Mdina

Travel Guide

Photo provided by MTA / Clive Vella
Photo provided by MTA / Clive Vella
Photo provided by MTA / Clive Vella
Photo provided by MTA / Clive Vella
Photo provided by MTA / Clive Vella

Malta’s “Silent City” is a medieval maze of winding alleys, magnificent churches and grand palaces, enclosed within ancient city walls.

Mdina, the enchanting ancient town known as the “Silent City,” is the old capital of Malta. The medieval Old Town is confined within the original city walls, perched on a hill in the heart of the island. Narrow alleys and high walls open up into wide squares, grand churches and magnificent palaces. The town is a museum in itself, dotted with medieval lanterns, ornate edifices and narrow passageways. Mdina is almost entirely free of cars, so exploration of this beautiful old city on foot is simple and pleasantly slow-paced.

Stroll around the town’s winding paths and immerse yourself in its rich history. Mdina has been settled as a city since before 4000 B.C. but its current fortifications date back to the Arab period, around A.D. 870. Take a guided tour starting from Vilhena Palace to experience the Old Town’s heritage. Alternatively, ride a horse-drawn carriage around the whole city. Ensure you agree on a price before getting into the carriage. Visit the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum to see a fascinating collection of art and antiques and enjoy a beautiful vista across the town from the rooftop terrace café.

Stop by St. Paul’s Square and visit the charming Mdina Cathedral. A small entrance fee allows you into the cathedral’s beautifully decorated interior and a small museum dedicated to the cathedral’s history and architecture. Admire the stately old palaces and the buildings’ mix of Norman and Baroque architecture.

Visit one of the town’s stylish restaurants for a meal before heading up to the ancient fortifications from Bastions Square. Peer over the edge for panoramic views across the islands and out to the Mediterranean Sea. Complete your night with a drink at an atmospheric wine bar.

Mdina is located near the centre of Malta, just a mile (2 kilometres) from the bigger city of Rabat. Mdina is well connected to the other towns by road and plenty of tourist and local buses run services to and from the old town walls.

Corinthia St George's Bay
Corinthia St George's Bay
5 out of 5
St. Georges Bay, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is S$407 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
S$407
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Wonderful time
"Very easy to check in. Stuff were extremely helpful and friendly. Parking at the hotel is 3 euros per day. Breakfast was fantastic lots of choices. Gym is small but we enjoyed the workouts. The room is spacious and has a beautiful view. Definitely recommend this hotel. 😇"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Corinthia St George's Bay
Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
5 out of 5
St. George's Bay, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is S$386 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
S$386
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (994 reviews)
"Everything was perfect"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
5 out of 5
Dragonara Road, St. Julian's, Malta
The price is S$512 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
S$512
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in St. Julian's. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Great family get away! Very attentive and helpful staff! My family had a good time and enjoyed our stay here! This resort has so much to offer and you can have a good time here even if you decide not to explore Malta for a day or two."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
StiLLel Retreat
StiLLel Retreat
3.5 out of 5
Triq Il-Korp Tal-Pijunieri, St. Paul's Bay
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in St. Paul's Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Bugibba Beach and The ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (74 reviews)
"The apartment was nice and very clean, and the staff were kind and helpful. I really appreciated that. But unfortunately, there was loud construction work starting every morning around 7am, which made it hard for me to rest properly. It would’ve been nice to know about it before booking, or at least ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

StiLLel Retreat
Triton
Triton
3 out of 5
Triq It-Tartarun, Qawra, St. Paul's Bay
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in St. Paul's Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions The Malta Classic Car Collection and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and very accommodating. The room was clean but the bathroom toilet did not flush properly and the shower pressure was a little low. The room was clean but was not thorough. It was not a bad stay however it can be improved"

Reviewed on 26 May, 2025

Triton
Park Heights by the Warren Collection
Park Heights by the Warren Collection
3 out of 5
Judge Paolo Debono St, Msida
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Msida. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"A great stay at Park Heights. It had everything we wanted. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Apartment was well equipped and well maintained. Clean bedding and towels as required. Close to Valetta. Less than 10 minutes by bus for 2.50€"

Reviewed on 21 Jun, 2025

Park Heights by the Warren Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do