Gzira City Guide

The food mixes Mediterranean styles with local dishes like Pastizzi and Lampuki Pie. International restaurants are common. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Late-night options are available near the promenade and St. Julian's.

Gżira has quiet bars and pubs mainly along the promenade. For a livelier night out, nearby St. Julian's is easily reached by bus or taxi.

The coffee scene mixes traditional cafes and new third-wave shops. Gżira and Sliema have several good spots.

Tipping isn’t required but appreciated. Restaurants usually get 5-10%. Round up taxi fares or tip small amounts for other services.

You can buy local SIM cards at the airport or stores in town. Main providers are GO, Epic, and Melita. ID is required for activation. eSIMs are becoming more common.

Tourist areas and promenades are mostly clean, but some residential streets show litter.

Some minimarts and pharmacies offer late or 24/7 hours. Food delivery is available late into the night.

Major supermarkets stock international products and are open early to late. Small stores are common too, some open on Sundays with reduced hours. Bargaining isn’t usual.

Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in Gżira. Cash is still used for small buys, but mostly it’s a cashless-friendly place.

ATMs are common around Gżira, mostly near banks and tourist spots. Some may charge fees for foreign cards, but local ATM fees are usually low or none.

There are local and international schools nearby. Verdala and QSI International teach in English. Apply early due to possible waitlists.

Malta has a growing nomad scene; Gżira’s central location makes it popular. Events and meetups happen often, and good Wi-Fi is common.

Gżira’s promenade has some green patches, but bigger parks like Ta' Qali are a drive away.

The Gżira promenade is a flat, scenic route popular with runners. It's generally safe and well-lit.

There are several gyms in Gżira and nearby St. Julian's for all fitness levels.

Tennis courts are available at clubs like Marsa Sports Club and Pembroke Rackets Tennis Club, with booking often online.

Padel is growing in Malta with some dedicated courts and rental options.

Several studios in Gżira and nearby offer various yoga styles with English-speaking instructors.

You can train in BJJ, Muay Thai, Karate, and Boxing nearby. Some gyms offer classes with English-speaking instructors.

No skiing opportunities due to climate and terrain.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular, with rentals and tours available mostly from spring to autumn.

Surfing conditions depend on wind and swell. Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay are best spots for beginners during suitable seasons.

Malta offers excellent diving with clear water, many sites, and rental gear. Suitable for all skill levels with many schools nearby.

Good access to public and private healthcare nearby. Mater Dei Hospital has English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are abundant and often open standard hours, with some emergency coverage.

You can drink tap water here, though it’s desalinated and may taste different. Many prefer bottled water.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are easy to find. Nearby attractions like Esplora Science Centre and Malta National Aquarium are great for families.

Malta is very LGBTQ+ friendly with strong legal protections and many inclusive spaces. Pride events happen annually.

Pets are generally welcome in many places. Vet and supply shops are easy to find, plus pet parks exist.