Good to know
Good to Know
- St. Julian's transformed from a peaceful coastal fishing village into a major tourist destination, particularly during summer months. This development has brought modern infrastructure while maintaining some historical landmarks.
- The iconic LOVE sign in Spinola Bay is designed to reflect the word 'love' in the water—a popular photo spot for visitors.
- Many historical sites (Spinola Palace, churches, Manoel Island) are within easy walking distance, making St. Julian's walkable for sightseeing.
- The area's most significant historical period includes the 1798 French occupation, when St. Julian's became the first town in Malta to be conquered by French forces.
- St. Julian's is home to Mercury Tower (tallest building in Malta) and the previous tallest building (Portomaso Business Tower), both offering panoramic island views.
- The Paceville district nearby offers vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and restaurants alongside daytime attractions.
Must See Sites
Spinola Palace
- Period
- 17th-18th century
- Neighborhood
- Spinola Bay area
- Description
- Built in 1688, this Latin architecture palazzo served as a stepping stone for coastal development in St. Julian's. Enlarged in 1733, the palace represents the town's historical significance.
- Access Notes
- Within walking distance from Portomaso Marina
St. Julian's Parish Church
- Period
- Modern (inaugurated 1968)
- Architectural Style
- Modern
- Description
- Designed by architect Arturo Zammit, this prominent church was first used in 1968 though not fully completed. It welcomed Pope John Paul II during his first visit to Malta on May 27, 1990.
- Access Notes
- Central location in St. Julian's
Balluta Bay & Balluta Buildings
- Period
- Art Nouveau (early 20th century)
- Architectural Style
- Art Nouveau
- Description
- Features a neo-Gothic Carmelite Church and historically significant Art Nouveau buildings among the few remaining in Malta. Known for clear waters and picturesque setting.
- Access Notes
- Within walking distance along the promenade
Spinola Bay
- Period
- Historic fishing bay
- Description
- Characterized by traditional colorful Maltese fishing boats. Features the iconic LOVE sign (an art installation by Richard England) that reflects in the bay waters.
- Access Notes
- Central to St. Julian's, accessible by promenade
Portomaso Marina & Business Tower
- Period
- Modern (1999-2001, Tower built 2001)
- Description
- The Portomaso Business Tower stands 97 metres tall with 23 floors as Malta's previous tallest building. The marina features approximately 110 stern-to-berths for luxury yachts. Contains restaurants and bars with panoramic views.
- Access Notes
- Central waterfront location
Manoel Island
- Period
- Historic
- Description
- Home to a historic fort with scenic walks offering stunning views of Valletta and Sliema.
- Access Notes
- Close to St. Julian's
St. George's Bay
- Period
- Modern beach
- Description
- Blue Flag beach popular for swimming and sunbathing with clear water. Major sandy beach destination in the area.
- Access Notes
- North of Paceville, within St. Julian's
Museums And Attractions
Odyssey Malta
- Type
- Immersive flying theatre & historical experience
- Hours
- Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:15
- Location
- Mercury Tower, Upper Piazza Mercury, St. George's Road, St. Julian's
- Description
- Malta's first flying theatre attraction featuring immersive storytelling about Maltese history. Includes a Dark Walk through five themed historical spaces and a 4D flying theatre ride with wind, mist, and scent effects.
Practical Info
- Food Drinks
- Rooftop bar and restaurant on Mercury Tower with panoramic views
- Accessibility
- Staff can assist visitors; folding chairs and lift access available
- Height Requirement
- Minimum 100cm to ride the flying theatre; Dark Walk accessible for all ages
Admission
- Booking
- Online booking recommended for best prices
- Note
- Ticket prices include access to Odyssey experience and Mercury Tower top-level views
Museum of Illusions Malta
- Type
- Interactive museum
- Location
- Mercury House, Mercury Towers, St. George's Road, St. Julian's
- Description
- Mind-bending interactive museum featuring optical illusions, 3D images, holograms, and hands-on exhibits. Engages visitors of all ages with visual tricks and sensory challenges.
Practical Info
- Exhibits
- Optical illusions, holograms, upside-down rooms, 3D installations with explanatory signage
- Gift Shop
- Merchandise and souvenirs available
- Food Drinks
- Adjacent Mercury complex features multiple cafés and restaurants
- Experience Types
- Self-guided exploration or pre-booked guided tours available
- Photo Opportunities
- Staff stationed throughout to help capture photos
Planet Play at Mercury
- Type
- Family entertainment
- Audience
- Family-friendly destination
- Location
- Mercury Shopping District, St. Julian's
- Description
- Malta's largest indoor entertainment space with interactive zones, play areas, and attractions for all ages. Features climbing, racing, and exploration activities.
Portomaso Casino
- Type
- Gaming and entertainment
- Location
- Portomaso Marina complex, St. Julian's
- Description
- Contemporary casino with over 150 slot machines and 14 table games including roulette and blackjack.
- Access Notes
- Located adjacent to Hilton Hotel
Walking And Scenic Areas
St. Julian's Promenade
- Activities
- Walking, jogging, sunset views, photography
- Distance From Center
- Starts in central St. Julian's
- Description
- 7-kilometre seaside promenade stretching from Spinola Bay through Balluta Bay and connecting to Sliema, Gzira, and Ta'Xbiex. Features Mediterranean Sea views, multiple benches for resting, and food kiosks.
Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- Book Odyssey Malta tickets online for best prices
- St. George's Bay sunbed rental available (approximately €16 for two sun beds and umbrella per day)
- Most attractions within 10 minutes' walk of city center or Mercury complex
- Parking and facilities available at Mercury Shopping District
- St. Julian's is about 15 minutes by car or bus from Valletta, making it a good base for island exploration
- Regular bus routes connect St. Julian's to Valletta, the airport, and other major attractions
- Mercury complex serves as a central entertainment hub with multiple museums, shops, restaurants, and bars
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About St. Julian's
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.