A Handy Day Guide to Rabat, Malta

Rabat in Malta is a town with deep roots stretching back to pre-Roman times. It has seen everything from Phoenician settlers and Roman governors to Knights and noble families.

But it’s not just the history that makes Rabat special. Unlike other places that have modernised quickly, Rabat has managed to hold on to its traditional Maltese soul. You’ll still find quiet streets lined with colourful wooden balconies, friendly neighbours chatting outside bakeries, and a strong sense of community that’s rare these days.

There’s lots to explore here from underground catacombs and historic churches to quaint museums. And when you’re ready for a break, you’re spoilt for choice with great cafés and restaurants nearby. So whether you’re coming for a culture fix or just a relaxed day out, Rabat makes it easy to slow down and soak it all in.

Is it your first-time visiting Rabat, Malta? Then plan your trip with these must-see highlights that will help you experience the best the town has to offer.

Just outside Rabat’s centre lies the Domus Romana, once the grand home of a wealthy Roman family. Discovered in 1881, the site was part of Melite, the Roman city that once covered today’s Mdina and Rabat. Inside, you’ll find colourful mosaic floors still beautifully intact after more than 2,000 years, along with pottery, sculptures, and personal items from daily Roman life. The museum is compact but rich in detail, offering a quiet escape into Malta’s Roman past. It’s a great way to understand how people lived, entertained, and decorated their homes when Malta was part of the Roman Empire.

Rabat’s St Paul’s Catacombs offer a fascinating underground journey through Malta’s early Christian heritage. These burial chambers were dug out nearly 1,700 years ago and span over 2,000 square metres, making them the largest of their kind on the island. Built just outside the Roman city’s borders (as burials were banned inside city walls), the catacombs were used for generations to honour the dead. You’ll find intricate carvings, painted ceilings, and symbols marking family tombs.

St Agatha’s Catacombs in Rabat are steeped in history and legend. Used during Roman times, these underground tombs offered a safe resting place for the dead outside city limits. But they’re also linked to the story of St Agatha, a young Christian woman from Sicily who fled to Malta to escape persecution. She is believed to have prayed in these very caves. Inside, you’ll find painted chapels and medieval frescoes that still echo the devotion of those who once worshipped here.

St Paul’s Grotto in Rabat is one of Malta’s most spiritually important sites. It is said to be where the apostle stayed after being shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD. Legend has it he lived and preached from this very cave, converting many, including the Roman governor, to Christianity. Today, the grotto lies beneath the Basilica of St Paul and continues to draw pilgrims from around the world. The site offers a quiet space to reflect and connect with the roots of Malta’s Christian faith.

Just off Rabat’s main piazza, the Wignacourt Museum is full of stories from Malta’s religious and wartime past. Originally built as a residence for the Knights’ chaplains in the 1600s, the Baroque building now houses a treasure trove of paintings, artefacts, and church relics. But head downstairs and you’ll discover something even more captivating: a labyrinth of underground passages. These were once early Christian burial sites, later repurposed as air raid shelters during WWII. You’ll also spot a historic bread oven that once served hundreds of locals during the war.

Since Mdina is just a short walk from Rabat, visiting both in one day is a must. Cross the historic stone bridge, pass through the iconic Mdina Gate guarded by lion statues, and step into a walled city that feels like a time capsule. Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is full of elegant Baroque buildings, quiet alleyways, and golden-hued streets that glow in the sun. Here you can visit Palazzo Vilhena, home to Malta’s National Museum of Natural History, explore the Mdina Dungeons for a glimpse into the city’s darker past, and don’t miss the Carmelite Church or the impressive St Paul’s Cathedral. Even a slow stroll here, admiring the ornate door knockers and peaceful courtyards, is an experience all on its own.

Rabat isn’t just about ancient catacombs and historic churches. It’s also a gateway to some of Malta’s most beautiful countryside. Just beyond the town’s edge, you’ll find a different kind of magic: quiet woodlands, terraced farmland, and dramatic cliffs that dip into the sea. Whether you’re up for a nature walk or a scenic drive, the northern and western areas of Rabat offer a slower, more peaceful side of the island that’s perfect for reconnecting with nature.

Tucked on the outskirts of Rabat, you’ll find Verdala Palace, a 16th-century retreat once used by the Knights of St John. Surrounded by Malta’s only woodland, the peaceful Buskett Gardens, this area is popular for Sunday strolls and family picnics. While the palace itself is only open to the public on select occasions, the gardens are open year-round and offer shade, fresh air, and a break from the urban bustle, especially in spring when the area is at its greenest.

Baħrija is a rural hamlet in the limits of Rabat, Malta known for its vineyards and tough crops that thrive in the dry summer heat. It’s also one of the best places in Malta for scenic hikes. Trails weave through farmland, past chapels, and along cliff edges with breathtaking sea views. The walk down to Fomm ir-Riħ is a local favourite. For an extra dose of Maltese history, you can also explore parts of the Victoria Lines near Kunċizzjoni, a 19th-century defensive wall built by the British.

Staying at one of our award-winning AX Hotels in Sliema, Qawra, Valletta, or at our very own 5-star Verdala Wellness Hotel right here in Rabat?

Our dedicated team is here to help you experience the best of the area. Whether you’re after the perfect walking route, a hidden heritage gem, or a great spot for lunch, we’ll point you in the right direction with local, personalised tips. Let AX Hotels help you uncover the charm of Rabat, Malta one memorable moment at a time.