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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Rabat Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Malta – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. 5-10% in restaurants and rounding up in taxis is common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | There is no general ban on drinking in public, but local restrictions may apply and drunken behaviour in public can be fined. Drinking outdoors is common during festivals. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in public indoor spaces but allowed in designated areas. |
| Feast of St. Paul (February) |
Religious celebrations and closures. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (September) |
Events and parades. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and religious observances. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Bolt, eCabs, Uber |
| Other: | Malta is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and friendly locals. Summers are hot. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Rabat, Malta
Good Friday processions at Easter, usually late March to April, are among Malta's most impressive
Mnarja folk festival at nearby Buskett Gardens, 28 and 29 June, with food, music and horse races
Most visitors come as day trips from Valletta and Sliema, so crowds peak late morning to mid afternoon
Don't miss
- 🕯️ Explore the ancient corridors of St. Paul's Catacombs
- 🏛️ Visit the historic Wignacourt Museum and underground tunnels
- 🖼️ Admire intricate mosaics at the Domus Romana villa
- 🌳 Stroll through Howard Gardens with views of Mdina's walls
- 🎨 Discover frescoes in St. Agatha's Crypt and Catacombs
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Rabat?
Rabat is a history lover's dream, where you can wander through ancient underground burial chambers, explore Roman villas with stunning mosaics and visit the grotto where St. Paul supposedly lived after being shipwrecked on Malta. The town has a more authentic, lived-in feel than tourist-heavy Mdina next door, with locals going about their daily lives among buildings that span centuries of history. The narrow streets are perfect for aimless wandering, with surprises around every corner – whether it's a baroque church, a hidden courtyard or a tiny café serving traditional pastizzi pastries. While Rabat doesn't have the polished perfection of Mdina, that's part of its charm. It's a place where you can experience Malta's past and present simultaneously. Just be aware that some of the catacombs can feel a bit repetitive after a while and the town doesn't have much nightlife to speak of. The summer heat can also make exploring the underground sites more appealing than walking the streets above ground.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Gozo
This small Mediterranean island features dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and charming villages. The landscape is rugged yet picturesque, with ancient ruins scattered across rolling hills and secluded coves perfect for swimming under the warm sun.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Crystal Palace Bar (Is-Serkin)
🎈Events
-
Feast of St. Paul
-
Holy Week celebrations
-
Summer festas
-
Christmas celebrations
-
Local food festivals
Knowledge before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes for uneven cobblestone streets.
- Combine visit with nearby Mdina, the Silent City, just outside the walls for a full day.
- Book St. Paul's Catacombs tickets ahead; explore ancient underground burial chambers slowly.
- Seek out quiet local pastizzerias in backstreets for authentic Maltese snacks away from tourist crowds.
How to travel to Rabat
Rabat is well-connected to Valletta by public buses, with routes 51, 52 and 53 taking about 35 minutes from the capital. Many visitors also arrive on foot from neighboring Mdina, which is just a short walk away through regular city streets lined with quaint buildings and homes.
Access summary
- From Malta Airport (MLA): Direct bus or taxi, roughly 20–30 minutes.
- From Valletta: Public bus via Mdina/Rabat area, usually about 30–40 minutes.
- From Sliema/St Julian’s: Bus with Valletta or Birkirkara change, around 45–60 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Rabat
Accommodation options in Rabat are limited compared to more touristy areas of Malta, but you'll find a selection of guesthouses, B&Bs and boutique hotels in converted historic buildings. Many visitors choose to stay in nearby Mdina or make Rabat a day trip from other parts of the island.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Rabat
Rabat is compact and easily explored on foot, with most attractions within minutes of each other. The town connects seamlessly with Mdina, making it easy to visit both in a single day. The main bus depot is conveniently located between Rabat and Mdina, serving as a good starting point for exploration.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 10% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Rabat is generally very safe with low crime rates. As with any tourist destination, be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas. The underground catacombs require careful navigation due to uneven surfaces and limited lighting in some sections.
Health & Medical
Malta has a well-developed healthcare system with facilities available in major towns. Pharmacies in Rabat can provide basic medications. For serious issues, hospitals in larger cities offer comprehensive care. Travel insurance is recommended for visitors.
Accessibility
Rabat's narrow, sometimes steep streets and underground attractions present challenges for those with mobility issues. Many historical sites, including the catacombs, involve steps and uneven surfaces with limited accessibility accommodations.
Tap water
Tap water in Rabat is safe to drink but has a distinct taste that some visitors find unpleasant. Bottled water is widely available and affordable. Staying hydrated is important, especially during summer months.
Packing recommendations for Rabat
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
summer
🧥
Waterproof jacket
winter months
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for church visits
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
for cooler evenings
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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