Free Gzira Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Gzira trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Gzira
Gzira photo 2
Gzira photo 3
All photos

Gzira, Malta combines harbour views, Manoel Island history, waterfront walks and easy access to Valletta, Sliema and the capital’s cultural landmarks.

Waterfront Setting

Gzira occupies a narrow stretch of Malta’s north-eastern harbour coast, facing the fortified outline of Valletta across Marsamxett Harbour and looking towards Manoel Island. Its name, derived from the Maltese word for “island”, reflects the close relationship between the town and the island at its northern edge. The seafront promenade is the city’s defining public space, with views across the water to Floriana and Valletta, traditional fishing boats, modern apartment buildings and the busy maritime activity of the harbour.
Read more about Gzira

A Young Harbour Town

Unlike Malta’s ancient hilltop settlements, Gzira developed mainly from the late nineteenth century as the harbour area expanded. The urban landscape is therefore a mixture of early twentieth-century townhouses, parish architecture, post-war blocks and contemporary waterfront development. The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel provides a spiritual and visual focus, while nearby Sliema, Msida and Ta’ Xbiex extend the continuous built-up seafront around the harbour.

Manoel Island and Everyday Life

Manoel Island adds historical depth and open space to Gzira’s urban setting. Its fortifications and harbour position recall Malta’s strategic role in the Mediterranean, although access and restoration arrangements can vary. Daily life centres on cafés, local shops, residential streets and the promenade rather than a large concentration of monumental attractions. Gzira works particularly well as a base for exploring Valletta, the Three Cities, Sliema and Malta’s wider harbour region, while its waterside cafés and evening views offer a calmer counterpoint to the busier resort districts.

When is the best time to visit Gzira?

Best: May–July · 22–30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January15106
February1679
March1656
April1734
May (best)2211
June (best)264
July (best)301
August303
September2818
October2584
November21112
December18131

Getting to and around Gzira

How to get there

Gzira is served by Malta International Airport, approximately 8 kilometres south-east of the harbour area. Airport taxis, pre-booked transfers and Malta Public Transport buses connect the airport with Gzira and neighbouring towns, although journey times vary with traffic. There is no railway system on Malta. Intercity buses provide links from the harbour area to Valletta, the Three Cities, Mdina, Rabat, the northern beaches and other parts of the island. Drivers reach Gzira via Malta’s main road network, but central harbour streets can be congested and parking is limited. Valletta is also accessible by sea from the nearby Sliema ferry terminal, rather than from every point on Gzira’s waterfront.

Transportation

Gzira is relatively walkable, particularly along the promenade and through the adjoining streets of Sliema and Ta’ Xbiex, though pavements can be narrow and traffic is busy. Malta Public Transport buses are the principal public service for journeys beyond the harbour area, with routes linking Gzira to Valletta and other towns; routes and timetables should be checked before travelling. Taxis and app-based ride services are useful for direct trips, while driving requires patience around one-way streets, junctions and scarce parking. The Sliema–Valletta ferry is convenient for crossing Marsamxett Harbour, with the terminal a walk away from much of Gzira.

Best attractions in Gzira

Gzira’s principal attraction is its waterfront, where a broad promenade frames views across Marsamxett Harbour to Valletta and Floriana. The route is well suited to an unhurried walk, with fishing boats, harbour traffic and benches facing the fortified skyline. Manoel Island provides the area’s strongest historical focus, with Fort Manoel and the remains of former military and quarantine installations set within a changing island landscape; access to individual areas can vary. The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel offers a glimpse of local religious life and the architectural character of a Maltese town parish. Nearby Sliema extends the seafront experience with cafés, swimming areas and ferry access to Valletta, while Ta’ Xbiex and Msida offer quieter harbour perspectives in the opposite direction. Gzira’s appeal lies in this combination of urban observation, maritime scenery and easy links to Malta’s central harbour heritage.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Gzira

Fort Manoel is Gzira’s most significant historic landmark, an eighteenth-century star-shaped fort on Manoel Island built under the Order of St John to help protect Marsamxett Harbour. The island’s former lazaretto buildings add another layer, recalling Malta’s maritime quarantine system and the regulation of ships arriving from abroad. On the mainland, the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is an important local landmark and a visible expression of the town’s Catholic identity. Across the water, Valletta’s bastions and the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel form a dramatic distant architectural ensemble, although they belong to Valletta rather than Gzira. The promenade itself has civic significance as a public edge to one of Malta’s busiest harbours, linking views of military history, working maritime spaces and modern residential development.

Show more landmarks

Explore Gzira on the map

Plan your Gzira trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Gzira

Gzira’s dining scene reflects Malta’s position between southern European and Mediterranean traditions, with casual cafés, bakeries, international restaurants and waterfront establishments spread through the town and adjoining harbour districts. Maltese specialities to look for include pastizzi, savoury pastries filled with ricotta or peas; ftira, a ring-shaped bread often served with tuna, olives and other Mediterranean ingredients; rabbit dishes; and bigilla, a seasoned broad-bean spread. Seafood appears frequently in restaurants around the harbour, while Italian influences are evident in pasta, coffee culture and simple trattoria-style cooking. Local bakeries provide practical breakfasts and snacks, and nearby Sliema offers a broader concentration of restaurants ranging from informal dining to contemporary menus. The area is cosmopolitan rather than a single traditional food quarter, so menus often combine Maltese recipes with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian influences.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Gzira

Evenings in Gzira are generally sociable and relaxed rather than centred on a large club scene. Waterfront cafés and bars provide places for drinks with views across Marsamxett Harbour, while the streets towards Sliema offer a wider choice of pubs, cocktail bars, casual venues and late-night restaurants. Traditional Maltese bars tend to be informal and neighbourhood-oriented, with conversation, televised sport and reasonably simple refreshments forming a larger part of their character than elaborate nightlife. For energetic clubbing, visitors usually continue towards St Julian’s and Paceville, Malta’s principal late-night entertainment area, rather than expecting Gzira itself to function as a dedicated resort strip. Valletta, reached by road or the nearby ferry connection, adds theatres, live music, wine bars and cultural events, giving the central harbour districts a more varied evening programme than Gzira’s own compact bar offering.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Gzira

Evenings in Gzira are generally sociable and relaxed rather than centred on a large club scene. Waterfront cafés and bars provide places for drinks with views across Marsamxett Harbour, while the streets towards Sliema offer a wider choice of pubs, cocktail bars, casual venues and late-night restaurants. Traditional Maltese bars tend to be informal and neighbourhood-oriented, with conversation, televised sport and reasonably simple refreshments forming a larger part of their character than elaborate nightlife. For energetic clubbing, visitors usually continue towards St Julian’s and Paceville, Malta’s principal late-night entertainment area, rather than expecting Gzira itself to function as a dedicated resort strip. Valletta, reached by road or the nearby ferry connection, adds theatres, live music, wine bars and cultural events, giving the central harbour districts a more varied evening programme than Gzira’s own compact bar offering.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Gzira

Shopping in Gzira is practical and neighbourhood-based, with convenience shops, pharmacies, grocers, cafés and small independent businesses serving local residents along the main streets. The nearby Sliema shopping area provides a considerably wider range of high-street retailers, shopping centres, jewellers, beauty businesses and international brands, while the harbour promenade is more suited to eating and strolling than specialist shopping. Visitors seeking Maltese products can look for local honey, sea salt, olive oil, liqueurs, traditional sweets, ceramics, lace and small craft items, although quality and provenance vary between retailers. Bakeries are useful places to buy everyday Maltese foods such as pastizzi and bread rather than packaged souvenirs. For a more traditional market atmosphere, Valletta and other Maltese towns offer broader choices, but Gzira’s retail character is best understood through ordinary local commerce rather than a dedicated bazaar or artisan quarter.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Gzira, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Gzira essentials

Currency and Payment
Malta uses the euro (€), whose international currency code is EUR. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and many cafés, but smaller kiosks, bakeries, market stalls and some buses may be easier to use with cash. ATMs are available in the central harbour area, although overseas banks may apply withdrawal or foreign-exchange charges. Visitors should keep small notes and coins for modest purchases and confirm whether a business accepts cards before ordering, particularly in small independent establishments. Dynamic currency conversion offered by some terminals or ATMs can cost more than paying in euros through the card issuer’s normal exchange arrangement.
Safety
Gzira is a busy urban district, and ordinary precautions are appropriate. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure in crowded buses, on busy pavements and around nightlife areas, and take care near roads where traffic follows the left-hand side. The waterfront is generally active, but visitors should use normal care after dark on quieter stretches and avoid climbing sea walls or entering restricted areas. Strong sun, heat and uneven paving can create more practical difficulties than sightseeing itself, so water, sun protection and sensible footwear are useful. When swimming or standing near the shore, follow local warnings and avoid rough water around harbour infrastructure.
Emergency Situations
For police, ambulance or fire services in Malta, call 112, the national emergency number. Give the operator the precise street, landmark or waterfront location and explain whether medical, police or fire assistance is needed. Malta’s emergency services can assist visitors, but non-emergency medical advice should be sought through a local doctor, pharmacy or healthcare provider rather than the emergency line. Keep travel insurance details, identification and medication information accessible. In a serious incident, ask accommodation staff or nearby businesses for help with directions, and remember that the harbour area contains many similarly named streets and adjoining localities.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel or other religious buildings, covering shoulders and avoiding beachwear inside. Malta drives on the left, so look carefully when crossing roads and do not assume that traffic approaches from the direction expected in right-driving countries. Keep promenades, pavements and historic areas clean, and do not climb on fortifications or enter fenced sites. Tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary in restaurants and cafés. In residential streets, keep voices low late at night and remember that Gzira is an established community rather than solely a visitor district.
Local Tips
Use Gzira’s position as a harbour base: walk north towards Sliema, south towards Ta’ Xbiex and Msida, or take the ferry from nearby Sliema to Valletta when conditions and service allow. The promenade is most atmospheric in the cooler hours, while inland streets reveal traditional balconies, local groceries and small cafés beyond the modern waterfront blocks. Manoel Island is worth viewing as part of the harbour landscape, but check current access arrangements before planning a visit around the fort. For broader sightseeing, combine Gzira with Valletta or the Three Cities rather than treating the town as a large stand-alone monument district.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBongu[bon-goo]
GoodbyeĊaw[chaw]
YesIva[ee-va]
NoLe[leh]
Please/You're welcomeJekk jogħġbok[yek joh-jbok]
Thank youGrazzi[grat-see]
Excuse me/SorrySmiem[smee-em]
How are you?Kif int?[keef int]
Fine. And you?Tajjeb. U int?[tie-yeb. oo int]
Do you speak English?Titkellem bl-Ingliż?[tit-kel-lem bl-ingleez]
I don't understandMa nifhimx[ma nee-fimsh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNixtieq inara l-menu, jekk jogħġbok[nishtek in-ara l-menyoo, yek joh-jbok]
I don't eat meatMa niekolx laħam[ma nee-ekolsh la-ham]
Cheers!Saħħa![sa-ha]
I would like to pay, pleaseNixtieq inħallas, jekk jogħġbok[nishtek in-hal-las, yek joh-jbok]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Għajjat![ay-yat]
Go away!Irkotta![irkot-ta]
Call the Police!Kellu l-Pulizija![kel-loo l-poo-leet-zee-ya]
Call a doctor!Kellu tabib![kel-loo ta-beeb]
I'm lostNinsab minn ġdid[ninsab min gdeed]
I'm illJien maħdum[yee-en ma-dum]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Nixtieq inixtri...[nishtek in-ish-tree]
I'm just lookingQed nara biss[ked nara bis]
How much is it?Kemm huwa?[kem hoo-wa]
That's too expensiveDan huwa wisq sħiħ[dan hoo-wa weesq shee]
Can you lower the price?Tista' tniżżel il-prezz?[tis-ta tnee-zzel il-prez]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?X'ħin huwa?[shin hoo-wa]
It's one o'clockHuwa waħda[hoo-wa wa-da]
Half past (10)Noħor (għaxar)[no-hor gha-shar]
MorningFilgħodu[fil-gho-du]
AfternoonWara nofsinhar[wara nof-sin-har]
EveningFilgħaxija[fil-gha-shee-ya]
YesterdayIlbieraħ[il-bir-ayh]
TodayIllum[il-lum]
TomorrowGħada[ada]
1Waħda[wa-da]
2Tnejn[tneyn]
3Tlieta[tlee-ta]
4Erba'[er-ba]
5Ħamsa[ham-sa]
6Sitta[sit-ta]
7Sebgħa[seb-gha]
8Tmienja[tmi-en-ya]
9Disgħa[dis-gha]
10Għaxra[gha-shar]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Fejn hemm...[feyn hemm]
What's the address?X'hu l-indirizz?[shoo l-indi-reets]
Can you show me (on the map)?Tista' turieli (fuq il-mappa)?[tis-ta tu-ree-eli fooq il-mappa]
When's the next (bus)?Meta jasal in-next (karozza)?[met-a yasal in-next ka-rot-sa]
A ticket (to ....)Biljett (għal ....)[bil-yet ghal]

History of Gzira

An Island in the Harbour

Gzira’s name refers to its position beside Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour. The island was originally known as L’Isola and was later associated with António Manoel de Vilhena, Grand Master of the Order of St John, who authorised major works there in the eighteenth century. Its position between Valletta and the outer harbour made it strategically important, while the surrounding shoreline remained far less urbanised than it is today. Manoel Island’s fort, lazaretto and harbour installations formed part of Malta’s wider defensive and quarantine systems, linking this small area to the island’s role in Mediterranean shipping, military organisation and public health.

Harbour Defences and Quarantine

During the rule of the Order of St John, Manoel Island became associated with Fort Manoel, begun in the early eighteenth century and designed to protect the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour. The island also housed a lazaretto, where incoming vessels and travellers could be isolated during periods of suspected disease. These institutions reflected the Order’s control of maritime movement and its concern with protecting the densely populated harbour settlements. Although the fort and lazaretto have been altered, damaged and restored at different times, their surviving structures provide the clearest physical evidence of the area’s strategic and sanitary history.

The Rise of Modern Gzira

Gzira emerged as a distinct urban settlement mainly during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when Malta’s harbour districts expanded in response to population growth, trade and employment connected with the British naval presence. Residential streets, shops and small businesses developed between older harbour communities such as Sliema and Msida. The town’s growth belonged to a broader transformation of the Marsamxett shoreline from rural and military margins into a continuous urban belt. Its built environment still records that transition through traditional Maltese townhouses, narrow streets and later apartment development.

War, Reconstruction and Expansion

The harbour region was heavily affected by the Second World War, when Malta’s naval and military importance made it a target for sustained aerial attacks. Gzira and neighbouring districts experienced damage, disruption and the pressures of wartime population movement. After the war, reconstruction and housing demand reshaped the town, with older buildings joined by larger residential blocks and improved roads along the waterfront. The post-war period also strengthened Gzira’s role within Malta’s increasingly urbanised central harbour area, where employment, education, commerce and transport connected several formerly separate settlements.

A Contemporary Waterfront Community

In recent decades Gzira has become part of Malta’s dense central harbour conurbation, influenced by its proximity to Sliema, the University of Malta area, business districts and Valletta. The waterfront has gained renewed importance as a public promenade, while apartment construction and changing commercial activity have altered the town’s appearance. Manoel Island remains a reminder of the area’s military and institutional past, even as discussions about its future use continue. Contemporary Gzira is therefore defined by coexistence: historic harbour infrastructure, a long-established residential community and rapid urban change along one of Malta’s most intensely developed coastlines.

Gzira in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Gzira

The closest cities to Gzira, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Malta
More of the region

Explore more of Malta

Discover Malta's crystal-clear waters, rich history, and vibrant culture. From ancient temples to modern nightlife, this Mediterranean gem offers something for everyone.

Explore Malta
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Gzira, Malta

Discover Gzira with Evendo, a 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your trip effortlessly and explore like a local.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly within the app
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Gzira, Malta with Evendo, your free, all-in-one travel guide app. Discover top attractions, plan your itinerary, and book hotels, tours, and experiences effortlessly.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for visiting Gzira
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to easily find nearby attractions and services
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Gzira, Malta, a vibrant destination teeming with rich history, stunning landmarks, and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Evendo is your perfect travel companion, designed to help you make the most of your trip to Gzira. With comprehensive information on the best attractions, landmarks, bars, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences, Evendo simplifies your journey from start to finish.

Explore iconic attractions such as the Gzira Waterfront, the Manoel Island, and the historical Fort Manoel. Dive into the local culture with curated experiences and tours, or unwind at some of the top-rated restaurants like Ta' Kris and The Galley. With detailed descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, Evendo ensures you never miss a beat.

Navigate through Gzira effortlessly with features like 'Near Me' to discover attractions, shops, and dining options close to your location. The app also offers easy booking options for hotels, tours, and experiences, eliminating the need for multiple apps or websites. Enjoy peace of mind with our travel essentials and local advice, allowing you to experience Gzira like a true local.

Download Evendo today and transform your Gzira adventure into an unforgettable journey. With global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, you'll have the world at your fingertips.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.