Experience masterful ink at the 5 best tattoo shops in Malta
Choosing where to get your first tattoo is one of life’s toughest decisions. Tattoos may not be as permanent as they once were, but no one wants to walk away with a regrettable design.
That’s why finding a skilled and reputable tattoo artist is key. With their expert hands and mastery of ink, they can turn any idea into a piece of art you’ll fall in love with—one that you’ll proudly wear for years to come.
To make this decision easier, I spoke with friends and family to identify the top tattoo shops in Malta. With this list, I’m confident you’ll discover the perfect artist and the tattoo you’ve been dreaming of.
How much does it cost to get a tattoo in Malta?
Getting a tattoo in Malta typically costs around €50 to €250, depending on the size and colour of the tattoo. Other factors that may affect the price are the level of detail required and the aftercare services that the shop may provide.
1. Thomaz Cauchi Tattoo & Art Studio
Address: 90 Triq il-Ħafur, Ħ’Attard
Contact Details: [email protected]
At Thomaz Cauchi Tattoo & Art Studio, the owner can create a variety of designs, but is best known for his hyper-realistic tattoos. Thomaz’s work mainly uses black ink, so those looking for coloured pieces should look elsewhere.
I adore Thomaz’s passion for the craft, since every piece is highly detailed and crisp. He uses fine line in black and grey to convey depth and shadow, which are simply amazing to look at.
Sessions with him are booked online. Plus, getting to the shop is easy because it’s located in Attard.
The shop’s atmosphere is awesome and chill, with a laid-back, friendly environment that welcomes first-timers and veterans alike. Extra points from a client I spoke with—their tattoo healed super quickly.
Just a heads-up: the studio is rebranding as The Echo Tattoo Studio. It’s a really catchy name, but don’t worry, because the quality of their designs and service is exactly the same.
I personally couldn’t be happier with the sleeve I’ve got
“Thomaz is one of the most awesome, super- talented guy that i know! He is very passionate and goes well beyond what i expected from any tattoo artist. I personally couldn’t be happier with the sleeve i’ve got. Super detail, well prepared, meticulous in everything that he does, and it has been one amazing experience and journey building it together. It was my first ever tattoo and i knew that he wouldn’t let me down. Art comes naturally to him and i am forever grateful for it! Thank you – highly recommended, cannot wait for my next visit!”
– Neil Saliba, Google Review
Very professional and passionate about his work
“Great artist, very professional and passionate about his work. Thomaz doesn’t rush through a tattoo design, he is open to suggestions and he strives to give the customer a perfect piece of art. Tattoo healed great, all lines are still intact and solid!
Overall, from the initial contact to seeing my tattoo healed, I am very satisfied with the service. I hope to come back for a bigger piece in the future!”
– Diana Niemiec, Google Review
2. The Rusty Key Tattoo Studio
Address: Triq L-Imnajjar, Birkirkara BKR 2160
Contact Details: +356 7720 1641
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Rusty Key Tattoo Studio is perfect for intricate designs that require colour shading. The studio is quite accessible by bus, but clients may encounter traffic if travelling by car.
They’re a walk-in-based shop and offer special vouchers during holidays such as Christmas or Halloween.
The studio owner, Dria Andria, is ideal for Neo-Traditional tattoos. These are stylish and have a truly astounding cartoon feel. Meanwhile, Matt is incredible at Neo-Japanese/Realism. I once saw someone with a rat tattoo, and it looked incredible.
The studio has an antique vibe that relaxes clients, and I’m especially attracted to the comfy leather chair. The tattoo stations are private, and there are three of them. This means they can accommodate multiple clients at once.
A client even mentioned that the shop’s aftercare process is amazing, offering tips and some ointment to further speed things up—and these work wonders.
I had an amazing experience with Dria
“I had an amazing experience with Dria! She was incredibly friendly and made me feel comfortable from the start. Her work exceeded my expectations, the tattoo came out even better than I imagined 🥰
The studio is also very clean and well-kept, which made the whole experience even better. I’m extremely happy with the result and highly recommend Dria 😊”
– Mashiro Chan, Google Review
The artists are incredibly attentive to detail
“The Rusty Key Tattoo Studio is an exceptional place to get inked. The studio is spotless, reflecting their commitment to cleanliness and hygiene. The artists are incredibly attentive to detail, ensuring every line and shade is perfect. The staff is not only talented but also welcoming and friendly, making you feel at ease from the moment you walk in. The shop exudes a classic tattoo parlor atmosphere, with a vibe that’s both professional and authentic. If you’re looking for high-quality work in a great environment, this is the place to go.”
– Ryan Callus, Google Review
3. Corazón Tattoo
Address: 29 Triq il-Papa Piju XII, Birkirkara
Contact Details: +356 2099 2117
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Operated by Irish tattoo artist, Paul O’Rourke, Corazón Tattoo has been providing services to Maltese since the Spring of 2017. Located in Birkirkara, Paul offers several different styles, but the most apparent are realism and tribal.
Tattoos are appointment-based here, but they do offer walk-ins whenever time allows. But it’s still best to get an appointment since it can be difficult to gauge when Paul is available.
However, appointments with Paul will put you in line for weeks or months of waiting because he often travels.
Don’t worry, there’s another great tattoo artist here. Zoya creates minimalist designs, as well as realist pieces. Many clients have gone to her and loved her work, as the details are fantastic.
As for the shop, it’s chic with a maximalist design. Previous work is displayed in picture frames, which helped me better understand their capabilities. Overall, it’s a neat place to wait before an appointment.
Super welcoming and clean
“The shop has really good vibes; it’s super welcoming and clean, which is so important. Paul was efficient and quick but still paid serious attention to detail. I wanted a cover up and left the design in his hands and the final piece is absolutely perfect. I’m completely satisfied and couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend!”
– Kimberly Galea, Google Review
He has an incredibly gentle hand
“Paul has been amazing! He designed and created exactly the tattoo I wanted, with patience and dedication. Unexpectedly, he has an incredibly gentle hand😂I didn’t feel any pain at all, and the result is absolutely stunning!🙏🏻❤️”
– Alice Morigi, Google Review
4. Stay Gold Ink Tattoo & Piercing
Address: Sqaq Ġużè Fava, Tas-Sliema
Contact Details: +356 2122 2806
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Stay Gold Ink Tattoo and Piercing has 14 tattoo artists available. Led by Karl John Bezzina, a skilled piercer, his shop has two locations, but the more popular one is in Sliema.
My favourite at Stay Gold is Marc Matthews. He’s skilled in old-school styles and works in Japanese and Neo-Traditional styles. You can’t even tell that he’s fairly new to the gig because of how great his work is!
Another great one is Dylan Xerri, who focuses on blackwork and dark lettering. For the punk clients, he’s your go-to for all things spikes since his work is an incredibly detailed masterpiece.
While they operate primarily by appointment, they do accommodate walk-ins for piercings and tattoos whenever possible. Keep in mind that their tattoos and piercings come at a premium, but the exceptional quality makes it well worth the investment.
The shop itself is traditional, with neon lights and brick walls. Honestly, it’s quite comforting.
Super happy with my 1st tattoo
“Super happy with my 1st tattoo that Dylan did for me today. Professional service, full aftercare explanation and contact details if I have any questions or need to contact him again. Thanks Dylan. It was lovely meeting you today and I hope you enjoy your travels in Australia when you make it over 😊”
– Diane Houghton, Google Review
Made sure that I was comfortable
“Got a walk-in tattoo yesterday there and I highly recommend it! Dylan made sure that I was comfortable, everything went smoothly, I love the tattoo and also the atmosphere was great☺️ And I got all the contact to Dylan so I can text him whenever I have any questions after, amazing!”
– Oliwia Mielczarek, Google Review
5. Moko Tattoos
Address: 30 San Gwann Battista Street, Sliema SLM 1124
Contact Details: +356 7961 5408
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Moko Tattoos has been serving Sliema since 2010, and they’re best for custom art.
There are also free consultations here, so you can get some great advice for your future tattoo. They’re also a fully licensed studio with hygiene clearances by the HCSD, which I appreciate.
Jacob Goodall is best known for colourful tattoos with unique designs. Clients love him for his experimental tattoos that are always one-of-a-kind.
Meanwhile, Laura De Rigo is great with American Traditional and Cartoon Styles. Bonus points for Laura since she can work with clients, even with a language barrier.
They’re one of the few shops that prioritise walk-in tattoos, which is perfect for tourists who are on a tight schedule. I wouldn’t recommend calling, though, since they’re often busy with clients. Just head straight there.
The studio itself is pretty ordinary, but that doesn’t diminish its charm. With various paraphernalia scattered about, such as guitars, it feels homey and cosy rather than sanitised.
The studio is super clean, and the whole experience was amazing
“The studio is super clean and the whole experience was amazing! We had such a great time here with Jacob – he’s incredibly kind, gentle, and gave us great advice about the placement. We’re all really happy with the results! And honestly, not just Jacob – everyone here is super friendly and welcoming. I’ll definitely be coming back in the future. Highly recommend this studio to anyone looking for a great vibe and professional service. Thank u so much!❤️”
– Amelia Podlasińska, Google Review
Laura was so welcoming and made the experience memorable
“I got my first overseas tattoo here and it was fantastic!! Laura was so welcoming and made the experience memorable! She gave honest feedback and direction and brought to life my tattoo idea and made it even better!! What I really appreciated is that we were able to walk in, no appointment needed. It’s helpful when you’re on vacation and can’t always plan out the time or make an appointment. Hands down such a good experience and it’s all because of Laura!! If I ever find myself back in Malta, I’ll for sure come back! Great place!”
– Shanon Narnaware, Google Review