On the other side of the bay and opposite Valletta, sits the lived-in and vibrant area of Sliema. With easy access by ferry, gorgeous architecture like Stella Maris Church, and great views from the Tigne point, travelers to this beautiful region in Malta will not have a shortage of things to do and see here. The resort town of Sliema also has a reputation of being one of the shopping and nightlife hubs in Malta. It offers dramatic sites, plenty of shopping opportunities, and more eateries and cocktail joints that you could possibly visit.
If you are wondering what to do and where to start, here is our guide for everything you should do and see in Sliema:
1- Take the Valletta ferry
If you want a different perspective to look at your surroundings, the most affordable and convenient option to get out on the water is via the public ferry service. Two ferries are operated every hour by the Marsamxett Ferry Service, which includes a free shuttle service connecting the Grand Harbour on the other side of Valletta and the Marsamxett Harbour. You will be tempted to take the journey repeatedly, once you check out the views of the walled city of Valletta and the fortified Manoel Island.
2- Explore the history at Manoel Island
Sitting at the center of Marsamxett Harbour with a bridge attaching it to the mainland is the Manoel Island that packs a ton of history within its 0.3sqkm area. It was used as an isolation center back in 1592 for containing an outbreak of cholera and the plague and you can still find a quarantine complex that dates between the 17th and 19th centuries. There is also a sprawling limestone fort nearby called Fort Manoel, which was built in the 18th century by the Knights of Malta and also appeared in the TV show, Game of Thrones.
3- Check out the Christine X Art Gallery
Previously known as Artitude, the Christine X Art Gallery promotes the work of foreign and local emerging artists in an intimate setting. Scenes from local landscapes, figurative paintings, and daring abstracts coexist in this space. If you are looking for a unique souvenir, you can buy them and also get them custom-framed. The gallery is also known for hosting temporary exhibitions from time to time dedicated to a specific contemporary artist and you can visit it for free.
4- Go to Tigne Point
Since the 1970s, the British military barracks had been disused, but they were given a makeover in the 21st century and became Tigne Point. This area boasts the largest conglomerate of high-rise architecture in Malta. The streets below are completely pedestrianized and are lined with a mix of shops, luxurious apartments, and hi-tech offices. If you cross the bridge leading to the Point, the biggest retail mall in Malta, you will find dozens of small padlocks, much like in Paris on the Pont des Arts Bridge.
5- Attend a show at Salesian Theatre
The Salesian is the oldest theatre in Sliema and it has been operating for more than a century. It is located in the backstreets and you will find it if you move inland from the coastal promenade. It was restored and then reopened as one of the cultural reference points in the country and its intimate setting is used to host plays, music performances, and contemporary art exhibitions. The theatre’s proscenium is adorned by a wall painting by Giuseppe Cali, who was born in Malta, called ‘The Virtues of Mankind’.
6- Take a walk along the seaside promenade
Following Tower Road and just a bit, more than 2 kilometers is the seaside promenade, which is one of the best places to be in urban Malta. It is considered one of the longest stretches offering unobstructed views of the sea. You can start from the edge of the Qui-Si-Sana neighborhood, go towards St. Julian’s and you will come across II-Fortizza (the Fortress), which is a restaurant that was previously a British base. There are ice cream parlors, churches, and 17th-century coastal watchtowers. The chic terrace townhouses in Balluta Bay will also appeal to art deco fans.
7- Go for a swim in the Roman Baths
Sliema may not offer you any sandy beaches, but this doesn’t mean that you will not find any swimming opportunities. There is a series of rock-cut rectangular pools that lie beneath the Surfside restaurant that’s beautifully located. They are equipped with swimming pool ladders and remain sheltered from the open sea currents. The pools are commonly called Fond Ghadir or Roman Baths, but they can probably be traced back to the more recent Victorian era.
8- Have a coffee in the backstreets
Begin walking down Sir Adrian Dingli Street and let yourself wander into the backstreets. You will come across colorful Maltese balconies, fancy colonnades, art nouveau, and art deco facades that once defined the urban landscape of Sliema. Near the ferry terminal on San Duminku, you can take a break for a hazelnut or pistachio coffee and berry and vegan almond cake the delicious Caffé Berry.
9- Take a ride on a self-drive boat
You don’t have to have any boating experience for renting one of the red motor-powered boats available at Malta Self Drive Boats. A friendly British owner runs the service and they are cheap to rent, easy to operate, and also come with a booklet with instructions to anchor, stop at a waterfront bar, or swim. It is also an excellent way of reaching some of the stunning coastline, historic sites and bays of the harbor region.
10- Visit the Sliema churches
Malta is one of the most Catholic countries in Europe and has almost enough churches that you can visit a different one every day throughout the year. Sliema also has its fair share of churches with four parishes and these are open to everyone. These include the Stella Maris (known as Our Lady Star of the Sea) that was constructed in 1854.
Sliema may be small, but it is a city that is full of character and has lots to offer to every tourist. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!
