Enjoy a tipple at one of the many cool and quirky bars that have contributed to the capital’s rebirth.
The capital city and European Capital of Culture 2018 has fast become the place to be when the sun goes down. Wondering where to go? Here's our pick of the best.
Tico Tico
Tico Tico on Strait Street was one of the first to open its doors among the current generation of hotspots in Valletta. Owners Clint Debono and Mark Zammit saw potential in the capital when many looked past it, realising that there weren’t many places to go after dinner.
StrEat
Whisky aficionados need look no further – at StrEat, you’ll probably find the largest selection of whiskies locally, as well as wine, cocktails and beer. Housed within a vaulted cellar below street level on Strait Street, you can enjoy your drink together with a delicious meal from their extensive menu.
Loop Bar
The colourful and ambient Loop Bar underwent an extensive restoration to bring it back to its former wartime glory. The crowd at Loop ranges from young to old, and the drinks on offer vary from big-name brands to select whiskies, gin and wine.
Update: We're sad to report that Loop Bar has closed down since the time of writing! No word yet on whether it will be re-opening under the same or a different guise, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear!
Cafe Society
Café Society, located on the picturesque steps that lead down to the stunning Marsamxett Harbour, offers a fantastic selection of innovative cocktails, craft beer and refreshing tipples, and hosts musicians, DJs and a live performers, as well as film screenings on summer nights.
Yard 32
Yard 32, a gin and tapas bar on Strait Street, boasts the largest selection of gin and tonic on the island – over 200 types of gin, and more than 40 kinds of tonics, to be precise. Accompanying them is a selection of fresh tapas, which go down a treat when paired with just the right kind of G&T.
Trabuxu
This well-established wine bar is nestled in a 400-year-old vaulted cellar below street level, and has been open for over 15 years. Its extensive selection of wines and platters made with the finest charcuterie make it the perfect hangout on cosy winter nights as well as warm summer evenings.
The Pub
One of few authentic British pubs locally, The Pub in Archbishop Street is the place for a good pint in a quintessentially British setting. The vibe is heightened by the décor, featuring dedications to British film star Oliver Reed, who enjoyed his last drinking session here before his death in 1999.
Bridge Bar
Enjoying a picturesque location on St Ursula Street, Bridge Bar has garnered a following for its cocktails, lively atmosphere and live jazz and blues sessions between May and October. Sitting under the stars surrounded my old Maltese balconies with a drink in hand, Bridge Bar ticks all the boxes.