Rabat, Malta: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

When it comes to finding the best places to stay in Rabat, travelers are spoiled for choice, with options ranging from historic guesthouses to stylish boutique accommodations. In the heart of Rabat’s old town, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of narrow streets and local life while staying at charming heritage properties. A standout choice is Quaint Boutique Hotel Rabat, which blends traditional Maltese architecture with modern comfort. Its location near St. Paul’s Church makes it ideal for those who want to explore on foot. Another excellent option in the same area is Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse, a family-run guesthouse offering warm hospitality and rooms filled with character, just a short walk from Mdina Gate.

For travelers looking to stay closer to the border between Rabat and Mdina, the Howard Gardens area offers both convenience and views. Point de Vue Guesthouse is a favorite among visitors for its cozy rooms and panoramic terrace overlooking the countryside and Mdina’s bastions. It’s perfect for those who want to combine relaxation with easy access to the main attractions. Just nearby, Melite Apartments provides a more self-catering experience, ideal for longer stays or those who prefer extra privacy and space.

Those who want to enjoy a bit more tranquility can head slightly further out toward the countryside surrounding Rabat, where elegant accommodations blend nature and comfort. Corinthia Palace Malta is a short drive away and offers luxury amenities, gardens, and a serene spa experience — ideal for unwinding after exploring Rabat and Mdina. Whether you choose a boutique guesthouse in the old town, a charming inn overlooking Howard Gardens, or a peaceful retreat just outside the city, staying in Rabat promises a delightful mix of Maltese heritage, comfort, and local authenticity.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Rabat. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Visiting Rabat in Spring (Best)

Spring is the best time to visit Rabat, when mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make exploring the town and its surroundings especially enjoyable. The air is fresh, the days are comfortably warm, and the streets come alive with outdoor cafés and local activity. This season also coincides with several religious processions and Easter celebrations, which are deeply rooted in Maltese tradition. Visitors can witness beautifully decorated churches, local parades, and festive community gatherings that showcase Rabat’s strong cultural spirit. The season’s balance of pleasant weather and authentic local life makes spring ideal for discovering the town at its most vibrant.

Visiting Rabat in Summer

Summer in Rabat is lively and full of energy, with long sunny days and a welcoming atmosphere. The town’s elevated location helps moderate the heat, making it a more comfortable escape compared to coastal areas. Summer is also the season of village festas, colorful religious festivals that bring the community together with fireworks, band marches, and traditional food. One of the highlights is the Feast of St. Paul, which fills Rabat’s streets with lights, music, and celebration. While the temperatures can get quite high, visiting early in the morning or in the evening allows for a more relaxed experience.

Visiting Rabat in Autumn

Autumn in Rabat is calm, pleasant, and filled with golden light that enhances the town’s honey-colored stone buildings. The weather remains warm well into October, providing perfect conditions for walking tours and photography. The crowds of summer taper off, leaving behind a peaceful atmosphere ideal for those who prefer quieter exploration. During this season, visitors can enjoy local harvest events and cultural festivals, which highlight Malta’s agricultural heritage and traditional cuisine. Autumn is also a wonderful time to combine a visit to Rabat with nearby countryside walks through the island’s scenic landscapes.

Visiting Rabat in Winter

Winter in Rabat brings a different kind of charm — tranquil, reflective, and cozy. Temperatures remain mild compared to much of Europe, making it easy to explore on foot without the summer heat. The town’s cafés and bakeries provide warm retreats, perfect for sampling traditional Maltese pastries and coffee. This is also the time when Christmas festivities add a festive glow to the town, with nativity scenes, decorations, and community events. For those seeking peace and a deeper connection to the local rhythm of life, winter in Rabat offers a uniquely serene experience.

Nearest airports: The closest airport to Rabat is Malta International Airport, the country's main gateway for international travel. It connects Malta with major European and Mediterranean cities through both full-service and low-cost airlines. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to on Booking.com.

Transfers and taxis: From the airport, reaching Rabat is straightforward. A taxi or private transfer takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Several ride-hailing services and pre-booked airport shuttles also operate direct routes to Rabat, offering comfort and convenience.

Public transport: For a more budget-friendly option, visitors can take a public bus from the airport to Rabat. Routes typically pass through Valletta before continuing toward Rabat, with the total journey lasting approximately 45–60 minutes. From Valletta, take the number 51 bus, which runs regularly throughout the day and takes about 25–30 minutes to reach Rabat, just outside Mdina's walls. From there, it's only a short walk into the Silent City, where everything is easily explored on foot. The current day fare for a single journey is €2.00, valid for two hours across Malta's public transport network (with slightly higher fares at night). This makes the bus both an affordable and convenient way to visit one of Malta's most historic destinations.

Getting to Rabat by Car

Driving routes: Driving to Rabat is simple thanks to the island's compact size and well-signposted roads. The town is roughly a 25-minute drive from Valletta, following the Central Link Road (Route 7) that passes through Attard and into Mdina and Rabat.

Parking information: Rabat offers several public parking areas near its historic center and by Howard Gardens, just outside the city walls. Parking is generally free or inexpensive, though spaces can fill quickly during weekends or festival days.

Car rental options: Renting a car from the airport or major tourist hubs gives travelers flexibility to explore Rabat and the surrounding countryside. Drivers should note that in Malta, traffic flows on the left-hand side of the road, similar to the UK system.

Travelling around Rabat

Rabat is compact and best explored on foot, with most of its attractions — such as St. Paul's Catacombs, St. Paul's Church, and the quaint lanes around the main square — located within walking distance of each other. The town's pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to wander at a leisurely pace while discovering local shops, cafés, and hidden courtyards. For travel beyond Rabat, regular bus routes connect to Mdina, Dingli, and Valletta, while taxis and rideshare services are readily available for short trips or day excursions.