The city of Sliema was initially built as a holiday resort for the people of Valletta but over the centuries it has developed into one of the more affluent places in Malta. Home to a large residential area of Malta's wealthy middle class it is also Malta's major tourist area and is occupied by a plethora of shops, cafes and cruises. Due to tourism being a large part of Malta's income the need for continually attracting tourists continues and Sliema has gradually changed over the years to accommodate this.

The main focus of activity in Sliema is centred around The Strand, where you can obtain ferries to Valletta and boat cruises offering various tours and many sightseeing opportunities. The front especially in the summer is a hive of activity with people visiting various shops, cafes, restaurants and people simply strolling taking in the sights. This is especially popular at night, as the view of Valletta across the bay is truly stunning. Situated in the harbour is Manoel Island, which can be accessed via a roadbridge from The Strand. In the past the Knights Quarantine Hospital was here as well as Fort Manoel which was built in 1730 to protect the harbour. These days it is slightly barren and is home to shipyards, The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Phoenician Glassblowers Factory.

The latter is always a popular draw as people go to see craftsmen showing their trade and picking up glass products at direct prices. Back on the mainland following the road round from the footbridge it leads you through Lazzaretto Creek to Ta Xbiex. Here you can see various embassies and also a busy yacht marina with many splendid and expensive boats.

At the other end of The Strand is Qui-Si-Sana waterfront. Here there are beach concessions with pools, bars and changing facilities. Tigne is a quiet quarter on the tip of Sliema offering fantastic views of Valletta and in particular Carmelite Church which dominates the skyline similar to what St Paul's does for London. In between The Strand and Tower Road is the busy Triq it-Torri and Bisazza Street which is home to Sliema's main shopping area and has most brands you are familiar with back home. Tower Road or The Front as the locals call it, is home to many restaurants, rocky beaches and swimming spots where both tourists and Maltese swim. Once again this becomes a busy promenade in the summer evenings. Generations of Maltese have enjoyed socializing, walking and talking here. In the traditional sense this is where boy meets girl although Paceville has changed that considerably now. Finally the road continues to Ballutta Bay, where there is a small sand based beach, some nice gardens and some nice restaurants on the approach to St Julians. Here also is the home of the Neptunes, one of the best waterpolo teams on the island. Their club and poolside lido are situated on this bay.