Sliema Things to Do

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The Strand is where the ferry departs for Valletta. It's also the place to catch one of the many boat cruises to the Grand Harbour and further afield to Comino & Gozo. Many buses also depart from here to destinations around the island. The Strand also has many cafes & restaurants. It's a great place to visit both day & night as you take in the views of Valletta.

If you have taken the little ones on holiday with you, there is no beach around Sliema but rocks to sunbathe on. Alternatively you could take the children to the play area below the promenade where it is safe for them to play.

We took a cruise with Captain Morgan around the Marsamxett and Grand Harbours. The red boat cruises into the harbour creeks allowing for photo opportunities. A commentary was provided in English and German throughout the cruise. Be aware that it is aired over a loudspeaker, not through earphones.
An adult ticket costs 15 Euros 75 cents, a child ticket is 12 Euros 25 cents. Trips operate regularly daily between 10 am and 3.30 pm in high season.
I found that seeing Valletta, Sliema, the three cities and Manoel Island from the sea added an extra dimension, however I would recommend exploring these places by foot first.

Sliema's passegiata or promenade stretches for three kilometres. In the evening, it becomes quite a good place to people watch or simply take in the views of Valletta by night from a bench.
The more energetic may consider the promenade ideal for an early morning power-walk or jog. That wasn't me, unfortunately! ;-)

Sliema has some of the best shopping on Malta. The shops have a distinctly British feel- Marks and Spencer, Topshop, Next, Dorothy Perkins- to name just a few. There are also many smaller souvenir shops where T-shirts, glass, lace, nougat etc can be bought.

Head down to the Sliema Ferries terminus on the Strand and jump on a 'hop-on hop-off' open top bus tour of the South of the island which both starts and ends in Sliema.
Tickets can be bought before boarding at the small kiosk marked 'Maltasightseeing'. Then just get on the RED bus and relax. The best views are from the upper deck of course.
The tour takes around two hours and costs 15 Euro per adult but it is definitely worth the money and time. There is audio commentary throughout the tour and the driver will provide you with earphones so you can understand more about the history and tradition of the areas you pass through. Commentary is available in eight languages: Maltese, English, German, French, Danish, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
The highlights of the tour are the fishing village of Marsaxlokk where a great little market takes place and seafood can be eaten and also the excellent views of the Grand Harbour in Valletta. The beauty of this trip is that you can hop off the bus wherever you like and rejoin a following service, just make sure you keep hold of your ticket!
About 7 buses operate a day during weekdays and Saturdays with about 4 in operation on Sundays. There is a gap of an hour between each. Don't miss the last one! Also be aware that some of the places you visit may be closed on Sundays. It's best to check before you get off.

Head down to the Sliema Ferries terminus on the Strand and jump on a 'hop-on hop-off' open top bus tour of the North of the island which both starts and ends in Sliema.
Tickets can be bought before boarding at the small kiosk marked 'Maltasightseeing'. Then just get on the BLUE bus and relax. The best views are from the upper deck of course.
The tour takes around two hours and costs 15 Euro per adult but it is definitely worth the money and time. There is audio commentary throughout the tour and the driver will provide you with earphones so you can understand more about the history and tradition of the areas you pass through. Commentary is available in eight languages: Maltese, English, German, French, Danish, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
The highlights of the tour are the Silent city and former capital of Mdina, the Mosta Dome and the great sea views between Bugibba and St Julians. The beauty of this trip is that you can hop off the bus wherever you like and rejoin a following service, just make sure you keep hold of your ticket!
About 7 buses operate a day during weekdays and Saturdays with about 4 in operation on Sundays. There is a gap of an hour between each. Don't miss the last one! Also be aware that some of the places you visit may be closed on Sundays. It's best to check before you get off.

Take a Harbour Cruise (Captain Morgan cruises are the most popular) which takes you to Marsamxett Harbour where there is a huge Marina, into the Grand Harbour where you can view the three cities, Floriana, Senglea and Vittoriosa, also French creek, Dockyard creek, and Kalkara creek. There is narration in 3 languages, it takes about 1 1/2 hrs., and you can see very interesting sights along the way.