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, plus places to visit in neighbouring Rabat.

Let’s dive right in!

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.

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 place among both local and tourists, so it’s quite easy to get there, 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 busy summer months.

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 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 Mesquita 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 & The Cathedral Museum

St. Paul’s Cathedral is Mdina’s star attraction. It sits proudly in the heart of the city, towering over the main square.

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 is located within an impressive Baroque building, right next to the cathedral.

The museum houses a collection of religious art, Roman antiquities, woodcarvings by Albrecht Durer, and more.

It’s also home to the oldest bell in Malta, which dates back to 1370 and is adorned with beautiful motifs and inscriptions.

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 contains a huge collection of specimens, including a 4000-year-old mummified Nile crocodile and a flying squid.

You’ll also find butterflies and other insects, shells, birds, fossils, skeletal structures, and more than 850 pieces of rocks and minerals.

7. Pop into St. Dorothy’s 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 belonged to an eccentric baron, Giuseppe De Piro Gourgion.

The building is now a house museum that offers an insight into the baron’s life, with original furnishings and other collections.

From the terrace, you can enjoy stunning views of the cathedral and the square. And if you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience, you can book a stay at the house.

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 other architectural gems, including Siculo-Norman windows.

In the 1900s, the palace was purchased by Captain Olof Gollcher, who was an art collector and cultural enthusiast.

You can see some of his collections as you explore the rooms of the palace, including the captain’s art studio, library, and study.

There’s also a little rooftop cafe that offers stunning views of the city.

10. 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.

A section of monastery has been turned into a museum that offers a glimpse into the mysterious lives of the cloistered nuns who have lived here throughout the centuries.

You’ll also get to see the rooms of the Blessed Adeodata Pisani, a Benedictine nun who was beautified by Pope John II.

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.

Next to Howard Gardens, you’ll find the Domus Romana, which is one of the most unique attractions in Malta. The site features a collection of Roman antiquities, as well as mosaics and ruins of an ancient dwelling.

From here, head to to the main square of Rabat. This place 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.

Below the streets of Rabat, there’s a massive complex of catacombs that date back to the third century BC.

St. Paul’s Catacombs served as burial grounds during Punic, roman, and Byzantine times. They were in use up to the 7th century AD.

People from different faiths were buried here, including Pagan, Christian, and Jewish.

The museum walks you through the funerary rites of those times. Then, you can explore the vast network of tombs below the town.

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.

My favourite places for coffee in Rabat are Manouche and Coffee Circus. They’re located on a quiet street, right next to St. Cataldus Church.

For some lovely food, head to Marie Patisserie – opposite the Roman Villa. They make amazing sweets here, too!

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.

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