Sliema: the seafront and Tigné
The promenade runs along the coast to St Julian's, past terraces, joggers and people swimming from rock platforms with ladders. There's no sand.
Tigné is the headland facing Valletta, with new buildings and shops. It's also home to Toy Room Beach Club, for dancing by day beside the sea.
Valletta: walls, streets and harbour
The Knights of St John founded it shortly after the Great Siege of 1565, and the whole city is now a World Heritage Site. Republic Street takes you across in no time; what wears you out are the slopes and stepped side streets, so bring comfortable shoes.
For the views, head up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, with the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities straight ahead. Towards evening, Strait Street fills with outdoor tables.
How they connect
The ferry leaves from The Strand in Sliema, crosses Marsamxett Harbour and drops you below the walls, with an uphill walk into the city. Timetables change with the season and rough seas cancel crossings, so check before relying on it.
By road you have to go all the way round the bay, so buses and taxis take longer. They're your night-time option, as the ferry doesn't run in the small hours.
Who each one suits
If you're torn, think about how many nights you'll go out.
- Sliema: groups who want clubs nearby without sleeping on top of them, and anyone who swims daily.
- Valletta: couples or friends who put history and good dinners first, with one or two club nights.
Fitting them around the party
One day that works: ferry to Valletta in the morning before the heat builds, back to Sliema for lunch and an afternoon in Tigné. At night, a short taxi gets you to St Julian's and Paceville.
Sometimes the party comes here: HUGEL at Fort Manoel, next door to Sliema, and Adriatique at The Ditch, in Valletta, are examples from last season. These aren't fixed dates: whatever's on during your trip is in the calendar.
