Rabat

Travel Guide

Photo provided by MTA / Clive Vella
Rabat featuring heritage architecture, land animals and street scenes
Rabat featuring a house
Rabat showing heritage architecture, street scenes and a house
Rabat featuring heritage architecture and a house

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 centre 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

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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 CA $331 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
CA $331
CA $356 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (997 reviews)
"Charming hotel, although a bit dated in decor. Staff were friendly but not always the most knowledgeable. Felt understaffed for such a large hotel so service was sometimes slow. Spa facilities were not the best for the price. Breakfast was lovely. Would stay again as location great."

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 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 CA $482 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
CA $482
CA $517 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (1,005 reviews)
"A very grant hotel, with excellent restaurants and impeccable service. I would certainly return."

Reviewed on Aug. 25, 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 CA $429 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
CA $429
CA $461 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (678 reviews)
"Everything was perfect from the property to its location to the staff. Very family friendly. Highly recommended the club rooms/lounge"

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (91 reviews)
"Just a stroll from he water - cute rooms. A bit dated but comfortable enough and a great location. The reception fellow during the day was amazing 🏆"

Reviewed on Aug. 24, 2025

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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