Mdina is one of the most visited places in Malta, and it’s easy to see why.
Known as “the Silent City”, this ancient citadel is packed with history and old-world charm. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful buildings on the island.
In this guide, I share the top things to do in Mdina. I also recommend some attractions in neighbouring Rabat.
Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
A bit about Mdina
Mdina has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the ancient Phoenician period.
The city was originally founded as a small settlement by the Phoenicians around 700 BC and was later inhabited by the Romans, who built many of the city’s impressive fortifications.
Over the centuries, Mdina was occupied by different rulers, including the Arabs, the Normans, and the Knights of St. John, all of whom left their mark on the city’s architecture.
Today, the city remains one of the most well-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Europe, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture.
How to get to Mdina
Mdina is a popular attraction among both local and tourists, so it’s quite easy to get to – even by public transport.
The ancient city is located just outside Rabat, which is a hilltop town in central Malta. You’ll find several direct buses to Rabat.
If you’re staying in St. Paul’s Bay (including Bugibba and Qawra), you can get on bus 186 or bus X3 from the main terminus.
If you’re staying in Sliema, you can get on bus 202.
Don’t worry if there are no direct buses to Rabat from your location. You can simply get a bus to Valletta, and from there, you’ll just need to get on bus 51, 52, or 56.
Most buses will stop just outside Mdina, right next to Howard Gardens. You can take a leisurely walk through the gardens and enjoy the sight of the beautiful bastions and the main Mdina gate.
If you’re planning to drive in Malta, getting to Mdina should be easy. Since it’s a popular tourist attraction, you’ll find several road signs to help you get there.
There are also several parking areas around Mdina, though finding a vacant spot may be difficult in the summer months, particularly in the evenings.
The best things to do in Mdina
Mdina is quite small, and you can explore the entire place in a couple of hours (though you may need more time if you plan on visiting the museums).
If you’re visiting Malta in summer, you’ll want to get to Mdina before 9am. The place will be a lot quieter, and you’ll be able to get some lovely shots of the empty streets.
Most museums and shops do not open before 9am. But if you’re there early, you won’t have to queue to get into places.
Here are the best things to do in Mdina, Malta.
1. Wander through the quiet alleys
Mdina is like a maze, but don’t worry if you get lost – you’re always a few streets away from the nearest gate!
As you walk through the winding alleys, you’ll come across all sorts of beautiful buildings and structures, including houses with stone balconies, palaces with Baroque features and Norman windows, and medieval chapels.
If you’re Game of Thrones fan, some of the streets might look familiar. This is because Mdina starred as King’s Landing in season one.
For example, Piazza Mezquita is the site of Lord Baelish’s brother, and a duel between Ned Stark and Jamie Lannister took place in this square.
Here, you’ll also find The Mdina Experience, an audio-visual show that walks you through the city’s 7000-year history.
2. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is Mdina’s star attraction.
This 17th-century building has an impressive facade and boasts a wealth of gems, including paintings by Mattia Preti and beautiful frescoes. Tombstones with marble slabs cover the floor.
According to legend, the cathedral stands on the site where St. Paul converted the the Roman governor Publius to Christianity.
You can also visit the Cathedral Museum, which houses a collection of religious art, Roman antiquities, woodcarvings by Albrecht Durer, and more.
3. Have lunch at Fontanella
Fontanella Tea Garden is a very popular cafe among locals. It’s situated on the city’s ramparts, and offers stunning views of the island.
Fontanella is particularly known for its delicious cakes and milkshakes. It also serves a selection of local dishes and snacks, including pastizzi.
This place is always super busy, especially at lunchtime, so you might need to queue for a table.
4. Check out the views from the ramparts
Mdina stands on a hill in the centre of the island, overlooking the northeastern coastline. Its fortified walls were built to protect the local population from pirate attacks.
From the ramparts, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Maltese countryside and nearby towns, including Mosta and Imtarfa.
In the summer months, you can watch fireworks let off from villages celebrating the local festa.
5. Go for a stroll through the Mdina Ditch Gardens
If you want to escape the crowds while you’re in Mdina, head down to the ditch gardens (known as “il-Foss”).
You can walk along the impressive bastions, sit on a bench in the shade, and take in beautiful views of Mdina from below.
6. Visit the National Museum of Natural History
If you’re looking for interesting things to do in Mdina, you might want to check out the National Museum of Natural History near the main entrance.
Housed in an 18th-century palace, the museum boasts a huge collection of specimens, including a 4000-year-old mummified Nile crocodile and a flying squid.
7. Pop into the bazaar
Next to the cathedral, you’ll find a wonderful bazaar run by St. Dorothy’s Convent.
The shop is housed in a traditional townhouse, and it’s packed to the rafters with trinkets, bric-a-brac, books, antiques, and rare gems.
The bazaar is managed by volunteers and is only open on some days of the week.
8. Step inside Casa Gourgion
Located in the Cathedral Square, Casa Gourgion is hard to miss.
This Neo-Gothic house was built in the 18th-century and belong to an eccentric baron.
The building is now a house museum that offers an insight into the baron’s life, with original furnishings and other collections.
9. Marvel at the beautiful Palazzo Falson
Palazzo Falson is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Mdina.
The palace dates back to the 13th-century and features a cosy garden with a Renaissance staircase and many other architectural gems.
You can explore the rooms and chapel of the Mdina on a guided audio tour. There’s also a quiet little cafe that offers stunning views of the city.
10. Explore Mdina at night
Mdina is simply magical at night. The main gate is beautifully lit up, and old-fashioned lanterns cast a golden glow over the dark alleys.
Mdina is the perfect place for a romantic dinner date. Good dining spots in the city include Bacchus and The Medina.
Alternatively, you can have dinner in neighbouring Rabat, then go for a late-night stroll in Mdina.
11. Travel back in time at the Roman Villa
The Roman Villa is one of the most unique attractions in Malta.
Situated just outside one of Mdina’s gates, this museum houses a collection of Roman antiquities, as well as mosaics and ruins of an ancient dwelling.
Here, you can learn about different aspects of Roman life and culture, including food, education, and fashion.
12. Explore a centuries-old monastery
When you walk through the main gate, one of the first buildings you’ll see is St. Peter’s Monastery, which was founded in 1455.
The monastery has recently opened its doors to the public, offering a glimpse into the mysterious lives of the cloistered nuns who have lived here throughout the centuries.
What to see in Rabat
Once you’ve ticked off all the things to do in Mdina, you can head to Rabat to see more amazing places.
Just a five-minute walk from Mdina, Rabat is home to some of the oldest sites in Malta, including Punic tombs and Roman catacombs.
The main square of Rabat is always bustling with activity. There are shops, cafes, and an impressive basilica dedicated to St. Paul.
Beneath the church, you’ll find St. Paul’s Grotto, which is one of the earliest sites of Christian worship in Malta.
Both the church and the grotto are open to the public.
There’s also a massive complex of catacombs that date back to the third century BC.
You can start with St. Paul’s Catacombs, then head to St. Cataldus Church and Catacombs just around the corner.
Another must-see site in Rabat is St. Agatha’s Catacombs. According to legend, St. Agatha sought refuge here in 249 AD.
The walls of the catacombs are adorned with early Christian frescoes and agape tables hewn out of the rock.
Plus, there’s a small museum in the church with a vast collection of Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian artefacts.
Rabat is a wonderful place, with traditional Maltese houses and cosy alleys. You’ll want to take your time exploring the town, and perhaps have lunch at one of the restaurants in the centre.
Frequently asked questions about Mdina
So, we’ve looked at the best things to do in Mdina, but you might still have some questions about the city. Let’s answer some of them.
Is Mdina, Malta worth visiting?
Yes! It’s a beautiful place, with well-preserved palaces, medieval churches, and a stunning Baroque cathedral.
How long should you spend in Mdina?
I recommend spending a full morning in Mdina. You might also want to have lunch there, and return in the evening to see the citadel beautifully lit up.
If you’re spending a week in Malta, then you can dedicate an entire day to Mdina and Rabat.
Why is Mdina called the silent city in Malta?
Mdina is a quiet and peaceful place. Only residents and people rendering services are allowed to drive into Mdina, and some parts of the city can only be access on foot.
Do you have to be silent in Mdina?
No, but it’s important to respect the residents and the ambiance of the place, especially when visiting at night. Mdina’s population largely consists of elderly people.
Recommended Mdina tours
Want to explore Mdina with a local guide? Check out these highly-rated tours.
