Malta has, for better or worse, changed… a lot. The past five years alone have seen shifts in ideologies, parliamentary buildings, and Sliema hangouts.  

Highlighting its newest features, this is the new metropolitan Malta.  

1. Costa Coffee

Sure, it’s not the Starbucks everyone begged for, but ever since 2012, Costa Coffee has filled that gaping basic-shaped hole in our local Instagram feed.  Hazelnut latte, anyone?

2. Netflix (and chill bl-AC mixghul)

Further exacerbating our sessile lifestyles, Netflix has brought in an amazing array of indie films and the world of on-demand television, all at the push of a button.  

3. Flying Tiger

Wallets, you’ve been warned: you will bleed shittonnes of euros in this shop. Coming in all the way from Denmark, Flying Tiger is the oh-so-extra store we never knew we needed.  

Pineapple-shaped lamps any day.

4. Marriage equality

Make love not war. ‘Nuff said.  

5. Häagen-Dazs

There are those moments in life when you need ice-cream. Specifically those I’m-sad/bored-and-I-need-wine-and/or-ice-cream moments. Enter Häagen-Dazs into the Maltese centre stage. Never let go.  

6. Domino’s Pizza

There are two kinds of people in this world: people who are excited that Domino’s is coming to Malta and people who pretend they aren’t excited that Domino’s is coming to Malta.  

7. Kappara’s traffic arrangement face-lift

The flyover is kinda-sorta-ready-but-not-quite-done, but at least it’s taking shape. So long to endless Friday-night Kappara traffic (we hope?)

8. Parliament’s new digs

Love it or hate it, the new Parliament building is there to stay along with the massive wide open space and bold-statement Valletta gate. So unless you’re an agoraphobe, go take some photos.  

Tag a friend who claims to hate Domino’s

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Matthew Baldacchino

Self-titled resident SJW and expressionless in-house Head of Internal Marketing. Matt loves prepping vegan and vegetarian food, consumes way too much coffee, and has an unhealthy penchant for storyboarded Instagram Stories. When he's not trying to figure out social media policies, marketing strategies or cracking SEO conundrums, you can catch him as the host of Basically, Livestream Of Consciousness or Lovin Daily. Hit him up if you've got a story about the environment, arts and culture, health, politics and activism, or LGBTQI+ issues. He's also a doctor, but we don't talk about that.