- The name 'Sliema' derives from the Maltese phrase 'sliem il-paċi' (peace), referring to a chapel that stood on the coast before the area transformed into an urban centre.
- In the 19th century, Sliema evolved from a quiet fishing village into an affluent residential retreat for British residents and wealthy Maltese merchants.
- The city's coastline is primarily composed of flat limestone rock rather than sand, which local swimmers utilize as natural platforms for diving into the Mediterranean.
- Sliema hosts one of the highest concentrations of modern apartment developments in Malta, reflecting the island's rapid densification since the late 20th century.
About Sliema
Sliema is Malta’s primary commercial and residential hub, located on a peninsula directly across the Grand Harbour from the historic capital, Valletta. Known for its extensive rocky coastline and modern apartment blocks, it serves as the base for many visitors accessing regional sites like St. John's Co-Cathedral [4698] and the fortified structures of Fort St Angelo [6814]. The city serves as a bustling transit point, offering seamless ferry connections to the capital's attractions, including the panoramic views at Upper Barrakka [1022] and the ceremonial City Gate [2428]. Its waterfront promenade provides a continuous pedestrian connection stretching toward the quieter northern coast.
Highlights of Sliema
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Houses the world-famous Caravaggio masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
Parks
Provides a vantage point for watching the daily noon and sunset cannon firings.
Historical places
Features thick limestone fortifications that have guarded the Grand Harbour since the Middle Ages.
Historical places
Serves as the contemporary, architecturally distinct main entrance to the fortified city of Valletta.
Places of interest
Displays a bronze sculptural ensemble depicting sea nymphs in the heart of the capital.
Parks
Offers a quieter, garden-filled alternative to the busier Upper Barrakka with views of the breakwater.
Historical places
Functions as a historic public square flanked by the Auberge de Castille and the Grandmaster's Palace.
Places of interest
Features restored stone warehouses that now serve as a primary maritime dining and entertainment area.
Top things to do in Sliema
The 651 highest-rated places in Sliema, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Mdina Gate, officially the Main Gate, serves as the primary Baroque entrance to the fortified city of Mdina in Malta. De...
2
Parks
Upper Barrakka Gardens are public gardens located on the highest point of Valletta's 16th-century bastions. The site off...
3
Temples
St. John's Co-Cathedral is a 16th-century high baroque masterpiece commissioned by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière for...
4
Places of interest
Tritons’ Fountain is a landmark bronze and stone monument serving as the primary entry point to Valletta. Designed by sc...
5
Zoos
The Malta National Aquarium is a marine research and exhibition center shaped like a stylized starfish, located on the Q...
6
Historical places
City Gate serves as the primary pedestrian entrance to Valletta, Malta's capital, designed by architect Renzo Piano and...
7
Temples
The Mosta Rotunda, formally the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, is famous for its dome, which ranks as...
8
Parks
Lower Barrakka Gardens are located on the easternmost tip of Valletta's bastion walls, overlooking the entrance to the G...
9
Places of interest
The Blue Grotto is a complex of seven sea caves located along the southern coast of Malta near Wied iż-Żurrieq. The site...
10
Beaches and ponds
Golden Bay is a naturally formed, sandy beach located on the northwest coast of Malta, distinct for its high red-gold sa...
11
Places of interest
The Valletta Waterfront consists of 19 restored 18th-century baroque warehouses originally built by Grand Master Pinto f...
12
Temples
Ta' Pinu is a national shrine located on the island of Gozo, built in the neo-Romanesque architectural style. The presen...
13
Museums
St Paul’s Catacombs form the largest late Roman burial complex in Malta, consisting of interconnected underground galler...
14
Museums
Fort St Elmo is a 16th-century star-shaped fortification located at the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula in Valletta. It s...
15
Places of interest
Dingli Cliffs represent the highest point of the Maltese archipelago, rising approximately 250 meters above sea level. L...
16
Historical places
Ħaġar Qim is a megalithic temple complex in Malta constructed between 3600 and 3200 BC, predating the Egyptian pyramids....
17
Museums
Ġgantija Archaeological Park features two of the world's oldest free-standing stone structures, dating back to approxima...
18
Parks
San Anton Gardens serves as the official residence of the President of Malta and is situated in the town of Balzan, not...
19
Historical places
Fort St Angelo is a bastioned fort located at the tip of the Birgu peninsula, commanding the entrance to the Grand Harbo...
20
Beaches and ponds
St. Peter's Pool is a natural limestone swimming inlet located on the Delimara Peninsula in Marsaxlokk, Malta. The site...
21
Parks
Ta' Qali National Park is the largest public recreational park in Malta, situated on the site of a former Royal Air Forc...
22
Places of interest
Mellieħa Bay, also known as Għadira Bay, is the largest sandy beach in Malta, spanning approximately 800 meters. The bea...
23
Places of interest
The Xwejni Salt Pans are a historic seaside site located on the northern coast of Gozo, Malta, near Żebbuġ. The pans con...
24
Historical places
St. George’s Square, known locally as Pjazza San Ġorġ, is the primary ceremonial square in Valletta, Malta. It is anchor...
25
Places of interest
Blue Hole Viewpoint offers a vantage point overlooking one of Malta's premier scuba diving sites, located on the western...
26
Places of interest
Wied il-Għasri is a narrow, winding sea inlet on the north coast of Gozo, Malta, characterized by high limestone cliffs...
27
Beaches and ponds
Ramla Beach, known locally as Ramla l-Ħamra, is the largest sandy beach on the island of Gozo, Malta, characterized by i...
28
Places of interest
Mixta Cave is a natural hillside cavern located on the island of Gozo in Malta. The interior naturally frames a panorami...
29
Museums
The Malta Classic Car Collection is a private museum housing a curated assemblage of over 100 vintage automobiles and mo...
30
Museums
St John's Co-Cathedral is a high-baroque masterwork commissioned by the Order of St John in 1572 and designed by archite...
Around Sliema
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Sliema on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Sliema
April to June or September to October, when the weather is warm but avoids the intense peak summer heat and mass tourist crowds.
3-4 days, allowing time to explore the local promenade and utilize Sliema as a ferry-connected base for visiting nearby historical sites.
The city is highly walkable along the coast, with reliable bus networks and a frequent passenger ferry connecting Sliema to Valletta.
The Tigné Point area offers modern amenities and shopping, while the Qui-Si-Sana seafront provides quieter, upscale residential environments.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices are influenced by the city's popularity as a primary business and tourism hub.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 651 curated attractions in and around Sliema, ranked by traveller ratings.
Mdina Gate is the highest-rated place to visit in Sliema right now.
The largest category is temples, with 237 places to explore.