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 NT$6,978 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
NT$6,978
NT$7,501 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (1,020 reviews)
"I had an amazing stay at The Corinthia in Malta! The staff were incredibly welcoming and went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect throughout my visit. The room was spotless, modern, and very comfortable, with stunning views that made each morning a joy. The location was ideal—close ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/31

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 NT$8,672 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
NT$8,672
NT$9,313 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Great hotel with excellent customer service. The room and other parts of the hotel are of high quality and the views from the restaurant as well as other parts of the hotel are stunning. Thank you to all the people who work there for making our stay a memorable one."

Reviewed on 2025/7/31

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$5,748 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
NT$5,748
NT$6,185 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (996 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 2025/7/27

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 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! (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 2025/5/26

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 2025/7/17

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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