Top Shopping Spots in Malta
If you love shopping, you’ll never be at a loss in Malta. You will always find time to shop in Malta because it is easily accessible so in between errands, after you take drink your coffee, its readily available for you. Here are our top 10 places to shop on the islands.
Shopping Malls
If you love shopping, you’ll never be at a loss in Malta. You will always find time to shop in Malta because it is easily accessible so in between errands, after you take drink your coffee, its readily available for you. Here are our top 10 places to shop on the islands. Insider tip: Shopping hours are generally Monday to Saturday, 9am till 1pm and 4pm till 7pm, with some exceptions. Many shops close on Sunday.
The Maltese do love a good shopping mall. Whilst the island is yet to see any mega-malls, it does have its fair share of regular sized ones. These are generally good places to find high street brands. They’re particularly handy in the summer months (thanks to the air-conditioning!) and are well maintained. Two of the largest malls – The Point and The Plaza – are located in Sliema, and both have lots of choices when it comes to designer and high-street wear, as well as books, accessories and items for theBaystreet,St. Julians home. In Valletta you’ll find the Embassy Shopping Complex and the Savoy Shopping Mall, both of which have a range of high street brands and trendy items. Finally, over on Gozo, Arkadia Mall and the Duke Shopping Centre in the centre of Victoria, and locals flock here to buy the latest items from the numerous shops found here.
Valletta
Valletta is a magnet for shoppers. Republic Street is a pedestrianised thoroughfare with door-to-door high street brands, while Merchants Street (also pedestrainised) has some top brands of its own. We recommend a walk along these mains streets, as this is where you’ll find the leading highstreet brands. However, the side streets – such as South Street and St Lucy’s Street – are also worth a visit; they’re home to more traditional, local boutiques – perfect for souvenir shopping and bargain hunting.
Sliema
If you can’t find what you want in Valletta, chances are you’ll find it in Sliema. Most major international high street brands have stores here, especially in the area of Bisazza Street and The Ferries. You could start your shopping trip at The Point Mall (which also has convenient underground parking), and then walk along the seafront to explore the other shops on offer here – among them Zara, Debenhams, Oasis, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Promod and Aldo.
Open Air Markets
Markets are still very much a large part of Maltese village life, and almost every town has one. They are well worth a visit and are popular with locals and tourists alike. The biggest is Il-Monti in Valletta (daily 8am till noon). Here you’ll find all kinds of clothing, books, DVDs, and household items, usually at bargain prices. For food try the Marsaxlokk market (Sunday mornings) or the Ta’ Qali farmers’ market (Saturdays and Tuesday afternoons). Otherwise any village market is worth a visit, if only just to experience this slice of Maltese life!
Duty Free Airport
Malta International Airport has a decent Duty Free selection of perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol and tobacco products. They also offer a ‘Collect on Return’ service for passengers returning to Malta.
Street Vendors
Don’t discount the quality of food you can buy from a street vendor in Malta. Groceries such as fresh fruit and veg can be particularly good if bought from a grocer’s van.
Crafts Village
The Ta’ Qali crafts village on the outskirts of Rabat offers a wide selection of traditional crafts created on-site by local craftsmen. You can watch them in action blowing and moulding glass, patiently creating intricate filigree jewellery, or browse the lace makers, basket weavers and other souvenir brands. In Gozo, visit the Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village near the village of Gharb.
Gozo
market-gozoThe heart of shopping in Gozo is Victoria where you’ll find the two main shopping malls we mention above, as well as other high street shops and independent stores and boutiques not to mention a outdoor market. You could also visit Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village in Gharb for hand-made souvenirs.
Catania
It might be a nice idea to book a day trip to Sicily to visit Catania for a taste of Italy. The crossing takes only 90 minutes on a high-speed catamaran, so you could be browsing shop windows in Catania before lunch! Expect a large variety of brands and an impressive outdoor market.
Trade Fair
The Malta Trade Fair is good place to find excellent bargains on white goods and luxury brands. This popular event takes place in the summer and features a vast list of exhibitors and vendors as well as places to eat, drink and keep the kids happy.