A good street photographer is always looking for ways to turn ordinary city life into an extraordinary scene. They’re able to find a good story and capture the moment with their camera.
No matter if you’re a novice street photographer or an experienced street photographer, you’re probably always on the hunt for new locations that will inspire you.
Add Sliema, Malta to your list
One of the cities you’ll want to add to your list of places to check out is located in Malta, a relatively small archipelago located within the middle of the central Mediterranean. Malta might be small, but it is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is rich in history. Malta has so many wonderful cities to check out, but one of the best ones for street photographers is: SLIEMA.
Sliema is the major residential and commercial hub on the island. Here you’ll find a blend of historical culture mixed with modern luxuries. Locals mingle with the tourists and you won’t have to wander too far to find a story to capture.
Take a walk on the Promenade
The Sliema Promenade will give you a view of the Mediterranean sea and plenty of street photography opps. Restaurants, bars, and small stores line the area, making it a popular tourist destination. You’ll also be able to find some amazing street art. Graffiti is legal in certain areas around Malta, including parts of the Promenade.
There are also several bays located near the Promenade, including Spinola Bay. Though technically not part of the Promenade, Spinola Bay is close enough to take a detour to. There you’ll find Malta’s famous “LOVE” statue—you’ll find many couples stopping to take photos here.
Check out traditional Maltese architecture
Sliema offers plenty of modern luxuries, but the city is also rich in classical Maltese colonial architecture. Historical buildings and homes throughout Sliema allow you to appreciate Malta’s heritage, while also providing you with the perfect background for photos.
It is hard to choose just one piece of architecture because of how many places there are to explore. A recommended starting point is Capua Palace, which is one of the oldest Neo-Classical buildings in Sliema. You’ll always want to time the time to walk along some of the residential streets to admire some of the vibrant doorways.
Small neighborhoods hold small treasures
Whenever tourists visit Sliema, they tend to stick to the major commercial areas and overlook some of the smaller neighborhoods in the area. If you want to capture what life is like for some of the residents on the island, however, you’re going to need to explore those side streets.
While larger established businesses are going to be found near the Promenade, the smaller neighborhoods are the place you’ll need to go if you’re looking for to find family-owned businesses to snap pictures of. This is where you’ll find outside fruit markets, tiny boutiques selling artisan goods, and small grocery stores full of Maltese cuisine.
Street vendors are always on the corner
Taking photos of street vendors and the goods that they’re selling is another great way to capture the true essence of a place. Street food vendors are plentiful in Sliema. Not only do the vendors make for a good photo, but the food they’re selling makes a tasty meal.
Street food is a big deal in Malta. You don’t need to wander into a restaurant to sample some of the most traditional Maltese cuisines. Savory pastries made with crispy Maltese bread, fried fish, and flavorful Maltese sausages are just some of the treats you’ll find on the streets.
Public transportation is readily available
While you could easily spend your entire trip exploring Sliema, the fact that Sliema is one of the main tourist areas on the island means there are plenty of public transportation options available that make it possible to explore some other nearby cities.
Another city that you might enjoy exploring is Valletta, which is the capital of Malta. Valletta is known for its historical significance. It is the first planned city in Europe and has many historical buildings. While it is a popular tourist destination, it isn’t quite as popular as Sliema, making the streets less crowded.
Final thoughts
Sliema is the perfect location that combines travel photography with street photography. If you’re a creative individual who is bored with your current city and that wants to push yourself out of your comfort zone, a trip abroad could be exactly what you need. Grab your camera and your passport and get ready to explore the world.
