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 artefacts 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 artefacts.

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 ฿3,935 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿3,935
฿4,249 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
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! (1,020 reviews)
"The staff were lovely and service was mostly good (although room service was extremely slow). Room was very clean and comfortable but the decor and finish was quite dated. Good choice of bars, restaurants and outdoor spaces, although pools and terrace access was restricted on occasion for private ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Corinthia St George's Bay
Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
39 Main Street, Balluta Bay, St. Julian's
The price is ฿6,046 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
฿6,046
฿6,507 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (741 reviews)
"The short response to our stay at the Malta Marriott Resort & Spa is simply "Wonderful". The those wanting more detail: My wife and I stayed for 7 nights, half board, 11-18 October 2025, booked as a package through Expedia. The check-in process was professional and courteous, something common to ..."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

5 out of 5
Dragonara Road, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is ฿6,439 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
฿6,439
฿6,928 total
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (1,020 reviews)
"The area is extremely busy with only One way in and one way out of the hotel when driving with the crazy traffic that was there, it made it extremely difficult to get to the hotel"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
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.
AX The Heights Residences

AX The Heights Residences

4 out of 5
Triq Ir-Rghajja, Ir-Rabat, RBT 2418, Rabat
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Rabat. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Golden Bay and St George's Beach ...
AX The Heights Residences
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 Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (555 reviews)
"Kitchenette was enough for me. Fridge. Hob ( not used) kettle ( not used) Microwave.( not used) Plenty of places nearby for groceries. Didn't need to cook anything."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Blubay Apartments by ST Hotels
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! (133 reviews)
"Everything was great on this place , the room was very luxury and comfortable, I wished stay longer."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 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

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Reviews of Rabat

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 67%
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3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful authentic Maltese streets.

Cities near Rabat