Melaka Shopping Guide - Where to Shop and What to Buy in Malacca

Malaysia's picturesque city of Melaka is a multi-ethnic city, known for its cultural abundance and heritage. This shopping destination is famous for its vibrant markets which range from antiques, local handicrafts to international brands. Their night markets, also called Pasar Malam, is quite popular and is not something you want to miss on a trip to this fascinating city. This wide market platter helps in supporting the local artisans and getting unique pieces as well as keeping us up to date with today’s latest fashion. 

Here are the 7 best places for shopping in Melaka -  

1. Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall

Located beside the historical, Portuguese fortress A Famosa, this mall is the hub for the best of shopping in Malacca. From international brands like Bossini, Vans to handicrafts and souvenir stores, this is the shopper’s stop. It houses international brands, movie theatres, many entertainment centers, and the longest touch pool in Asia that is a touchable aquarium in the coral park where you can enjoy a closer view of underwater creatures. It is quite organized with local handicrafts and souvenir shops covering the basement while the other brands are upstairs. You can find products with discounted prices at shops like Brands for Less and Factory Outlet Store.

What to buy: Souvenirs, clothes, electronics, 
Location: Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

2. Mahkota Parade

Located right across Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, this is the first regional mall in the heart of Melaka. It houses multiple international brands, entertainment centres and acts as a centre for major community and tourist events and exhibitions. It has a variety of clothing and bag outlets that are produced locally and are imported internationally. This is one of the best places for shopping in Melaka where you can buy international products at cheaper prices. It is the ideal place for shopping as well as leisure activities.

What to buy: Provides an array of goods like groceries, electronics, clothes, perfumes, souvenirs, etc.
Location: Jalan Merdeka, 75000, Malacca, Malaysia
Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

3. Hatten Square Mall

Hatten Square Suites and Shoppes is a growing modern shopping centre located in the centre of Melaka among the UNESCO heritage sites and is linked to Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall and Mahkota Mall. It also forms the base for the city’s largest premium hotel, Hatten Hotel. It has several international brands such as H&M, Braun Buffel, etc. You can get clothes and other products at discounted rates from such brands. Its prime location at Hatten street gives a boost to its exciting nightlife.

What to buy: It provides local products and basic needs for a shopper
Location: Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Costa Mahkota, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia
Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

4. Jonker Street 

One of the best markets in Melaka is the Jonker Walk Night Market. Also called the Chinatown of Melaka, it is a paradise for antique collectors. Here you will find vintage items dating up to 300 years old and handicrafts at cheap prices. Fashion apparel inspired by different cultures like the Peranakans and other vintage pieces can be bought here at reasonable rates. When the night market starts, a lot of food stalls selling their local delicacies open up and there are live performances too that give it a lively, party-like atmosphere. You can buy many souvenirs from great places like Jonker gallery, Orang Utan house, Malaqa House Museum, and many more. With its historical structures and liveliness, this is the one place you can’t miss out.

You can visit during the day time where you will be able to view the museums, monuments and art galleries leisurely.

What to buy: Handmade jewels, T-shirts, Malaysian spices, snacks, and handicrafts
Location: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia, a 2 min walk from Christ Church
Timings: Friday – Sunday from 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

5. Pasar Besar Melaka

Also known as Malacca Big Market, this is a wet market where you can get all your groceries, poultry, seafood, Malacca spices, and much more under one roof. It is divided into sessions and beautifully arranged in creative displays. The vendors are very friendly making your grocery trip to an unforgettable one. This is a one-stop-shop for your basic requirements.

What to buy: Fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat products, Malacca spices, and herbs
Location: Kampung Bachang, 75350 Malacca, Malaysia
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

6. Tan Kim Hock Product Centre

If you are looking for local food products of excellent quality and good rates then Tan Kim Hock Centre would be the ideal place to go shopping in Melaka. It is a popular destination for food-loving locals as well as tourists. They have over 100 unique food items such as Gula Melaka (coconut palm sugar), cincalok (fermented small shrimps or krill), Durian Cendol, and many more. The products are made from raw materials such as Durian Cendol that is inspired by Gula Melaka and durian flavoured recipes. You can taste some of their unusual items if you are curious or unsure about what to buy.

What to buy: You can get spices like chilli sauce, prawn chilli floss, Sambal Ikan Bilis and their authentic goodies like cincalok (fermented small shrimps or krill),  Durian Cendol, Gula Melaka (coconut palm sugar), nutmeg balm, and coconut candy. They sell other popular items too such as chilli sauce, dried fruits, belacan, etc. 
Location: 153, Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho, Malacca
Timings: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

7. San Shu Gong

Another hub for local snacks and goodies is San Shu Gong. Here you can find authentic and locally made snacks at reasonable prices. They have a variety of titbits, sauces, and chillis which you can take back home as gifts or introduce to your kitchen for some Asian and adventurous cooking. Not only do they have a snack galore, but they also serve cooling drinks like cendol (a sweet drink) as a refreshment. 

What to buy: Biscuits like Song Mu biscuits, beverages, sauces, spices, cakes, noodles
Location: No.33 , Lorong Hang Jebat , 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Melaka is the ideal place for shopaholics, bargain hunters, antique collectors, and food lovers. The best time to visit would be during the dry season of April, May, and October. So, make sure you visit these amazing shopping destinations on your next trip to Melaka to leave with your hands full of unique exquisite items and loads of happiness.