Going out to a nightclub in Malta is very common, with many places to party, whatever kind of music you prefer. You will find in this guide everything you need to know for choosing the dance floor that suits you best, and experience Malta’s nightlife to the fullest. In addition, drinks are very affordable compared to the standards prices in many other European countries.
Main towns for clubbing
The most frequented place in Malta for night life is without doubt the town of St Julian’s, with its famous Paceville district! It is indeed where most of the night life on the island takes place. However, there are other places on the island where you can go out all night too, with many themed nights throughout the summer.
St Julian’s
St Julian’s is Malta’s main nightclub town, with its famous Paceville district. You will find a large number of clubs, as well as bars and restaurants where you can have fun and fully enjoy the Maltese nightlife.
Level 22
Open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
The 22 (The Twenty-two) is one of Malta’s most exclusive nightclubs. Located on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Tower, which is Malta’s highest tower, this club has an exceptional 360-degree view. It is a pretty fancy club which caters for a slightly older crowd – between 25 and 40 years old – whereas most other clubs in Malta will attract a population between 18 and 25 years old. The atmosphere is most often associated with music from the 80s and 90s.
There is a sitting area inside, as well as a large dance floor. It is preferable to book during summer evenings and the dress-code is rather chic/casual oriented.
Many DJs come to this place for special evenings, and it is also possible to book the club for a private event.
Havana Club
Open every day from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The Havana Club is a must-see on the island. The atmosphere is mainly focused on R&B and Hip Hop. Havana Club is one of the most popular clubs on the island. It consists of 2 main floors, with a very large dance floor, several bars and a balcony overlooking Paceville’s main street. Many local DJs play there, creating a unique atmosphere until sunrise. Several themes are available:
- Havana Cuba: Reggae and Latin music
- Havana R&B
- Havana 808: Hip-Hop and Commercial
- Havana Flashback: Best of the retro universe.
The Playground @Sky Club
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The Playground is one of Malta’s largest indoor clubs, located in front of the Dragonara Casino in Paceville. With a capacity of 3,400 people, it has a huge bar right in the middle. The 330 sq. ft. dance floor affords lots of space to let loose and enjoy the party.
This place has an incredible set-up when it comes to lights, lasers, smoke machines and LCD TVs. Many concerts, events, and DJs are the heart of this club’s unique atmosphere.
Clique Club
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 p.m. to early morning
Clique Club is located right in the centre of Paceville. Clique is the ideal place for those looking for a small place buzzing with electronic music such as underground house, deep house or Tech house.
You can go wild there until 9a.m. throughout the year. The line-up is very often comprised of many Maltese DJs.
Footloose
Open every day from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
If there is one word that sums up this club, it is the following: FUN. Located in the centre of Paceville, Footloose plays every kind of music that will make you move and jump until the early morning. If you want to enjoy yourself, jumping around to the rhythm of world-famous music, this place will give you everything you are looking for.
Hugo’s Passion
Open every day from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Hugo’s Passion is located right in the centre of Paceville, just above Hugo’s Lounge. This club has a unique and authentic style. Many DJs liven up the club’s atmosphere, where you can go wild until the early hours of the morning. This club has an outdoor area, with plenty of tables and sofas for you to sit in and chill out.
Shadow Club
Open every day from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
A very exclusive club in terms of design and music, the Shadow Club is luxurious and contemporary. Many local DJs perform there, making it one of the favourite destinations for clubbers who want a different experience. With its luxurious VIP area, its terrace bar and its upper deck, The Shadow Club offers a unique experience in the heart of Paceville.
Rabat
Gianpula Village
Open Friday and Saturday until 4 a.m. depending on events.
The Gianpula Village is one of the fanciest places to party in Malta. Located near Rabat-Mdina, it is an outdoor complex, with a very Mediterranean atmosphere surrounded by palm trees. The place hosts many international DJs every summer, like Bob Sinclar, Timmy Trumpet or even Martin Garrix.
The place has many different rooms:
- Gianpula Main Room
- Marrakech Club – Outdoors with a jungle theme
- Club Phoenix – Very intimate indoor club
- The Rooftop – Perfect place for pool parties
- Penthouse – Outdoors with an enjoyable musical atmosphere
- Groove Gardens – For those seeking a real clubbing experience
- The Club House – Indoors with a very fancy atmosphere
- The Vault
- The Temple
- Gianpula Fields – Very large outdoor area for festivals – Hosting some of Malta’s biggest clubbing events.
San Gwann
Club Aria
Open according to events.
Located in the quiet town of San Gwann, Aria Club allows you to enjoy a full day around a swimming pool, eating afterwards, and finally spending an unforgettable evening in the club. Nicknamed the sexiest club in the Mediterranean, you will spend your evening surrounded by palm trees in a very warm atmosphere typical of the Mediterranean. It is one of the clubs which hosts the Jet Set, VIPs and DJs known in Europe.
Attard – Ta Qali
Uno Malta
Open according to events.
Numero Uno is one of the largest outdoor clubs in the Mediterranean. You will find plenty of bars with different dance floors for each event, all in an atmosphere that will take you on a journey mentally and spiritually. Located in the perfect setting of Ta ‘Qali, a craft village, this is THE PLACE TO BE on Saturday evenings throughout the summer period. Accommodating up to 5,000 people, this is truly a unique experience in Malta. There is also a small, separate area with a completely different atmosphere to that of the main area.
Buggiba – Qawra
Café Del Mar
Open every day from April to October
With breath-taking views of the Mediterranean, Café del Mar is the place you absolutely must visit at least once during your stay in Malta. The place is ideal during the day for relaxing, swimming, having a drink and chilling. It has an infinity pool and offers a magnificent panoramic view with incredible sunsets. Café Del Mar is known around the world for its chill-out compilation albums that have been released every year since 1994. Many DJs are invited every summer to make this space a unique place for clubbing in an incredible environment.
Xlendi-Gozo
La Grotta Leisure Club
Open from 10:30 p.m. to early morning, depending on events.
La Grotta is surely the best Club on the island of Gozo. It is located on the road from Victoria to Xlendi. Recognized by many experts as one of the most beautiful clubs in the world, La Grotta is home to both indoor and outdoor dance floors. The outdoor dance floor offers a breath-taking and magical view of the valley and the hills surrounding the place. The interior space is a large natural cave with 3 bars.
Tips and tricks
Although Malta is extremely safe and problems are very rare when going out, it is good to follow some tips:
- Do not go out with all of your documents. You just need to take an ID with you in case you are asked to prove your age when entering nightclubs. Therefore, there’s no need to go out with all your documents.
- Watch out for your phone. Although Malta is renowned for its tranquillity and the absence of crime, there has been an increase in thefts of phones and bags in recent years, especially in Paceville. Make sure to take care of your belongings.
- Do not carry too much cash on you. Alcohol in Malta is very cheap, and you will often find clubs selling spirit bottles between 30 and 50 euros. Plus, you can pay anywhere with your credit card. So be careful not to walk around with too much cash.
- Watch out for bouncers. All clubs in Malta have bouncers, and there is no point in trying to argue with them, as they are mostly never open to discussion. And if you persist, they may occasionally be violent. Respect them and they will respect you.
- Try to get to places using taxis or buses. They are extremely cheap and there is no point whatsoever in driving a car and risking an accident. By using different applications, you can get a taxi in less than 5 minutes at any time of the day or night.
For those who prefer bars, have a look at our page Bars in Malta.
