South Eastern Malta covers fifteen towns around the Grand Harbour and the southeast coast, from the capital Valletta and the fortified Three Cities to the prehistoric Hypogeum and Tarxien temples and the fishing port of Marsaxlokk.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Maltese honey and jam
Local honey and jams sold at the Marsaxlokk market.
Price: Varies by stall
Where: Marsaxlokk Sunday Market
Mdina and Valletta Glass
Handblown glass; the workshops are at Ta' Qali, outside this region, with shops in Valletta that were not verified.
Price: Varies by shop
Where: Republic Street shops
Maltese lace and filigree jewellery
Traditional crafts available in Valletta souvenir shops.
Price: Varies by shop
Where: Republic Street shops
Kinnie and Maltese wine
Maltese soft drink and local wine.
Price: Varies by shop
Where: Is-Suq tal-Belt
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Is-Suq tal-Belt
Valletta's restored 1860s covered market hall, now a food market and food hall with artisan market weekends.
Where: Merchants Street, Valletta
Hours: Daily 7:00-22:00 (2018 guide; verify)
Merchant Street Market (Valletta)
Open-air weekday produce market on Merchants Street. A Sunday opening was cancelled in 2012; one newer source says the market has moved near the parliament building, so confirm location.
Where: Merchants Street, Valletta
Hours: Monday to Friday mornings to early afternoon (forum report; verify)
Marsaxlokk Sunday Market
Sunday fishing-village market where fishermen sell directly, with souvenir and food stalls along the harbour front.
Where: Marsaxlokk waterfront
Hours: Sunday from early morning; most stalls pack away by about 12:00
Birgu Street Market
Weekly street market in Birgu reported near the Couvre Porte gate; day of operation is unconfirmed.
Where: Birgu (Vittoriosa)
Hours: Sources conflict between Tuesday morning and Sunday; verify
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Republic Street
Valletta's mainly pedestrianised main street running from City Gate to Fort St Elmo, lined with shops and cafes.
Valletta Waterfront
Waterfront promenade in Floriana below Valletta's walls, anchored by the Pinto Stores and Forni Stores.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Main Street Shopping Complex, Paola
Paola's four-storey shopping complex with fashion and gift shops, cafes and free underground parking.
Hours: Monday to Saturday (no times in source; verify)
Forni Stores Shopping Complex
The Forni Stores side of Valletta Waterfront, with former warehouse vaults converted to shops and eateries.
Hours: Venue hours vary; verify
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Prices are fixed in shops and at the covered market; asking for a small discount works only at open-air stalls.
Compare prices at the Marsaxlokk market stalls before buying fish or honey.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Currency: Euro (EUR); 1 EUR is about 1.15 USD.
Vat: VAT is included in marked prices.
Tax Free: Non-EU residents can ask shops for a VAT refund form (Tax Free forms) at participating shops.
Sunday Trading: Shops are generally closed Sundays and public holidays; the Marsaxlokk market is the main Sunday exception.