Resembling a time capsule that survived through the centuries, Mdina appears today as a picturesque sleepy town. However, the so-called Silent City of Malta encompasses thousands of years of Maltese history. Mdina served as the capital of Malta for more than 2,000 years, from the 8th century BC until 1530 AD. Despite its small size, the town hosts a number of must-see places, which you’ll find in this Mdina guide.
Specifically, in this article, you’ll read about the best things to do in Mdina and how you can get there. Moreover, I’ll share several travel tips about this stunning town in Malta’s Northern Region and info about its historical importance. Finally, you’ll find a shortlist of the best hotels in Mdina in case you’d like to spend a night or two there.
So, let’s start with this travel guide to Mdina and the must-see attractions. Simply navigate through the sections and find everything you need to know before visiting the Silent City.
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How to get to Mdina
There are several ways to reach Mdina, from public transport to guided tours and from taxis to car rentals. Let’s break down each of them.
To Mdina by bus
The cheapest way to reach Mdina is definitely by bus. The ticket costs 2 euros during the summer and 1,50 euros during the winter. In general, you can reach Mdina from anywhere in Malta, but please keep in mind that Malta has no intercity buses. Therefore, every bus will stop several times on the way. Nevertheless, if you have enough days in Malta and don’t care about riding old buses, that’s a great way to see the country.
From Valletta to Mdina by bus
Most travelers will visit Mdina from Valletta. The buses from downtown Valletta to Mdina start next to the iconic Phoenicia Hotel, and the rides take slightly more than half an hour. However, Malta’s traffic can be chaotic despite its size, and there might be delays. Therefore, from Valletta to Mdina, you must take bus 50 or bus 53. Please click on the links to see the schedule.
From Malta’s airport to Mdina
If you’re a more sophisticated traveler and have booked accommodation in Mdina, you can also travel there directly from the airport. The ride takes approximately 40 minutes. From the airport to Mdina, you need to embark on bus 201.
A travel tip for buses to Mdina
Mdina is a walled city, and both buses and cars are not allowed to drive through its streets. Every bus itinerary to this side of the country will terminate at Rabat, a small city next to Mdina. However, there’s a bus stop straight outside the wall, and that’s where you should disembark. The bus stop is “Mdina.”
A guided tour to Mdina
The Silent City is one of the greatest Malta attractions, and several tour operators offer day trips to Mdina. Most of them start, of course, from Valletta, and there is a variety to choose from. All these day trips will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you back after the tour’s conclusion. There is, of course, a variety of prices depending on the services offered.
There’s a fantastic guided tour to Mdina, and it’s also relatively cheap. It currently costs 28 euros, and it will bring you from Valletta to Mdina, Rabat, and the famous San Anton Palace and Gardens. It lasts 5 hours, and you can book a place here.
To Mdina by taxi
If you’d like to have a smoother journey to Mdina but still prefer exploring independently, you can also take a cab to Mdina. You can either ask your hotel’s reception to book a taxi for you, or you can download the ecabs app (imagine it like the Maltese Uber). The taxis are usually 20-30% pricier than ecabs. I used ecabs extensively on my trip to Malta and was delighted by their services. A trip from Valletta to Mdina booked via ecabs cost me 20 euros.
You can download the ecabs app here (iPhone & Android).
To Mdina by car
Finally, if you feel comfortable driving abroad and right-wheeled cars don’t scare you, renting a car in Malta will give you lots of flexibility. That’s probably the most expensive way to visit Mdina, but if you’re on a road trip to Malta, it’ll save you time.
Things to do in Mdina: what to see in Malta’s Silent City
Mdina has only 300 inhabitants and is, as you can imagine, a very compact city. You can walk every street in less than two hours. However, this doesn’t mean that the city doesn’t have enough places to see. Moreover, one of the most important things to do in Mdina is to enjoy its atmosphere and adapt to its rhythms. I firmly believe such places deserve more time than we usually give them. Therefore, try to spend some quality time in Malta’s gem.
Walk through Mdina’s Gate and start your journey
Mdina Gate (also known as Vilhena Gate) is the main gate to the fortified city. It’s a stunning Baroque Gate built back in 1724. On the entrance, you can see the coats of arms of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena; it was under his reign that the gate was constructed. On the rear side of the gate, you’ll also see the reliefs of St. Publius, St. Agatha, and St. Paul, the patron saints of Mdina.
Plus, if you are a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll probably recognize the Mdina Gate: it’s one of the gates of King’s Landing in “Lord Snow” (S01E03).
See the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral
This impressive Roman Catholic Cathedral is Mdina’s most iconic building. Dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle, the original Cathedral was erected in the 12th century. According to the locals, its position is not random: it stands on the spot where Roman governor Publius met St. Paul after he shipwrecked in Malta.
However, the Cathedral you see today is not the original one. The original was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake of Sicily, and local architect Lorenzo Gafà rebuilt it. The Baroque building we see today dates back to 1705. Don’t miss the opportunity to enter the St. Paul Cathedral and admire its stunning interior. Adjacent to it, you’ll also find the Cathedral Museum, where you can see a number of religious artworks.
Visit the Palazzo Falson
Initially built as a residence for a Maltese noble family, the Palazzo Falson is the second oldest building in Mdina. Named after the Falson family, it’s a museum-house featuring seventeen rooms full of antiques and charm. The building dates back to 1495 and was further enlarged in the 16th century. Despite the speculation, its architect is still unknown.
In the 20th century, Olof Frederick Gollcher bought and restored the iconic palace. Nowadays, it’s a must-see Mdina attraction due to the impressive collection it hosts and because it feels like wandering in a long-lost era. The Palazzo Falson has two floors and is built around a peaceful inner courtyard.
One of the rarest exhibits is the 10-hour French Revolution-era timepiece, one of three that still exists. The clock features a 10-hour day, with 100 minutes per hour and 100 seconds per minute, and was introduced in 1793 as part of Revolutionary France’s decimalization effort.
The Palazzo Falson is open Tuesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. On the top floor, you’ll find the wonderful Gustav Cafe, which enjoys splendid Mdina views.
Pro Malta travel tip
If old times fascinate you and you’d like to learn more about the country’s noble past, there’s a fantastic guided tour for you. It’ll bring you to several palazzos around the island in an unforgettable experience of the country’s history. Of course, Palazzo Falson is part of this tour, together with Palazzo Parisio (the Maltese Versailles), Palazzo San Piro, and the San Anton Gardens.
You can book the Noble Homes tours here.
Walk the narrow streets of Mdina
The city is very small, and one of the best things to do in Mdina is walk its picturesque narrow streets. Every street and every building has a century-long history, and the atmosphere of the Silent City is unique. There’s no way to get lost in the streets of Mdina, and walking all around the compact walled city will create fantastic memories.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that every building has a fascinating history: Mdina is full of palazzos like the Palazzo Santa Sofia, the Palazzo Costanzo, and the Palazzo Gatto Murina. The city is truly an open-air architectural museum.
Enjoy the view from the Bastion Square Viewpoint
Walled cities usually enjoy a strategic location, and they often have fantastic viewpoints. Such a viewpoint you can find in Mdina at Bastion Square, close to Palazzo Falson. You can climb on the square’s top and enjoy spectacular views of Malta -and you can even see the impressive Mosta Dome. The scenic viewpoint offers a panoramic view, and next to it, you’ll find the famous Fontanella Cafe.
Unwind at Fontanella Cafe
After strolling around Mdina, it’s time to discover the best spot to enjoy coffee and delicious cakes. Apart from that, Fontanella lies on the top of Bastion Square, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Malta. If you’re on a short visit to Mdina, make sure to spend some time at Fontanella: the sweets are delicious, and the view is something to remember. Of course, such things come at a price; therefore, be ready to splurge: a piece of cake will cost you about 20 euros.
See Fontanella’s location on Google Maps and save it in your Mdina itinerary.
Explore nearby Rabat
Straight outside the walls and exiting Mdina from the Greeks’ Gate, you’ll find Rabat. That’s a sister town, and despite its old style, it feels more contemporary. Compared to Mdina, Rabat feels like a more modern settlement. However, there’s a good reason to visit Rabat (which in Arabic means “suburb”), and that’s the St. Paul’s Catacombs. The Catacombs lie opposite St. Paul’s Basilica in Rabat, and they are one of the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta.
The Catacombs have thirty rooms, most of which are open to the public. They are part of a cemetery, and you’ll see most of the burial types that the Maltese used throughout history.
Last but not least, in Rabat, you’ll also find the Casa Bernard, another impressive palazzo open to the public. It dates back to the 17th century and is built on top of a medieval watchtower. Don’t let its rather dull facade discourage you: the interior is stunning.
Malta Street Food tip
After exiting the Greeks’ Gate and on your way to Rabat, you’ll come across a small unpretentious eatery called Crystal Palace. It serves traditional pastizzi, a small pastry made of dough and filled with ricotta or peas. Grab one and carry on walking.
Take a Mdina walking tour
If strolling around Mdina is not enough for you, there are a couple of guided tours to expand your horizons. The Mdina walking tours are a pure joy: you’ll walk through an ancient city and listen to its history from a certified local guide. However, since Mdina is small, most of these tours won’t last more than 2 hours. Therefore, consider booking a tour with a local guide to make the most of your Mdina visit.
The best Mdina guided tours cost 15 euros, and you’ll also discover Rabat. You can book the best one here and a very similar one here.
See the beautiful Piazza Mesquita
Finally, still within the walls but slightly off the Mdina center, you’ll see the Piazza Mesquita. That’s probably the most beautiful square in Mdina. After so many narrow streets, it’s time to enjoy some open space, and Mesquita Square also has a cafe-restaurant to relax. The beautiful Piazza Mesquita has an old cistern, and it was -of course- featured in Game of Thrones: it was the shooting location of Littlefinger’s brothel.
So, find a place at the Piazza Mesquita cafe, enjoy some relaxing time, and then go through Mdina’s streets before leaving.
Where to stay in Mdina, Malta
Most people will stop in Mdina for just a couple of hours. While it’s easy to do a Mdina sightseeing tour quickly, it’s a good idea to spend at least one night in this magical place. Late in the afternoon, the crowds will leave, and you’ll have the beautiful Silent City for yourself. Wandering through the stunning streets of ancient Mdina at night is a memorable experience. That said, if you’re on a longer Malta vacation, consider spending at least one night here.
Quite unexpectedly, Mdina has some hotels within its walls and is also home to one of the best hotels in Malta. So, in this short section, you’ll find my handpicked selection of hotels in Mdina and what to expect from them.
The best hotels in Mdina Malta
The Xara Palace Relais & Chateux. One of the best places to stay in Malta is the Xara Palace, located in a stunning 17th-century palace inside the Silent City. It offers luxurious rooms and an award-winning restaurant. This 5-star boutique hotel is a true Maltese paradise, and every room enjoys stunning views. The hotel is next to the National Museum of Natural History. Book your room at the Xara Palace.
Palazzo Bifora. That’s one more great option for your Mdina stay. The Palazzo Bifora is located in an old palazzo and offers beautiful rooms within Mdina’s walls. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool and serves a delicious continental breakfast daily. See the Palazzo Bifora.
St’ Agatha’s Bastion. Finally, if you are a group of people (up to 5) traveling to Malta and would like to stay overnight in Mdina, that’s an excellent option. As its name suggests, St. Agatha’s Bastion is a holiday home featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a swimming pool. Plus, there is a terrace to unwind and enjoy the sun. See St’ Agatha’s Bastion.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Mdina and nearby Rabat.
Facts about Mdina
In the final section of this Mdina guide, you’ll find some extra information about the Silent City. These facts about Mdina intend to give you some additional insights about the city and reply to some commonly asked questions.
Why is Mdina called the Silent City?
After the Great Siege of Malta (1565), Vittoriosa became Malta’s capital. People started leaving Mdina behind, and in just a couple of years, it became almost a ghost town. Therefore, the Silent City nickname refers to the lack of inhabitants. Finally, in 1571, Valletta became Malta’s capital.
Which are Mdina’s Game of Thrones locations?
Mdina’s Gate and Piazza Mesquita are among the filming locations in the first episode of season 3 of Game of Thrones.
Are there any other Mdina nicknames?
While everybody refers to Mdina as “The Silent City,” there are also a couple more nicknames. Mdina is also called Città Vecchia (“Old City”) and Città Notabile (“Notable City”). Finally, the Ancient Greeks called it “Μελίττη” (pronounced: Melíttee).
How much time should I spend in Mdina, Malta?
You can see everything in 2-3 hours. However, for a fuller experience, it would be great to spend at least one night in the Silent City.
Is Rabat bigger than Mdina?
Rabat is significantly bigger than Mdina. Mdina is home to 300 people, while Rabat has 11,000 inhabitants.
When Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked in Malta?
St. Paul shipwrecked in Malta in 60 AD. The location where he met with Publius, the governor of Mdina, became the spot where the Mdina Cathedral was erected.
How did the Order of St. John change Mdina’s fate?
The Order of Saint John took over Malta in 1530. At this time, the Knights decided to settle down in Birgu, and Mdina lost progressively part of its importance. A couple of decades later, Mdina also lost its capital city status. During the Great Siege of Malta, Mdina hosted the Order’s cavalry.
Can I learn more about the city’s past?
Yes, there are two museums dealing with the city’s past. The Mdina Experience will take you on a half-an-hour journey to the city’s past, while the Mdina Dungeons will expose you to the city’s dark history.
Was there ever a train in Malta?
There was a train in Malta for almost fifty years. The so-called Malta Railway was a single-track line that connected Valletta and Mdina. It operated between 1883 and 1931. The locals called it poetically il-vapur tal-art, which means “the land boat.”
Mdina travel guide: Final Thoughts
Mdina is one of the most beautiful fortified cities in Europe. Despite its compact size, the Silent City is home to numerous tourist attractions, and it’s a must-see even if you’re on a long weekend in Malta. The ancient narrow streets, the stunning architecture, and the great vibes of Mdina guarantee a memorable experience.
On the other hand, if you’re on an extended Malta vacation, consider spending at least one night in Mdina. The walled city feels even more atmospheric at night -and you’ll be one of the few people walking the streets.
More Malta guides: 4 days in Malta without a car, Valletta travel guide, What to do in Marsaxlokk, Gozo guide
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Last Updated on June 12, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos