Birgu, Malta 🇲🇹
#1778
35.888111, 14.523844
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Birgu, known for its rich history and well-preserved architecture, is one of the oldest cities in Malta. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Euro (EUR); 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Go Mobile, Melita, and Vodafone are the main providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include HSBC Malta, BOV, and online banks like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, Airbnbs, and flats for rent. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies have various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels and local guesthouses available, e.g., The Point. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Birkirkara Coworking Space, located approximately 8km away, offers flexible office spaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Caffe Sicilia is a popular spot with good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by Malta Chamber of Commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Expats Malta Facebook group for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt offers reliable rides in and around Birgu. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikeshare Malta provides bike rental throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | St. George's Bay is the closest beach, approximately 5 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Malta serves as the primary regional airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Malta, Ryanair, and easyJet operate numerous international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The primary highway (M1) connects Birgu to the rest of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Malta does not have a train system; buses are the primary transit method. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Tallinja Card for unlimited travel on Malta's bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Public buses operate to nearby towns and attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mater Dei Hospital is the main healthcare facility, roughly 6 km from Birgu. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Spirit Malta offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms such as Gymmy have good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at various local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food delivers meals from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Rabbit Stew' (Fenkata), a traditional Maltese dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mamma Mia offers a great selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Valley of the Butterflies serves popular local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Birgu Market held every Saturday offers affordable local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers within Malta, alongside local options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery via HappyFresh is available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | St. Julian's is the main nightlife hub, approximately 8 km away. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malta's local breweries include the Cisk Brewery producing popular beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Medina Wine Bar offers an extensive selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Multiple vendors at Birgu's waterfront serve local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various options including Italian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. Angelo Fort and the Inquisitor's Palace are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Birgu's Malta Maritime Museum features historical naval artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Vittoriosa Waterfront is a key historical site with historic architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of St. Lawrence is a beautiful baroque church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Birgu Fest, celebrating local history and culture, occurs annually in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Birgu's narrow streets are filled with cultural heritage and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Teatru Rjal is one of the venues for local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The local market on weekends is vibrant and community-focused. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are often hosted at local cafes and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some vibrant murals can be found in the town's alleys. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes, such as those at Noni's Kitchen, teach Maltese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists often exhibit at small galleries throughout the town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Birgu showcases its history through its buildings and local celebrations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Three Cities area offers scenic coastal views and walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Maltese nature reserves such as Buskett Gardens are within a short drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastline offers picturesque pathways for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Upper Barracca Gardens provide stunning views of the Grand Harbour. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching at the Ghadira Nature Reserve is popular. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in rural spaces allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide tech repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis is available at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Maltese and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library in nearby Valletta is accessible for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers host regular events and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes host gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Dragonara Casino in St. Julian's is the nearest major casino. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €108,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €92,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €174,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 35%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Malta has a residency-based tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is minimal; primarily a service charge system. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate during property purchases. |