A Local’s Guide to the Best Markets in Malta

If you want to experience the island like a true local, there’s no better way than by exploring the markets in Malta. Bursting with life, colour, and personality, Malta’s markets give you a window into everyday island life. From the chatter of vendors calling out their daily specials to the scent of freshly baked bread and just-caught fish, every corner tells a story.

Whether you’re wandering through the Marsaxlokk open market, haggling over antiques at a Birgu flea market, or tasting local delicacies at the Valletta food market, each experience offers a different slice of Malta’s charm.

So, bring a basket (and maybe your bargaining skills) as we explore some of the best markets in Malta, where tradition and community are still very much alive.

Malta’s capital offers a trio of unique market experiences worth exploring.

• Is-Suq tal-Belt (Valletta Food Market): This restored covered market on Merchants Street is a food lover’s paradise. Once a traditional market hall, it’s now a modern culinary hub blending artisan stalls with gourmet dining. From local honey and cheeselets to international cuisines served fresh at open counters, this is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Maltese flavours.

• Valletta Sunday Market (Il-Monti): One of the best-known Sunday markets in Malta, this open-air affair is brimming with souvenirs, crafts, and quirky trinkets. Usually set near the City Gate, it’s a great spot to browse before your Sunday coffee.

• Merchants Street Market: Running along one of Valletta’s main thoroughfares, this market offers everything from clothes and accessories to books and antiques. It’s perfect for casual shopping and a great way to soak up the city’s lively spirit.

Together, these Malta Valletta markets showcase the capital’s evolution, from its traditional roots to its cosmopolitan present.

Few markets in Malta are as famous as the Marsaxlokk open market. Located along the colourful harbour of this picturesque fishing village, it’s one of the island’s most iconic experiences. While it’s open daily, Sunday is when Marsaxlokk market truly comes alive. The seafront transforms into a bustling maze of stalls, with vendors selling everything from gleaming fish and shellfish to sun-ripened fruit, capers, olives, and local honey.

The highlight is definitely the seafood. Watch fishermen unload their morning catch before sampling it grilled at one of the nearby seaside restaurants. But there’s plenty beyond the fish, look out for lacework, handmade crafts, and sweet local treats like cannoli and almond biscuits. For an authentic Maltese morning, nothing beats the Malta market Marsaxlokk experience.

For treasure hunters, the Birgu flea market (also known as the Birgu market weekly streetmarket) is a must. Held most Sundays at Fuq il-Fortini in the historic Three Cities area, this is one of the most characterful flea markets in Malta.

Here, you’ll find everything from vintage crockery and retro cameras to brass ornaments, books, and antique furniture. The mix is eclectic, part car boot sale, part local hangout, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

Surrounded by Birgu’s winding streets and centuries-old architecture, this market feels like stepping back in time. Even if you don’t buy a thing, wandering the stalls offers a nostalgic glimpse into local life.

Among the many markets in Malta, Rabat Market stands out for its old-fashioned charm and community feel. Every Sunday morning, St Rita Street in Rabat transforms into a lively open-air bazaar that stretches all the way down the hill until early afternoon. As locals step out of morning Mass, they flow straight into the market, browsing rows of colourful stalls that sell everything from homemade confections, household goods, and freshly caught fish to fruit and vegetables plucked straight from nearby farms.

If your travels take you to Malta’s sister island, Gozo, don’t miss It-Tokk Farmers Market in Victoria. Open daily, it’s one of the most vibrant markets in Malta — albeit with a Gozitan twist.

Stalls are piled high with fresh produce, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, honey, and the island’s famous cheeselets. It’s the perfect place to fill a picnic basket or pick up edible souvenirs.

This Gozo Malta market also reflects the island’s slower pace of life — relaxed, friendly and full of local flavour.

If you’re after truly homegrown flavour, the Ta’ Qali Farmers Market is your best bet. This is one of the largest and most popular markets in Malta, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7am to 3pm.

Everything here is Maltese-grown and locally made, from fresh vegetables and fruit to cheeselets (gbejniet), honey, olives, bread, and cured meats. Prices are wholesale, and by the end of the day, you might even snag a discount as farmers clear their last crates.

Ta’ Qali captures the essence of the island’s farm-to-table culture. It’s the kind of market where locals go for their weekly shop, and visitors go for an authentic taste of rural Malta.

In the heart of one of Malta’s oldest towns lies the Birkirkara Market, held every Wednesday and Friday morning. For locals, this is a weekly ritual, a place to meet, chat, and stock up on everything from fresh produce to household goods.

Located near the impressive St Helen’s Basilica, this open-air Malta market is perfect for soaking up the island’s traditional village life. It’s one of those places where everyone seems to know everyone, and where visitors are always greeted with a smile.

For something a little different, The Veg Box in Manikata is a hidden gem among the markets in Malta. This eco-conscious farm sells organic fruit and vegetables grown without pesticides, as well as health products, second-hand clothes, and handmade crafts.

The farm’s relaxed, bohemian vibe makes it feel more like a community hub than a shop. Occasionally, it also hosts flea markets in Malta, live music, and sustainability-themed events, making every visit a new experience.

• Go early for the best selection and cooler temperatures.
• Bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards.
• Haggle politely, it’s part of the fun, especially at the Birgu flea market or Marsaxlokk open market.
• Locals – always ask before taking photos of people or stalls.

When staying with AX Hotels, feel free to ask reception for more details on markets in Malta, from directions and recommendations to up-to-date opening times. From the traditional Marsaxlokk open market to the vintage charm of Birgu flea market, the markets in Malta offer more than just shopping, they’re a window into Maltese life. Each one tells a story of the island’s culture, craftsmanship, and community.

And when your shopping bags are full, head back to AX Hotels to unwind. Whether you’re staying in Valletta , Sliema, Rabat, or Qawra, or you’ll always find an AX restaurant nearby for a relaxing meal after your market adventures.