Attard vs Hamrun

Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.

Summary

Attard is better for families seeking quiet, spacious living, while Hamrun suits budget buyers and young professionals who want convenience and connectivity. Attard scores 9/10 for both family-friendliness and safety, compared to Hamrun's 7/10 in each. Hamrun leads on transport at 9/10 versus Attard's 6/10, with multiple bus routes (41, 42, 44, 45) running through the central corridor. Hamrun is also closer to the airport at 15 minutes by car, while Attard requires 20 minutes.

Located approximately 6 km apart, the two areas offer distinctly different environments. Attard — one of Malta's upscale 'Three Villages' — provides refined residential living with access to San Anton Gardens and the Presidential Palace. Hamrun features one of Malta's longest traditional shopping streets, with daily amenities within walking distance and affordable property prices. Attard properties tend toward spacious villas and old stone farmhouses in the mid-to-upper price bracket.

Attard's nightlife rating sits at just 3/10 and a car is essential for commuting, making it less practical for those without vehicles. Hamrun scores slightly higher for nightlife (4/10) and dining (7/10), with flat terrain and good walkability to neighbouring towns. However, Hamrun is densely built-up with limited green space, and parking on the main commercial strip can be difficult.

Attard

Refined garden village

Hamrun

Bustling commercial through-town

€1668

Avg. Rent

€1950

Listings

2.5

Avg. Bedrooms

1.5

Moderate. Pleasant walks in the town centre and gardens. Car essential for commuting and shopping.

Walkability

Good. Flat terrain. Long commercial strip means daily needs are walkable. Connected to multiple neighbouring towns on foot.

Good. Residential streets have ample parking. Villa properties have driveways.

Parking

Moderate. Main street is tricky. Residential side streets have reasonable parking.

Very low. One of the quietest urban areas in Malta. Gardens absorb what little traffic noise there is.

Noise Level

Moderate to high. Busy commercial strip. Traffic on main roads. Quieter in residential side streets.

Living in Attard

Attard is one of Malta's 'Three Villages' — a cluster of quiet, upscale inland towns (with Balzan and Lija) known for their gardens, historic palaces, and a pace of life that feels a world away from the coastal strip. Sant' Anton Palace, the official residence of Malta's President, sits within Attard's boundaries, surrounded by botanical gardens that are open to the public. The town has a refined, established character. Old stone farmhouses sit alongside modern villas, and the streets are wider and greener than in most Maltese towns. The San Anton Gardens, originally laid out in the 17th century for the Grand Master, are one of Malta's loveliest green spaces — a formal garden with peacocks, fountains, and specimen trees from across the Mediterranean. Attard appeals to families and professionals who want space, quiet, and prestige without paying Sliema prices. Property here is mid-to-upper range, with villa properties commanding the highest values. The town sits at the geographic centre of Malta, making it equidistant from almost everywhere. A car is essential.

Highlights

San Anton Gardens and Presidential Palace
One of Malta's prestigious 'Three Villages'
Geographic centre of the island
Spacious villas and green surroundings
Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere

Living in Hamrun

Hamrun is a dense, bustling town that connects the harbour area to Birkirkara and the interior — a through-town that most people pass through rather than visit, but one with a character and commercial strip that sustains a loyal local community. The main street is one of Malta's longest shopping streets, lined with traditional Maltese bakeries, butchers, and family-run shops alongside modern chains. The town has deep roots in Malta's political and social history. Hamrun was a centre of Maltese nationalism during the British colonial period, and several prominent Maltese politicians and intellectuals called it home. The parish church, dedicated to St. Cajetan, has an unusually tall bell tower that serves as a navigation landmark visible from across the harbour area. Property in Hamrun is affordable and practical. The town's central location — between Valletta, the Three Cities, and Birkirkara — makes it a convenient base for commuters. Prices sit well below the coastal strip and moderately below Birkirkara. The housing stock ranges from traditional terraced houses with interior courtyards to post-war apartment blocks.

Highlights

One of Malta's longest traditional shopping streets
Central location between Valletta and Birkirkara
Affordable property with good transport links
Deep political and cultural history
Strong local community and traditional shops

Lifestyle Comparison

6/10

dining

7/10

9/10

family

7/10

9/10

safety

7/10

2/10

beaches

2/10

3/10

nightlife

4/10

6/10

transport

9/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose Attard

families

Attard comes out ahead in family, safety .

Choose Hamrun

budget buyers young professionals

Hamrun comes out ahead in dining, nightlife, transport .

Frequently Asked Questions

Attard is the stronger pick for family, safety. Hamrun stands out for dining, nightlife, transport. Attard is popular with families. Hamrun is popular with budget buyers and young professionals.

Attard has a lower average rent at €1668/month compared to Hamrun's €1950 — a difference of around €282.

Attard and Hamrun are around 6 km apart — roughly a 15-minute drive depending on traffic.