge Bar
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In Valletta, Bridge Bar is a jazz lovers’ haven, a half-lit, intimate space beneath the old arches of St. Ursula Street. Head to this picturesque outdoor venue with live jazz every Friday night, drawing an audience from around the island. The vibrant space also features guests’ favourite wines, local craft beers and classic cocktails. The bar’s location, overlooking the Grand Harbour, also gives it a certain draw, particularly on warm summer evenings. There’s something so lovely and casual yet magical about the way it is set up, with cushions on the steps and seating for a variety of tastes to accompany the live music.
Timings: 8 PM – Midnight
Location: St. Ursula Street, Valletta, Malta
8. ARIA Complex
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Situated in San Ġwann, ARIA Complex is one of Malta’s most exclusive open-air nightlife destinations. ARIA has garnered a reputation as one of the premier party spots with cutting-edge experience. The complex also includes various spots, such as the large main stage for live performances, a cosy lounge area, and a chic poolside area. ARIA hosts prestigious events from all over the world, including DJ nights with world-renowned DJs, themed parties and private parties. Veteran sound systems, lighting, and outdoor space make for a memorable experience for music lovers and clubbers alike. VIP sections for bottle service and private access. The energy of a pumped-up crowd, the thrill of world-class entertainment and an upscale feeling.
Timings: 9 PM – 3 AM
Location: Triq Tal-Balal, San Ġwann, Malta
9. Strait Street Bars
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Valletta’s fanciest precinct, Strait Street, once home to sailor bars, now caters to trendy visitors who strike a balance between history and Malta nightlife. These streets are full of independent restaurants and bars, several unique in style and atmosphere. Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar offers a selection of thousands of different gins paired with tasty tapas. The Little RED Door is famous for its intimate atmosphere and creative cocktails. These bars are located inside Valletta’s historical stone structures, lending them an old-world charm. Walking along Strait Street, you can find live acoustic music, craft beers and snug nooks suitable for an unhurried evening. Worn-out Maltese architecture blended with modern nightlife makes Strait Street a perfect match.
Timings: 6 PM – Midnight
Location: Strait Street, Valletta, Malta
10. Hugo’s Terrace
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Hugo’s Terrace can be found in the centre of St. Julian’s and provides stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean at one of the trendiest rooftop venues on the island. A popular spot for both locals and visitors, it’s a great place to kick off a night out in Malta. The venue offers an extensive selection of signature cocktails, wines, and craft beers paired with a diverse menu of Mediterranean-inspired fare. With a laid-back, lively atmosphere, Hugo’s Terrace draws a crowd interested in both a relaxed pre-party drink and a vibrant post-dinner hangout. Relax with a cocktail as you take in the view and enjoy the music. Hugo’s Terrace provides a slick and social atmosphere.
Timings: 10 AM – 3 AM
Location: St. George’s Road, St. Julian’s, Malta
Party lovers flocking to Malta can find the island’s peculiar after-dark enchantment in the clubbing-hot nightlife scene ranging from high-energy clubs to laid-back lounges and everything in between. Sipping cocktails or soaking up the hustle and bustle of the city at its historic street bars, Malta has you dancing till late at night. This compact city offers you an experience of nightlife, music, socialising, and the best vibes in one destination. So plan your visit to Malta with TripXL and experience the Malta nightlife.
Cover Photo: Jurgen Rekkers / Wikimedia Commons