Rabat

Travel Guide

Photo provided by MTA / Clive Vella
Rabat which includes street scenes, land animals and a house
Rabat featuring a house
Rabat featuring a house, street scenes and heritage architecture
Rabat showing a house and heritage architecture
Discover the archaeological treasures and historical catacombs of the city that was said to be the Maltese home of St. Paul.

Rabat, meaning “suburb” in old Arabic, was once the outer limit of the walled city of Mdina. An ancient city with a history that dates back to the Roman period, Rabat has plenty to offer archaeological and history adventurers. The compact city offers a range of exciting historical sights all within walking distance of one another.

Start your day with fresh strawberries from the nearby farms and set out to discover Rabat’s rich cultural history. Check out the Roman Museum, a rebuilt Roman villa with a range of cultural artifacts on display, including mosaics and sculptures.

Immerse yourself in Malta’s early Christian history at St. Paul’s Church, a charming 17th-century church built on the site of St. Paul’s Grotto. According to the Bible, the apostle Paul and his missionaries took refuge in the grotto after their ship was wrecked off the coast of Malta. Explore the church’s catacombs and take the eerie underground passage through to Wignacourt Museum, a former palace that now houses a collection of paintings, antique silverware and religious relics in beautiful baroque halls.

Discover St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs, two sets of Ancient Roman cemeteries in the center of Rabat. Rent an audio guide at St. Paul’s and wind your way around the gloomy tombs. Across the road, check out St. Agatha’s, another set of catacombs that were also used as a World War II hideout. Explore St. Agatha’s Catacombs and Museum with one of their helpful guides on a scheduled tour and see a selection of ancient frescoes and archaeological artifacts.

Stop by Dingli, a small village about 1 mile (2 kilometres) southwest of Rabat, to see a spectacular sunset from the steep cliffs out to the open sea.Rabat is located 1 mile (2 kilometres) outside the walls of Mdina on the island’s western side. Visit Rabat any time of the year to enjoy its Mediterranean climate, but if you want to avoid peak tourist season, visit between September and May.

Where to stay in Rabat

#greenery #bahrija #malta

il-Baħrija

While il-Baħrija might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Golden Bay and Golden Sands Beach.

il-Baħrija
Corinthia St George's Bay

Corinthia St George's Bay

5 out of 5
St. Georges Bay, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is ¥36,860 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
¥36,860
¥39,612 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"The property is beautiful and excellent..Very clean and good restaurants. We had an exciting stay. The only negative is all the swimming pools have deep ends and not ideal for moderate swimmers. This discouraged a lot of guests from swimmers. There were no lifeguards by the pool either. I nearly ..."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Corinthia St George's Bay
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

5 out of 5
Dragonara Road, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is ¥38,143 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
¥38,143
¥40,984 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
Great hotel for a family holiday
"Brilliant family hotel, great service, spacious & comfy rooms, everywhere is clean and staff always happy to help. Food was brilliant too. We will be going back."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
39 Main Street, Balluta Bay, St. Julian's
The price is ¥38,043 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
¥38,043
¥40,877 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (683 reviews)
"This is a fabulous hotel with lovely, polite and attentive staff."

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blubay Apartments by ST Hotels

Blubay Apartments by ST Hotels

3 out of 5
67, Fleet Street, Gzira, Malta
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Gzira. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (551 reviews)
Pleasantly sui
"Really surprised me and my friends, if your looking for a budget place to stay but in good location this is the place to stay"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Blubay Apartments by ST Hotels
StiLLel Retreat

StiLLel Retreat

3.5 out of 5
Triq Il-Korp Tal-Pijunieri, St. Paul's Bay
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in St. Paul's Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Mellieha Bay and Golden ...
StiLLel Retreat
Park Heights by the Warren Collection

Park Heights by the Warren Collection

3 out of 5
Judge Paolo Debono St, Msida
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Msida. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews)
"Fabulous and very comfortable stay. Polite and friendly efficient staff. Great roof top bar and swimming pool, plus gym. Lovely holiday."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Park Heights by the Warren Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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