Shopping in Malta: Markets, Malls, and International Brands – The Honest Guide

What to Really Expect When Shopping in Malta

Let me give you the most important lesson I learned in my two years living in Malta right up front: shopping here is not like in Germany or elsewhere in the EU. Malta is a 316 square kilometer island with just 520,000 residents – so don’t expect to find a Saturn or H&M on every corner.

What does this mean for you? Youll have to adapt your shopping habits. Period. I made the rookie mistake of expecting the same product variety as Berlin. The result? Total frustration as I spent weeks looking for a basic USB-C cable that didn’t cost 25 euros.

Malta Shopping Reality by the Numbers

Here are the bare facts that no tourist guide will tell you:

Three Types of Shoppers, Three Strategies

Depending on which group you belong to, youll need a different approach:

• Short-Term Visitors/Workation: Focus on souvenirs and essentials. The large malls in Sliema will be your ally.
• Long-Term Stayers: Get to know the local markets and use online shopping for speciality items. Budget 20-30% more than at home.
• Residents: Combine local shops, online orders shipped to Malta, and the occasional shopping trip to Sicily.

Spoiler alert: I fall into the second category and now order about 70% of my electronics online. Is it unromantic? Absolutely. But practical.

Malta Shopping Malls: The Essential Centers at a Glance

Malta has exactly three real shopping malls. Yes, three. Not thirteen, not thirty. Three. That’s the truth about the Maltese mall scene. But these three are worth it—if you know what you’re looking for.

The Point Shopping Mall Sliema: Malta’s Shopping Heavyweight

The Point is Malta’s largest mall, located right on the Sliema waterfront. I’ve probably been here a hundred times—it simply has the best range. Spread over six floors with more than 50 shops, it’s your go-to for the widest variety of international brands.

What you’ll find here:

• Zara, H&M, Mango (finally some familiar fashion!)
• MediaMarkt (electronics at Maltese prices)
• Marks & Spencer (ultra British, ultra pricey)
• A decent food court
• Cinema showing current movies

My insider tip: Go during weekday mornings. Weekends are chaotic because seemingly all of Malta heads here to fight boredom. Parking isn’t free—expect to pay €1.50 per hour.

Bay Street Shopping Complex: Small but Mighty

Bay Street in St. Julians is the smaller but more charming alternative. Fewer shops but more character, located right next to the casinos. Perfect for a relaxed shopping afternoon without the crowds.

You’ll mainly find local boutiques and a few international brands. The upside? Far more relaxed than The Point, plus the sea view is free.

Plaza Shopping Centre: The Underdog Mall

Plaza in Sliema is the third mall and, honestly, the one I visit least. Smaller, older, but also more authentically Maltese. If you’re on a budget and not reliant on international brands, Plaza might be an option.

Mall Shopping Reality Check in Malta:

• Opening hours: 10:00 am–10:00 pm (including Sundays)
• Parking fees everywhere (except Plaza)
• Prices at least 15% higher than in Germany
• Limited sizing options for clothing
• Customer service is British-style (polite, but slow)

Markets in Malta: Authentic Shopping off the Beaten Mall Track

Here’s where it gets interesting. Maltese markets are the polar opposite of sterile malls—chaotic, loud, authentic, and often much cheaper. After two years here I can say: if you only know the malls, you don’t really know Malta.

Marsaxlokk Sunday Market: Tourist Hotspot with Substance

Every Sunday, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk transforms into a huge market. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s packed. But it’s also genuinely Maltese and offers the best selection of local products.

What youll truly find here:

• Fresh fish straight off the boat (from 7 am)
• Maltese honey products and local jams
• Handicrafts from Malta and Gozo
• Discount clothing (quality varies)
• The famous Maltese lace

Pro tip: Arrive before 9 am if you want fresh fish. After 11 am it’s pretty much a tourist spectacle with matching prices. And yes, you can bargain—but subtly and respectfully.

Valletta Market (Il-Merkanti): The Hidden Gem

Right in the middle of Valletta, along Merchants Street, is this traditional covered market. Much smaller than Marsaxlokk but entirely local and authentic. This is where the Maltese shop for themselves.

What sets it apart? The vibe. No tourists, just locals doing their daily shopping. Perfect for fresh produce and local specialties at fair prices.

Ta Qali Crafts Village: Shopping Meets Culture

Strictly speaking, not a market but a crafts village. Still, a must-visit for shopping enthusiasts. Maltese artisans work in former military barracks and sell their handmade products directly.

Especially worth checking out:

• Mdina Glassware (hand-blown, stunning)
• Silver jewelry by local designers
• Ceramics and pottery
• Authentically Maltese souvenirs without mass production

The Market Reality: What You Need to Know

Markets in Malta have their own rules. Cash is king—outside of rare exceptions, card payment is a no-go. So always bring cash. Quality varies, especially for clothes and electronics. My advice: steer clear of no-name electronics, but you can snag real deals on food and crafts.

International Brands Malta: Whats Here and Whats Missing

Here’s the unvarnished truth about international brands in Malta: selection is much slimmer than in Germany, and what is here costs more. I’ve made a quick inventory so you know what you’re in for.

Fashion and Clothing: The Good News First

When it comes to fashion, Malta is surprisingly well set up. The key fast-fashion chains are present:

Whats completely missing: Uniqlo, COS, Weekday, Monki. If you love these brands, get used to online shopping or shopping trips to Italy.

Electronics and Tech: The Painful Truth

Electronics are seriously pricey here. MediaMarkt is the key player, but the prices are sky high. Want an example? The iPhone 15 Pro is about €150 more than in Germany. A MacBook Air? Add €200–300, easily.

My electronics strategy after two years of Malta:

• Essentials (cables, adapters): Amazon.de delivered to Malta
• Bigger gadgets: Buy during visits to Germany
• Emergencies: MediaMarkt Malta and bite the bullet
• Computers/laptops: Order online from German retailers

Beauty and Cosmetics: Mixed Results

No Douglas, no Sephora. Instead, you’ll find Boots (the UK drugstore chain) everywhere. The range is decent but definitely smaller than youre used to. Korean or niche natural cosmetics are especially hard to find.

Available beauty chains:

• Boots (British standard)
• The Body Shop (a few stores)
• Independent perfumeries in Valletta
• Pharmacy brands in local pharmacies

Luxury Brands: Only in Valletta

Malta isn’t a luxury shopping magnet by any means. You’ll find a handful of high-end boutiques in Valletta, but selection is very limited. If you regularly buy luxury brands, plan trips to Milan or Paris.

Reality check: Malta is a small island with a small market. Businesses simply can’t offer the same variety as Germany. That’s not criticism, just basic math. 520,000 residents vs. 83 million—guess who gets more options.

Shopping in Valletta: Between Tourist Traps and Hidden Gems

Valletta is a shopping paradox. On one hand you’ll find beautiful boutiques and the most authentic Maltese products. On the other, virtually every corner hides a tourist trap selling overpriced souvenirs from China. After countless visits to Valletta, I’ve caught on to just about every trick in the book.

Republic Street: The Main Shopping Artery

Republic Street is Valletta’s retail backbone—a balancing act between touristy kitsch and real finds. Here you’ll find the H&M flagship alongside small boutiques offering Maltese design.

My top Republic Street picks:

• Agenda Bookshop: Malta’s best bookshop with local literature
• Charles & Ron: Traditional menswear since 1904
• Tad-Duluri: Authentic Maltese sweets
• Mdina Glass Shop: Stunning art glass, direct from the maker

Merchant Street: Where Locals Shop

Run parallel to Republic Street and you’ll hit Merchant Street—and here’s where it gets real. Fewer tourists, more locals, fairer prices. The covered market is here, plus small specialist shops and genuine insider finds.

The area around the market is especially worth a look. Here you’ll find traditional bakeries, fishmongers, and small stores that have been family run for generations.

Souvenir Shopping: How to Spot Tourist Traps

Valletta is full of souvenir shops, but 80% sell the same mass-produced junk. My rule of thumb after two years:

My insider tip: Always ask about the origin. Trustworthy sellers are happy to explain where their products come from. If they dodge the question or claim “Made in Malta” but the price is suspiciously low—walk away.

The Hidden Boutiques Off the Main Streets

The best shopping experiences in Valletta are often found in the sidestreets. Here you’ll stumble across tiny designer boutiques, art galleries, and concept stores that you’ll only discover by chance or with a local tip.

Especially near the opera house and around St. John’s Co-Cathedral, you’ll find new and interesting little shops. My advice: take your time and wander aimlessly. The best discoveries happen when you least expect them.

Sliema and St. Julians: Maltas Shopping Heart

Sliema and St. Julian’s are Malta’s true shopping hubs. Everything is concentrated here—the biggest malls, the most international brands, and, yes, the highest prices. If you live in Malta or are staying for a while, you’ll spend most of your shopping time here.

Sliema Promenade: Shopping with a Sea View

The Sliema Promenade is more than just a trendy hangout—it’s Malta’s shopping boulevard. Shops, cafés, and restaurants line the coast. The Point Shopping Mall is the flagship here, but the surrounding streets also offer a lot.

What makes Sliema special:

• Highest concentration of international brands
• Every price range from budget to luxury
• Well-connected by public transport
• Shopping easily combined with restaurants and bars
• Parking (not free, but available)

St. Julian’s: Compact and Laid Back

St. Julian’s is smaller than Sliema but equally interesting. Bay Street is the central mall, surrounded by small boutiques and a generally more relaxed vibe. Things are less frantic here than in Sliema.

The advantage in St. Julian’s: Shopping, dining, and nightlife can all be done on foot. Shop by day and in the evening check out bars and restaurants—all within walking distance.

Tower Road Sliema: The Local Alternative

Off the tourist promenade, Tower Road and the surrounding streets are dotted with Sliemas “local” shops. This is where the Maltese shop for themselves—which means fairer prices.

My Tower Road recommendations:

• Local supermarkets with better prices than in the malls
• Independent stores for household goods
• Authentic bakeries and delis
• Cheaper hairdressers and beauty services

Price Comparison: Mall vs. Street

After two years I can safely say: The price differences between mall shopping and independent shops are significant. Here’s a reality check based on my own experience:

My tip: Use malls for international brands and fashion, but buy daily needs and groceries in independent shops. Your wallet will thank you.

Outlet Shopping Malta: Bargains and a Reality Check

Here’s the sobering news: outlet shopping in Malta cannot compare to Germany. Theres no Metzingen, no Outletcity, and definitely no designer outlets with 70% off. What exists are a handful of smaller outlet stores and seasonal sales—and Ill give you the real lowdown.

The Few Real Outlets in Malta

Malta has exactly two noteworthy outlet centers, and both are much smaller than what youre used to from Germany:

Freeport Outlet Village: Maltas only true outlet center. Its a little out of the way—about 30 shops, mostly local brands and some international names with older collections.

Smart City Malta: Primarily a business park with a few outlet stores, but not really interesting for regular consumers. Mainly focused on B2B.

Seasonal Sales: Where It’s Really Worth It

What Malta lacks in outlet shopping, it makes up for with longer and more frequent seasonal sales. The big sales periods here actually last longer than in Germany:

• Winter Sales: January through end of February (up to 50% discount)
• Summer Sales: July through September (30–60% off)
• Black Friday: Now a thing in Malta too
• Boxing Day Sales: December 26th (British tradition)

Insider tip: The summer sales are the most lucrative, as shops need to clear out winter stock. I’ve grabbed winter coats for €20 that originally cost €120.

Alternative Outlet Strategies for Malta

Given the limited true outlet options, I’ve developed a few workarounds:

Use online outlets: Many German and European online outlets ship to Malta. Zalando Lounge, Outletcity.com and The Outnet are my go-to sites. Shipping is usually €10–15, but for big orders it pays off.

Shopping trips to Sicily: Catania has a really good outlet center (Sicilia Outlet Village). Take the ferry from Malta to Pozzallo and carry on – works great as a weekend getaway.

Local Facebook groups: Malta Buy and Sell Facebook groups are gold for second-hand designer goods. Expats often sell off their high-quality items before leaving the island.

Reality Check: What to Expect

Let’s be honest: If you’re an outlet shopping fan, Malta will disappoint. The selection is small, discounts are moderate (20–40% instead of 50–70% in Germany), and true bargains are rare.

But: If you lower your expectations and play your cards right, you can still snap up good deals, especially on Maltese brands and during the big sale periods.

My advice: Don’t plan a trip to Malta just for outlet shopping. But if you live here or stay longer, make use of whats available and combine it with online shopping.

Practical Shopping Tips for Malta Newcomers

After two years living here, I’ve built up a collection of helpful tips that will save you time, stress, and money. I wish I’d known these lessons from day one.

Payment Methods: Cash Is Still King

Even though Malta is in the EU, cash is still very much in use. Especially at markets, small stores, and for many services, you need cash. My rule: always have at least €50 with you.

Card payment works at:

• All supermarkets and malls
• International brands and chains
• Restaurants in tourist areas
• Online shopping with Maltese shops

Cash is essential for:

• Markets (Marsaxlokk, local farmer’s markets)
• Many local restaurants
• Tradespeople and small services
• Public transport
• Parking fees (in some places)

Best Shopping Times: Timing Is Everything

Malta has its own rhythm and if you don’t know it, you’ll find yourself at locked doors or stuck in endless queues.

Online Shopping to Malta: What Works

Malta is in the EU, but many German online shops don’t treat it that way. Here are my experiences with the main retailers:

Works smoothly:

• Amazon.de (shipping 5–7 days, free from €39)
• Zalando (standard EU shipping)
• ASOS (UK-based, but EU shipping)
• H&M online (delivers to the island)

Works with limitations:

• MediaMarkt/Saturn (only selected items)
• IKEA (possible via third-party providers)
• Many German fashion online shops (check each first)

Doesn’t work at all:

• Many German electronics retailers
• Local German shops
• Some direct brand online stores

Budget Planning: Be Realistic

Here’s an honest breakdown for your Malta shopping monthly budget, based on my own real spending:

Monthly shopping budget (one person):

• Groceries: €300–400 (vs. €250–300 in Germany)
• Clothing: €80–120 (vs. €60–80 in Germany)
• Household goods: €40–60 (vs. €30–40 in Germany)
• Electronics/tech: Very variable, but +25–40% more expensive

My advice: Expect to pay 20–30% more than in Germany and budget accordingly. Better to overestimate than to be shocked later.

Top Shopping Apps for Malta

These apps have made my everyday life in Malta much easier:

• Bolt Food/Wolt: Groceries delivered (yes, even from supermarkets)
• Tallinja: For bus routes to shopping centers
• EasyPark: Pay for parking in Sliema and Valletta
• Facebook Marketplace: Second-hand shopping, super active in Malta
• Revolut/Wise: For cheap currency conversion on online purchases

Dos and Donts: What I’ve Learned

DO:

• Compare prices between malls and local stores
• Bargain politely at local markets
• Make the most of sale seasons (January/February and July/August)
• Plan big electronics buys for Germany trips
• Use local Facebook groups for insider tips

DONT:

• Expect everything to be available like in Germany
• Buy in touristy areas without comparing prices first
• Visit small shops on Mondays (many are closed)
• Go to markets without cash
• Impulse buy big-ticket electronics in Malta

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping in Malta

Is shopping in Malta more expensive than in Germany?

Yes, definitely. Expect 15–30% higher prices on most products. Electronics and household goods are especially expensive. Clothing from international brands is only slightly pricier (5–15%), but the selection is more limited.

Which German brands operate in Malta?

Very few. MediaMarkt is the only major German retailer present. You won’t find German supermarket chains or other big German stores. Most international brands enter Malta via British or Italian distributors.

Can I order from German online shops to Malta?

Sometimes, yes. Amazon.de, Zalando, and many major online stores deliver to Malta. Many smaller German shops don’t. Shipping costs are usually €10–20, with delivery times of 5–10 days. For electronics, there may be warranty issues to bear in mind.

Are there outlet centers in Malta like in Germany?

No, nothing comparable. Malta has just a handful of small outlet stores. The biggest is the Freeport Outlet Village with around 30 shops. For real outlet shopping you’ll need to go to Italy or shop at online outlets.

When are the best sale periods in Malta?

January/February (winter sales) and July/August (summer sales) see the biggest discounts (30–60%). Black Friday is also celebrated, but less intensively than in Germany. Boxing Day (December 26th) is a good sale time due to the British tradition.

Can you bargain at Maltese markets?

Yes, but subtly and respectfully. At Marsaxlokk Market, a little negotiation—especially for clothes and souvenirs—is normal. Not so much for food. A simple “Can you do a better price?” is fine; aggressive haggling is not appreciated.

Which payment methods are accepted in Malta?

Card payments are easily accepted in malls and supermarkets. For markets and many small stores, cash is a must. Contactless payment is common. American Express is less widely accepted than Visa or Mastercard.

Where can I find authentic Maltese products?

Mdina Glass (glassware), Ta Qali Crafts Village (handicrafts), Marsaxlokk Market (honey, jams), local bakeries (Pastizzi, Ftira), and small boutiques off Valletta’s main streets. Look for “Made in Malta” labels and ask about the origin of products.

Are there German-style supermarkets like Rewe or Edeka in Malta?

No, but there are similar chains. Lidl is the best-known German supermarket in Malta. Otherwise you have Welbee’s, Pavi, and Pama as major local supermarkets. The product range is very different from Germany—much more British and Italian influence.

Is a shopping trip to Sicily from Malta worth it?

For a big shopping spree, yes. The ferry to Pozzallo costs around €50 return, trip time 90 minutes. Catania offers great shopping plus an outlet center. As a weekend trip with shopping, sightseeing, and good food, it’s definitely worthwhile.