Shopping in Malta is -- colourful markets with fresh fish; quaint old shops in Valletta’s backstreets; and the latest continental fashions in shopping plazas. But more than anything, it is an excuse to stop off at a café and people gaze. Shopping is a cultural window on the Islands too. You’ll find plenty of tempting must-buys to take home. For a taste of the Mediterranean, choose among the many local deli treats from olives and sun-dried tomatoes to fine wines. If you want something to appreciate for longer, try the intricate, filigree silverware or a work from one of the Islands’ renowned artists. Shops , supermarkets and most stores are mostly open from Monday to Saturday between 09:00 AM and 13:00 and again between 16:00 to 19:00hrs. You will find all amenities in almost all Towns and Villages. Always ask the locals in case you need directions.

 Valletta - as a capital city is popular place for locals and tourists, plenty of shops with local stuff, backstreet old shops, you will not find large department stores but a lot small boutiques where most of the time you will be welcomed and assisted by owner of the shop. Worth to visit shopping centers - Embasy complex (also has cinema), Savoy shopping center. Valleta itself is a shopping mecca, attracting locals and visitors from around the island. Bargains are easy to find, especially along Republic Street, the main thoroughfare, which boasts the widest range of locally produced goods and international brands. Valletta has several shopping malls and arcades. Amongst the grid of streets with tiny crafts shops, restorers and household shops, Valletta has designer names, fashion, music, jewelery shops, cosmetics, bookshops and much more too. Valletta’s main shopping areas are along Republic Street and Merchants Street.

 
 Sliema - The other popular place for shopping. Plenty boutique shops, Plaza, Tigne shopping center , not to forget popular by locals shopping place - Hamrun and Paola.

 

St Julians If you staying here we  would recommend Portomasso shopping where you will find high fashion boutiques.

St Georges bay Not far in St Georges bay you will find BayStreet shopping center with cafes, restaurants and entertainment center for kids and adults.

 Markets are the heart of the Maltese week and a cultural tour of their own.  Almost every town and village has its version.  They are the time and place for socializing,  catching up with neighbours and local news as much as for buying daily necessities. You’ll find them a strange assortment from new to old household goods, clothing, music and toys.  For treasure hunting, search the bric-a-brac at the Sunday market just outside Valletta’s city gate. For more mainstream goods, try the daily market in Merchant Street, Valletta. A weekly market is held on Tuesdays on the outskirts of Cospicua, in Birgu. 
Then there is it-Tokk Gozo , the charming, daily market in the main square in Victoria, Gozo at which you’ll find everything from fishing pots to beach towels.
For local colour, nothing beats Marsaxlokk fish market.  You’ll need an encyclopedia to identify the weird, wonderful and exotic but also very edible and tasty fish on display. Book your trip to this market  here

A necessity if you’re self-catering, but fun and worth a trip if you want to buy some deli delights is the supermarket or local groceries. All major centres are served by super or mini-markets. 

Chemists are found throughout the Islands and are open during normal shopping hours.  On Sundays, chemists open on a roster from 09.00 until 12.30 in Malta and from 07.30 until 11.00 in Gozo.  Check the local Sunday newspapers for details of the roster.

 * In Malta and Gozo , banks are the best place to change money; they almost always offer a significantly better rate than any other establishment. Usually open 8.30am to 12.30pm, Mondays through Fridays, and up to 11.30am on Saturdays. Foreign exchange facilities are available at the Airport on a 24 hour basis, year round and up to 4pm at most banks. Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are situated in the major commercial and tourist areas. The 3 Major Banks that operate in Malta are BANK OF VALLETTA, HSBC, and LOMBARD Bank. 

 *Restaurants and taxis expect a 10% tip.

 * All major credit cards are widely accepted. Bargaining for handicrafts at stalls or markets is essential, but most shops have fixed prices. There's always added tax on all consumer items.