Hamrun vs St. Julian's

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

Summary

Hamrun is better for budget buyers and everyday convenience, while St. Julian's wins for nightlife, dining, and coastal living. The two towns sit roughly 3.5 km apart on Malta's north-east coast, with Hamrun inland and St. Julian's on the waterfront. Hamrun scores 9/10 for transport and 7/10 for both family-friendliness and safety, with property prices significantly lower than its coastal neighbours. St. Julian's rates 10/10 for nightlife and dining, 5/10 for beaches, and 6/10 for safety, but commands premium rents comparable to Sliema. Hamrun suits budget-conscious buyers and young professionals who want a flat, walkable base between Valletta and Birkirkara. Multiple bus routes (41, 42, 44, 45) run along the central corridor, and Malta International Airport is 15 minutes by car. The town centres on one of Malta's longest traditional shopping streets, with daily amenities within walking distance and a strong local food scene. St. Julian's is aimed at young professionals working in iGaming, nightlife lovers, and tourists. Buses (routes 12, 13, 14, 16) connect to Valletta, the Sliema ferry is a 5-minute drive, and the airport is 25 minutes by car. Expect heavy traffic, limited parking, and significant noise in Paceville, particularly on summer weekends.

Hamrun

Bustling commercial through-town

St. Julian's

Lively coastal entertainment hub

€1950

Avg. Rent

€2093

Listings

1.5

Avg. Bedrooms

2.1

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

Walkability

Very good. Flat coastal promenade connects to Sliema. Paceville is entirely walkable. Some uphill streets heading inland.

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

Parking

Difficult, especially on weekends and evenings. Paceville is nearly impossible by car after 8pm. Portomaso has underground parking (paid).

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

Noise Level

High in Paceville area. Moderate elsewhere. Spinola and Balluta are surprisingly peaceful considering proximity.

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

Living in St. Julian's

St. Julian's is where Malta goes to play. By day it's a pleasant coastal town spread around Spinola Bay — one of the most photographed fishing boat harbours on the island — and Balluta Bay with its grand art nouveau houses. By night it becomes Paceville, the island's densest concentration of bars, clubs, casinos, and restaurants, drawing revellers from across Malta until the early hours. The town has a split personality that works in its favour. The Paceville side is loud, youthful, and commercial, home to international hotel chains and the Dragonara Casino. The Spinola and Balluta side is refined, with upscale restaurants housed in converted townhouses and a promenade that connects westward to Sliema. Portomaso, with its signature tower and marina, sits between the two — a luxury residential and commercial complex that symbolises the area's premium positioning. St. Julian's is the heart of Malta's iGaming and tech industries. Office buildings cluster around the Mriehel area and along the coast, making it the most convenient base for professionals working in these sectors. Property here commands some of the highest rents on the island, particularly in developments with sea views.

Highlights

Spinola Bay — iconic fishing boat harbour lined with restaurants
Paceville — Malta's nightlife district with dozens of bars and clubs
Portomaso Marina and luxury tower
Heart of Malta's iGaming industry
Balluta Bay with its art nouveau buildings

Lifestyle Comparison

7/10

dining

10/10

7/10

family

4/10

7/10

safety

6/10

2/10

beaches

5/10

4/10

nightlife

10/10

9/10

transport

8/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose Hamrun

budget buyers young professionals

Hamrun comes out ahead in family, safety, transport .

Choose St. Julian's

young professionals nightlife lovers tourists

St. Julian's comes out ahead in dining, beaches, nightlife .

Frequently Asked Questions

Hamrun is the stronger pick for family, safety, transport. St. Julian's stands out for dining, beaches, nightlife. Hamrun is popular with budget buyers and young professionals. St. Julian's is popular with young professionals and nightlife lovers and tourists.

Hamrun has a lower average rent at €1950/month compared to St. Julian's €2093 — a difference of around €143.

Hamrun and St. Julian's are around 4 km apart — roughly a 10-minute drive depending on traffic.