Independence Garden Sliema - green grass field and trees during daytime
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Independence Garden Sliema

4.6
·2k reviews·Sliema, Malta

A charming seaside garden in Sliema, famous for its friendly stray cats, a colorful cat sculpture, and tranquil atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Cats are most active

CrowdLow
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Independence Garden Sliema - green grass field and trees during daytime

Independence Garden Sliema

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Cats are most active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming seaside garden in Sliema, famous for its friendly stray cats, a colorful cat sculpture, and tranquil atmosphere.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A sweet place with clean toilets and friendly cats, roosters, and birds!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Bring Cat Treats!

Locals and visitors recommend bringing tuna or cat food to delight the friendly residents.

🚽 Clean Public Toilets

Surprisingly clean and well-maintained public restrooms are available nearby.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Friendly Felines

Friendly Felines

Throughout the garden

Interact with numerous well-fed and affectionate stray cats who are the stars of this green oasis.

Colorful Cat Sculpture

Colorful Cat Sculpture

Near the promenade

Admire a vibrant, large cat sculpture, a popular art installation that adds a whimsical touch to the park.

Seaside Serenity

Seaside Serenity

Along the promenade

Enjoy the calming sea breeze and views from this green space situated right by the Mediterranean coast.

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Planning Your Visit

Cat Haven by the Sea

This charming garden is a haven for friendly stray cats and other small animals. It's a peaceful spot to relax by the sea, perfect for animal lovers seeking a tranquil escape in Sliema.

Best Time for a Purrfect Visit

Visit during cooler parts of the day, especially mornings or late afternoons, to enjoy the cats' company without the midday heat. The park is less crowded then, offering a more serene experience.

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Cats are most active
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more cat time
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Walking into this well felt like a fairytale. Actually im sure fairies live there! This well known as the Initiation Well was made in the 1800s and it leads to a few different areas, but my favorite was a small grotto under a waterfall. You can find the entrance to the well among the tog gardens at Quinta de La Regalia, which is a beautiful estate! Found in Sintra, Portugal its also A UNESCO world...
@ama.lily
62.3K likes • 330.9K views

🐾 Bring Cat Treats!

Locals and visitors recommend bringing tuna or cat food to delight the friendly residents. Reddit

🚽 Clean Public Toilets

Surprisingly clean and well-maintained public restrooms are available nearby. Reddit

For cat lovers. 🐈 Colorful big cat sculpture can be seen at Independence Garden while walking Sliema promenade. It was created by sculptor Matthew Pandolfino and placed there during the Sliema Art Festival. #malta🇲🇹 🏷️ Tag someone you would take here. ☑️ Save the post for your next trip. 👉 Follow me for more inspo. Personal 📸 archive. Capturing moments, creating memories. #malta #beautifuldest...
stefanvoyages
4.9K likes • 119.2K views
Cats Cats Cats! The Cats of Independence Gardens are sooo friendly! You MUST visit Sliema in Malta! #catsofinstagram #catsagram #catsofinsta #straycats #straycatsofinstagram #holidaycat #Sliema #Malta #stjulians #stjuliansmalta #independencegardens #independencegardensliema
grapesodatravels
5 likes • 192 views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

The garden is part of the scenic Sliema promenade, perfect for a leisurely walk. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture adorable moments with the cats and the unique cat sculpture. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Bring Cat Treats!

Locals and visitors recommend bringing tuna or cat food to delight the friendly residents. Reddit

🚽 Clean Public Toilets

Surprisingly clean and well-maintained public restrooms are available nearby. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

The garden is part of the scenic Sliema promenade, perfect for a leisurely walk. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture adorable moments with the cats and the unique cat sculpture. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Independence Garden is a beloved spot in Sliema, particularly cherished for its population of friendly and well-cared-for stray cats. Visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere, the charming cat sculpture, and the clean facilities. It's a unique urban oasis offering a delightful experience for animal lovers and those seeking a relaxing seaside break.

"It is a small park with a children's playground and a section that houses street cats. A lot of people come down to pet the cats and they look like they are well fed and cared for. Well worth a visit."

Ramdas Panicher

"The best place for cats lovers, spiritual in front of the sea, nice place to have a relaxing moment with some cats, I tryed to find a figure, magnetic or another type of gift of the cat statue but was impossible. Maybe in the future we can buy it."

nuria s fernandez

"Very sweet place. Toilets are REALLY clean and good. I was surprised by the cats and birds together. There were also rusters and chicks. I recommend coming here, cats are nice."

Hannah Park

What People Like

Friendly stray cats
Peaceful seaside location
Clean facilities

What People Dislike

Limited shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Independence Garden is easily accessible by public transport in Sliema. Many buses stop along the promenade. It's also a pleasant walk from other parts of Sliema and St. Julian's. Instagram

Street parking can be challenging in Sliema. It's often easier to use public transport or walk to the garden. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Independence Garden is a public park and entry is completely free for everyone. Reddit

As a public park, Independence Garden is generally open from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to enjoy it at their leisure. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is interacting with the friendly stray cats. You can also enjoy the sea views, relax, and admire the cat sculpture. InstagramReddit

The cats are generally very friendly and accustomed to people. Visitors report them as being well-fed and cared for. Reddit+1

While the garden is a haven for its resident cats, it's best to check local regulations regarding bringing pets. However, the focus is on the resident strays. Reddit

Yes, there are public bathrooms nearby that are noted for being very clean and well-maintained. Reddit+1

Besides cats, visitors have spotted birds, roosters, and chicks in the garden, adding to its charm. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Independence Garden itself doesn't have cafes, but there are many restaurants and bars located nearby along the Sliema promenade. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the park. It's a great spot for a picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The friendly cats, the colorful cat sculpture, and the sea views offer fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The cats are used to visitors and make for wonderful subjects. Just be respectful of their space. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Independence Garden is a delightful spot for families. Children will be thrilled by the opportunity to see and interact with the friendly cats and other small animals like chickens and birds. Reddit It's a safe and engaging environment for kids to learn about animals and enjoy nature. The nearby playground and clean restrooms add to the convenience for families. Reddit

Consider bringing some cat-friendly snacks to make the experience even more memorable for your little ones. The garden's location on the promenade also means you can easily combine your visit with a walk or a dip in the sea if conditions are right. Reddit

🐾 Cat Lovers & Animal Enthusiasts

This garden is a paradise for cat lovers! You'll find numerous well-cared-for stray cats eager for attention and perhaps a treat. Reddit+1 The opportunity to pet and play with these affectionate felines in a serene seaside setting is a major draw. Instagram

Beyond cats, the presence of birds and chickens adds to the charm for any animal enthusiast. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature and its creatures. Don't forget your camera to capture these heartwarming moments! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers

For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Independence Garden offers a tranquil escape. The gentle sea breeze and the calming presence of the cats create a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Reddit It's an ideal spot to read a book, enjoy a quiet moment, or simply soak in the Mediterranean ambiance. Reddit

The nearby clean restrooms and access to cafes and restaurants make it a convenient place to spend a relaxing hour or two. The garden provides a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Sliema's Stray Cats

Independence Garden is renowned for its population of friendly stray cats. These felines are well-loved by locals and visitors alike, often seen lounging in the sun or interacting playfully with people. Many reviewers mention bringing treats like tuna or cat food, highlighting the community's care for these animals. It's a unique opportunity to connect with animals in a peaceful, natural setting. Reddit+1

The cats are described as affectionate and accustomed to human presence, making it a heartwarming experience for animal lovers. The presence of other small animals like birds, roosters, and chicks further enhances the garden's appeal as a small urban sanctuary. Reddit

This feline-friendly atmosphere makes Independence Garden a must-visit for anyone seeking a moment of calm and a chance to experience a different side of Sliema's charm. Instagram

Art and Scenery by the Sea

Beyond its animal inhabitants, Independence Garden offers a pleasant visual experience. A notable feature is the colorful, large cat sculpture created by Matthew Pandolfino, which has become a popular landmark and photo spot. Instagram

The garden's location along the Sliema promenade provides beautiful sea views and a refreshing coastal breeze. This makes it an ideal place for a relaxing stroll, especially during the cooler parts of the day. The proximity to the water also means you can easily access swimming spots nearby when the waves are calm. Reddit

Combined with the clean public facilities nearby, the garden offers a well-rounded experience for visitors looking for a peaceful break with a touch of art and natural beauty. Reddit

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