Birkirkara City Guide

Good mix of traditional Maltese dishes and international options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Some takeaways and restaurants stay open late on weekends.

More residential with fewer nightlife options than St. Julian's. Local bars and pubs are available, but no big club scene.

A mix of traditional cafes and new specialty coffee shops, mainly in nearby towns.

Tipping isn't required but appreciated. Around 5-10% at restaurants if no service charge. Round up taxi fares. Small tips for other services.

SIM cards are available at the airport, provider stores, and some convenience shops. Major providers are GO, Epic, and Melita. eSIMs are also offered by GO and Epic. ID or passport needed for registration.

Main streets are mostly clean; some residential areas have litter. Waste collection and recycling are regular.

Some pharmacies open late on a rotation basis. Minimarts often have extended hours. Limited after-hours food options.

Supermarkets like Lidl, Smart Supermarket, and Pavi offer a good range including international products. Open weekdays 8 AM–8 PM, some close or reduce hours on Sundays and holidays. Bargaining isn’t common.

Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept card payments, but carrying some cash is useful for small purchases or markets.

ATMs are common near banks and shopping spots. Major banks like BOV and HSBC have machines. Foreign card fees vary by bank.

Local schools teach in Maltese and English. Notable international schools on the island include Verdala International School and QSI International School of Malta. Contact schools directly for admissions details.

A growing digital nomad community mostly centered in Sliema and St. Julian's. Regular meetups and co-living options exist.

Limited local parks like Old Railway Track Garden. Larger parks are elsewhere on the island.

Good running routes along coasts and local parks. Generally safe but watch out for traffic.

Several gyms and fitness centers are available for training.

Tennis courts are available with some requiring bookings. Padel courts are emerging.

Padel is growing in popularity with new courts opening.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers with English-speaking instructors.

Various disciplines like BJJ, Karate, and Judo available. English-speaking instructors are common.

No skiing available in Malta.

Popular activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing with rentals and tours at coastal spots.

Surfing is possible mainly in autumn and winter at spots like Golden Bay, suitable for various skill levels. Limited surf schools and rentals.

Excellent diving spots with clear water, diverse marine life, and many certification centers. Best from May to October for warm water and calm seas.

Good public and private healthcare with English-speaking staff. Mater Dei Hospital and private clinics serve well. Pharmacies are widespread and provide OTC meds and advice.

Tap water is safe but tastes different due to desalination; many prefer bottled water.

Several public playgrounds and family-friendly cafes. Baby supplies are easy to find. Nearby attractions include the Malta National Aquarium and parks.

Malta is very LGBTQ+ friendly, safe, and legally supportive with annual Pride events.

Pet-friendly with vet clinics and some pet parks. Strict pet import rules apply.