Malta is well renowned for its beaches, nightlife, and historical buildings. However, if none of the above is your cup of tea, or if the itch to shop is too strong to ignore, there is no need to worry! Malta also has a large and varied array of shopping spots, ranging from malls to open-air markets. Below is our list of top 6 places to do your shopping in Malta.

Shopping Malls and Street Shops in Sliema

The Point Shopping Mall and the Plaza Shopping Centre are both found in the heart of Sliema, and if you’re looking for international high street brands, these are among the best places to do your shopping in Malta. Some of these include, but are not limited to; Stradivarius, Adidas, Dan John, Calvin Klein Jeans and The Body Shop. If you’re looking for shops that open on a Sunday, these two shopping malls are particularly convenient, as they both open between 11 am and 6 pm on both Sundays and public holidays. Furthermore, do not miss out on the shops dotted along the street, which also include popular brands such as Zara and Accessorize. Sliema is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With apartments and penthouses for rent and for sale overlooking the sea, and considering the fact that it is a business hub, there is always a lot of hustle and bustle keeping this city alive. If you’re interested in renting or buying a property in Sliema, get in touch with us today.

Bay Street Shopping Complex

Another shopping mall which houses an array of various high street brands and quality shops is the Bay Street Shopping Complex. One of the main advantages of this shopping centre is that it is open for the longest number of hours among retail outlets in Malta, with its opening hours being from 10:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days a week. Moreover, you will find plenty of restaurants and cafeterias, both in the mall itself and in the surrounding areas, where you can stop for a bite to eat or rehydrate after hours of shopping.

Pama Shopping Village

This shopping village is another must-visit for all shopping lovers and is comprised of a large supermarket, a retail complex, and a range of outlets which offer a vast selection of some of the world’s leading brands. Amongst these, one can find The Body Shop and Paul and Waters for beauty and fragrance products, clothing and shoes from United Colours of Benetton, Aldo and Urban Jungle, as well as jewellery from Swarovski and Sterling. Moreover, if you adore decorating and equipping your house with accessories, electronics or appliances, Zara Home, Intercomp and Crosscraft are all fantastic options.. Naturally, Pama Shopping Village also has you covered for lunchtime requirements, with a range of restaurants and cafeterias such as Burger King, Zen Sushi, Café Cuba and Costa Coffee.

Shopping in Valletta

Malta’s capital is well-known for its historical buildings, museums, churches and restaurants and bars, however, one must not neglect to remember that Valletta is also a popular shopping hub, with perhaps the widest range of shops. Apart from several popular international brands, such as Marks & Spencer and Peacocks, one can find a mixture of quaint and unique shops, including an array of speciality shops. The following is a list of some such shops:

• A large amount of jewellery shops, where you can buy a souvenir or a gift for your loved ones, such as at Mvintage, a Maltese jewellery designer brand.
• Valletta Glass, where you can buy amazing handmade blown glass products.
• A number of souvenir shops, such as Souvenirs That Don’t Suck, where you can buy a memorable gift for family and friends.
• Premium Food and Drink Stores, such as Tadaam, which also host a range of local products.
• Apart from all of the above, there is also a small shopping mall in the capital’s main street, called Energy Complex Malta, which houses brands such as Franks, Tom Tailor and Tally Weijl.

Open-Air Markets for shopping in Malta

Open Air Markets are synonymous with Malta’s village life and are still very popular with locals and tourists alike. Almost every town in Malta has one, but some principal ones include Il-Monti in Valletta, which is open from 8:00 am till noon daily, Marsaxlokk market, particularly famous for its food stalls, especially fish, and is open on Sunday mornings, and the Ta’ Qali farmers’ market, which is open on Saturdays and Tuesday afternoons. Your average open-air market will sell all kinds of clothing, books, DVDs and household items, at what are usually very cheap prices. This aspect of Maltese life is not to be missed out on, even if you’re simply browsing.

Craft Shops Malta

Malta is also renowned for its artisanal treasures, which include delicate lace, filigree jewellery, hand-spun pottery, and traditional Maltese glass. All of the items mentioned are usually handmade with the utmost passion and care, and would therefore make an invaluable and original gift for any occasion (or a treat for yourself!). Some such shops include Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, which also sometimes includes demonstrations by artisans themselves, lace-making shops, as well as Maltese glass shops, such as Mdina Glass in Valletta and Mdina itself.

Shopping Hubs in the South of Malta and Gozo

Even though most of the places mentioned above can be found in the centre or North of Malta, that is not to say that the South of the island doesn’t also host some great shopping spots. Main Street Shopping Complex in Paola, for example, is ideal if you live in or happen to be staying or visiting the south of the island, and is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, with brands such as Debenhams, George, Peacocks, and Pimkie. In Gozo, one can find The Duke Shopping Mall, which also offers various stores and services, a supermarket, and some coffee shops.

In conclusion, it is clear that although small, the Maltese islands have got you covered when it comes to shopping, with a range of popular international brands, handmade items, and local products!