High above patchwork fields and rural villages, Mdina crowns the Maltese landscape. Thick bastions, Grand Baroque palaces, historic churches and its honey-coloured walls glow at sunset, visible from miles away. Anyone searching for meaningful things to do in Mdina realises this is far more than a pretty old town in Malta. This fortified hilltop city holds over 4,000 years of continuous history, yet fewer than 250 residents live within its walls today. Just beyond the fortifications lies Rabat, and together they welcome nearly 1.5 million visitors every year. If you’re planning a trip to Malta, this beautifully preserved town must be on your bucket list. Here’s our guide to what to see, do, and know before you go.
You can spot Mdina from surprisingly far away. As you drive up towards Rabat from the centre of the island, its bastions rise above the countryside. The closer you approach, the more imposing the city walls appear, and the stronger sense of stepping into another age. Once you enter through its gates, the atmosphere changes – it’s quieter, heavier and older, and you feel history in the air.
Why is Mdina in Malta famous?
Mdina gained global recognition as a filming location for Game of Thrones; yet, its fame reaches far beyond television. Once Malta’s capital, it shaped politics, religion, and culture long before Valletta existed. Today, it remains one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. It’s famous for Roman mosaics, noble palaces, grand homes, and monumental Baroque gates inside intact medieval walls.
Winding streets, fortified walls, and a mix of baroque and medieval architecture turn this hilltop city into an outdoor museum. Even UNESCO has placed Mdina on its tentative World Heritage List, recognising its historical importance and cultural values.
A Meaning Behind The City’s Name
The name Mdina reflects layers of conquest, culture, and power in Malta. The word derives from the Arabic term madīnah, which simply means ‘city’. According to the UNESCO website, Arab rulers introduced this term during their occupation, and it stayed. Yet this hilltop stronghold carried several identities before and after the era. Under Roman rule, they called it Melita. Later, the Knights of St John referred to it as Citta Notabile to highlight its noble status. After Valletta became the new capital in the 16th century, locals started calling it Citta Vecchia – the Old City. Today, people refer to it as the Silent City, a nickname inspired by its calm atmosphere and restricted traffic.
Short History of Mdina
The story of Mdina stretches back more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in Malta. According to the UNESCO website, the city’s history dates back to the Bronze Age. However, there aren’t any visible structural remains from this period.
THE CITY’S ORIGINS:
Wikipedia confirms a Phoenician settlement Ann existed here around the 8th century BC. In 218 BC, during the Second Punic War, the Roman Republic captured the island. Under their administration, the urban area expanded far beyond today’s compact walls. Historical records suggest it covered nearly three times the size of today’s fortified city, reaching into what is now modern Rabat. Melita functioned as an administrative centre within the Roman Empire.
Following the collapse of Roman power, Byzantine and later Arab rulers reshaped the city. During the 9th century, violence and instability led to a sharp decline in population. Historical records indicate the area remained largely deserted. Rebuilding began in the 11th century, when leaders restored its defensive role and reduced Mdina to a more manageable size.
For centuries, the city served as the island’s capital. That changed in 1530, when the Order of St John arrived. They shifted political focus towards the coast and established their capital in Birgu. Although the city lost its capital status, it continued to have an aristocratic importance. In the early 18th century, Baroque architecture transformed parts of the city. It also added elegance to its medieval foundations. Today, that blend of eras creates its unique identity.
Things to Do In Mdina for a Meaningful Visit in Malta
Exploring Mdina doesn’t require an entire day, but it does benefit from thoughtful planning. There are several important sights to explore. How much you see depends on your schedule, but a half-day works perfectly. We spent around three hours exploring between the Silent City and its neighbouring town of Rabat. However, one extra hour would feel more balanced without rushing.
Our route included walking the fortified streets and exploring the Domus Romana on the edge of the city. We also spent time underground at St Paul’s Catacombs and visited other attractions. To make planning easier, we’ve divided this guide into things to do inside Mdina’s city walls and those outside in Rabat. This structure helps you move logically between stops and avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Things to do in Mdina inside the city walls
1. Mdina Gate
The moment you reach Mdina Gate, you understand why it ranks as one of the top attractions in Malta. This monument holds Grade 1 protection and also appears on the National Inventory of Cultural Property. Film fans recognise it from Game of Thrones, where it served as an entrance to King’s Landing. Yet, the real highlight comes from understanding its architectural precision and symbolic power.
ABOUT THE GATE
Before you step into the silent streets, you pass through one of the most photographed landmarks on the island. The Mdina Gate, also called the Vilhena Gate, stands as a bold Baroque statement completed in 1724. According to Wikipedia, French architect Charles François de Mondion designed it under the direction of Grand Master Antonio de Vilhena. Vilhena ordered a full restoration of the city entrance in 1722.
This was not a minor upgrade. Builders completely rebuilt the approach and demolished earlier courtyards to construct Palazzo Vilhena. They also repositioned the entrance slightly to create the monumental structure you see today. During your visit, you’ll cross an arched stone bridge with sculpted lions over a former defensive ditch. The façade of the gate with a carved arch features double pilasters. Above them sits a coat of arms for Vilhena and the city, along with a Latin inscription, carved with striking precision.
Turn around once inside, and you’ll see statues of St Publius, St Agatha, and St Paul. Their placement reminds everyone that faith shaped civic identity here.
2. Lose the map and get lost in the Silent City
Silence defines this fortified city more than any monument.
Step beyond the grand Mdina Gate and slow your pace. Put your map away for a moment and walk without a strict plan. Prioritise wandering the backstreets among your things to do in Mdina. The moment you leave the main street, the medieval grid dissolves into a maze of narrow lanes and winding alleyways. High limestone walls rise on both sides and soften the outside noise. This explains why locals gave the city the nickname ‘the Silent City’.
FEEL THE SILENCE:
As you explore, pay attention to the details. Ornate knockers decorate heavy, colourful doors, and stone balconies project overhead. Quiet corners appear without warning, and some paths end in peaceful viewpoints over the countryside. You hear footsteps and horse-drawn carriages echo and little else. Walking these honey-coloured streets in Mdina connects you directly with layers of conquest, culture, and daily life that shape the city and Malta today.
The layout of the streets is no accident. The UNESCO website explains that Islamic rulers organised the town into winding alleys and interconnected streets. This pattern is common in medieval Islamic urbanism across the Maghreb and Sicily. Christian and feudal authorities later added the Bishop’s Seat, the Cathedral, and a royal military post onto the existing street plan.
3. St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina
If you plan your list of unforgettable things to do in Mdina in Malta, start in St Paul’s Square. Here, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul dominates the skyline and defines the city’s identity. This twin-towered cathedral stands out for one simple reason: no other building captures the island’s faith, art, and history in one space.
LEGEND:
Tradition places the cathedral on the site of a home belonging to Saint Publius, the Roman governor who welcomed Paul the Apostle after his shipwreck on Malta. The Acts of the Apostles (28:7–9) in the Bible describes how Paul healed Publius’ father and many other islanders. Wikipedia notes that archaeologists have uncovered remains of a Roman domus beneath the crypt. Yet, historians stress that the palace story forms part of Malta’s wider Pauline mythology rather than confirmed evidence.
SHOR HISTORY:
A small church or a place of worship likely stood on this site as early as the 4th century. According to the city’s official website, a medieval cathedral followed in the 12th century. However, the catastrophic 1693 earthquake in Sicily reduced much of it to ruins. Malta’s leading Baroque architect, Lorenzo Gafa, designed the replacement between 1966 and 1705, creating the structure you see today. Today, St Paul’s Cathedral remains one of his finest masterpieces. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta, a role now shared with St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
ARCHITECTURE:
Gafa kept the exterior of the cathedral relatively simple. Twin bell towers frame the entrance, and the Baroque facade shows Maltese touches. Step inside, and the atmosphere changes completely. The floor displays detailed marble tomb slabs similar to those in St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Each slab commemorates bishops, canons, and members of noble families who rest beneath your feet. The ceiling frescoes illustrate the life of St Paul in vivid colours. Above the apse hangs Mattia Pretti’s dramatic painting of the saint’s shipwreck – a defining moment in Maltese religious history.
GOOD TO KNOW:
But tickets to the Cathedral of Saint Paul at the Cathedral Museum next door. Dress modestly (large scarves are available), and avoid wearing heels to protect the marble floor.
- OPENING TIMES (as of March 2026): According to the cathedral’s official website, you can explore St Paul’s Cathedral Monday-Saturday 9.30 AM-4:30 PM. On Sundays, you visit the cathedral between 3 PM and 5 PM (August from 4:30 PM, behind the rope).
- ADMISSION FEE (as of March 2026): Adults €15, seniors and students pay €10, and children under 12 can visit St. Paul’s Cathedral for free. Entry to the nearby Cathedral Museum is included in the ticket.
4. Mdina Cathedral Museum
After you step out of St Paul’s Cathedral, don’t walk away. Turn right and enter the Mdina Cathedral Museum, housed in an elegant Baroque building. This religious art museum protects the treasures that once belonged to the Church. Inside, you’ll find centuries-old objects, including items dating back to the 1300s. You’ll see paintings, silver liturgical objects and documents that reveal how faith shaped society. The collection also includes the most important archive of Italian Baroque music preserved south of Naples. A visit here transforms your cathedral experience and will create one of the most culturally rich experiences in Mdina.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- OPENING TIMES (as of March 2026): Monday-Saturday: 9:30 AM-4.30 PM (last entry 4:15 PM). The museum is not open on Sunday and public holidays.
- ADMISSION FEE: Admission is included with St Paul’s Cathedral ticket.
5. Palazzo Falson
If you want to see how the Maltese nobility once lived, visit Palazzo Falson. This medieval townhouse dates back to the 13th century and underwent a significant transformation around 1495. According to Wikipedia, it ranks among the oldest surviving buildings in the city, second only to the ground floor of Palazzo Santa Sofia. Over time, the building has gained its Renaissance façade and magnificent courtyard, with an elegant staircase.
The palace takes its name from the Falson family, who played key roles in municipal life. Today, the palace operates as a historic house museum. It feels like stepping into someone’s preserved home rather than walking through a formal exhibition. You’ll move through 17 rooms that recreate the atmosphere of a lived-in noble home. Inside, you’ll see a traditional kitchen, an armoury, a carpet gallery, and Captain Gollcher’s Library, Studio, and Study. The collection extends beyond paintings. It includes silverware, manuscripts, and rare objects of daily life. One of the rarest pieces on display is a 10-hour decimal watch from the French Revolution era. King Louis XVI’s watchmaker, Rober Robin, created only three of these watches. This one is numbered second in the series.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- OPENING TIMES (as of March 2026): Palazzo Falson is open daily from 10 AM until 4 PM, except on Mondays. You also cannot visit it on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day.
- ADMISSION FEE (as of March 2026): Adults pay €12,50, students and seniors €6. Children aged 6-12 can visit for free with an adult, while children under 6 can’t enter this museum.
6. Bastion Square
Walk to the very tip of the fortifications, and you’ll find one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the city. Bastion Square faces open countryside and offers the widest and most dramatic panorama in the city. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Grand Harbour. Look east, and you’ll spot the massive dome of Mosta’s Church of St Mary rising above. Afterwards, take a break at Fior di Latte for classic artisanal gelato or dairy-free flavours. Nearby, Fontanella Tea Garden draws everyone with its layered chocolate cake and terrace views.
7. National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History stands as one of the most educational stops in the city, especially if travelling with children. You’ll find it inside the 18th-century Palazzo Vilhena, a grand building near the city entrance.
According to the official website, Grand Master Vilhena commissioned it in 1724, and the architects designed it in the Parisian Baroque style. Before it became a museum, the building was once home to the Grand Masters when they visited the city. Over the centuries, Palazzo Vilhena adapted to changing needs. It operated as a temporary hospital during a cholera outbreak. Later, it served British personnel as a sanatorium and operated as a tuberculosis clinic. The museum opened in the seventies, and it focuses on preserving the island’s biological and geographical heritage. Inside, the children will discover more than 10,000 mineral specimens, 12,000 birds and mammals. There is also a vast collection of insects, molluscs, and fossils.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The National Museum of Natural History is autism-friendly, partially accessible, and offers lockers and nappy changing facilities.
- ADMISSION FEE (as of March 2026): Adults pay €5, and youths, seniors, and students pay €3.50. Children aged 6-11 can visit the museum for €2.50, while infants and Heritage Malta Members enter free.
- OPENING TIMES (as of March 2026): The National Museum of Natural History is open from 9 AM to 5PM, and closes on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5th of January to 28th of February 2026. From 1st of March to 31st of October 2026, it closes only on Mondays.
8. The Mdina Experience
If you want to better understand this hilltop city, book a seat at the Mdina Experience. This show in Mdina is a must-see attraction a for first-time visitors in Malta. In just 30 minutes, it guides you through 7,000 years of history in clear, simple language. You relive the cult of Mother Goddess, the dramatic shipwreck of Saint Paul and the catastrophic 1693 earthquake that reshaped the city. The show uses a large panoramic screen and features high-quality surround sound through personal headsets.
GOOD TO KNOW:
This experience suits all ages and offers multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese. As of March 2026, adults pay €6, children €3, and supervised children under 5 enter free. Doors open daily from 10 AM until 5 PM. For deeper insight, combine your visit with The Knights of Malta Experience nearby. Choose a combined ticket to save money while deepening your knowledge.
Things to do in Mdina outside its city walls in Rabat
9. Mdina Ditch Gardens
Need fresh air after narrow streets and stone courtyards? Step down into Mdina Ditch Gardens, also known as Il-Foss. This attraction turns a former military defence into one of the most pleasant green spaces on the island.
Once you stand beneath the bastions, you can see the city from a completely different angle. Builders first dug the ditch in the 15th century to strengthen the city’s fortifications. In the 18th century, French architect Charles-François de Mondion redesigned the fortification under the Knights of St John. Instead of filling the ditch, they reinforced it. Today, careful landscaping has transformed this once-strategic barrier into a public garden. Locals use the space for festivals, fairs, concerts, and community events. On a quiet day, you can see joggers and families enjoying some of the best ground-level views of the city walls.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Enter from the small car park near the Greek Gate or walk down the staircase beside Il Veduta restaurant.
10. Howard Gardens
Just beyond the walls lies Howard Gardens, a peaceful park that many tourists overlook. This spacious, leafy open space forms a natural border between the two historic towns: Rabat and Mdina. The gardens stand close to the Roman Villa and offer uninterrupted views of the bastions rising above.
The gardens take their name from Josep Howard OBE, the island’s first Prime Minister. His leadership marked an important moment in Malta’s modern history, and the naming reflects that national pride. Inside, you’ll find lawns with benches, food and drink facilities and shaded pathways with mature trees, which create quiet corners. After hours of sightseeing, this space is a perfect stop for bitter-sweet Kinnie or refreshing Cisk lager.
11. Domvs Romana
Once you’ve walked down every street inside the city walls (easily done), it’s time to explore other attractions outside the fortifications. Just a short walk from the Greek Gate in Mdina stands one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta: the Domvs Romana.
This remarkable attraction sits on the boundary between Mdina and Rabat. Builders constructed this grand Roman aristocratic townhouse in the 1st century BC, when the city was known as Melite. According to information panels on the site, it is the only substantial building discovered within the ancient town of Melite. Domvs Romana is also the richest house ever discovered in Malta. It was not just a private residence, but it also served a major part in the public and political relations of the house owner with the outside world.
HIGHLIGHTS
What makes it unique? The mosaics, which are among the finest in the Mediterranean. They survived almost intact and rival those in Pompeii and Sicily. Elegant geometric patterns and detailed figures still impress historians and visitors today. The Domvs Romana proves how important the city of Melite once was within the Roman world.
Even more extraordinary, archaeologists found the only known set of marble statues of Emperor Claudius and his family ever discovered inside a private house. These types of statues normally stood in public forums, not living rooms. Their presence suggests the owner held strong political influence.
Centuries later, during the 11th century, locals transformed the site into a Muslim cemetery. Information panels on the site note that excavations revealed at least 245 burials and limestone tombstones carved with inscriptions. Today, the museum displays these alongside ceramics, statues, and other objects.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- ADMISSION FEE (As of March 2026): Adults pay €6, seniors and students pay €4.50. Children can visit for €3, while Heritage Malta members and passport holders can explore it for free.
- OPENING TIMES: The Domvs Romana is open daily between 9 AM and 5 PM, except on Mondays (1 March-31 October 2026).
12. Wander the Streets of Rabat
Many visitors rush through Rabat, yet those who slow down discover one of the island’s most fascinating historic towns.
The name ‘Rabat’ comes from the Arabic word for suburb, and its name still reflects that role today. For centuries, the town grew outside the fortified capital and served as its lively suburb. Here, life moves at a local pace, and history appears on almost every corner. Wander into the narrow lanes and follow the rhythm of everyday Maltese life. Sand-coloured limestone houses line the streets, while traditional wooden balconies hang above bright doors painted in deep blues, reds, and greens.
These quiet lanes feel authentic and lived-in, far removed from busy coastal resorts.
History lovers will find some of the island’s most remarkable archaeological sites here. The vast underground chambers of St Paul’s Catacombs and St Agatha’s Catacombs stretch beneath Rabat’s streets. Another major religious landmark is the Basilica of St Paul. Beneath the church lies St Paul’s Grotto, where tradition says that the apostle lived and preached for three months after his shipwreck in AD 60. Today, many pilgrims visit St Paul’s Grotto each year. According to Visit Malta, the cave also became one of the first locations for Christian worship in Malta.
The Basilica of St Paul
TIP:
If hunger strikes, treat yourself to a warm pastizzi from Crystal Palace Bar or Pie Master. These iconic savoury pastries are the island’s most popular street food and cost only a few cents. Locals eat them throughout the day as a quick snack. The diamond-shaped flaky pastries filled with ricotta cheese or curried mushy peas represent everyday Maltese food culture at its best.
13. St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat
Just beyond the old capital, St Paul’s Catacombs reveal a different side of the city. These burial chambers, carved approximately 2,300 years ago, are one of the most powerful archaeological attractions in Mdina and in Malta.
St Paul’s Catacombs form the largest and most significant known underground burial complex in Malta. UNESCO confirms this underground network as part of the four most significant Paleochristian clusters in the Mediterranean, after Italy, Israel, and the Maghreb. The main complex alone stretches across more than 2,000 square metres. No wonder UNESCO has placed these Maltese Catacomb complexes on its tentative World Heritage list.
UNDERGROUND CITY OF THE DEAD
Visit Malta confirms that the catacombs date back to at least the 3rd century BC, when Roman law banned burials inside Melite. Over time, Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine communities expanded the earlier rock-cut tomb tradition into complex underground galleries. St Paul’s Catacombs remained in use until the 7th or even 8th century. In the 13th century, Christians reused part of the complex as a shrine, decorated with murals.
St Paul’s Catacombs consist of 30 underground chambers, which demonstrate the unique coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Pagan burial practices in one location. The site shows evidence of religious tolerance, where different communities buried their dead together in the same underground complexes. They also contain carvings, paintings, and unusual elements, including two circular rock-cut tables used for a communal funerary meal to commemorate the deceased.
GOOD TO KNOW:
St Paul’s Catacombs are partially wheelchair accessible. While the visitor centre, gift shop, and restrooms are accessible, the underground tunnels and catacombs are not. Expect steep, narrow stone steps and uneven surfaces. Wear comfortable shoes and allow at least 60-90 minutes for a proper visit.
- ADMISSION FEE (as of March 2026): Adults €6, seniors and students €4.50, children €3.50. Infants and Heritage Malta Members can visit the complex for free.
- OPENING TIMES: Daily from 9 AM to 7 PM between 1st March and 31st October 2026.
How to get to Mdina in Malta
Reaching Mdina is simple once you understand the island’s layout. The old capital stands high above Rabat on a high plateau in the centre of the island. Because it sits inland, it remains accessible from almost everywhere. Below, you’ll find practical advice based on our real travel experience, so you know what to expect. Plan your journey well, so your visit will start calmly. If you don’t, you may begin your day searching for parking under the midday sun.
BY CAR (FLEXIBLE BUT PLAN AHEAD):
Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to combine several attractions in Malta, such as Mdina and Rabat, in one day. From Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s, follow signs towards Attard, Mosta or Zebbug. Outside peak hours, the drive from Valletta takes around 25-30 minutes. From Sliema or St Julian’s, allow 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Only residents are permitted to drive within the old city. All visitors must park outside the walls.
WHERE TO PARK:
Parking is the most important part of your plan. Spaces fill quickly, even outside peak season.
- MAIN GATE (Playground area)
This small public parking area lies right outside the main entrance near the playground and Catacombs. A parking attendant is usually present, but spaces are very limited.
- ROMAN VILLA (Domvs Romana) CAR PARK
Large paid parking area near the Roman Villa museum in Rabat. From here, you walk uphill towards the gate (about 5-7 minutes). This is the most popular option and fills quickly.
- MOAT PARKING (Il-Foss)
You can drive through a narrow tunnel into the old defensive moat area near the Roman Villa. You’ll find additional public spaces there. An attendant may be present during busy periods.
- OLD RAILWAY STATION ROAD:
A road near the former train station (now a restaurant) sometimes offers available roadside spaces on busy days. This is often the best backup option.
OUR EXPERIENCE WITH PARKING
We visited Mdina on a Saturday in mid-October 2025, around lunchtime. It was not peak summer or a public holiday. Yet finding parking during the weekend was extremely difficult. Every official area was full. We drove slowly in circles for over 20 minutes. Eventually, we found street parking in a residential neighbourhood in Rabat, around 15 minutes’ walk from the Roman Villa. The walk itself was pleasant, but we lost a lot of time.
Lesson learned: Arrive early in the morning (before 10:30 AM) or after 4 PM. That was our original plan, but our rental car arrived later than expected, which caused the delay. That small delay completely changed the experience. Timing makes a real difference here.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT (RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE)
Malta’s public buses connect this fortified city directly from major tourist areas.
FROM VALLETTA
Take routes 51, 52, or 53 from Valletta Bus Terminus (Bay C2). These are direct routes.
- Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes
- Travel time: 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic
- Stop: ‘Rabat’ or ‘Saqqajja’ (right outside the main gate)
- Ticket prices (as of March 2026): €2 summer, €1.50 winter, €3 night service. Tickets remain valid for two hours, allowing transfers.
FROM SLIEMA OR ST. JULIAN’S
Take bus 202. It is the most direct option. Buses can become crowded, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM. Allow flexibility in your schedule.
- Departure: Sliema Ferries / Exiles
- Stops through St Julian’s (Ross or Olivier)
- Travel Time: 50-70 minutes, depending on traffic
- Ticket prices (as of March 2026): €2.50 summer, €2 winter, €3 TD express
- Stop: ‘Rabat’ or ‘Saqqajja’
TIP:
Use Google Maps for live routes and stop locations. In our experience, it’s accurate, though buses often run a few minutes late in heavy traffic.
TAXI AND RIDE-SHARING (FAST AND SIMPLE)
If you prefer speed and comfort, taxis and ride-hailing services such as Bolt and Uber operate throughout the island. Prices vary by demand but usually range between €15 to €25. For families or small groups, these options often feel worth the cost.
HOP-ON HOP-OFF AND ORGANISED TOURS
Several hop-on hop-off bus tours include this fortified city as a major stop. These options work well if you want transport combined with commentary. Guided day tours from Valletta include walking tours of the old city and Rabat. This suits anyone short on time who wants to understand the history without navigating logistics themselves.
Map of Mdina in Malta
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