The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Malta

Last Updated: Aug 03, 2023
Reading Time: 9 minutes
By: Shaun

Many visitors to Malta come to experience its rich history, culture, and sun-soaked beaches. But did you know that Malta is also a great destination for shoppers? Whether you are looking for souvenirs, gifts, or something to treat yourself to, you will find plenty of options across the Maltese islands.

In this guide, we will explore some of the best shopping spots in Malta, covering different areas, styles, and budgets. We will also give you some tips on how to make the most of your shopping trip and what to expect from the Maltese shopping culture. So, grab your wallet and get ready to discover the amazing shopping spots in Malta!

What are the best shopping Spots in Malta and Gozo?

Around Malta and Gozo, one can find several areas where one can find an assortment of establishments ranging from small shops to big malls. So if you just want to spend some time strolling around the shops until you find something you fancy, just get yourself to one of these areas and explore the shops.

Valletta

Republic Street Valletta | Image by oddpete on Flickr

Valletta is one of the best shopping hotspots in Malta, with many shops of all kinds clustered around the city’s main street (Republic Street) and Merchants Street, which runs in parallel to Republic Street, and the many streets that connect them.

Sliema

Sliema is a major tourist area but is also very popular with the locals to shop at, especially around the area of Bisazza Street. Here you can find some of the best malls on the islands, from shops by the most popular brands to small boutiques if you are shopping for something a little more unique.

Ħamrun

Hamrun’s main street (High Street) is often overlooked by tourists as there aren’t many attractions in the area, but if you are on a budget or want to find a good deal, Ħamrun is one of the places you can find search for one.

Paola

Similar to Ħamrun, Paola (known with the locals also as Raħal il-Gdid) is often overlooked, but the area around its main square is a popular shopping area, especially for locals living in the south of Malta. Make sure to pay a visit after visiting The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni, which is close by.

Victoria Gozo

Victoria, or Rabat in Gozo, is the main town on Malta’s sister island of Gozo. At the heart of the town, one can find a number of shops and even a mall, but the choice will not be as vast as what you can find in other areas of Malta.

What are the best markets in Malta?

Markets are a great way to experience the local culture and atmosphere of Malta. You can find markets selling fresh produce, flowers, antiques, books, clothes, and more. Some of the most popular markets are:

The Ta’ Qali Crafts Village

Mdina Glass Shop | Image by Sari Virtanen on Flickr

This is a place where you can see local artisans at work and buy their handmade products. It is located in Ta’ Qali, a former airfield in the centre of Malta. You can find pottery, glassware, jewellery, lace, leather goods, and much more.

One shop to highlight at the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village is Mdina Glass. This shop is a pioneer of glassmaking in Malta and sells beautiful glass products that make the perfect gifts for yourself and your loved ones.

Here you can find vases, bowls, ornaments, and lamps, among other items, in various shapes, colours, and techniques. You can also watch the glassblowers at work and learn more about the history and process of glassmaking.

The Sunday Market in Valletta

This is the largest and oldest market in Malta, dating back to the 16th century. It is held every Sunday morning on Merchants Street and St. John’s Street, near the Grand Master’s Palace.

At the Sunday market, expect to find everything from clothes and accessories to household items and souvenirs. For some extra fun, you can haggle a bit with the vendors to get a discount.

The Birgu Flea Market

This is a market that is held every Tuesday and Saturday in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is a historic town on the south-east coast of Malta. You can find antiques, collectibles, books, clothes, and more.

Make sure you combine the visit to the flea market with other attractions of the three cities, such as Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace.

The Marsaxlokk Market

Marsaxlokk | Image by JanneG from Pixabay

Marsaxlokk is a fishing village in the south-east of Malta, and on most days you can find a small market where you can buy fresh fish and seafood directly from the fishermen.

On Sundays, however, a large part of the promenade turns into a full-scale open-air market where you can find everything from food and souvenirs to great deals on clothing.

What are the best shopping malls in Malta?

Malls are ideal for those who prefer a more convenient and comfortable shopping experience. They offer a wide range of shops, services, and facilities under one roof. Some of the best malls in Malta are:

The Point Shopping Mall

This is the largest and most modern mall in the country, located in Sliema. It has over 50 shops, including international brands such as Zara, H&M, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike. It also has a food court, a supermarket, and a children’s play area.

If you are looking for a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs, your best bet is to pay a visit to The Point.

The Plaza Shopping Centre

Another mall located in Sliema, just off the seafront promenade in Bisazza Street, is The Plaza Shopping Centre. It has over 30 shops, including popular local brands such as Bortex, Franks, and Sterling. It also has a café, a beauty salon, and a pharmacy.

The Bay Street Shopping Complex

If you are staying in the St. Julian’s area, your closest option is located in the area of Paceville, the undisputed centre of Maltese nightlife. The Bay Street Shopping Complex has over 40 shops, including fashion outlets such as Guess, Levi’s, and Diesel.

Close by, you can also find a casino, a bowling alley, a cinema complex, a fitness centre, and several restaurants and bars.

The Arkadia Shopping Centre

The prime location for shopping in Gozo is without a doubt the Arkadia Shopping Centre in Victoria, with over 30 shops, including Marks & Spencer, Next, and Debenhams. It also has a food court, a supermarket, a pharmacy, and a car park.

The Pama Shopping Village

This is an outlet village located in Mosta, one of the largest towns in the centre of Malta. Apart from housing one of the largest supermarkets you can find on the islands, it also has over 20 outlets for major brands and a pharmacy.

The Daniel’s Shopping Complex

This pet-friendly complex, located in Ħamrun, has several outlets, including Promod, Zippy, Pink Woman, Gemo, Xing Long, and Matalan. It also has a café and a convenient car park located just under the complex.

The Valletta Waterfront

Valletta Waterfront | Image by Frank Vincentz on Wikimedia Commons

The Valletta Waterfront is located on the shores of the Grand Harbour, right by the cruise ship terminal.

The shopping area some of the best souvenir shops like Mdina Glass and Mediterranean Ceramics, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

Tips for Shopping in Malta

Shopping in Malta can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it is good to be familiar with the local customs and practises. Here are some tips we can give you to make your shopping experience in Malta as smooth as possible.

Check the opening hours

Most shops in Malta are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, some shops may close for lunch between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., especially in smaller towns and villages.

Some shops may also be open on Sundays and public holidays, but have shorter opening hours or only be open in the morning. It is advisable to check the opening hours of the shops you want to visit before you go.

Credit cards are widely accepted, but do keep some cash handy

Euro coins and banknotes | Image by Avij on Wikimedia Commons

Most shops in Malta accept cash or any of the major credit cards as payment methods. However, some smaller shops or street market vendors may only accept cash or have a minimum amount for card payments (usually around €10). It is advisable to have some cash with you when you go shopping, especially if you want to buy from street vendors or bargain with market sellers.

You can find ATMs and currency exchange offices in most towns and touristic areas, but to avoid extra charges, it is recommended to use the ATM of one of the local banks, like Bank of Valletta, HSBC, or APS Bank.

Be aware of the VAT

Most products in Malta are subject to a value-added tax (VAT) of 18%. However, products such as books, food, and medicine are subject to a reduced VAT of 5%. The price tag shown usually always includes the VAT, but if you’re unsure, it’s advisable to ask the seller if the VAT is included or not before you commit to buying something.

Ask for receipts

Shops in Malta are obliged to give you a VAT receipt when you buy anything from them. However, some shops may try not to give you a receipt to avoid paying the VAT on your transaction. If a merchant doesn’t do so, it is in your right to ask for one, especially if you want to have the possibility to return the item or get some after-sales service.

Claim tax refunds

If you are a non-EU resident, you may be eligible to claim tax refunds on your purchases in Malta. To do so, you need to spend at least €35 on eligible products at participating shops. You also need to get a tax refund form from the shop when you buy something and present it along with your receipt and passport at the airport or port when you leave Malta. You can choose to receive your refund in cash or by credit card.

Conclusion

Malta is a wonderful place to visit for shopping lovers. It has a diverse and vibrant shopping scene that caters to every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for traditional or modern products, local or international brands, or cheap or expensive items, you will find them in Malta’s shopping spots.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Malta today and get ready to shop till you drop!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to shop in Malta?

Malta has a variety of shopping options, from modern malls and outlets to traditional markets and crafts. Some of the best places to shop in Malta are Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, Paola, and Victoria Gozo.

What are the typical opening hours of shops in Malta?

Most shops in Malta are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some shops may close for lunch between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Sundays and public holidays, most shops are closed, except for some tourist areas and convenience stores.

What are some of the local products that I can buy in Malta?

Some of the local products that you can buy in Malta are lace, pottery, glassware, filigree jewellery, honey, cheese, wine, and beer. You can find these products in souvenir shops, craft villages, or directly from the producers.

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Malta?

Some of the best souvenirs to buy in Malta are Maltese crosses, door knockers, nougat, sea salt, olive oil, and books about Malta’s history and culture. You can find these souvenirs in various shops around the island.

What are the best places to buy books in Malta?

Some of the best places to buy books in Malta are Agenda Bookshop, Merlin Library, BDL Books, Bookends, and Gutenberg. These bookshops offer a wide selection of books in different languages and genres, as well as stationery, gifts, and magazines.

What are the best places to buy electronics in Malta?

Some of the best places to buy electronics in Malta are Scan Computers, Intercomp, Forestals, AtoZ Electronics, and Matrix. These shops offer a range of laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, gaming consoles, accessories, and software.