4 Best Nightlife in Malta

An ocean of cool amid the meat markets of St. Julian's, this Prohibition Era–style cocktail bar has live music nights and a rare eye for detail. Drinks are original and inspired by the stars of the Roaring '20s; try a Meyer Lansky (Brugal Anjeo rum, cherry brandy, lime, and cinnamon syrup) and pay the mob their dues.

Malta doesn't have a great history of craft-brewing, but this laid-back café is its heart and soul. With nine brews on tap, including a half-dozen beers from Gozo's Lord Chambray brewery, Naxxar's Phoenix Brewery, and the bar's own IPA, the local choice is excellent. This is bulked out by some fine guest beers, with the likes of Belgium's superb Brussels Beer Project and Zinne Bir having featured in the past. The sandwiches aren't bad, either, if you want a snack.

This pocket-size bar is the best of the many lively spots that spill out onto the stepped alleys leading from St. Paul Street down to the wharf. The style here is to grab a cushion and sit outside on warm, summer nights while live jazz floats out of the bar. It's an iconic Valletta night out. It's closed on Sunday.

Part of the appeal of this chi-chi wine bar is its setting, far from the hubbub of the tourists, tucked away inside a 400-year-old vaulted cellar. The city's best selection of wines awaits, while its sister bistro can be found on South Street. Note that Trabuxu is closed on Sunday and Monday.