One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a trip to Malta is where to stay.

And honestly, I think this matters more than you might expect.

Malta isn’t a huge island, but each area has a completely different atmosphere. Staying in Valletta feels very different from staying in Sliema, while St Julian’s is a completely different experience again. And then there’s Gozo, which almost feels like a different trip altogether.

I spent 8 days travelling around Malta and stayed in St Julian’s, which worked really well for me as a solo traveller. I wanted somewhere social, with plenty of restaurants, nightlife and other travellers around, and St Julian’s was exactly that.

But that doesn’t mean it’s the best area for everyone.

If you’re travelling with your family, looking for a romantic getaway, want to be surrounded by history, or simply want somewhere quieter, I’d choose somewhere completely different.

So in this guide, I’m breaking down where to stay in Malta, including Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and Gozo, plus hotel and hostel options for each area.

If you’re still planning your trip, my Malta Travel Guide covers everything from the best places to visit and things to do to food, nightlife and practical travel tips.

Where Should You Stay in Malta?

The best area to stay in Malta really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.

Area	Best for	Atmosphere	My take
Valletta	History & culture	Historic, beautiful, quieter	Great for a city-focused trip
Sliema	First-time visitors	Lively but not crazy	Great all-round base
St Julian’s	Solo travellers & nightlife	Very social & young	My choice for a social trip
Gozo	Families, couples & nature	Peaceful & slower	Lovely, but less convenient

If you’re travelling solo and want to meet people, I’d personally choose St Julian’s.

If you want history, architecture and a beautiful city, Valletta is probably more your thing.

If you want a convenient base with restaurants, shops and easy transport, Sliema is a great middle ground.

And if you’re travelling with family or want a much quieter island experience, Gozo can be a really nice option.

Let’s get into each one.

Valletta

Valletta is Malta’s capital and probably the most beautiful place to stay if you’re mainly interested in history, architecture and atmosphere.

The city is incredibly picturesque, with Malta’s famous honey-coloured limestone buildings, narrow streets, balconies and historic buildings around almost every corner.

Staying in Valletta means you’re right in the middle of all of this rather than visiting for a few hours as a day trip.

It’s also a very practical base for sightseeing, with the main bus terminal nearby and ferries connecting Valletta with places such as Sliema and the Three Cities.

The downside?

If you’re planning a day in Valletta, I’ve also put together a guide to the best things to do in Malta, including my favourite places to visit around the island.

Valletta gets quiet at night.

It’s not the place I’d choose if your main goal is nightlife. Many shops, restaurants and bars close relatively early, and the atmosphere becomes much calmer later in the evening.

Personally, I loved visiting Valletta, but I’m glad I stayed in St Julian’s because I wanted a more social trip.

Stay in Valletta if:

• You love history and architecture.
• You want to wake up in one of Malta’s most beautiful cities.
• You prefer a quieter evening atmosphere.
• You want sightseeing right outside your door.
• You’re travelling as a couple or for a short city break.
• You’re not particularly interested in nightlife.

Hotel options in Valletta

Rosselli – AX Privilege Hotel

A luxury boutique hotel right in the historic centre of Valletta. It’s housed in historic buildings and is a good option if you want your accommodation to feel like part of the city itself.

Book here: Rosselli – AX Privilege Hotel

Casa Ellul

A smaller boutique hotel in Valletta, ideal if you’d rather stay somewhere intimate instead of in a large resort-style hotel. It’s located right in the historic city centre.

Book here: Casa Ellul

Hostel option: Mandera’s Boutique Suites & Dorms

If you want to stay in Valletta but still want the social and budget-friendly side of hostel travel, Mandera’s Boutique Suites & Dorms is one option to look at. It’s centrally located in Valletta and offers both dorms and private rooms.

Book here: Mandera’s Boutique Suites & Dorms

Sliema

Sliema is probably the best middle ground if you aren’t sure where to stay in Malta.

It’s much more modern than Valletta, but it’s still close enough to the historic capital that you can easily visit it.

You’ll find loads of restaurants, cafés, shops and a long waterfront promenade. It’s also well connected to the rest of Malta, and the ferry across to Valletta makes getting to the capital especially easy.

I think Sliema works particularly well if you want to spend your days exploring but don’t necessarily want to stay somewhere as touristy or nightlife-focused as St Julian’s.

It’s also close enough to St Julian’s that you can easily head there for dinner or drinks.

So you basically get a bit of everything.

If you’re wondering how easy Malta is to explore without a car, I’ve broken down the different options in my guide on how to get around Malta.

Stay in Sliema if:

• You want a convenient base for exploring Malta.
• You like restaurants, cafés and shopping.
• You want easy access to Valletta.
• You want some nightlife nearby without sleeping directly in Paceville.
• You’re travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family.
• You want somewhere lively but not completely chaotic.

Hotel options in Sliema

AX The Palace

A more upscale option in Sliema, with multiple pools, restaurants, wellness facilities and a central location. It’s a good choice if you want more of a proper hotel experience rather than a backpacker stay.

Book here: AX The Palace

AX The Victoria Hotel

A classic Sliema hotel with a more traditional feel, including indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and other hotel facilities. It’s centrally located and works well as a comfortable base for exploring.

Book here: AX The Victoria Hotel

Hostel option: Two Pillows Boutique Hostel

Two Pillows Boutique Hostel is one of the better-known hostel options in Sliema and has a very central location. It’s a good choice if you want hostel prices and a social atmosphere without staying directly in St Julian’s. Current Hostelworld listings show it among Sliema’s highly rated hostel options.

Book here: Two Pillows Boutique Hostel

St Julian’s

Now we’re getting to my area.

I stayed in St Julian’s during my Malta trip, and honestly, I was really happy I chose it.

If Malta never sleeps, St Julian’s is a big reason why.

The area is packed with restaurants, bars, clubs, beach clubs, cafés and other travellers. It’s also one of the easiest places in Malta to meet people, which made it perfect for my solo trip.

I stayed at Marco Polo Hostel, and I met people almost immediately. There were always people going somewhere, grabbing food, heading to the beach or making plans for the evening.

That was exactly what I wanted from this trip.

The only thing I’d keep in mind is that St Julian’s can be very young, especially around Paceville.

If you’re in your late teens or early twenties and want to party, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re older and want a quieter holiday, I’d stay closer to Spinola Bay or choose Sliema instead.

If you’re considering Malta for your first solo trip, I’ve also shared my honest experience in Is Malta Safe for Solo Female Travellers?.

Stay in St Julian’s if:

• You’re travelling solo.
• You want to meet other travellers.
• You enjoy nightlife.
• You’re in your late teens, twenties or thirties.
• You want lots of restaurants and activities nearby.
• You don’t want to spend your evenings somewhere quiet.

Hotel options in St Julian’s

Hilton Malta

A large upscale hotel in the Portomaso area, with multiple pools, restaurants and plenty of resort-style facilities. It’s a good choice if you want the convenience and facilities of a large hotel while staying close to St Julian’s nightlife.

Book here: Hilton Malta

The Westin Dragonara Resort

Another large resort-style option in St Julian’s, with pools and a coastal location. It’s a better fit if you want a more traditional resort stay while still being close to the restaurants and nightlife of the area.

Book here: The Westin Dragonara Resort

Hostel option: Marco Polo Hostel

This is where I stayed, and honestly, I couldn’t have chosen better.

Marco Polo Hostel is incredibly social without feeling forced.

There’s a rooftop bar that becomes a great sunset spot, and the hostel regularly organises activities and events. I personally didn’t join many of them because I met people so quickly and ended up making my own plans with them.

The dorms were comfortable and had privacy curtains, which I always appreciate. The kitchen was small but clean, and overall it was one of my favourite hostel experiences.

If you’re travelling solo to Malta and want to meet people, this is the hostel I’d personally choose.

Book here: Marco Polo Hostel

I actually wrote about my whole trip in my Malta Travel Diary, including the people I met, the boat trip and all the spontaneous chaos along the way.

Another hostel option: Follow The Sun Boutique Hostel

Several friends I met during my Malta trip stayed at Follow The Sun Boutique Hostel and absolutely loved it.

It has a swimming pool, breakfast is included and the overall atmosphere feels a little more upscale than a typical backpacker hostel. It’s generally more expensive than Marco Polo, but it could be worth considering if you want a slightly more comfortable hostel experience.

Both Marco Polo and Follow The Sun are in St Julian’s, so you’re still close to restaurants, nightlife and other travellers. Current hostel listings include both among the St Julian’s options.

Book here: Follow The Sun Boutique Hostel

Gozo

Gozo is the option I’d consider if you want something much quieter and slower.

Gozo is Malta’s smaller sister island, and the atmosphere is noticeably different from the busy areas around Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s.

This is where I’d look if you’re travelling with your family, as a couple, or simply want a holiday where you can slow down a little.

There are beautiful coastal areas, villages, countryside and plenty of opportunities for swimming, hiking and exploring.

If you’re not sure whether you have enough time to include Gozo, my guide on how many days you need in Malta breaks down how I’d plan a Malta trip from 3 to 10 days.

But there is one thing I’d definitely consider before booking Gozo:

It’s much less social.

I actually had a friend staying on Gozo during my trip, and she was literally travelling back and forth to Malta constantly to see us. Eventually, she even stayed a few nights in our accommodation because she wanted to be closer to everyone.

That doesn’t mean Gozo is bad at all.

It just shows how different the experience can be.

If you’re travelling with your family, that probably doesn’t matter whatsoever. If you’re travelling solo and your priority is meeting lots of people and going out, I’d personally stay on the main island instead.

Stay in Gozo if:

• You’re travelling with family.
• You’re travelling as a couple.
• You want peace and quiet.
• You love nature and slower travel.
• You want to spend more time exploring Gozo itself.
• Nightlife isn’t important to you.

Hotel options in Gozo

The Duke Boutique Hotel

Located in Victoria, right in the heart of Gozo, The Duke is a boutique hotel with views towards the Citadel and Villa Rundle Gardens. It’s also very close to the main bus terminal, which makes it one of the more practical options if you’re exploring Gozo without a car.

Book here: The Duke Boutique Hotel

Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz

If you’re looking for a much more luxurious stay, Kempinski San Lawrenz is a five-star resort near Dwejra Bay. It has extensive gardens, multiple pools, restaurants and a large spa. This is much more of a destination stay than a simple place to sleep.

Book here: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz

Valletta vs Sliema vs St Julian’s vs Gozo

Still not sure?

Here’s my simple way of looking at it:

Choose Valletta if…

You want to wake up surrounded by history, architecture and beautiful streets.

It’s the most atmospheric choice and particularly nice for couples, city trips and people who aren’t bothered about nightlife.

Choose Sliema if…

You want a bit of everything.

It’s a convenient base with restaurants, cafés, shops, waterfront walks and easy access to Valletta. If you genuinely don’t know which area to choose, Sliema is probably the safest middle-ground option.

Choose St Julian’s if…

You want people, nightlife and a social atmosphere.

This is what I chose, and for my solo trip it worked perfectly. Just remember that Paceville can be very young and noisy.

Choose Gozo if…

You want peace, nature and a slower holiday.

It’s especially nice for families and couples, but I’d think twice about staying there if you’re travelling solo and want to meet lots of people.

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Where to Stay in Malta Without a Car

You absolutely don’t need to rent a car to visit Malta.

I travelled around using buses, ferries and Bolt, and found it relatively easy to get around. The main areas of Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s are particularly convenient bases if you don’t have a car.

Sliema is especially useful because of its waterfront and ferry connection to Valletta.

St Julian’s is also well connected and gives you easy access to restaurants, nightlife and the coast.

Gozo is possible without a car too, but getting around is naturally more limited, especially if you want to explore more remote parts of the island.

So if you’re planning a Malta trip without renting a car, I’d personally choose Sliema or St Julian’s.

I explain exactly how I used buses, Bolt, ferries and car rental in Malta in my complete transport guide.

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Where Should You Stay in Malta for a First Trip?

If it’s your first time in Malta, I’d narrow it down to Sliema or St Julian’s.

They’re both practical bases with plenty of accommodation, restaurants and transport connections, while still giving you easy access to the rest of the island.

For a more social trip, I’d choose St Julian’s.

For something a little calmer and more balanced, I’d choose Sliema.

And if your priority is Malta’s history and architecture rather than nightlife, Valletta is a beautiful alternative.

Still wondering whether Malta itself is the right destination for you? I shared my honest thoughts in Is Malta Worth Visiting? after spending 8 days on the island.

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Where Should You Stay in Malta for a Family Holiday?

For a family holiday, I’d look beyond the main nightlife areas.

Gozo can be a lovely choice if your family enjoys a slower pace, nature and exploring.

On the main island, Sliema can also work really well because there are plenty of restaurants, shops and transport options nearby without being right in the middle of Paceville’s nightlife.

If beaches are your biggest priority, you could also look towards the northern part of Malta, although these areas are less convenient if you want to explore the whole island.

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Where Should You Stay in Malta for Nightlife?

If nightlife is the main reason you’re coming to Malta, St Julian’s is the obvious choice.

Paceville is Malta’s main nightlife district, with clubs and bars packed into a relatively small area.

Just be prepared for a very young crowd.

When I was there, I definitely felt that some places were aimed at people who had only just started going out.

If you want nightlife but don’t want to be surrounded by the youngest crowd, I’d stay around Spinola Bay or Sliema and travel into Paceville when you actually want to party.

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Where Should You Stay in Malta for Solo Travel?

For solo travel, I’d choose St Julian’s.

This is completely based on my own experience, but I found it incredibly easy to meet people there.

I stayed at Marco Polo Hostel, joined spontaneous plans, went to the beach with people I’d just met and ended up spending most of my trip with other travellers.

That social side made Malta feel very easy as a solo destination.

If you’re a solo traveller but don’t necessarily want nightlife, Sliema would probably be my second choice.

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My Personal Choice: St Julian’s

So, where would I stay if I went back to Malta?

Probably St Julian’s again.

Not because I think it’s objectively the best area in Malta, but because it suited my type of trip perfectly.

I was travelling alone, wanted to meet people, wanted to go out, wanted restaurants and cafés nearby and didn’t want to spend my evenings somewhere quiet.

And that’s really the most important thing when choosing where to stay in Malta.

There isn’t one single best area.

There’s just the area that fits your trip.

If you’re travelling with your family, I’d probably choose somewhere quieter.

If you’re going for history and architecture, I’d pick Valletta.

If you want convenience, Sliema makes a lot of sense.

If you want to meet people and have a social trip like I did, St Julian’s is where I’d look first.

And if you want to slow down completely, Gozo might be exactly what you’re looking for.

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Planning Your Malta Trip?

Planning a trip to Malta can feel overwhelming, with so many places to explore, beaches to visit and things to organise.

That’s why I created my complete Malta Travel Guide, covering where to stay, how to get around, the best places to visit, food, nightlife, beaches and practical travel tips.

→ START HERE: Malta Travel Guide

Related Posts

• Malta Travel Guide: Best Places, Things to Do & Travel Tips
• Is Malta Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion After 8 Days
• How to Get Around Malta: Buses, Bolt, Ferries & Car Rental
• How Many Days in Malta Do You Need? My Ideal Itinerary
• Things to Do in Malta: Best Places, Beaches & Activities
• Where to Eat in Malta: Best Restaurants, Cafés & Local Food
• Is Malta Safe for Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Experience
• Malta vs Sicily: Which Should You Visit? My Honest Comparison

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Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Malta

What is the best area to stay in Malta for first-time visitors?

For a first trip to Malta, Sliema and St Julian’s are two of the most convenient options. Sliema is a good all-round base with restaurants, shops, the waterfront and easy access to Valletta, while St Julian’s is better if you want a more social atmosphere and nightlife.

Is it better to stay in Valletta or St Julian’s?

It depends on what you want from your trip. Valletta is better if you’re mainly interested in history, architecture and a quieter evening atmosphere. St Julian’s is a better fit if you want nightlife, restaurants and a social atmosphere, especially as a solo traveller.

Is Sliema a good place to stay in Malta?

Yes. Sliema is a convenient base if you want a mix of restaurants, cafés, shopping, waterfront walks and easy transport connections. It’s also close to Valletta and St Julian’s, making it a practical choice if you want to explore different parts of Malta.

Is St Julian’s too touristy to stay in Malta?

St Julian’s is definitely one of the busier and more tourist-focused areas of Malta, especially around Paceville. However, it also has plenty of restaurants, cafés, beaches, nightlife and accommodation, and I found it particularly convenient and social as a solo traveller.

Is Gozo a good place to stay in Malta?

Gozo can be a great choice if you want a quieter and slower holiday, especially for couples, families or travellers who enjoy nature. However, it’s less convenient if your main goal is nightlife or meeting lots of other travellers.

Where should I stay in Malta without a car?

Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta are all practical choices if you don’t want to rent a car. They have good public transport connections and easy access to ferries and other parts of Malta. Gozo is also possible without a car, but getting around the island can take more planning.

What is the best area to stay in Malta for nightlife?

St Julian’s is the main choice if nightlife is your priority. Paceville has a large concentration of bars and clubs, although the crowd can be quite young. Sliema is a good alternative if you want to be close to the nightlife without staying directly in Paceville.

Where should I stay in Malta for a quiet holiday?

If you want somewhere quieter, Gozo is one of the best options. On the main island, you could also look at areas away from Paceville, particularly around Sliema or quieter parts of St Julian’s.

Is Malta expensive to stay in?

Accommodation prices vary significantly depending on the area, season and type of accommodation. St Julian’s and Valletta can be more expensive in popular periods, while hostels can be a good option if you’re travelling on a budget. It’s worth comparing different areas rather than choosing accommodation based only on the lowest price.

How many days should I stay in Malta?

I’d recommend at least 5–7 days if you want to see several different parts of Malta without rushing. If you have 8–10 days, you’ll have more time for Gozo, Comino, beaches, nightlife and spontaneous plans. I go into more detail in my guide to how many days you need in Malta.