(Level 0, R3, Baystreet Complex, St Julians. Tel. 2137 9204 ) There's nothing much to this British department store, just great sandwiches, salads, pastas and desserts.

  (18 Paceville Street, Paceville, St Julians. Tel. 2131 1753) Serves a wide range of dishes, from pastas to pizzas and grills. A good place to have dinner before clubbing, as it's right on the fringes of the night nucleus. Book ahead.

  (159 St George’s Road, St Julians. Tel. 2138 8600) Excellent food served in a vibrant and fashionable environment. Specialising in seafood, with a romantic view of St Julians, La Dolce Vita is a haunt of the rich and famous.

  (Hilton Malta, Portomaso, St Julians. Tel. 2138 3383) On the island’s most luxurious marina, this oriental restaurant is an exotic oasis of waterfalls and tropical flowers. Boasting exquisite Thai cuisine, with ingredients such as fruit and herbs, as well as orchids for the table, imported direct from Southeast Asia. Private huts can also be reserved.

  (Ball Street, Paceville, St Julians. Tel. 2133 7642) Sit back with a drink in your hand and enjoy some mellow blues music.

  (Spinola Bay, St Julians. Tel. 2135 0680) Grab a pint of stout while listening to one of the bands who perform at this pub on the weekend. Staff and customers are friendly and always happy to share a few laughs.

  (St George’s Road, St Julians. Tel. 2135 8078 ) The island’s most popular disco. In St Julians, which never seems to sleep, this venue boasts the largest dance floor and attracts an energetic audience. Doors open from 9pm-5am.

Whether it's Maltese souvenirs (made in China) or handmade items (authentic ones), have a look at the artisan centre on the ground floor of the Baystreet Complex on St Augustine’s Street. Other shops in the complex sell clothes, multimedia and books.

In St Julians, glass bottles or glasses cannot be carried in the streets. The authorities will confiscate them, so ask the shop for a plastic bag or plastic cup.

Head to Paceville, Malta’s prime nightlife area. Its streets are lined with discos, clubs and bars. It’s where the island’s youngsters—and the odd older couple!—congregate on the weekend.

The Baystreet Complex leisure centre heats up with entertaining shows from morning till night on the weekends (www.baystreet.com.mt).

 – The perfect starting point for a walk around the coast, but be prepared for a bit of scrabbling over rocks before you get to Gżira. It should take about two hours, not including stops for refreshments at the restaurants and cafés along the way.

St Julian’s started life as a small fishing port.