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
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

5 out of 5
Dragonara Road, St. Julian's, Malta
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$9,059 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
NT$9,059
NT$9,728 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! (1,010 reviews)
"Excellent stay at the Westin our room was perfect for a small family and the views were amazin. The staff really make it a wonderful place to stay super friendly and attentive"

Reviewed on 2025/8/1

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 NT$6,471 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$6,471
NT$6,959 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (995 reviews)
"We found the staff to be very friendly and accommodating. Good selection of food and drink options and would highly recommend the breakfast option. Family oriented hotel that is quiet as it is located just outside the Paceville area of St. Julians. The hotel is very clean and met our expectations ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
39 Main Street, Balluta Bay, St. Julian's
The price is NT$8,542 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$8,542
NT$9,174 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (660 reviews)
"Good views, good pool. Family friendly."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

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.
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 2025/7/27

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 2025/5/26

Triton
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! (550 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 2025/6/23

Blubay Apartments by ST Hotels
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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