Mdina is the old capital city of Malta with a rich history. The city greets you with an extravagant archway. Upon walking through you’ll notice a decrease in noise because of Mdina’s ban on domestic vehicles. This makes walking around Mdina a very quiet and peaceful experience. If you’re planning a day trip here, we’ll show you some of the most unique landmarks, attractions, and activities. Mdina is a unique place that appeals to anyone seeking history, culture, adventure, or a quiet area to relax.
Here are the best things to do in Mdina, Malta.
1. City Streets and Views
Once inside Mdina, there’s no need to immediately start searching for things to see and do. Take some time to walk the streets and explore the area first. The streets and buildings are very different from those found in other countries. You’ll instantly notice the tranquil silence, ideal for visitors looking for a relaxing trip. Walking deeper into the city, you will eventually reach Bastion Square (Pjazza Tas-Sur). Bastion Square has magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding Malta countryside and some affordable places to eat and sit down.
2. The Mdina Experience
The Mdina Experience is an audio-visual tour of the detailed history and mysteries that surround Mdina. It is located in an old medieval building on Mesquita Square. With an air-conditioned theatre, comfortable seating, and the latest tech installments, you’ll have a unique viewing experience. The 25-minute-long presentation provides interesting information about Mdina’s history. Learn about St Paul, the Romans, the Knights of Malta, and the earthquake. It’s all delivered in an entertaining and easily digestible manner. The Mdina Experience is open 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Monday-Saturday) and 9:30 am – 3:30 pm (Sunday).
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
- Address: 7 Triq Mesquita, L-Imdina, Malta
3. Mdina Dungeons
The Mdina Dungeons is an interactive experience that is equal parts spooky entertainment and educational history. The Dungeons consists of one tour underneath the streets of Mdina. It focuses on the darker side of Mdina’s history. Each area reveals a particular incident or individual(s) that left a lasting impression on the city and country. Some of the things you’ll learn about include torture techniques, the punishments for being a witch, and the violent French rule of Malta.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am-4pm; weekend 9:30am-4:30pm
- Address: St. Publius Square, L-Imdina, Malta
4. Mdina Glass
Mdina Glass is a unique glassware shop because all its products are made in the same building. The actual shop sells beautifully hand-blown glassware including clocks, decorations, glasses, and mirrors. But the real highlight is the glassblower crafting objects from molten glass. Make sure you spare some time to watch the glassblower.
- Opening Hours: Jan to Mar 10am-5pm; Apr to May 10am-6pm; Jun 9:30am-7pm; Jul to Sep 10am-10pm; Oct to Dec 9:30am-6pm
- Address: St Publius Square Mdina, MDN 1010, Malta
5. Catacombs
Mdina has St Agatha’s Catacombs, which is basically a chapel where it’s believed St Agatha, a patron saint of Malta, prayed. Taking the guided tour inside gives you an opportunity to learn about the various paintings and grave markings. Tours last for 30 minutes and run on the hour from 9:30am-4:30pm (except Sunday). There is also St Paul’s Catacombs, which is a series of dark and narrow paths through ancient tombs. These catacombs can be entered from 9 am – 5 pm.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 1pm-4:30pm; Saturday 10am-1:30pm
- Address: Triq Sant Agata, Hal-Bajjada, Ir-Rabat, Malta
6. St Paul’s Cathedral
Rebuilt in 1702 after being destroyed by an earthquake, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most extravagant examples of Baroque architecture in Malta. The Cathedral rises above the rest of Mdina with two large bell towers on either side of its entrance. Inside, St Paul’s Cathedral contains beautiful architecture and impressive furnishings. It has paintings on the walls and roof showing religious moments in history including “The Conversion of St Paul”. The Cathedral’s museum is located in a separate building next door. It’s worth visiting to see the vast collection of religious artwork, silverware, and other church treasures. The Cathedral and museum are open 9 am – 1 pm and 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30am-4:45pm; Saturday 9:30am-2:45pm
- Address: 2 Triq San Pawl, L-Imdina MDN 1061, Malta
7. The Knights of Malta
This exhibit is set out in a similar style to Mdina Dungeons. You’ll see wax figures and hear audio, presenting a detailed history of the Knights of St John. There’s also a lot of written information to read. But everything combined presents a thorough look at the entire ruling of the Knights from when they were first founded until their exile. There’s a lot of information to take in, but fortunately, you can go through the exhibit at your own pace.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
- Address: Triq L Imhazen, L-Imdina, Malta
8. Restaurants
Mdina has a wide range of restaurants that showcase Maltese fun and traditional culture. Menus typically include meals with inspiration from Italy and Malta. One of the gems that can be found in Mdina is the Fontanella Tea Garden in Bastion Square. It’s very open, with incredible views of the countryside. The specialty is cake and more than a few sweet teeth will be satisfied by the options. If money is an issue, you can always bring your own food and enjoy a picnic anywhere in the city.
9. Special Events
Events are held in Mdina throughout the year including the Grand Prix, medieval performances, and fireworks for major calendar dates. Check online to see if anything is happening during your visit.
How to get to Mdina
Because only residential and other vehicles are allowed in the city, expect to do a lot of walking if you intend to see everything when you get there. This means that Mdina can take a little while to see, but it’s a great place to spend hours exploring. Here are a few transport options to get to Mdina.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus
The Hop-on Hop-off Bus provides cheap and easy transport for anyone wishing to visit more than one attraction in Malta. You will have unlimited use of the bus for a 24-hour period. To get to Mdina, catch the Malta North Tour and disembark at the Mdina stop.
Local Bus
The local bus provides an easy and cost-effective way of reaching Mdina. Catch bus number 51, 52, or 53 to Rabat. Mdina is a short walk from the Rabat bus station. Buses run every 10 minutes and a typical ride will take 30 minutes to reach Mdina.
Taxi
A taxi from Valletta will take about 20 minutes to reach Mdina and will cost about 20-25 euros.
Join a Tour
For a more personalized experience, join a guided tour. You’ll get picked up and dropped off directly at your hotel. No need to figure out how public transport works!
