Malta is an amazing place that won’t break the bank! Affordable housing, reasonably priced transport, and lots of free events let you enjoy the island’s breath-taking beaches, rich past, and great cuisine without going over budget.
Use these clever ideas to maximise your visit to Malta and control your expenses.
Affordable Accommodation in Malta
It’s not as difficult as you would imagine to find a reasonably priced accommodation in Malta. Though the cost varies depending on the area, the average hotel fee is €107 per night, depending on location
- More expensive areas: Valletta (€185), Sliema (€110), St. Julian’s (€101)
- Cheaper areas: Gżira (€70), Msida (€69), Marsascala (€63).
- Airbnb prices: Sliema (€160) and Valletta (€169) cost more, while Gżira (€165), Msida (€156), and Marsascala: (€131) offer more affordable options.
Accommodation at ST Hotels
For budget-conscious travellers, ST Hotels in Gżira and Sliema offer comfortable, modern, and affordable accommodation with easy access to public transport and top attractions. Whether you prefer a cosy hotel room or a self-catering apartment, ST Hotels provides the best value in a great location.
- ST Bayview Hotel & SPA
- ST Blubay Apartments
- ST Valletta View Apartments
- ST Azur Hotel
- ST Alavits Hotel
Reasons to choose ST Hotels
- Great location: Gżira is close to public transport, ferries, and top attractions, but it is quieter and cheaper than busy tourist areas.
- Good value: All ST Hotel locations offer modern rooms at affordable prices, perfect for budget travellers.
- Best prices online: To get the lowest rates and special offers, book directly on ST Hotels’ official website instead of third-party platforms.
Affordable Transportation
Getting around Malta without spending too much is easy because of its affordable transport options.
- Public transport: A single ticket for public buses runs €2 in summer and €1.50 in winter and lasts two hours. Night buses cost €3. If you ride the bus frequently, you could save money with the Tallinja 7-day card ($15).
- Walking and Ferries: Walking is a fantastic choice since many sites in Valletta, Sliema, and the Three Cities are near one another. Valletta Ferry Services provide two efficient catamaran ferry services: one from The Strand – Sliema to Valletta and one from Valletta to the 3 cities (and back). This service runs daily. The Valletta-Sliema ferry (€1.50 one-way, €2.80 return) is a cheap and scenic way to travel instead of taking a taxi.
- Rent a car: Renting a car starts at €20 per day, although if you stay in places with decent public transport, it is not necessary.
- Hop-on hop-off bus: Another great way to tour Malta is the €28 hop-on hop-off bus, which stops at thirty key sites.
Where should one eat without going broke?
Great cuisine is available in Malta without having to pay premium pricing. From cheap eateries to quick lunches, there are plenty of reasonably priced choices.
Cheap meal options:
- Try pastizzi (Maltese pastries) for just €1 or a ftira (traditional Maltese sandwich) for €3.50 at bakeries like Maypole.
- Pizza or spaghetti cost about €13 for casual lunches; burgers cost €15; a beef meal costs €22.
- Smaller town restaurants are frequently less expensive than those in Sliema and St. Julian’s, where rates are more costly. Think of areas like Qrendi or Bahrija.
Best budget-friendly restaurants:
- Mgarr is a great place to try rabbit (fenkata) at Il-Barri, Mgarr United Bar, and Ta’ l-Ingliz, among others.
- Band clubs and snack bars offer cheap drinks and sometimes free appetisers.
You can also save money by purchasing the Cloudigo Travel card (€19.99), which gives discounts at many restaurants. Buying food from grocery stores is a good option for self-catering and saving money, particularly if you’ve rented an ST Hotel apartment complete with a kitchen.
