Rabat

Travel Guide

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

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il-Baħrija

Though il-Baħrija may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Golden Bay and Golden Sands Beach.

il-Baħrija
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

5 out of 5
Dragonara Road, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is €321 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
€321
29 Aug - 30 Aug
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €240 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€240
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (667 reviews)
"Great friendly place, the staff were exceptional. The rooftop pool was ideal for us. A really welcoming place. 👍"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
Corinthia St George's Bay

Corinthia St George's Bay

5 out of 5
St. Georges Bay, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is €216 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€216
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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)
"Very pleasant stay at The Corinthia."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Corinthia St George's Bay
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 23 Jun 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (89 reviews)
"Everything is good but no have there reception guy thats problm only there no one guide"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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! (64 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 26 May 2025

Triton
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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