Paceville is much more than just a party district. It's the beating heart of St. Julian's , Malta's most popular tourist destination—a unique blend of beaches, restaurants, sidewalk bars, shopping centers, and, of course, the island's most renowned clubs. Whether you're going for a night out, a weekend, or a week, this guide tells you everything you need to know about this must-see area.
Paceville and St Julian's: where exactly are they?
St Julian's (San Ġiljan in Maltese) is a coastal town located on the northeast coast of Malta, between Sliema to the south and Pembroke to the north. It is the most touristy and lively town on the island — hotels, restaurants, nightlife, everything converges here.
Paceville (pronounced "Patcheville") is a district of St Julian's, nestled between Spinola Bay to the south and St George's Bay to the north. It's a tiny area—just 3-4 streets in total—but it boasts an extraordinary density of bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops.
Key geographical landmarks to know:
- Spinola Bay — St Julian's iconic bay. A promenade lined with restaurants with seaside terraces, colorful fishing boats (luzzu), and the famous LOVE monument. It's the perfect spot for dinner or drinks before heading up to Paceville.
- Portomaso — The upscale residential and commercial complex, dominated by the Portomaso Business Tower (the tallest in Malta). Yacht marina, chic restaurants, and at the top: TwentyTwo, the island's most exclusive rooftop club.
- Rita Steps — The legendary stairs in the heart of Paceville, lined with bars where music mingles and promoters hand out discount flyers. It's the epicenter of nightlife
- St George's Bay — Paceville Beach, north of the neighborhood. Swimming just steps from the clubs
- Bay Street — The Paceville shopping center. Shops, cinema, bowling alley, restaurants
- Dragonara Point — The promontory that houses the Dragonara Casino, Malta's most prestigious casino, in a historic palazzo overlooking the sea
The story of Paceville
Paceville takes its name from Dr. Giuseppe Pace , a Maltese doctor who bought land in the area in the 1930s to build residences for the British community. The area was then a small, upscale seaside resort, with colonial-style villas. Some of these residences still exist today, surrounded by modern apartment buildings.
The Palazzo Villa Rosa , with its magnificent terraces overlooking St George's Bay, is the most visible remnant of this era. It has been converted into luxury apartments.
After Malta's independence in 1964 , the government directed tourism development towards St. Julian's. Three large hotels were built in Paceville in the 1970s : a Sheraton, a Hilton, and the St. George's complex. The area quickly transformed into a popular nightlife destination , initially attracting British holidaymakers and later visitors from all over Europe.
Since the 2000s, Paceville has modernized with upscale clubs, premium rooftop bars, and an international nightlife scene . At the same time, the area has retained its accessible side with affordable bars and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The beaches of St Julian's and Paceville
St George's Bay — Paceville Beach
St George's Bay is the only true sandy beach in St Julian's. It's a small, crescent-shaped public beach , squeezed between large hotels and restaurants. It's clearly not the most beautiful beach in Malta, but it has some unique advantages:
- Accessibility: A 2-minute walk from Paceville's clubs. Perfect for a post-party swim or a quick daytime sunbathing session.
- Amenities: Sun loungers and parasols for hire, beach bars, showers
- Clean water: The bay is sheltered and the water is generally clear and calm
- Lively: In summer, it's a popular meeting place for young people and tourists. A festive atmosphere even during the day.
For the most beautiful beaches on the island (Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Blue Lagoon), consult our complete guide to Malta's beaches .
Swimming spots around St Julian's
- Balluta Bay — A small sandy beach between St Julian's and Sliema. Quieter than St George's Bay, ideal for families.
- Exiles Beach — Rocky beach between Sliema and St Julian's. Less crowded, beautiful snorkeling spot
- Rocky beaches along the promenade — Between Sliema and St Julian's, the coast is rocky with access to the sea. Locals love them
What to do in Paceville during the day
During the day, Paceville is surprisingly calm — a stark contrast to its nighttime hustle and bustle:
- Bay Street Shopping Complex — Shopping center with boutiques, multiplex cinema, and bowling alley. Air-conditioned, perfect when it's 35°C outside.
- Dragonara Casino — Malta's iconic casino, housed in a historic palazzo overlooking the sea at Dragonara Point. Roulette, blackjack, slot machines. Open 24 hours a day.
- Portomaso Marina — Promenade along the yacht marina, upscale restaurants, modern architecture. French Riviera atmosphere
- Spinola Bay — Enjoy lunch on a terrace overlooking the colorful fishing boats. The restaurants offer fresh fish and traditional Maltese cuisine.
- Water sports — Jet skiing from St George's Bay, paddleboarding, kayaking along the coast
Where to eat in St Julian's and Paceville
St Julian's offers an excellent culinary scene, far beyond late-night fast food:
- Spinola Bay — The best fish restaurants in St Julian's, with terraces overlooking the bay. Book in advance in summer.
- Portomaso — Upscale restaurants around the marina. Italian, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Bay Street — More casual options: fast food, pizzerias, international chains
- Along the promenade towards Sliema — Seaside terraces, perfect for a leisurely brunch or lunch
Paceville bars for pre-dinner drinks and early evening drinks
Before heading to the club, the tradition in Paceville is the pre-party in the bars . The streets come alive from 6pm and promoters hand out flyers with cocktails and shooters at reduced prices, sometimes free.
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Native Bar — Paceville's Latin bar. Tapas, mojitos, salsa lessons on select evenings. Happy hour from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
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Footloose Fun Bar — A Paceville institution. Commercial music, relaxed atmosphere, very reasonable prices. Always packed.
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Bellini — The undisputed temple of the shot. Famous for its crazy offer: 60 shots for €20. The essential warm-up before hitting the club.
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Big G's — The legendary street spot. Known for its huge, heavily loaded cocktails for just €7. The unbeatable alcohol-to-price ratio on the island.
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Nordic Bar — Small, friendly, good pop-rock music. Ideal for starting the evening
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Saddles Bar — A local hangout. Cheap beers, foosball, live sports. Relaxed atmosphere
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Cork's Irish Pub — A classic Irish pub. Karaoke, pool, sports on a big screen. Easy interaction with other customers.
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Thirsty Barber — Original cocktail bar, 1920s decor, live music. A cut above
Our advice: start your evening at Spinola Bay (terraces facing the sea), then head back up towards the stairs of Rita Steps around 11pm when the energy is rising.
Nightlife in Paceville
Paceville is THE nightlife capital of Malta . This district, comprised of just a few streets, boasts around forty bars, pubs, and clubs. In the summer, thousands of people flock there every night—tourists, language students, Maltese locals, and expats.
The main clubs in Paceville are Sky Club Malta (largest), Twenty Two Malta (premium rooftop), Toy Room Malta (urban atmosphere), Hugo's Hotel Malta (pool party) and the Havana Club (historic institution). In summer, the Gianpula Village Malta In Rabat, the offering is completed with a massive open-air complex.
👉 For a full list of clubs, prices, music styles and booking information: see our Malta nightclub guide
What evening should I go out in?
Unlike many cities, Paceville is lively every night . Saturday is the busiest, but the French nights on Mondays (Le Classico at the Sky Club) and Tuesdays (Le Désir at the Toy Room) are among the most popular. In the summer, Fridays are a must with Gianpula's open-air music.
👉 Check out the full calendar of parties in Malta
Security
Paceville is heavily policed, especially on weekends. The atmosphere is generally friendly. Standard precautions are sufficient: keep an eye on your belongings, never leave your drink unattended, and download Bolt (the Maltese ride-hailing app) before heading home. For more details, read our article "Is Malta a dangerous country?"
How to get to Paceville
- By bus: Several lines serve St Julian's from all over the island. The Tallinja bus costs €1.50 per journey (rechargeable card €21/week unlimited). Night buses run on weekends.
- By Bolt (bike share): The most practical option, especially for returning from a night out. Paceville → Sliema ~€5 / → Valletta ~€10 / → Mellieha ~€15
- On foot from Sliema: 10-15 minutes along the coastal promenade. Pleasant in the evening
- By car: Paid parking at the Welbee's supermarket (€2/hour or €15/day). Please note that parking is very difficult in the evening.
- From the airport: St Julian's is about 20 minutes by taxi/Bolt. Approximately €15-20
Where to stay in St Julian's and Paceville
St Julian's is the best area to stay in Malta if you want to enjoy the nightlife:
- Right in Paceville: Hotels like the Valentina and the Cavalieri. You're in the heart of the action — convenient but noisy
- Portomaso/Waterfront: More upscale and quieter. Hilton, Corinthia, InterContinental. A 5-10 minute walk from Paceville
- Spinola Bay: The best compromise. Restaurants and bars with terraces right at the hotel, Paceville a 5-minute walk away. Lively but not deafening atmosphere.
- Sliema: Quieter, cheaper, and a 10-15 minute walk from Paceville. A good option for those on a budget.
Compare real-time availability:
Activities to combine with Paceville
The proximity to the sea and water sports activities makes it possible to create full days out:
- Morning: Jet skiing in Malta along the coast or quad biking excursion Malta in the Maltese countryside
- Afternoon: Boat party Malta at sunset or relaxing in St George's Bay
- Evening: Drinks at Spinola Bay → Malta clubs
- The next day: Excursion to Gozo & Comino to recover at the Blue Lagoon
FAQ: Paceville and St Julian's
Is Paceville dangerous?
No. Paceville is a lively neighborhood with heavy police surveillance. The atmosphere is friendly. Standard precautions are sufficient: keep an eye on your belongings and avoid deserted alleyways after 3 a.m.
Is Paceville suitable for families during the day?
Yes. During the day, Paceville is quiet: St George's Bay beach, Bay Street shopping center with a cinema and bowling alley, and restaurants with outdoor seating in Spinola Bay. It's a pleasant area. At night, however, it's a different story.
What is the difference between St Julian's and Paceville?
St Julian's is the city. Paceville is a district of St Julian's, concentrated around a few streets between Spinola Bay and St George's Bay. It's the party and club district.
Where to park in Paceville?
The paid parking lot at Welbee's supermarket is the best option: €2/hour or €15/day. Street parking is very difficult, especially in the evening and during the summer. We recommend using a ride-hailing service (Bolt) to avoid the stress.
Can you visit Paceville without partying?
Absolutely. Spinola Bay is beautiful for dinner overlooking the sea. Portomaso Marina is worth a stroll. St George's Bay is a lovely beach. And the Dragonara Casino is an experience in itself. You can enjoy St Julian's without ever setting foot in a club.
Is it safe for a woman to go out alone in Paceville?
Yes. Paceville is very well monitored and the atmosphere is safe. Check out our guide for women travelling alone in Malta .
What is the best time to visit St Julian's?
Summer (June-September) offers the most vibrant atmosphere and all the activities. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are excellent with fewer crowds. Winter is quiet, but the clubs remain open. For detailed weather information, see our Malta weather guide .
How to get from the airport to St Julian's?
By Bolt or taxi: ~20 minutes, €15-20. By bus (X2 express line): ~45 minutes, €1.50. Malta Airport is small; you exit and you're on the Bolt in 5 minutes.