Things to Do in Sliema: Your Guide to Malta’s Cosmopolitan Seaside Town
and dive deeper
From waterfront walks and boutique shopping to rooftop dining and swimming in crystal-clear waters, there are countless things to do in Sliema. This lively coastal destination blends modern city living with historic charm, making it one of the best bases for exploring Malta..
Sliema: Malta’s cosmopolitan coastal destination
Sliema has evolved from a quiet fishing village into one of the island’s most vibrant urban centres, offering an appealing blend of waterfront living, shopping, dining, and leisure. Today, it attracts visitors looking for a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, where elegant cafés sit alongside designer boutiques and panoramic sea views.
Unlike destinations known for sandy beaches, Sliema’s coastline is characterised by flat limestone rocks and sheltered swimming areas that are especially popular with locals. The 2-kilometre promenade invites leisurely strolls, morning runs, or sunset walks, while ferries and boat tours make it an excellent launch point for exploring Valletta, Gozo, and Comino. This combination of convenience, cosmopolitan energy, and seaside charm explains why Sliema Malta things to do consistently rank among the island’s biggest draws.
What are the best things to do in Sliema for first-time visitors?
There are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Sliema for first-time visitors, whether you’re interested in shopping, dining, swimming, culture, or day trips around the Maltese Islands. The town’s compact layout and scenic seafront make it easy to experience several highlights in a single day.
Shopping and retail therapy
Sliema is widely regarded as Malta’s premier shopping destination, with international brands, independent boutiques, jewellery stores, bookshops, and lifestyle retailers spread across Bisazza Street, Tower Road, The Point Shopping Mall and Tigné Point. Whether you’re looking for fashion, technology, souvenirs, or homeware, these bustling streets offer some of the best places to go in Sliema for retail therapy.
Dining experiences from sunrise to sunset
Food is one of the top things to do Sliema Malta is known for, with everything from casual cafés and promenade kiosks to elegant rooftop restaurants. For a memorable evening, head to TemptAsian atop AX The Palace, where award-winning Asian fusion cuisine is paired with sweeping views across the skyline, making it one of the island’s standout dining experiences.
Swimming spots and beach clubs
Sliema’s coastline is popular for its rocky swimming areas rather than sandy beaches, with favourites including Fond Għadir, Exiles, Surfside, and Tigné Point. During summer, beach clubs and waterfront lidos become lively social hubs where visitors can spend the day sunbathing before cooling off in the crystal-clear sea.
Historic and cultural attractions
While modern in character, Sliema still preserves traces of its fascinating past through landmarks such as Fort Tigné and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Culture lovers should also look out for the varied programme at Teatru Salesjan, which regularly hosts concerts, theatre productions, dance performances, and community events throughout the year.
Boats, ferries and island adventures
The Sliema Ferries connect the town with Valletta in just a few minutes, offering one of Malta’s most scenic harbour crossings. The Strand is also a departure point for excursions to Gozo, Comino and the Blue Lagoon, while during summer many operators offer sunset cruises and lively evening boat parties that are best booked in advance.
Font Ghadir Beach in Sliema.
Tigne Point in Sliema.Best Sliema hotel recommendations
If you’re planning to enjoy the many things to do in Sliema, choosing centrally located accommodation can make all the difference. AX Hotels offers three distinctive options, each catering to different travel styles while placing guests close to the promenade, shopping districts, restaurants, and ferry connections.
AX The Palace – Modern 5-Star Chic
This award-winning 5-star hotel offers a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views, luxury spa treatments at Marion Mizzi, and standout dining at the multi-award-winning TemptAsian rooftop restaurant. It’s also close to Sliema’s shopping hub, swimming spots, ferries to Valletta, Comino and Gozo, and plenty of evening entertaining around St Julian’s and Paceville. Considered as one of the best hotels in Malta, it’s stylish without being stuffy.
AX The Palace highlights at a glance:
- 5-star hotel in the heart of Sliema
- Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views
- TemptAsian rooftop restaurant with multiple awards
- Collection of unique Designer Suites
- Marion Mizzi Spa and indoor pool
Dining at TemptAsian Restaurant located at the rooftop of 5-star AX The Palace in Sliema.AX The Victoria – Classic & Welcoming
Warm, traditional, and full of charm, AX The Victoria blends comfort with access to 5-star amenities at its neighbouring hotel AX The Palace. With hearty buffet dinners at Copperfield’s and casual drinks at The Penny Black Pub, it’s excellent value in the heart of Sliema. One of Malta’s best places to stay for those looking for great value without sacrificing on service and quality facilities.
AX The Victoria highlights at a glance:
- 4-star hotel with access to 5-star amenities
- Buffet dining at Copperfield’s Restaurant
- The Penny Black Pub for relaxed evenings
- Centrally located near Sliema’s shopping and promenade
Palazzo Capua – A Unique Self-Catering Gem
For something truly unique, Palazzo Capua offers just a handful of exclusive suites inside a historic neoclassical palace. Blending period charm with modern amenities, it’s perfect if you’re seeking the intimacy of a boutique hotels with all the convenience of Sliema at your doorstep.
Offered as a unique self-catering rental in Malta, Palazzo Capua offers a fantastic level of charm and character, with the perks of 5-star hotel facilities, featuring just five spacious suites, each uniquely styled and full of character.
Palazzo Capua highlights at a glance:
- Historic neoclassical palace with self-catering exclusivity
- Only a handful of elegant suites
- Blends heritage décor with modern comfort
- Access to The Palace and The Victoria facilities
- Kitchenette and washing machine available to groups
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do in Sliema
Many things to do in Sliema Malta are perfect for families and groups, including shopping at Tigné Point, strolling along the promenade, swimming at rocky beaches, and taking ferry trips to Valletta or Comino. Larger groups can also enjoy waterfront dining, boat excursions, and relaxed evenings at cafés overlooking the sea.
A great way to experience the top things to do in Sliema Malta is to combine shopping and sightseeing in the morning, enjoy lunch by the waterfront, spend the afternoon swimming or on a boat trip, and finish with sunset drinks or rooftop dining. This balanced itinerary lets you experience the town’s coastal charm and lively atmosphere in a single day.
If time is limited, some of the best Sliema Malta things to do include walking the promenade, browsing Bisazza Street, and relaxing with a meal by the promenade overlooking the Mediterranean. Even a few hours are enough to experience the town’s vibrant character.
Popular Sliema things to do after dark include enjoying dinner at waterfront restaurants, sipping cocktails at rooftop venues such as TemptAsian, and taking an evening stroll along the illuminated promenade. Those seeking livelier nightlife can also head towards nearby St Julian’s and Paceville.
Alongside the many modern things to do in Sliema, visitors can discover Fort Tigné, historic churches such as Stella Maris, and performances at Teatru Salesjan. Exploring the quieter residential streets also reveals traditional Maltese architecture and remnants of the town’s past.
Yes, most Sliema Malta what to do guides recommend outdoor experiences such as swimming, jogging or walking along the promenade, harbour cruises, paddle sports, and relaxing at seaside cafés. The town’s coastal setting makes it ideal for spending time outdoors throughout much of the year.
For a slower pace, the best things to do Sliema Malta include enjoying a coffee with sea views, taking a leisurely promenade walk, swimming at Fond Għadir or Exiles, and watching the sunset from one of the waterfront kiosks. The atmosphere is particularly enjoyable in the late afternoon and evening.
Including several things to do in Sliema allows visitors to experience one of Malta’s most diverse destinations, where shopping, dining, swimming, culture, and transport links all come together. Its central location also makes it an excellent base for exploring Valletta, Gozo, Comino, and other parts of the island.
5-star AX The Palace Hotel in Sliema. Photo credits go to Viewing Malta.