My partner and I lived in Sliema for one year from 2024-2025, and truly think it’s one of the best places to stay while visiting Malta! As a couple in our mid and late 30’s we were looking for restaurants and bars that had a great vibe, well-made drinks (for cocktails), and overall an enjoyable environment to relax and enjoy the nice weather. We were fortunate enough to explore the area and compile this list of the 10 best bars in Sliema (in my opinion)! Check out the list below and keep an eye out for our # 1 favourite!
Is Going to Sliema Worth It? (An Expat’s Take)
Sliema is truly a gem as it combines a mix of local living and visiting travellers. Much of the area is also along the sea, making it a great place to visit and enjoy drinks while taking in beautiful, crystal-clear water views! On top of that, you’ll also find out that there are happy hours just about everywhere! With all of the places to drink and hang out, Sliema tops them all!
Happy Hour Specials & Saving Money
As I mentioned previously, happy hours are just about everywhere. A typical happy hour special occurs between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and offers 2 for 1 drinks. This time and special, of course, does vary per restaurant and bar, but it is something to consider if you are interested in these specials. There may also be a special food menu available along with the drinks, offered at a reduced cost. If this is something you are interested in, I suggest heading to a bar along the water for amazing drinks, beautiful seaside views, and a way to enjoy the sunset!
Sliema vs Paceville: Which Nightlife is Right for You?
There is no question that as a couple in our 30’s that, Sliema was the best place for us. Paceville is located in St. Julians and is known for a nightlife area with clubs geared towards a younger audience in their early 20s. This was definitely not the scene for us, so we spent our time in Sliema for more low-key bar and restaurant hangouts!
My Favourite Recommendations: The Best Bars in Sliema
1. Klay – Beautiful Views!
Klay is the perfect spot to go after dining out in NARR Restobar! It’s right along the water, has a beautiful patio area, and let’s not forget about the happy hour. To be honest, there are plenty of bars in Sliema that offer a happy hour, but having the bar located along the water is top-notch. It’s located in the Balluta Bay area, making it a great spot to have beautiful seaside views!
2. La Luz – Best Cocktails!
Easily a no-brainer, you MUST check out La Luz. This cocktail bar is second to none and has a unique selection of cocktails that can’t be beat. They have a list called the 10 Commandments that features a variety of specialty cocktails that are truly unique! Although the drinks are more on the pricier side, it’s a great place to go if you enjoy cocktails!
3. Salisbury Arms – Best British Pub!
One of my favourite spots is simply Salisbury Arms. It is such a British Pub with a cheerful environment and cozy booths. If you are around on a Sunday, be sure to check out their Sunday Roast special! Note: You MUST book at least a day in advance if you are looking to enjoy some of their famous Sunday Roast! It’s a great atmosphere and definitely should be added to your list!
4. Hole in the Wall – Best Craft Beer Bar!
My partner and I enjoy a great craft beer, and the best place to have one is at Hole in the Wall. Its name is a perfect indicator of what to expect – quaint place, cool vibe, has live music sometimes, and you can even catch a sports game on the projector at times! This spot is certainly our #1 favourite in Sliema!
5. Il-Gabbana – Great Patio Vibe!
We have mentioned Il-Gabbana as a go-to for great eats, but you can just as easily head there for just drinks! Located on the promenade by the sea, it offers a relaxing vibe with a nice happy hour! They also have a smoking and non-smoking section, so be sure to choose the area that best suits you.
6. 1906 Bagel & Bar – Best Hidden Gem!
1906 Bagel & Bar is without a doubt a true Hidden Gem tucked away in the streets of Sliema! It was newly opened when we discovered it, and it’s awesome to see how much it has grown in popularity since then. It’s a cafe that transitions into a bar throughout the day, offering bagels for a morning treat or cocktails for the evening. It has fair prices, and we ended up coming here multiple times!
7. The Black Sheep – Great Night Vibe!
We enjoyed our appetizers here, along with a great happy hour! It’s located near the Sliema ferries as well! There are a lot of cool bars all in a row by The Black Sheep, but this is the only one that we have tried so far. All of the bars are right in a row, making it a fun place for a small drink crawl if that’s your thing!
8. The Exiles Beach Club – Best Beach Bar!
We were sad that we really only discovered The Exiles Beach Club a couple of months before we moved out of Sliema. The bar is located right along the rocks, and although there is an area for seating, we always found a great place to sit along the rocks and look out at the water!
9. The Skyroom Cocktail Bar & Grill – Best Rooftop!
The Skyroom is a unique bar located on the roof of a building in Sliema! It’s a beautiful place to catch a sunset and truly a great experience. When we went, we happened to go on the same day that someone was planning on proposing, so there were cute decorations set up for the big moment! We didn’t see it happen, but it was a cute experience nonetheless!
10. Hammett’s Gastro Bar – Great Happy Hour Deals!
Hammett’s Gastro Bar has a very classy vibe, and we really enjoyed our time there. Located near the Sliema Ferries, it makes it a convenient spot to go to after a day exploring Valetta! They have a special happy hour with discounted drinks and food, and they even have a separate patio area as well!
Final Thoughts on the Best Bars in Sliema
Sliema was an amazing place to live as a digital nomad in Malta. These bars above are some of our favourite places to go while we were there, and we hope that these are fun recommendations for you to check out too! While this is only the short list- there plenty of other awesome bars in Sliema and a great place to have as a hub during your stay in Malta.
