The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Malta: Where to Go and What to Buy
Shopping in Malta is an exciting experience that you shouldn’t miss out on during your visit to this beautiful Mediterranean island. There are many options available, from open-air markets to high-end shopping complexes and vintage shops, where you can find unique and authentic items to take home as souvenirs. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the best places to shop in Malta, and what you can expect to find there.
If you’re shopping in Malta for: unique crafts and souvenirs:
Monti Open Air Market
First on our list is the Monti Open Air Market located in Floriana, which is one of the most popular markets in Malta. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon browsing through the variety of stalls that sell souvenirs, trinkets, and other locally made items. You can also indulge in some local delicacies like pastizzi or imqaret. Make sure to bring cash, as most vendors do not accept credit cards.
Address: Triq il-Monti, Floriana FRN 1081, Malta
Ta’qali Crafts Village
Another great market to check out is the Ta’Qali Crafts Village, located in H’attard. Here, you can support local artists and craftsmen by purchasing handmade items such as jewelry, murals, and sculptures. It’s a unique experience to watch the artists at work and learn about Maltese artisanship. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live performance by traditional folk dancers.
Address: Crafts Village, Ta’Qali, Attard ATD 4000, Malta
Mdina Glass:
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to take home with you, head to Mdina Glass. This glass factory has been in operation since 1968 and produces a wide range of glassware, from vases and bowls to jewelry and ornaments. You can even watch the glassblowers in action as they create these beautiful pieces (at Ta’Qali crafts village).
Address: Ta’Qali Crafts Village, Crafts Village, Ta’Qali, Attard ATD 4000, Malta
The Christmas Market at the Mdina Bastions:
If you’re shopping in Malta during the festive season, make sure to check out the Christmas Market at the Mdina Bastions. Here you will find a wide range of traditional Maltese gifts and decorations, as well as handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Souvenirs that don’t suck:
Located in the heart of Valletta, this shop is a must-visit for anyone looking for unique souvenirs. The shop stocks a wide range of items with a flare of local creativity. You’ll find lots of modern gifts with fresh designs filled with humour.
Address: 8, St John’s Square Valletta, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 1155 Malta
The Chocolate District:
If you have a sweet tooth, a visit to The Chocolate District is a must. Located in the town of Mosta, this shop specializes in handmade chocolates and truffles, as well as other sweet treats like fudge and nougat.
Marsaxlokk Market:
This is another popular open-air market in Malta, located in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. The market is held every Sunday and is a great place to find traditional Maltese items such as lace, pottery, and woven baskets. You can also find fresh fish straight off the boats, as well as local fruits and vegetables.
Address: 79 Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk, Malta
If you’re looking for: international brands:
Bay Street Tourist and Shopping Complex
If you’re in the mood for some high street brands, head over to Bay Street Tourist and Shopping Complex in St Georges Bay. This complex has many global branded stores where you can buy clothes, accessories, footwear and more. It’s also a hub for entertainment, so if you need a break from shopping, head over to MULTI MAXX for some laser tag and VR.
Address: Triq ix-Xatt, St Julian’s STJ 3311, Malta
Embassy Shopping Centre
Another popular shopping center is the Embassy Shopping Centre located in the capital city of Valletta. With seven floors of international brands, it’s a shopper’s paradise. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break and catch a movie in the cinema or try your luck in the bingo hall.
Address: Triq Santa Anna, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1113, Malta
If you’re a fan of vintage items, don’t miss out on a vintage shopping crawl in Birkirkara.
Stop one: Start your journey at Thrift by Alternative, where you can find hand-selected vintage finds based in a salon.
Address: Triq L-Imhazen, Birkirkara, Malta
Stop two: Next, head over to The Charity Shop, where you can grab some second-hand clothes and donate to help cats.
Address: Triq Fleur-de-Lys, Birkirkara, Malta
Stop Three: Finally, make your way to the MSPCA Saw Gwann, where you can find a “shop full of surprises.”
Address: Triq il-Qasam, San Gwann, Malta
No trip to Malta would be complete without bringing back some souvenirs for yourself or loved ones. Here are a few must-have items to remember your trip:
- Blown Glass: Malta is famous for its blown glass, and you can find beautiful and colorful glassware in many shops and markets.
- Lace: Malta has a long history of producing intricate lace, and you can find tablecloths, doilies, and other lace items in many shops.
- Knight of Malta: The symbol of the Order of St. John, also known as the Knights of Malta, is prevalent in Malta. You can find many souvenirs featuring this symbol, such as keychains, mugs, and t-shirts.
- Cactus Liquor: Made from the prickly pear cactus fruit, this sweet and potent liquor is a popular souvenir among tourists.
- Filigree Jewelry: Filigree is a delicate and intricate jewelry-making technique that has been practiced in Malta for centuries. You can find beautiful filigree jewelry pieces in many shops and markets.
If you want to shop on your island tours:
Gozo and Comino offer a unique shopping experience with a focus on local artisanal crafts and products. Visitors can explore markets and boutiques featuring handmade pottery, intricate lacework, traditional food products such as sun-dried tomatoes, and local wines.
Malta offers a variety of shopping experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs, high street brands, or vintage finds, there’s something for everyone. So, make sure to set aside some time during your visit to explore the shopping scene in Malta
