Gzira, Malta Travel Guide

Discover Gzira, Malta: A serene coastal town offering stunning waterfront views, historical sites, and a perfect blend of local and international dining options.

Gzira, a charming coastal town in Malta, offers a blend of modernity and tradition, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Nestled between the bustling cities of Sliema and Msida, Gzira boasts a unique waterfront that provides stunning views of the Manoel Island and the Valletta skyline. Strolling along the Gzira promenade, visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars offering a taste of local Maltese cuisine and international flavors. The area is perfect for a leisurely walk or a bike ride, especially during sunset when the sky paints a beautiful backdrop over the harbor. For history enthusiasts, a visit to Manoel Island is a must. This small island is home to Fort Manoel, a star fort built in the 18th century. The fort offers a glimpse into Malta's military past and provides panoramic views of the surrounding waters. Gzira's proximity to Valletta and Sliema also makes it a convenient base for exploring the rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife of these neighboring cities.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Gzira.

Visit in spring or autumn to enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds.
Rent a bike to explore the promenade and nearby areas comfortably.
Try local Maltese dishes like rabbit stew and pastizzi at the waterfront restaurants.
Take a ferry to Manoel Island for a peaceful retreat and historical exploration.
Stay in a seafront hotel to enjoy breathtaking views right from your room.

Explore Gzira: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Gzira

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Mdina Gate

Explore the historical Mdina Gate, a stunning entrance to Malta's ancient capital, offering rich heritage, breathtaking views, and charming streets.

4.8

Upper Barrakka

Explore the serene Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, where lush landscapes meet stunning views of the Grand Harbour and rich historical significance awaits.

4.7

Triton Fountain

Discover the enchanting Triton Fountain in Floriana, Malta—a must-see tourist attraction blending art, culture, and history.

4.7

Malta National Aquarium

Explore the vibrant marine life at the Malta National Aquarium, a captivating destination showcasing the beauty of the Mediterranean's underwater ecosystems.

4.3

Best landmarks in Gzira

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Upper Barrakka

Experience stunning views and lush gardens at Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta's serene park offering a rich historical backdrop and scenic beauty.

4.7

St. John's Co-Cathedral

Discover the splendor of St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta's Baroque gem, showcasing exquisite art and rich history in a serene setting.

4.7

City Gate

Discover the City Gate, Valletta's majestic entrance blending rich history with modern design, a must-visit for every traveler in Malta.

4.6

The Malta Experience

Discover Malta's captivating history and culture at The Malta Experience, an engaging audiovisual journey in the heart of Valletta.

4.3

Best restaurants in Gzira

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Paparazzi 29 Clubhouse

Discover Paparazzi 29 Clubhouse in Gżira: A culinary haven with vibrant flavors and an inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

4.1

Moo's Kebab - Turkish Restaurant

Discover authentic Turkish cuisine at Moo's Kebab in Gżira - where flavorful kebabs meet warm hospitality.

4.4

Bus Stop Lounge

Discover the vibrant flavors of Malta at Bus Stop Lounge – your go-to spot for breakfast delights, juicy burgers, and tender steaks.

4.3

Jungle Joy Bar - Restaurant

Experience vibrant Thai cuisine paired with live music at Jungle Joy Bar in Gżira – your perfect culinary escape.

4.6

Best bars in Gzira

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Bus Stop Lounge

Experience the vibrant flavors of Malta at Bus Stop Lounge, where delicious breakfasts, gourmet burgers, and juicy steaks await you.

4.3

Jungle Joy Bar - Restaurant

Discover the vibrant fusion of Thai cuisine and live music at Gżira's Jungle Joy Bar - Restaurant, a local gem for food and entertainment.

4.6

Grana Trattoria - Gzira

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Grana Trattoria in Gzira, Malta, where delicious flavors meet a warm, inviting atmosphere.

4.4

Punto Bar & Dine

Discover the culinary delights of Malta at Punto Bar & Dine, where vibrant flavors meet the stunning Gżira waterfront ambiance.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Gzira

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Casey's Bar

Discover Casey's Bar in Gżira, Malta - a lively live music venue offering great drinks, entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere for all.

4.5

The Crew Cafe` Bar

Discover the best of Maltese gastropub culture at The Crew Cafe Bar in Gżira, where delicious food meets stunning waterfront views.

4.8

White Horse Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife and welcoming atmosphere of White Horse Bar, a must-visit spot for tourists in Gżira, Malta.

4.6

Club 77 - Malta

Immerse yourself in Malta's nightlife at Club 77, a premier disco club in St Julian's offering electrifying music and vibrant dance experiences.

4.0

Best shops in Gzira

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

The Point Shopping Mall

Discover the ultimate shopping and dining experience at The Point Shopping Mall in Sliema, Malta, with stunning sea views and diverse retail options.

4.3

Asia Food Store

Discover authentic Asian ingredients and snacks at Asia Food Store in Gżira, Malta - your gateway to exploring diverse culinary delights.

4.3

Wenzhou Asian & Latin American Supermarket Gzira

Experience the rich flavors of Asia and Latin America at Wenzhou Asian & Latin American Supermarket in Gzira, Malta, your one-stop shop for authentic ingredients.

4.4

ORIENT MARKET 1

Explore the vibrant flavors of Malta at Orient Market 1, your go-to supermarket in Gżira for local and international delights.

4.3

Explore Gzira on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Gzira, mapped for you.

Gzira Essentials

Gzira is located on the eastern coast of Malta, near the capital city of Valletta. The nearest international airport is Malta International Airport (MLA), approximately 10 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or the X2 bus directly to Gzira. The journey typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes by road.
Gzira is well-connected by Malta's public transportation system. Public buses run frequently and can take you to various parts of the island. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. For those who prefer driving, car rentals are an option, but be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Bicycles and electric scooters are popular for short distances and are available for rent throughout the area.
The official currency in Malta is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and market purchases. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout Gzira.
Gzira is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Gzira does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. There are local police stations and medical facilities available in Gzira. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'hello' or 'bonġu' (good morning) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Gzira like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Maltese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss a stroll along the Gzira waterfront, which offers stunning views of Valletta and Manoel Island. For a unique experience, try a traditional Maltese pastizzi from a local bakery.

When is the best time to visit Gzira?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Gzira

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Gzira. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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

Gzira, translating to 'island' in Maltese, derives its name from the small Manoel Island situated within its boundaries. The area started to develop significantly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Malta's urban sprawl expanded. Its strategic location between Sliema and Msida made it an attractive locale for development, leading to the rise of residential areas and commercial establishments.
Manoel Island is a key historical landmark in Gzira. In the early 18th century, the island was fortified by the Knights of St. John, who constructed Fort Manoel. The fort was designed to protect Marsamxett Harbour from naval attacks and is an excellent example of military architecture from that period. The Knights named the island after Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who financed the construction.
During World War II, Gzira and its surroundings played a crucial role due to its proximity to strategic naval facilities. Manoel Island housed a naval hospital and served as a base for the Royal Navy. The area experienced significant bombing, which led to substantial damage. Post-war, the town saw rapid reconstruction and development, transforming it into a bustling urban area.
The picturesque Gzira Promenade stretches along the waterfront, offering stunning views of Manoel Island and the Valletta skyline. This promenade has become a central social and cultural hub, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. It reflects the modern vibrancy of Gzira while offering a glimpse of its historical maritime significance.
In recent decades, Gzira has undergone significant urban development. The construction of high-rise buildings, modern apartments, and commercial complexes has transformed the townscape. Despite this modernization, Gzira retains its historical charm with well-preserved buildings and monuments that stand as testimonials to its rich past.
Gzira hosts several cultural festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its heritage and community spirit. One notable event is the annual feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which features religious processions, fireworks, and traditional Maltese music. These festivities are a vibrant expression of Gzira's cultural identity and offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience local traditions.