Unwind at the Best Bars in Malta

Whether you’re sipping spritzes along Valletta’s cobbled streets or dancing the night away in St Julian’s, Malta’s nightlife pulses with personality. Think golden-hour sea views, heritage buildings turned hotspots, and creative menus made for memorable moments.

Guests staying at Verdi Gżira Promenade or Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina or Vivaldi Malta are perfectly positioned to explore the island’s most iconic venues. From coastal cool to capital city chic, you’re never far from your next favourite night out.

Best Bars in Malta by Area

Whether you’re sipping spritzes along Valletta’s cobbled streets or dancing the night away in St Julian’s, Malta’s nightlife pulses with personality. Think golden-hour sea views, heritage buildings turned hotspots, and creative menus made for memorable moments. For a broader picture of evenings on the island, see our nightlife in Malta guide.

Guests staying at Verdi Gżira Promenade or Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina or Vivaldi Malta are perfectly positioned to explore the island’s most iconic venues. From coastal cool to capital city chic, you’re never far from your next favourite night out.

Valletta Vibes: The Best Bars in Valletta

The capital city of Valletta is as enchanting by night as it is by day. Winding alleys and historic balconies set the scene for an effortlessly stylish night out, where the best bars in Valletta blend local flavour with cosmopolitan flair. The bars here tend to attract a local crowd as much as visitors; you’ll find the city’s creative and professional set holding court in the same venues. Most open around 6pm; weeknights are noticeably quieter than weekends.

Bridge Bar

Start at the iconic Bridge Bar, famous for its live jazz nights and breath taking views of the Grand Harbour. Jazz nights typically run on weekends, check their Facebook page for the current programme before visiting.

Yard 32 Gin & Tapas

Then head to Yard 32 Gin & Tapas, a tucked-away gem offering more than 200 types of gin alongside creative bites and great conversation.

It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and every sip is a little celebration of Maltese magic. With over 200 gin varieties and a knowledgeable bar team, it’s the natural choice for anyone who takes their G&T seriously. Reservations recommended at weekends.

Seaside Sips: Best Bars in St Julian’s, Malta

If Valletta is Malta’s soul, St Julian’s is its heartbeat. Known for its buzzing energy and coastal charm, this nightlife hub offers everything from glamorous rooftops to easygoing beach bars. It’s the most concentrated area for bars in Malta. If you’re based here, you can walk between venues without needing a taxi. For a full guide to the area, see things to do in St Julian’s and our dedicated nightlife in St Julian’s guide.

Hugo’s Terrace

Hugo’s Terrace is the place to see and be seen—its rooftop setting, live DJ sets, and mix of locals and visitors make it a must-visit. Book a table in advance, especially for weekend evenings when the terrace fills up fast. The cocktail menu changes seasonally; the aperitivo hour is particularly good value.

Native Bar

For something a little spicier, head to Native Bar, where Latin music, signature cocktails, and warm Mediterranean vibes keep the party going well into the night.

Staying at Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina or Vivaldi Malta puts you just moments away from the best bars in St Julian’s Malta—and the softest pillow to return to.

Sky-High Sips: Best Rooftop Bars in Malta

There’s no better way to toast to the good life than with a drink in hand and the Mediterranean at your feet. Malta’s best rooftop bars offer unforgettable sunsets, cityscape views, and stylish spaces made for magic-hour moments. Most of the island’s best rooftop bars are open from late afternoon, arriving for the sunset is the move, before the evening crowd builds.

Over Grain

In Valletta, Over Grain rises above the rest—literally. With chic decor, a curated cocktail menu, and a sea-view terrace that comes alive with DJ sets, it’s the ultimate city-meets-coast hangout. The views over the Grand Harbour are best at dusk. Get there around 7pm to secure a terrace spot before the queue forms.

 Mercury Tower

For an unforgettable night out with breathtaking views, the rooftop bar and restaurant at the iconic Mercury Tower in St. Julian’s is a must-visit. As Malta’s most impressive rooftop destination, it offers panoramic vistas of the island’s skyline and Mediterranean Sea, setting the perfect backdrop for sunset cocktails or a stylish dinner.

Located just steps from Vivaldi Malta, this elevated venue delivers a blend of modern luxury and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re sipping signature cocktails or savouring Mediterranean fusion dishes, the atmosphere is chic yet relaxed — perfect for both guests staying nearby and locals looking for something special. With its sleek design and exceptional ambiance, Mercury Tower’s rooftop is quickly becoming a standout in Malta’s bar scene.

Taza Sky Bar

Meanwhile, Taza Sky Bar is a newer gem known for its laid-back atmosphere and spectacular vantage points. From the first sip to the final breeze, these rooftops turn every evening into an occasion. Located in St Julian’s, Taza is a good option if Mercury Tower feels too formal, the vibe is more relaxed, and the views are nearly as impressive.

Shaken or Stirred: Best Cocktail Bars in Malta

Malta’s mixology scene is on the rise, and the best cocktail bars in Malta are where creativity, flair, and flavor collide. Whether you’re a classic Negroni fan or after something avant-garde, there’s a bar ready to impress.

Kamy Cocktail Bar 

Kamy Cocktail Bar in Valletta is a playground for cocktail connoisseurs. Bold, modern, and beautifully designed, it’s a must-visit for anyone chasing standout drinks. The menu changes regularly and leans towards local and Mediterranean ingredients, expect house-made syrups, regional spirits, and drinks that are designed to be talked about. No walk-ins at peak times; book ahead.

Thirsty Barber

In St Julian’s, The Thirsty Barber delivers Prohibition-era cool with showstopping creations and speakeasy swagger.

Perfect for date nights, catch-ups, or solo sips, Malta’s cocktail scene is full of surprises—one crafted glass at a time. The Thirsty Barber also runs cocktail masterclasses, worth booking if you want something more than just a drink.

Stay Close to the Action with Verdi Hotels

After a night of laughter, dancing, and discovery, there’s nothing better than retreating to comfort and calm. Whether you’re island-hopping through hotspots or planning a full-blown bar crawl, Verdi Hotels, Malta puts you within easy reach of the best.

Choose Verdi Gżira Promenade for chic, central access to Sliema and Valletta, or stay seaside at Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina or Vivaldi Malta to keep St Julian’s nightlife at your doorstep. Wherever you stay, rest easy in stylish rooms designed for dreamers—and late risers

Frequently Asked Questions About Bars in Malta

What are the best bars in Malta?

The answer depends on what kind of evening you’re after. For atmosphere and Grand Harbour views, Bridge Bar in Valletta is the most iconic option, especially on jazz nights. For cocktails, Kamy Cocktail Bar (Valletta) and The Thirsty Barber (St Julian’s) are the two most consistently recommended. For rooftop drinks, Mercury Tower in St Julian’s has the most impressive panoramic views on the island, while Over Grain in Valletta is the pick for a sunset over the harbour. Hugo’s Terrace is the liveliest option for a group evening out in St Julian’s.

Where is the best nightlife in Malta?

St Julian’s, specifically the Paceville area, is the centre of Malta’s nightlife, with bars, clubs, and late-night venues all within walking distance of each other. It’s the most concentrated area for bars in Malta and the easiest neighbourhood to spend an evening without planning a route. Valletta offers a different kind of evening: more atmospheric, more grown-up, and generally closing earlier. Sliema’s waterfront works well for early evening drinks before moving on elsewhere.

Are there good cocktail bars in Malta?

Yes — and the cocktail scene has improved significantly in recent years. The three standout cocktail bars in Malta are Kamy Cocktail Bar in Valletta (seasonal menus, local and Mediterranean ingredients, frequently changing), The Thirsty Barber in St Julian’s (Prohibition-era theme, creative builds, cocktail masterclasses available), and Yard 32 in Valletta (200+ gins, gin and tonic specialists). All three are worth booking ahead on weekend evenings.

What are the best bars in Valletta?

Bridge Bar is the most iconic — live jazz, Grand Harbour views, and a genuine Valletta institution. Yard 32 is the pick for gin drinkers, with over 200 varieties and a knowledgeable bar team. Kamy Cocktail Bar is the best for serious cocktail enthusiasts, with a menu that changes to reflect the season. Over Grain is the rooftop option, arrive around 7pm to catch the sunset over the Grand Harbour before the evening crowd arrives.

What are the best rooftop bars in Malta?

Mercury Tower in St Julian’s is Malta’s most impressive rooftop venue, panoramic views over the island’s skyline and the Mediterranean, a sophisticated cocktail menu, and a setting that works equally well for a quiet drink or a special occasion. Over Grain in Valletta sits above the capital with sea views and DJ sets from the evening onwards. Taza Sky Bar is the more relaxed alternative in St Julian’s, a good option if you want the views without the formality. Hugo’s Terrace is the liveliest of the rooftop bars, with live DJ sets and a mixed crowd of locals and visitors.

Do you need to book bars in Malta?

 For the most popular venues, particularly at weekends, booking is recommended. Hugo’s Terrace and Kamy Cocktail Bar in particular fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings — walk-ins are often turned away. Bridge Bar is worth checking ahead for jazz nights as these can sell out. The Thirsty Barber accepts walk-ins more readily during the week. Yard 32 is generally fine without a reservation except on peak summer weekends.