Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour inc. Catacombs and St. Paul's Grotto
4.9548 reviews2h 30m
from €26
Check availabilityBudget · 5 Days
€340
Mid-range · 5 Days
€785
Best months
Apr, May, Oct
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€105
With 5 days in Mdina, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. What truly sets Mdina apart is its atmosphere. As dusk falls and the day-trippers depart, the city's nickname comes alive.
Perfect for history buffs
Perfect for Game of Thrones fans
Perfect for photographers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Mdina adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
St. Paul's Cathedral
Experience St. Paul's Cathedral, one of Mdina's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Malta's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Mdina Gate
Experience Mdina Gate, one of Mdina's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Malta's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Mdina like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Malta.
1
Palazzo Falson
Experience Palazzo Falson, one of Mdina's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Malta's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Fortifications
Experience Fortifications, one of Mdina's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Malta's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Mdina. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Fontanella Café
Experience Fontanella Café, one of Mdina's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Malta's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Glass-blowing
Experience Glass-blowing, one of Mdina's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Malta's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to The Blue Grotto & Ħaġar Qim Temples
Leave Mdina behind for a day and head to The Blue Grotto & Ħaġar Qim Temples (30-40 min by bus (Route 74 from Rabat) or car).
1
The Blue Grotto & Ħaġar Qim Temples
A combination of stunning natural beauty and ancient history. Visit the prehistoric Ħaġar Qim megalithic temples, a UNESCO site older than Stonehenge, then descend to the Blue Grotto for a boat trip into spectacular sea caves.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples, Boat trip into the Blue Grotto, Panoramic views from the cliffs, The nearby fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
Day 5: Villegaignon Street & Vicinity & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Villegaignon Street & Vicinity and seek out a few places most visitors to Mdina never find.
1
Villegaignon Street & Vicinity
The main thoroughfare from the gate to the cathedral, lined with some of Mdina's most important buildings and charming shops. The vibe is slightly more bustling (by Mdina's standards) during the day, serving as the primary corridor for exploration, with beautiful architecture at every turn.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: The Cathedral Museum, Mdina Dungeons, St. Agatha's Crypt.
2
The Medieval Greek's Gate
A smaller, less-visited secondary gate into Mdina on the southern side of the city, dating back to the medieval period.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's more atmospheric and ancient-feeling than the grand Baroque Main Gate and offers a quieter, more local entry point into the city.
3
The Roman Domus (Villa) Museum
The remains of a wealthy Roman townhouse located just outside Mdina in Rabat, featuring well-preserved mosaics and hypocaust systems.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It provides crucial context, showing that Mdina/Rabat (Melite) was an important Roman settlement long before the medieval city we see today was built.
Top tours and experiences in Mdina
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
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All things to do in Mdina →
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Why Visit Mdina
Indulge in legendary local pastries with a view. Fontanella Tea Garden is an institution, famed for its vast array of cakes and its unparalleled panoramic terrace views from the city's ramparts. Trying a 'pastizzi' (flaky pastry with ricotta or peas) from a local vendor is a must.
Witness masterful Maltese craftsmanship. The Mdina Glass showroom, located just outside the city walls in Ta' Qali, showcases the stunning, vibrant art of traditional glass-blowing. You can often watch artisans at work creating unique souvenirs.
Step into a living medieval fortress. Mdina's entire existence is defined by its massive fortifications, which you can walk along for stunning views. The experience of entering through the iconic Mdina Gate, a Baroque masterpiece, immediately immerses you in another era.
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How much do 5 days in Mdina cost?
Plan on roughly €340 on a budget, €785 mid-range or €1,385 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Mdina.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €45 | €105 | €175 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €15 | €32 | €60 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €8 | €20 | €42 |
| Total per day | €68 | €157 | €277 |
| Total for 5 days | €340 | €785 | €1,385 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Mdina
Hotels close to the centre of Mdina, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Mdina is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Mdina is April to June, September to November. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted.
- 4A few words in Maltese go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Mdina
Pastizzi (ricotta or mushy pea filled pastry)
Ftira (Maltese bread often served as a sandwich)
Rabbit Stew (Fenek)
Bragioli (beef olives)
Neighborhoods to Explore in Mdina
The Historic Core (Inside the Walls)
This is the heart of the Silent City, encompassing the main grid of streets within the fortifications.
The Bastions & Ramparts
Not a traditional neighborhood, but a defining perimeter walkway offering the city's most dramatic feature.
The Quiet Backstreets & Alleys
The network of narrow, winding lanes that branch off the main streets.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Mdina, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Valletta
25-30 min by direct bus (Routes 51, 52, 53 from Rabat)
Malta's stunning Baroque capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
40-50 min by bus (via Valletta) or 30 min by taxi
The historic heart of Malta's maritime history, these fortified cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta offer a more local, less touristy experience.
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