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 ¥40,975 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥40,975
¥44,015 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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! (1,004 reviews)
Wonderful time
"Very easy to check in. Stuff were extremely helpful and friendly. Parking at the hotel is 3 euros per day. Breakfast was fantastic lots of choices. Gym is small but we enjoyed the workouts. The room is spacious and has a beautiful view. Definitely recommend this hotel. 😇"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Corinthia St George's Bay
Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
5 out of 5
St. George's Bay, St. Julian's, Malta
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥40,958 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
¥40,958
¥43,996 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (994 reviews)
"Everything was perfect"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
5 out of 5
Dragonara Road, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is ¥51,198 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
¥51,198
¥54,953 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Great family get away! Very attentive and helpful staff! My family had a good time and enjoyed our stay here! This resort has so much to offer and you can have a good time here even if you decide not to explore Malta for a day or two."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
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.
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 Bugibba Beach and The ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (73 reviews)
"The apartment was nice and very clean, and the staff were kind and helpful. I really appreciated that. But unfortunately, there was loud construction work starting every morning around 7am, which made it hard for me to rest properly. It would’ve been nice to know about it before booking, or at least ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

StiLLel Retreat
Triton
Triton
3 out of 5
Triq It-Tartarun, Qawra, St. Paul's Bay
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in St. Paul's Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions The Malta Classic Car Collection and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and very accommodating. The room was clean but the bathroom toilet did not flush properly and the shower pressure was a little low. The room was clean but was not thorough. It was not a bad stay however it can be improved"

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Triton
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! (101 reviews)
"A great stay at Park Heights. It had everything we wanted. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Apartment was well equipped and well maintained. Clean bedding and towels as required. Close to Valetta. Less than 10 minutes by bus for 2.50€"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 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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Things to do

Reviews of Rabat

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