Rabat

Travel Guide

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

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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 P13,692 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P13,692
P14,717 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Liked the spa and salon. Lots of space and area's to sit near pools. Lots of places to eat. Room was spacious and excellent view"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 P16,928 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P16,928
P18,179 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
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)
Can’t wait to go back
"This was truly one of the best hotel stays I’ve ever experienced. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional - every single staff member we encountered was genuinely warm, welcoming, and attentive. They were especially kind to my son, greeting him with a high five each day and making ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
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
The price is P11,370 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P11,370
P12,233 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (992 reviews)
"We are always happy to book our Vacations with Expedia, although there are no human contacts at the time of booking, but managing good flight, hotels etc."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
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 Mellieha Bay and Golden ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (88 reviews)
"Everything is good but no have there reception guy thats problm only there no one guide"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 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 Mellieha Bay and St George's Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (63 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! (108 reviews)
"Bathroom was nice and overall great service"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 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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