Sliema: A First-Timer's Guide to Malta's Modern Coastal Hub
Sliema is the small Maltese coastal town across the harbour from Valletta — the modern, English-speaking, restaurant-dense alternative to staying inside the UNESCO-listed Baroque capital, with the iconic Sliema-Valletta ferry running every 30 minutes and a 5-km waterfront promenade that's the social spine of modern Malta. The adjacent St Julian's nightlife strip and the modern shopping at Tigne Point give Sliema its contemporary urban energy; the surrounding Three Cities and the Mdina silent city extend the Maltese cultural week; and the islands of Gozo and Comino (with the iconic Blue Lagoon) are easy day-trips by ferry.
Our guide is built for first-timers but holds up on the return trip. We've started with picking the right corner (Sliema seafront vs Paceville nightlife) and worked through the hotels (the Westin Dragonara Resort on a private peninsula, the central AX Palace), the restaurants from the new beach-club TemTem Pacha Sliema to refined contemporary Maltese seafront dining, the cultural sights (including a short drive to the UNESCO-listed Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni prehistoric underground temple), and a private day in Gozo.
Quick facts
Live right now
Where to base yourself
First-time visitor? Pick a neighborhood that matches your vibe and stay there.
Sliema Seafront (The Strand)
The Promenade Sliema
The 2km seafront promenade — the main walking strip, with cafés, hotels, and direct ferry to Valletta. Where Sliema actually happens.
Tower Road
The Shopping Sliema
Sliema's main commercial street — boutiques, restaurants, the busy local stretch. Walking distance to everything.
Paceville
The Nightlife Sliema
Adjoining St Julian's — Malta's nightlife capital, full of bars, clubs, casinos. Loud after midnight, quiet otherwise.
St Julian's / Spinola Bay
The Refined Sliema-adjacent
Just past Sliema heading north — the Portomaso Marina, the Westin Dragonara peninsula, refined restaurants around Spinola Bay. Slightly more upscale than central Sliema.
Gżira
The Local Sliema
Between Sliema and Msida — properly local, with the ferry-and-rowing-boat traditions. Manoel Island opposite (currently in major redevelopment).
Tigné Point
The Modern Sliema
The peninsula across from Valletta — totally redeveloped with the Pjazza Tigné shopping center, residential towers. The Maltese version of contemporary urban planning.
The Insider's Edit
Three picks Sliema regulars send their friends to — curated from Tatler 2026, the World's 50 Best lists, and verified hospitality reporting.
On a private peninsula in St Julian's, next to Sliema.
A central Sliema five-star with rooftop pool and views to Manoel Island.
Closest to Paceville and the harbor walks.
Where to stay
On a private peninsula in St Julian's, next to Sliema — closest to Paceville and the harbor walks.
“The Maltese seaside luxury standard.”
A central Sliema five-star with rooftop pool and views to Manoel Island — among Sliema's most refined modern hotels.
Portomaso Marina luxury — the most-resort-like Maltese hotel, multiple pools, the Portomaso Tower restaurant.
“Convention-grade reliability.”
Adjacent to Paceville — properly large 5-star, multiple restaurants, the Highline summer rooftop.
“Among the most established St Julian's luxury hotels.”
Restored 1879 palazzo on Tower Road — among Sliema's most beautiful smaller heritage hotels.
“The garden courtyard.”
Modern design boutique — well-located between St Julian's and Sliema, the rooftop with city views.
“Best mid-budget design.”
Self-catering aparthotel on the Sliema seafront — properly designed, well-priced.
“Best longer-stay option.”
Modern small hotel on the seafront — properly contemporary design, fair price for the views.
Where to eat
A new beach club restaurant; very of-the-moment.
“Mediterranean-influenced, properly designed, the most photographed newer Sliema restaurant.”
Sliema seafront dining with refined contemporary Maltese — among Sliema's most consistent newer restaurants.
“Properly serious.”
One of Malta's most consistently celebrated newer restaurants — chef Marvin Gauci.
“Properly modern Maltese with Mediterranean technique.”
Asian-influenced cuisine — one of Malta's most-loved fusion restaurants.
“Among the most consistent St Julian's dinner spots.”
Long-running Maltese seafood institution — in an 18th-century summer villa on Balluta Bay.
“Properly traditional with refined execution.”
Marvin Gauci's other restaurant — Portomaso Marina, modern Mediterranean.
“Properly refined.”
Casual modern Mediterranean — well-priced, properly cooked.
“Among the most reliable Sliema lunch spots.”
Where to have breakfast
Among Malta's most respected specialty coffee — properly serious about brewing.
Long-running Sliema seafront café — properly local breakfast, good coffee, sea views.
Pastizzi (Maltese savory pastry) — the proper local breakfast.
“€0.40 each, eaten standing.”
Worth crossing from Sliema for the proper afternoon-tea Maltese tradition — the Phoenicia's garden tea is the cinematic version.
Modern Maltese bakery-café — sourdough, properly cooked pastries, excellent coffee.
Museums worth your time
A UNESCO-listed prehistoric underground temple (4000-2500 BCE) — three levels carved into limestone. Tickets very limited (10 per hour, 80 per day); book months ahead.
“Among the most unique archaeological sites in the world.”
Visit website →In the former Royal Navy bakery in Birgu — Malta's seafaring history, the Knights of St John's fleet, modern Maltese maritime industry.
Visit website →Worth crossing — Malta's prehistoric collection including the Sleeping Lady from the Hypogeum and the Venus of Malta.
“Properly comprehensive.”
Visit website →The national community art museum, reimagined 2018 inside the Auberge d'Italie.
“Worth crossing the harbor; Malta's leading art museum.”
Visit website →Roman-era house with preserved mosaics — 20 minutes from Sliema.
“Smaller than the major sites but properly historic.”
UNESCO-listed Neolithic megalithic temples — among the world's oldest free-standing stone structures (3600-2500 BCE).
“15 minutes from Sliema by car.”
Only-here places
The 10-minute ferry across Marsamxett Harbor to Valletta — €2.80 return, runs every 30 minutes. The most cinematic way to approach Valletta.
“Properly local routine.”
The 2km seafront walking strip — Maltese walking in the evening, the rocky coast for swimming, the cafés along the way.
The picturesque small bay — fishing boats, restaurants, the painted Luzzu (Maltese fishing boats with eyes painted on the prow).
“The classic Maltese photo opportunity.”
Historic fortified island in the middle of Marsamxett Harbor — currently in major redevelopment.
“The Fort Manoel and the Lazaretto buildings are the heritage assets.”
A private day in Gozo + lunch at Ta' Frenc — the classic Maltese island getaway from Sliema's ferry. Gozo is smaller, slower, properly rural.
“The defining Maltese island experience.”
The ancient walled capital of Malta — only 300 residents, no traffic, properly atmospheric. 15 minutes from Sliema by car.
“Half-day.”
The three Maltese cities across Grand Harbor from Valletta — older than Valletta, properly preserved.
“The Birgu marina is among Malta's most beautiful settings.”
Tours & things to do in Sliema
In partnership with GetYourGuide, Locals Insider recommends these tours and things to do in Sliema.
Nature & quiet
Sliema swims from the rocks rather than a beach — properly local.
“Free access along the seafront promenade.”
Walk north from Paceville — coastal cliffs, the Pembroke Battery, eventually reaching Bahar ic-Caghaq beach.
“Properly undeveloped Maltese coast.”
Boat from Sliema to Comino — the tiny island between Malta and Gozo, the Blue Lagoon's transparent water.
“Touristy in summer but properly spectacular.”
Malta's only forested area — properly small but the most peaceful escape from coastal Malta.
“30 minutes from Sliema.”
Malta's highest point (253m) — cliffs falling straight to the Mediterranean.
“The sunset view is among Malta's most spectacular.”
City festivals
- Multiple weekends June-SeptemberVillage Festas
Every Maltese village celebrates its patron saint with a multi-day festa — fireworks, decorated streets, religious processions. Sliema's own festa is mid-September.
- February (Pre-Lent)Carnival
Maltese Carnival — Valletta's Saturday parade is the major event, but Sliema participates with float-building competitions and parties.
- March 31Freedom Day
Maltese national day commemorating the 1979 withdrawal of British forces — military commemorations and public holiday.
- Late June - early JulyMalta International Arts Festival
Three weeks of music, theater and dance across Malta — many events at the open-air Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta.
- September 8Victory Day (Il-Bambina)
Maltese national day commemorating the end of the Great Siege of 1565 and victory in WWII — boat races in Grand Harbor.
Travel safety & inclusivity
Among the safest countries in Europe. The biggest practical risks are Paceville's late-night rowdiness (avoid after 2am if you don't want the scene) and the dangerous Maltese driving (rent a car only if you've driven on the left before).
Malta is consistently ranked the most LGBTQ+-friendly country in Europe by ILGA-Europe — same-sex marriage since 2017. Sliema and St Julian's have a small but very visible gay scene.
Safety scores reflect UK FCDO & US State Department travel advisories. LGBTQ+ scores reflect Equaldex and ILGA-Europe rankings. Both refreshed quarterly.
Frequently asked about Sliema
Where do locals eat in Sliema?
Three picks across the spectrum of how Sliemizi actually eat in the iconic Maltese seaside city directly across the harbour from Valletta.
For the iconic modern Maltese pick: Hammett's Macina, at Senglea Marina, Senglea (10-minute ferry from Sliema). Chef David Vella's contemporary Maltese restaurant in a converted 17th-century Knights of Malta naval boathouse — properly serious modern Maltese cuisine emphasizing iconic Maltese ingredients (the iconic Maltese rabbit, Gozo cheeses, fresh Maltese seafood). Among Malta's most consistently top-rated restaurants.
For the modern Mediterranean pick: Tarragon, at Church Street, St Paul's Bay, Malta (20 minutes from Sliema). The iconic St Paul's Bay restaurant with proper modern Mediterranean cuisine — daily fresh Maltese seafood preparations and a serious Maltese wine programme.
For the affordable, locals' standard: Sliema seafront restaurants along the iconic Tower Road promenade. The iconic Sliema seafront is lined with proper Maltese cafes, fish restaurants, and the iconic Maltese pastizzeria shops (the iconic ricotta or pea pastizzi flaky pastries — the famous Maltese savoury snack). For the iconic Maltese hobż biż-żejt sandwich (Maltese bread with tomato paste, capers, anchovies, olives, tuna), the small cafés along Sliema's iconic Tigne Street serve the proper traditional version at affordable prices. For an iconic Maltese pastizzi destination, Crystal Palace in Rabat-Mdina remains the most-cited reference (15 minutes by car from Sliema).
Where can I get the best seafood with champagne or sparkling wine in Sliema?
Maltese wine production has developed substantially over the past two decades — the iconic Marsovin, Delicata, and Camilleri produce serious Maltese traditional-method sparkling wines. For Sliema seafood with serious Champagne and Maltese sparkling, the destination is Crew Mariners, at Tigne Street, Sliema SLM 3173.
A long-established Greek-Maltese seafood restaurant — properly serious daily fresh Mediterranean catch (the iconic Maltese lampuki dolphinfish, sea bream, octopus), and a properly curated Champagne and Maltese-sparkling wine list. Among Sliema's most-cited iconic seafood destinations.
For a more iconic alternative with the iconic harbour view, the The Black Pearl restaurant on the iconic Manoel Island marina offers Mediterranean seafood with proper Champagne service overlooking Valletta. For something more refined, the Caviar & Bull restaurant at the iconic Reef Sliema Hotel (also in central Sliema) offers contemporary fine-dining with serious wine programme.
Which historical boutique hotel should I stay at in Sliema?
For a contemporary luxury stay in Sliema, the reference is The Palace, at Triq Federick Maempel, Sliema SLM 3093.
A 5-star boutique hotel in the iconic central Sliema area — 152 rooms with proper contemporary Maltese-coastal aesthetic. Among Sliema's most consistently top-rated luxury hotels. The iconic rooftop pool with views over the Valletta harbour.
For a more iconic luxury alternative with the iconic Valletta-harbour view, The Westin Dragonara Resort at Dragonara Road, St Julian's STJ 3143 (10 minutes from Sliema in the iconic St Julian's resort area) is the larger international-luxury choice with the iconic peninsula setting. For a contemporary design boutique, The AX The Palace Hotel in Sliema offers proper contemporary design. For an iconic ultra-luxury alternative directly in Valletta, Iniala Harbour House (covered in the Valletta FAQ) is the comparable luxury choice across the harbour. For a properly modern alternative at the iconic Tigne Point regenerated district, The Hilton Malta offers serious contemporary luxury.
What is the LGBTQ+ scene like in Sliema?
Malta legalised same-sex marriage in 2017 and has ranked #1 on ILGA-Europe's annual Rainbow Map LGBTQ+ rights index for nearly a decade — Malta is widely considered Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly country by legal rights index. Sliema is part of the iconic Maltese tourist cluster (Sliema + St Julian's + Paceville) that contains most of Malta's nightlife — including the LGBTQ+ scene.
The neighborhood: There is no defined gay quarter in Sliema specifically, but the iconic Paceville nightlife district (15 minutes by car from Sliema — the iconic Maltese nightlife concentration) has the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ venues. The iconic Sliema seafront is widely LGBTQ+-friendly as part of the iconic Maltese tourism corridor.
The bars and clubs: AXM Club at Paceville, St Julian's is the iconic central Maltese gay nightclub (covered also in the Valletta FAQ — the same iconic Maltese gay nightclub destination for both Valletta and Sliema visitors). Michelangelo in Paceville is the contemporary alternative. For LGBTQ+-friendly cocktail bars directly in Sliema, the iconic Sliema seafront cocktail bars are widely welcoming.
Pride: Malta Pride in September is the iconic Maltese Pride event (covered in the Valletta FAQ). The iconic Malta Pride march and festival typically takes place in Valletta itself.
What unique small museum, new 2024-2026 landmark, or 1-3 day itinerary should I plan for Sliema?
The iconic famous-person landmark: Tigne Point at Tigne Seafront, Sliema. The iconic regenerated peninsula at the western tip of Sliema — built around the iconic Tigne Fort (1761-1795, the iconic British-era fortification at the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour). The regenerated area (developed 2007-2017) includes the iconic Q Tigne shopping centre, the iconic Tigne sea-front promenade, and the iconic view directly across Marsamxett Harbour to Valletta's bastions. The iconic Sliema-Valletta ferry departs from the Tigne ferry terminal nearby (a 5-minute crossing with the iconic best view of Valletta's iconic Pjazza Regina cliff-side architecture).
The iconic recent landmark: Manoel Island regeneration directly across the small bridge from Sliema — the iconic 18th-century fortified island that hosted the iconic Knights of Malta's quarantine isolation hospital (Lazaretto) from 1643. The iconic 1726-completed Fort Manoel and the iconic 1793-built Manoel Theatre (one of Europe's oldest working theatres) are preserved on the island. The contemporary regeneration plans through 2020-2026 have restored the iconic fortifications. Pair with the iconic Independence Garden at the iconic Sliema-Gzira boundary for a contemporary Sliema-area cultural walk.
1-3 day itinerary: Day 1 — Sliema seafront walk (from Independence Garden through Tigne Point promenade to the iconic Sliema-Valletta ferry, ferry to Valletta for the iconic Old Town walking and the Co-Cathedral with Caravaggio — covered in the Valletta FAQ — return for dinner). Day 2 — Three Cities boat day (covered in the Valletta FAQ — the iconic Senglea, Vittoriosa, Cospicua harbour exploration). Day 3 — Day trip to Mdina (the iconic medieval Silent City — covered in the Valletta FAQ) or by ferry to Gozo (Malta's small sister island with the iconic 3600 BCE Ġgantija Neolithic temples — UNESCO World Heritage, older than the pyramids).
Planning more than just Sliema? Our Malta travel guide covers the whole country — weather and currency live, hotels and restaurants across regions, must-visit experiences and where else to go.
Articles in this section are written by the Locals Insider editorial team. Got a Sliema tip we missed? Email us at hello@localsinsider.com — we read every one.
