Rabat Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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
Corinthia St George's Bay
Corinthia St George's Bay
5 out of 5
St. Georges Bay, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is ₹20,680 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
₹20,680
₹22,229 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff very accommodating. There is alot of construction within the the area, and away from the main attractions. If your staying onsite, it is a great place to unwind. It would be nice to have some nightly entertainment and music next to the beach bar."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 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 ₹27,166 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
₹27,166
₹29,169 total
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Exceptionally friendly & helpful staff. Particularly enjoyed the Executive Lounge and breakfast buffet. Evening cocktails were also amazing. Will definitely return in the near future."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & SPA
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & SPA
4 out of 5
THORNTON STREET, Sliema
The price is ₹14,100 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
₹14,100
₹15,188 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sliema. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (934 reviews)
"Very clean place and very nice staff"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

1926 Le Soleil Hotel & 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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Bugibba Beach and The ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (70 reviews)
"It was good, I wish the cleaners would knock before entering your room at 8-10 in the morning, apart from that great hotel"

Reviewed on 3 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 Wi-Fi, balconies and cable TV channels. Popular attractions The Malta Classic Car Collection and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (62 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
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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"A great stay at Park Heights. It had everything we wanted. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Apartment was well equipped and well maintained. Clean bedding and towels as required. Close to Valetta. Less than 10 minutes by bus for 2.50€"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Rabat

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful authentic Maltese streets.

Cities near Rabat