What to Do in Malta When It Rains – Top 10 Indoor Activities

Though amously known for nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, indoor activities in Malta are essential for those occasional rainy days or summer heatwaves. When it rains, it can rain hard, and when it’s hot, even the shade offers little to no relief.

So, the question is, what can you do on a rainy day in Malta, or when the heat becomes unbearable?

Below, I’ve gathered the top indoor things to do in Malta and what you can expect from each activity. Because even if you choose “the best time to visit Malta“, bad weather can surprise you and disrupt your plans.

An overview of what to do on a rainy day in Malta

1. Swim and Relax at a Spa
2. Shopping at The Point or Shoreline Mall
3. Visit One – Or a Few – Museums
4. Watch a Movie at the Cinema – In style
5. Bowling, Arcade Games and Darts at The Eden
6. Bar Hopping in Sliema – With Happy Hour
7. Try Your Luck at a Casino
8. Try Your Skills in an Escape Room
9. Visit The National Aquarium
10. Explore the St. Paul’s Catacombs

1. Swim and Relax at a Spa

You don’t need to be outside in the sun to find some relaxation or pool time. One of the best things to do in Malta when the weather is bad (or good), is to visit one of the many spas. These are typically connected to a hotel but can also be visited by non-guests and offer anything from a simple swim or a relaxing soak in a jacuzzi to a full body treatment and sauna.

Compare some Popular Spas in Malta

Spa	Rating*	Location	Starting Price
Carisma Spa & Wellness InterContinental	4.3⭐	St. Julians	€20
Myoka 5 Senses Spa	4.5⭐	St. Julians	€70
Nataraya Day Spa & Wellness	4.5⭐	Mellieħa	€20
Pearl Spas – db San Antonio Hotel	4.4⭐	St. Paul’s Bay	€40
Thai Sawadee Spa	4.5⭐	Sliema	€25

2. Shopping at The Point or Shoreline Mall

Malta is far from being a top location when it comes to shopping, in my opinion. But on a rainy day, a mall is definitely a great choice to stay dry and pass the time. The best and biggest options for shopping are by far The Point, in Sliema, and the newer Shoreline Mall located in Smart City, Kalkara.

 The Point

• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 19:30, Sunday 11:00 – 18:00
• Location: Tigne Point Tas-Sliema TP, Tas-Sliema
• Google rating: 4.3⭐

The Point, also known as Tigné Point, was opened in 2010 and has since become a popular shopping destination. The reason behind the popularity is not only because it covers 15,000 m² and offers over 60 stores and a few cafés and restaurants, but also because it is conveniently located in Sliema. For those unfamiliar with Sliema, it is the third-largest community in Malta and a hotspot for various activities and accommodations, all right next to the seaside.

Shoreline Mall

• Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:30
• Location: Smart City Malta Ricasoli, Kalkara
• Google rating: 4.4⭐

The second great shopping option for those looking for entertainment in Malta when the weather is bad is Shoreline Mall, opened in march 2024. It’s a bit further away, but with a size of 25,000 m², it houses over 35 shops, several dining options, and the indoor adventure park Gravity. The easiest and fastest way to get there is by cab, where for example Bolt is a great app in Malta for quick ordering by mobile.

While at Shoreline Mall, you can also check out the SmartCity Fountain—a huge dynamic water show with lights and music running every 30 minutes from 12:00 to 22:30. For the best experience, enjoy the show while dining (or drinking) at The Londoners Pub, which offers a great view of the spectacle.

Alternative Shopping Malls

The Point and Shoreline Mall are not the only malls on the island, nor the only shopping options. Below, you can compare a few other “malls” (more like shopping areas) where you can shop ’til you drop on a rainy day in Malta.

• Daniel’s Mall, Hamrum (4.4 ⭐)
• The Plaza Shopping Centre, Sliema (4.0 ⭐)
• Mercury Shopping District, St. Julians (4.4 ⭐)

3. Visit One – Or a Few – Museums

• Price: Free – €14
• Location: Various

Malta is famous for its sunny beaches and lively nightlife, but it’s also full of cultural and historical treasures, especially when it comes to museums. The island has a great variety of museums that appeal to all kinds of interests, from archaeology and fine arts to wartime history and interactive science. 

Many of these museums are located in the capital city of Valletta, making it an ideal place for museum hopping. Mdina is another great option if you want to make the most of a rainy day in Malta.

Compare some Popular Museums in Malta

Museum	Rating*	Location	About	Price
National Museum of Archaeology	4.4⭐	Valletta	Highlights the island’s ancient history, from Neolithic temple builders to early Phoenicians	€5 (adults)
The Lascaris War Rooms	4.6⭐	Valletta	Underground tunnels and chambers that served as the island’s WWII defense headquarters, later used by NATO and now open as a museum.	€14 (adults)
MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum	4.4⭐	Valletta	A collection of works by Maltese and international artists, primarily representing major European artistic styles.	Free
Esplora Interactive Science Centre	4.7⭐	Kalkara	Offers hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and educational programs for all ages.	€8
Malta Aviation Museum	4.5⭐	Attard	Displays the island’s aviation history with a focus on aircraft and exhibits from World War II and beyond.	€9
Malta Maritime Museum	4.2⭐	Birgu	Showcases the island’s rich naval history through a collection of maritime artifacts and exhibits.	€8
Palazzo Falson	4.6⭐	Mdina	A historic house museum that showcases the former home of a Maltese noble family, filled with antique furniture, art, and artifacts, giving visitors a glimpse into the island’s medieval history and noble life.	€12
Mdina Cathedral Museum	4.5⭐	Mdina	Displays religious art, artifacts, and manuscripts, highlighting the island’s religious and artistic heritage.	€10

4. Watch a Movie at the Cinema – In style

• Price: Starting from €9
• Location: Valletta, St. Julians or Fgura

Going to the cinema is a classic choice when the weather isn’t in your favor, and it’s certainly an option in Malta. To make things more interesting, I recommend visiting Embassy Cinemas in Valletta. 

Why? Embassy Cinemas offers a unique experience with modern facilities, comfortable seating, standard ticket prices, a great selection of the latest films, and even a bar. For someone like me, who isn’t really a fan of cinemas to begin with, it definitely makes the experience more enjoyable.

Of course, you can also opt for more basic options for watching a movie. You currently have two choices: Eden Cinemas in St. Julian’s or Galleria Cinemas in Fgura. The decision mostly depends on your location or what you wish to do after the film credits roll, as ticket prices are about the same.

5. Bowling, Arcade Games and Darts at The Eden

One of the best indoor activities in Malta on a rainy day can be found at The Eden in St. Julians. The entertainment center, recently renovated and reopened in 2024, offers plenty of activities:

• Bowling (“SuperBowl”) 
• 100+ Arcade Games (“XP Arcade”)
• Darts (“Dart Club”)
• Laser Tag (“Delta Strike”)
• Karaoke Rooms (“Bay Karaoke”)
• Escape Rooms (“X-Cube Escapes”)

While playing, you also have access to food (from Hangrys) and drinks. For bowling, karaoke, escape rooms, and laser tag, it’s recommended to book in advance. Otherwise, you can simply drop by and enjoy a few games of your choice.

In terms of location, it’s right in the center of St. Julians, next to the Bay Street shopping complex, Eden Cinema, and plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants. In other words, it’s an ideal place to find entertainment without having to move around too much.

6. Bar Hopping in Sliema – With Happy Hour

Of all the countries (and bars) I’ve visited over the years, Malta definitely takes a top spot in terms of taste and value for money. We can, of course, thank the abundance of Happy Hour(s) around the island for this, with Sliema being a prime location to find these great deals.

If you walk along the area known as “The Strand” in Sliema, you’ll come across multiple bars and restaurants, all conveniently connected and sheltered from any bad weather. Some popular stops include The Black Sheep (4.4⭐), MedAsia Fusion Lounge (4.4⭐), and Gourmet Cocktail Bar & Grill (4.5⭐). In general, Happy Hour deals are available from around 16:00 to 20:00.

Happy hour in St Julians, specifically in the area known as “Paceville”, is also a great option if the weather is against you. This party hub has a lot to offer, not only in terms of delicious drinks but also clubs and other indoor activities.

7. Try Your Luck at a Casino

• Price: Free entrance
• Location: St. Julians or St. Paul’s Bay

iGaming (aka online gambling) is undeniably a major part of Malta’s vibe, not just for the job opportunities it creates but also for shaping the island’s reputation on the global stage. But let’s not forget the land-based casinos, which add to Malta’s allure as a hotspot for gaming enthusiasts.

Once inside, you’ll first and foremost see a lot of slot machines. Then, there are the classic casino games run by dealers, such as blackjack, poker, and roulette, along with occasional poker tournaments. Of course, drinks and food are also available.

The island is home to four land-based casinos, three of which are in St. Julians and one in St. Paul’s Bay:

1. Casino Malta, St. Julians (4.1⭐)
2. Dragonara Casino, St. Julians (4.1⭐)
3. Portomaso Casino, St. Julians (4.0⭐)
4. Oracle Casino, St. Paul’s Bay (3.9⭐)

My personal favorite is Casino Malta, but Dragonara is also a great option if you want to experience that classic casino vibe.

All you need is an ID (such as a passport or driver’s license), fill in a few details, and BAM—you’re ready to roll. You play by inserting cash into the machine (no worries, there are ATMs inside), which is then added to your card for easy switching between machines. If you hit a win or are done for the day, you can cash out your funds at a desk inside.

Gamble Responsibly – Age 18+ (25+ for Maltese Citizens)

8. Try Your Skills in an Escape Room

• Price: From €24 per person
• Locations: Fgura or Santa Vera

If you’re up for a challenge and want to put your problem-solving skills to the test, why not try out an escape room? Malta has a growing selection of escape rooms that are perfect for a rainy day activity. These interactive experiences require you to work together with friends or family to solve puzzles, find clues, and escape within a set time limit.

Each escape room has its own theme, ranging from mystery and adventure to horror and history, so you can choose the one that suits your interests best. Some popular options include Can You Escape? (5.0⭐) in Fgura, known for its variety of rooms with different difficulty levels, and Escape Room 125 (5.0⭐) in Santa Vera, which offers unique and immersive scenarios that are sure to keep you on your toes.

9. Visit The National Aquarium

• Price: €14 (adult) 
• Location: San Pawl il-Baħar
• Google rating: 4.3 ⭐

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, heading indoors to the National Aquarium in Bugibba is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. The aquarium is not only a family-friendly destination but also offers a fascinating look at the marine life that inhabits the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.

The National Aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea creatures, from colorful tropical fish and graceful rays to the more elusive seahorses and jellyfish. One of the highlights is the large walk-through tunnel where you can get up close with sharks and other large marine animals as they swim overhead

Once you’ve explored the aquarium, you can relax at the on-site café, which offers stunning views of St. Paul’s Bay.

10. Explore the St. Paul’s Catacombs

• Price: €6 (adult)
• Location: Hal-Bajjada, Ir-Rabat
• Google rating: 4.3 ⭐

Sure, visiting the Catacombs could technically be considered a museum visit, but I’m going to set that aside for now so I can get a complete list of top 10 things to do on a rainy day in Malta.

So, what’s the fuss about St. Paul’s Catacombs?

St. Paul’s Catacombs, located in Rabat, are a fascinating underground network of tombs and burial chambers that date back to the Roman era. During your visit, you can explore the winding tunnels and see the intricate carvings and ancient stonework that have survived for centuries. The catacombs were used as burial sites by the early Christians in Malta and provide a unique glimpse into the island’s early history and culture.

As you walk through the catacombs, you’ll find various chambers that once served as final resting places, complete with stone slabs and carved-out niches. Some sections even feature frescoes and other decorative elements that have stood the test of time. It’s a quiet, atmospheric experience that offers a contrast to the bustling streets above.

To Summarize the Best Indoor Activities in Malta on a Rainy Day

Even though most people don’t visit the island to stay indoors, there’s no doubt that there are plenty of great things to do in Malta when it rains. The good thing about Malta is that bad weather usually doesn’t stick around for long. So, while a windy or rainy day might disrupt some of your beach plans, it won’t ruin your entire vacation.

To wrap things up, there are a few ideal locations to stay in if you want access to multiple entertainment options within a smaller radius—namely St. Julians, Sliema, and Valletta. Otherwise, getting around the small island by cab (preferably using the Bolt or Uber apps) is very easy and affordable—so go ahead and explore!

Add Your Recommendation for Top Indoor Activities in Malta

If you think this list of the best indoor activities in Malta is incomplete, feel free to reach out using the form below. I’ll gladly include your suggestion and provide a link to your personal page as credit. Thanks in advance!