The name Imsida comes from the Arabic msayda, meaning `a fisherman's dwelling'.
Today, it is known for boats of a different kind as the creek houses the modern Msida Yacht Marina with its 250 or more yacht berths. Msida began to take on the vestiges of a town in the late 18th century when a leading German Knight of the Order of St. John had a house here. He funded the building of a washing place for local people. The vaulted building still stands today.
Apart from pleasant marina-side walks and views, Msida highlights include one of Malta' unique cave chapels and an elegant baroque church, St. Joseph's, built at the turn of the 19th century.