Birkirkara, Malta π²πΉ
#1209
35.899454, 14.464957
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Birkirkara is the largest town in Malta, located in the central region, known for its vibrant community and historical significance. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 25,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average speeds of 50-100 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR = 1.07 USD; Local banks: Bank of Valletta, HSBC. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type G sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone Malta, GO, and Melita. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Revolut, N26, and local banks accepted. |
π Accommodation | Airbnb and local rental websites are popular for finding apartments and rooms in Birkirkara. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards accepted widely. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property managers like Frank Salt Real Estate offer short-term rentals. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Malti and local guesthouses provide affordable options. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Hub, a well-reviewed coworking space with reliable internet and a collaborative vibe. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Azzopardi offers a quiet atmosphere and good coffee for remote work. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups organized through social media, especially expat groups on Facebook. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expat events organized by βMaltese Expatsβ Facebook group; regular gatherings are common. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and eCabs are popular ride-hailing apps in Malta. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Local services like Lime offer e-scooter rentals around the area. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | St. George's Bay, around 15 minutes by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Malta, connecting to various European cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | British Airways, Ryanair, and Lufthansa offer multiple routes from Malta. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major roads like the Santa Venera bypass connect Birkirkara to other regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; buses are the primary form of public transport in Malta. |
π Public Transport Passes | Tallinja card for unlimited bus travel. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses (Malta Public Transport) connect to Valetta, St. Julian's, and other towns. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Mater Dei Hospital, the main public hospital, is located nearby. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Malta offers classes focused on well-being. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness club Birkirkara caters to a variety of fitness needs. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromats such as Express Laundry are available in town. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Wolt are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pastizzi, a local pastry filled with ricotta or pea filling. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Grassy Hopper offers a fully vegetarian menu. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | CafΓ© Cittadini is known for its delectable pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Birkirkara market for food and goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shops like eBay Malta and Melita's site for telecommunication goods. |
π Grocery Delivery | Greens Supermarket offers a delivery service. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Explore local bars on Main Street for nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Farson's Brewery provides tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Delicata Wine Bar offers local wines for tasting. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food is available at Maltaβs markets; try the local fish dishes. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Zahar Restaurant offers Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Old Church of St. Helen and the Birkirkara Parish Church are notable landmarks. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Fine Arts is a short trip away in Valletta. |
π° Historical Sites | Check out the Wignacourt Aqueduct. |
π Religious Sites | Church of St. Helen is notable in the town. |
π Annual Events | Malta International Arts Festival occurs every July. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Birkirkaraβs local area is rich in cultural heritage. |
π Theater Venues | Teatru Astra and Teatru Rjal are key venues for performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Birkirkara Market is vibrant and offers local produce and goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local bands often perform at community events and bars. |
π¨ Street Art | Look for murals around the town created by local artists. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available through Maltese culinary schools. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Area cultural spaces like the St. James Cavalier offer exhibitions. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The old aqueduct and various churches showcase historical architectures. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Birkirkara celebrates its farming and church history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Buskett Gardens offers a lush area for relaxation. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Near Rabat, the Xemxija Heritage Trail is also easily accessible. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths are available around the local parks. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at the coastal towns offer breathtaking views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Birdlife Malta reserves provide various opportunities. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Buskett Gardens allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Services available via MaltaPost and DHL. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops such as QuickFix for device repair. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Available at local community centers. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Various schools offer English and Maltese language classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Birkirkara Library offers a quiet studying environment. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Birkirkaraβs local community centers have various activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming shops often have lounges and events. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The Dragonara Casino in St. Julian's is the closest major gaming venue. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬128,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬112,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬180,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬144,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,900 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬232,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬176,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Effective tax rate is 35%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on distributed dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax rates on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for high-income earners. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard rate of 18%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Malta has strict CFC regulations. |
π Property Tax | Based on the rental value; typically low. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 5% on property purchases. |