St Julian's (San Ġiljan) is Malta's nightlife capital. During the day the waterfront around Spinola Bay is pleasant enough — fishermen's luzzu boats bob in the harbour, and there are good spots for lunch — but it is after dark that the place comes alive. Paceville, the compact entertainment district, is where most of Malta goes out on a Friday and Saturday night: clubs, bars, restaurants and fast food packed into a few blocks.
Beyond the nightlife, the rocky coastline has some decent swimming and snorkelling spots, and the Portomaso development has upmarket restaurants and a marina. Balluta Bay has the only sandy beach in the area. St Julian's sits just north of Sliema and a short bus ride from Valletta.