Where to Live in Malta?
Where to Live in Malta?
How do you decide where to live in Malta? Malta looks small, but don’t get fooled — traffic + hills can turn a “short” trip into a daily mission if you’re based far from your placement. That’s why most interns end up choosing convenience over distance and live close to work.
The most popular areas are St. Julian’s and Sliema, plus nearby spots like Gżira, Msida, and Swieqi. They’re a bit pricier than other areas, but you’re paying for location — you’ll be close to other interns, plus all the cafés, restaurants, and nightlife.
It really comes down to what you want: easy daily commute and social life on your doorstep, or more space for less money a bit further out.
St. Julians
Rent: high
St. Julians (San Ġiljan) is probably the island’s best-known area among tourists, young people and expats. It’s home to most of the cafés and restaurants, and to Paceville — Malta’s main nightlife district. Most language schools are also based here, making it a very lively area for young people. Many interns work at one of the large hotels in St. Julians. Vibrant, social, and always something going on.
Sliema
Rent: high
Sliema sits right next to St. Julians and is popular for its many shops, waterfront cafés and promenade. It’s within easy walking distance of St. Julians, with plenty going on day and night. If you want the buzz of the area but prefer to be slightly away from the nightlife, Sliema is a great option. Excellent bus connections to the rest of the island and close to the capital Valletta.
Msida & Gzira
Rent: moderate to high
Msida and Gzira are two towns close to Sliema and St. Julians. Because of the high costs in those popular areas, more and more people are choosing to base themselves here instead. Bus connections are good, and if you work in St. Julians or Valletta it’s a very practical choice. Noticeably cheaper than the coastal hotspots — good value for money.
Swieqi
Rent: high
Swieqi is a quieter residential area just inland from St. Julians. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere and generally lower rents. If you don’t mind a short bus ride, Swieqi can be a smart choice — you get more space for your money while staying close enough to enjoy everything St. Julians has to offer.
Mosta
Rent: lower
Many interns choose to live in Mosta. It is easy to rent a larger apartment to share with fellow interns, making it very cost-effective. If your placement is in or near Mosta, living locally is ideal. Rents are noticeably lower than in St. Julians or Sliema. Mosta has its own shops and cafés, but for nightlife you will need a bus or taxi.
Valletta
Rent: high
As Malta’s capital, Valletta might seem like an obvious choice — but in practice there are very few apartments available, and rents are high due to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status. The city is stunning but not the most practical base for interns. If you are working in Valletta, consider the nearby towns of Pieta, Msida or Gzira instead.
Contact
Do you have questions about doing an internship on Malta? Looking for a great place to stay? Or want to share an experience?