Shopping Guide in Valletta

Shopping in Valletta & Malta

🎁 What to Buy

• Mdina Glass: Beautiful hand-blown glass from Mdina workshops. Distinctive swirling colors. Prices €10-200+ depending on size/complexity. Buy directly from factory in Mdina for best prices.
• Maltese Lace: Intricate handmade lace (bizzilla) from Gozo. Authentic pieces from €20-100+. Ensure it's genuine local craftsmanship, not imports.
• Filigree Silver: Delicate silver jewelry in traditional Maltese designs. Crosses, earrings, brooches from €15-150. Look for hallmarks guaranteeing silver content.
• Local Food Products: Honey (especially thyme honey), gbejniet (sheep cheese), sun-dried tomatoes, capers, Maltese nougat (qubbajt), carob syrup. Ta' Qali Crafts Village excellent source.
• Local Wines & Liqueurs: Maltese wines (Marsovin, Meridiana wineries), limoncello, Bajtra (prickly pear liqueur). Wine tours available at vineyards.
• Paintings & Art: Local artists sell work at galleries along Republic Street and Valletta Contemporary art center.

🛍️ Shopping Areas

Republic Street, Valletta: Main shopping street with international brands, souvenir shops, jewelry stores, and bookshops. Typically open 9 AM-7 PM (closed Sunday).

Merchants Street, Valletta: More local shops including hardware, fabrics, household goods, and family businesses.

Valletta Market (Is-Suq tal-Belt): Merchants Street covered market selling fresh produce, fish, meat, cheese, and local specialties. Open Monday-Saturday mornings. Authentic local atmosphere.

Ta' Qali Crafts Village: Former airfield converted to artisan workshops. Watch glass-blowers, potters, and lace-makers. Buy directly from craftspeople. 15 minutes from Valletta by bus.

Sliema/St. Julian's: Modern shopping with The Point and Bay Street complexes featuring international brands, restaurants, and entertainment.

💡 Shopping Tips

• Bargaining: Not customary in shops; fixed prices expected. Possible at outdoor markets and with street vendors.
• VAT Refunds: Non-EU residents can claim VAT refund (18%) on purchases over €100 from participating stores. Keep receipts and validate at airport.
• Opening Hours: Shops typically 9 AM-1 PM and 4-7 PM. Many close Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Summer hours may extend.
• Authenticity: Buy crafts directly from workshops or certified shops to ensure genuine Maltese products, not imports.