Where To Party In This Mediterranean Paradise
By Ed Lansink, Special to PubClub.com
Malta is well known for its history and culture, and at night the country comes alive with Mediterranean passion and a desire to party the night away. The place is packed with clubs and bars, especially in the certain areas like St. Julian’s and Valletta.
In the 1960s the three cities forged a reputation for all kinds of nightlife entertainment and merchant crews used to talk about the country as the stuff of legend. Although the merchant crews may have vanished this party all night spirit still prevails.
So where to go to find the best nightlife in Malta and experience the legend? Let’s find out.
Paceville, St Julians for the Wild Party Nights
Much of the more vibrant nightlife can be found in Paceville, St Julian’s. A few miles north of Valletta the region is home to several language schools, and where there are students there are parties! The clubs are in a densely packed location so you can hop from one to another fairly easily.
Here’s a selection of Paceville’s finest:
Havana
Located in the middle of Paceville, Havana offers six lounge bars and two dance floors. The music is retro thumping with a bit of hip-hop and soft rock thrown in for good measure. The club is well known for its cocktails and food, but most of the crowd stick to beer. A must visit.
BarCelona Lounge
For a slightly different vibe, BarCelona Lounge has forged an almost legendary reputation for flamenco shows and weekend live performances. When these are not in full flow the club’s house music keeps revellers jumping to the beat. The wine, cocktails, and food keep energy levels high, and the party vibe turned up to eleven.
Hugo’s Lounge
Hugo’s Lounge entertains the crowds through playing the newest releases from all over the world. The cocktails and excellent sushi is to party for. You can find Hugo’s Lounge just beneath the Shadow Lounge. Enjoy the happy hour, which is guaranteed to get you into a party mood.
Shadow Lounge
The Shadow Lounge is well known for its cocktails and champagne, and the terrace dancefloors and plush sofas give it a relaxing classy vibe. Many locals use it for drinks after work, and the house music that emanates from this club can get you up and dancing whether you’re a fan of house music or not.
Pubs and Bars in Valletta
Like the rest of Malta, the nightlife is diverse. Whereas Paceville and St Julian’s is more is for partying until sunrise, Valletta offers something more earthy and inline with the country’s commitments to the arts.
If you’re staying in the capital or simply want to sample the nightlife here are some places to check out.
The Beer Cave
The ingenious idea of combining bars with caves has proved to be a winner in Valletta. Live bands entertain, beer and nachos flow, and the 450-year-old cave seems to bounce with the beat. It is unlikely you have ever had a beer in a cave or will do so again. So make sure you come and enjoy the vibe.
Carcass City Bar
The Caracas City Bar on Strait Street is a piece of Valletta history. Handed down from generation to generation, it is known for its fine selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Many locals come here for a drink, conversation, and to dance. You can do the same.
The Pub
If you asked a British person or an Irishman what a real pub is they would tell you four words: The Pub in Valletta. Here, you can enjoy a pint of beer while the locals start piling in after work, often unloading about work and other things that everyone around the world will be able to relate to. This is a place of relaxation but has an atmosphere that allows you to be you. Something that is increasingly rare.
Q Bar
If you’re in Valletta and need a club to make the night worth living, then Q Bar is the place to go. Situated on the Waterfront, Q Bar is a mixture of lounge and club. You can dance here and engage in pleasant conversation over your favorite drink.
Tips for a Great Night out in Malta
To help you get the most out of Malta’s nightlife, here are some tips.
- Dress Code – Some clubs have a strict dress code, and you stand more chance of admittance if you aim for smart casual. If in doubt and you know where you are planning to spend the night, check the website or call ahead.
- Enjoy the Locals – Malta locals tend to be hospitable and friendly, and it is always engaging to talk to people from a different country while visiting. Be courteous and show respect and you may be invited to more exciting nightspots which few tourists see.
- Sample Everything – If you’re only here for a while, try a bit of everything. Life is too short, not to. You may find a Jager Bomb in one club is slightly better than in another!
- Keep Emergency Funds – It is a good idea to keep some cash for emergencies. Emerging from a club in the small hours your first thought will be to look for a taxi. Having money to pay for the taxi ensures you can get back to your hotel or wherever you are staying.
- Write Down Emergency Contact Details – Keep emergency contact details in your purse or wallet. Should something happen, authorities and the like can get in touch with your family. Make sure you have contact details of both your loved ones back home and the people you are staying with, in Malta.
This has the added advantage of being able to show a taxi driver where you are staying if you can’t remember it. There is a big difference between remembering your hotel address at the start of a night than at the end!
Malta has something for everything. It is a country of proud people who take pride in their achievements and their nightlife!
About the author: Ed Lansink is a tourist turned expat and has the website MaltaUncovered.com.
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