Top 11 things to do in St. Julian’s
As I’ve recently moved very close to St. Julian’s, I thought why not to explore the area a bit more. I’ve been in St. Julian’s countless times, so this place is not new to me, but I like to remind myself what I can do around here. If you are planning your visit to Malta and thinking which area to stay in, this should help you do decide if St. Julian’s is what you are after or not. And for those who live in Malta, you can double check if you can cross all these 10 things from your list. 🙂
1) Enjoy kilometers long promenade along the sea
Being it an early morning run or an evening stroll, the St. Julian’s promenade is definitely one of the main attractions of the area. The promenade starts at the Spinola Bay in St. Julian’s stretching through Sliema, Gzira, Ta’Xbiex and beyond. You can also sit on one of many benches and just enjoy the beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea for hours.
2) Lock your love at the Love Monument
The Love Sign is situated in Spinola Bay in St. Julian’s and was created by Maltese artist Richard England. As you can see the letters are inverted and one should read the word ‘love’ when reflected in the waters of Spinola Bay. If you are here with your loved one, this is the ideal place to ‘lock your love’. 🙂 But if that’s not your thing you can always just take a selfie with this beautiful backdrop for your social media!
3) Neo-gothic Parish Church and art nouveau Balluta Buildings
Following the promenade from Spinola Bay, you will shortly reach the Balluta Bay with a picturesque Balluta Square. This is a popular meeting place for locals as well as tourists. If you are exploring the area, stop at the Spinola Kiosk, have a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere while admiring the beautiful art nouveau Balluta Buildings and the nearby church dominating the bay.
4) Have a drink at Level 22 in the Portomaso Tower
The Portomaso Business Tower is at the moment the tallest building in Malta with its height of 97 metres and 23 floors. It’s definitely the most noticeable landmark of St. Julian’s. The Tower opened in 2001 and offers a mix of commercial office space. Once you are at the area, don’t forget to have a drink at the Level 22. It’s the “high-end of Pacevile” the local party area, but what I like the most are the amazing views of Malta at night! Well at the end of the day, you are on the 22nd floor!
5) Walk around the Portomaso Marina
Only steps away from the Portomaso Tower and the Spinola Garden you can find the Portomaso Marina. It’s a nice sheltered walk and some of the yachts you got to see! Oh my! You can walk all the way to the very end of the harbour’s breakwater, where you can just sit down and enjoy the view of the open sea!
6) Take a break at Spinola Garden
When I used to study in a language school in St. Julian’s more than 10 years ago (already?!), this would be by far, my favourite lunch break spot. A little green paradise in a concrete jungle of St. Julian’s. The garden is situated just next to the Spinola Palace, a large baroque building. It was renovated between 2006 and 2007 and it’s open to the public. Closing during the night for obvious reasons.
7) Discover The Newly Open Spinola Palace’s Private Garden
This little garden that recently reopened its doors (July 2019) has quickly become my favourite place in the area. The breath of fresh air that was so needed! Full of greenery and blooming flowers even during the hottest summer months! Definitely a place to visit! Do you like it? Read my full blog dedicated to this magical place!
8) Sunbath at St George’s Bay
If you are exhausted after a day of shopping at Bay Street or all night partying in Paceville, you can refresh yourself at the urban beach at St George’s Bay. This man-made beach is a popular place for tourists as well as locals with a large number of bars and restaurants closed by. It is also a Blue Flag beach which means that the beach met high criteria regarding water quality, safety, environmental education, provision of services and general environmental management criteria. Malta has 12 Blue Flag Beaches at the moment.
9) Try your luck at Dragonara Casino
Visiting a casino has been on my list for years! Once I would like to dress up, put the make-up on, grab some cash and experience the casino ‘atmosphere’. The Dragonara Casino is my favourite, at least because of its majestic look and its history. It was built in 1870 on the Dragonara Peninsula as a summer residence for the Scicluna family. There is also a legend related to the place! It is believed that a dragon lived in the caves nearby! It also played important role in the time of war. During WWI it was temporarily used as a hospital and in WWII the Scicluna family hosted over 100 refugees!
10) Enjoy a lovely meal at Spinola Bay
This picturesque bay is one of the most beautiful ones on the island. Spinola Bay is famous for its LOVE monument, colourful fishing boats, surrounding promenade and the large number of restaurants in the area. I like to sit down on a bench or near the water, but you can also admire the bay from one of the restaurants, while enjoying a nice Mediterranean lunch. Definitely a must!
11) Dance the night away in Paceville
The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the island’s party mecca known as Paceville. And what can you find in Paceville? Great number of bars, restaurants, gentlemen’s clubs, cafes, Bay Street shopping centre, Eden cinema & bowling, and other forms of entertainment such as roof top (party) pools, laser area and so much more.
Let me know, who has done all 10 things I’ve mentioned above! 🙂
