Malta in the Rain: Top Things To Do When It Rains During Your Trip
St. Paul's Catacombs
This site is managed by Heritage Malta and is one of the city's most historically significant places. St. Paul's Catacombs are a cemetery that was formerly located outside the ancient Roman city of Melite.
The origins of this historical site can be traced back to the Phoenician-Punic period. According to Roman tradition, the tombs of the Phoenician and Punic periods were located outside the city walls.
In 1894, Dr. Antonio Annetto Caruana explored this site. The Catacombs of St. Paul are open to the public every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Twenty of these catacombs are accessible to visitors. If it rains during your trip to Malta, consider taking some time to visit this unique and interesting historical site. You'll find St. Paul's Catacombs in the city of Rabat, near Malta's ancient capital, Mdina.
Malta National Aquarium
With over 250 species, the National Aquarium in Malta is a unique place to spend a day. The Malta National Aquarium has a total of 51 tanks and is divided into different sections. There is also a special area, the Amphibian and Reptile section, where you can see animals from various parts of the world, from invertebrates to reptiles.
The aquarium covers 20,000 square meters and is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. You can also buy tickets online, which saves you time and allows you to enjoy the magnificent display of aquatic animals. The Malta National Aquarium is located in the northern part of Malta's main island.
Saint John's Cathedral Museum
Valletta is home to the Museum of St. John's Cathedral, which houses an impressive collection of religious art. Historical records, liturgical vestments, and objects from the period before the Second Vatican Council are on display, as well as artifacts belonging to the diocese's early bishops and cathedral priests.
The Saint John's Cathedral Museum also pays tribute to the people and events that have shaped the 185-year history of St. John's Cathedral Parish. You'll find the Saint John's Cathedral Museum in Valletta, the capital of Malta.
The Malta Aviation Museum
The Malta Aviation Museum takes you on a journey through Malta's fascinating aviation history. Housed in a former Royal Air Force station spanning three hangars, it now displays jet aircraft, helicopters, uniforms, ground equipment, and other artifacts.
Highlights include the famous de Havilland Tiger Moth biplane and the British Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX.
The aviation museum, which is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 1pm on Sundays, is a fascinating place to learn about the history of Malta and the region.
Bay Street Shopping Complex
What could be better than a shopping trip on a rainy day? The Bay Street Shopping Complex is the largest shopping center on the island, with more than 65 shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
The shops feature well-known brands like Armani and River Island, as well as independent stores specializing in Maltese handicrafts.
Bay Street offers a variety of entertainment options, including a laser tag arena at Multimaxx, a shooting range, a virtual reality experience, and an arcade. End your trip with dinner at an Italian trattoria or a drink at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Esplora Interactive Science Center
One of the best places to visit with the family is the Esplora Interactive Science Centre. It's an interactive science museum with lots of hands-on science experiments that are fun and exciting for the whole family.
There are nearly 200 interactive exhibits covering a wide range of topics, including music, optical illusions, earthquakes, and the human body.
The museum is located in the beautiful Villa Bigh in Kalkara and is open from 9 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Friday and from 10 am to 3 pm on weekends.
Casa Rocca Piccola
Casa Rocca Piccola offers a glimpse into the lives of aristocratic families. This 16th-century palace boasts stunning architecture, furnishings, and decorations. This beautiful place is located in the city of Valletta.
During your language course in Malta, plan a trip to Casa Rocca Piccolo with a guided tour and admire the beauty of the luxurious interior design and decor, and enjoy your time in Malta even when it rains.
More Indoor Activities to do in Malta
1. Relax at a Spa
You do not need to rely on sunshine to unwind or enjoy some pool time. One of the top things to do in Malta-rain or shine-is to visit one of the island's many spas.
While most spas are located within hotels; a lot of them welcome non-guests and offer everything from a refreshing swim or soothing jacuzzi session to full-body treatments and relaxing saunas. Some of the popular names include Carisma Spa and Wellness InterContinental, Myoka 5 Senses Spa, Natraya Day Spa & Wellness, Pearl Spa & DB San Antonio Hotel and Thai Sawadee Hotel.
2. Shop at The Point or Shoreline Mall
Malta may not be known as a top shopping destination, but on a rainy day, visiting a mall is a perfect way to stay dry and enjoy some leisure time. The best shopping malls in Malta include The Point Shopping Mall in Sliema and the Shoreline Mall in Smart City, Kalkara-both offering a great mix of shops, dining, and entertainment for a relaxing indoor experience. You may also pay a visit to Daniels' Mall, The Plaza Shopping Centre and Mercury Shopping District.
3. Watch a Movie at the Cinema
Watching a movie is a timeless way to spend a rainy day, and Malta offers some great cinema experiences. For something a bit special, head to Embassy Cinemas in Valletta. This modern venue features comfortable seating, affordable ticket prices, the latest film releases, and even an on-site bar-perfect for a relaxed evening out, even if you're not usually a cinema enthusiast.
If you prefer something more traditional, you can also catch a film at Eden Cinemas in St. Julian's or Galleria Cinemas in Fgura. Both offer a cozy atmosphere and similar ticket prices, so your choice might simply depend on your location or post-movie plans.
4. Arcade Games, Bowling and Darts at The Eden
One of the top indoor activities in Malta on a rainy day are found at The Eden in St. Julian's. Recently renovated and reopened in 2024, this vibrant entertainment center offers a wide range of fun options, including:
- Bowling (SuperBowl)
- Arcade Games (XP Arcade, with over 100 games)
- Darts (Dart Club)
- Laser Tag (Delta Strike)
- Karaoke Rooms (Bay Karaoke)
- Escape Rooms (X-Cube Escapes)
Guests can also enjoy delicious food from Hangrys and a selection of drinks while playing. For activities like bowling, karaoke, escape rooms, and laser tag, it's best to book in advance, but you can also drop in for arcade games and spontaneous fun.
Conveniently located in the heart of St. Julian's, right next to Bay Street Shopping Complex, Eden Cinemas, and numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants, The Eden is the perfect spot to stay entertained without having to travel far-ideal for a rainy day in Malta.
5. Bar Hopping & Happy Hour in Sliema
Of all the countries (and bars) I've explored, Malta easily ranks among the best for both flavor and value. The island's abundance of Happy Hour deals makes it a fantastic destination for affordable drinks-especially in Sliema, where options are plentiful.
Take a stroll along The Strand in Sliema, and you'll find a variety of connected bars and restaurants, all conveniently sheltered from the rain. Popular spots include The Black Sheep, MedAsia Fusion Lounge, and The Londoner Pub. Most Happy Hour offers typically run between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, making it easy to enjoy a few drinks without breaking the bank.
If you're based in St. Julian's, the lively Paceville area is another great option for rainy-day fun. Known as Malta's nightlife hub, it offers not only excellent Happy Hour deals but also a wide choice of bars, clubs, and indoor entertainment, perfect for keeping the good times going no matter the weather.
6. Try Your Luck at a Casino
Malta's connection to gaming goes beyond online iGaming-it's also home to several lively land-based casinos that make a great rainy-day activity.
You'll find most of them in St. Julian's-Casino Malta, Dragonara Casino, and Portomaso Casino-plus Oracle Casino in St. Paul's Bay. Inside, expect a mix of slot machines, poker, blackjack, and roulette, with drinks, food, and even poker tournaments.
Entry is free; just bring an ID (passport or driver's license), register, and you're good to go. Personally, Casino Malta offers the best all-round experience, while Dragonara delivers that classic casino charm.
Conclusion: Malta remains a stunning destination, even on rainy days
Malta is famous for its beautiful weather. However, it's wise to be prepared for bad weather, or if you have other things to do on this charming island. From historical sites to museums and aquariums, Malta has some hidden gems to offer that you can enjoy on rainy days. So, the next time you visit Malta and get caught in the rain, don't waste any time and visit one of these stunning places.
It rarely rains in Malta. However, it's good to know that Malta offers plenty of exciting leisure activities even on rainy days.
So don't let the rain spoil your mood in Malta and enjoy some of the activities we've mentioned. Would you like to travel to Malta yourself? Then why not combine your trip with an English course and enjoy a wonderful language immersion program in Malta, even on rainy days?
