Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour inc. Catacombs and St. Paul's Grotto
4.9548 reviews2h 30m
from €26
Check availabilityBudget · 7 Days
€476
Mid-range · 7 Days
€1,099
Best months
Apr, May, Oct
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€105
With 7 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: Explore The Historic Core (Inside the Walls)
Trade the big landmarks for a neighborhood day in The Historic Core (Inside the Walls), one of the best areas to see everyday life in Mdina.
1
The Historic Core (Inside the Walls)
This is the heart of the Silent City, encompassing the main grid of streets within the fortifications. The vibe is aristocratic, serene, and steeped in history, with grand palazzos housing noble families, museums, and quiet chapels. It's where you'll feel Mdina's timeless character most intensely.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: St. Paul's Cathedral & Square, Mdina Gate (Main Entrance), Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum.
2
The Catacombs of St. Paul & St. Agatha (in Rabat)
An extensive network of underground Roman-era burial chambers and early Christian hypogea, located just outside Mdina's walls in Rabat.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: While many visit Mdina's above-ground history, these eerie, fascinating catacombs offer a completely different and often overlooked perspective on Malta's ancient past.
Day 5: Day Trip to Valletta
Leave Mdina behind for a day and head to Valletta (25-30 min by direct bus (Routes 51, 52, 53 from Rabat)).
1
Valletta
Malta's stunning Baroque capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A dramatic contrast to Mdina's medieval feel, Valletta is a fortress city filled with grand palaces, churches, and museums, all perched on a peninsula with incredible harborside views.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: St. John's Co-Cathedral, The Grandmaster's Palace, The Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery, A walk along the fortified walls.
Day 6: Day Trip to The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
Leave Mdina behind for a day and head to The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) (40-50 min by bus (via Valletta) or 30 min by taxi).
1
The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
The historic heart of Malta's maritime history, these fortified cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta offer a more local, less touristy experience. They were the home of the Knights of St. John before Valletta was built.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Vittoriosa's Collachio area, The Inquisitor's Palace, Senglea's Gardjola Gardens, Traditional Maltese boat (dghajsa) harbour tour.
Day 7: The Bastions & Ramparts & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in The Bastions & Ramparts and seek out a few places most visitors to Mdina never find.
1
The Bastions & Ramparts
Not a traditional neighborhood, but a defining perimeter walkway offering the city's most dramatic feature. Walking along the top of the massive fortifications provides continuous, breathtaking vistas over the island. The vibe is open, airy, and spectacular, especially at sunset.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: Fontanella Tea Garden (for the view), Greek's Gate, Views over the Rotunda of Mosta.
2
The Knights' Magazine (in the Ditch)
A vast, arched underground granary and ammunition store built by the Knights of St. John in the 18th century, located in the ditch beneath Mdina's walls.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's a stunning piece of military engineering that most visitors walk right over without knowing it's there. It occasionally hosts events and exhibitions.
3
St. Peter's Monastery & Church
A small, beautiful monastery and church on the outskirts of the silent city, often missed by tourists rushing down the main street.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It offers a moment of genuine peace and beautiful Baroque architecture without the crowds found at the main cathedral.
Top tours and experiences in Mdina
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
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Why Visit Mdina
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.
Experience the profound 'Silence' of a car-free city. The absence of vehicle noise creates a uniquely peaceful and atmospheric exploration. This allows you to truly appreciate the whispers of history in its quiet alleyways, especially magical in the early morning or late evening.
Discover world-class historical sites in a compact area. From the opulent St. Paul's Cathedral with its intricate marble inlays and paintings by Mattia Preti to the fascinating, eclectic collections at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, history is concentrated and accessible.
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How much do 7 days in Mdina cost?
Plan on roughly €476 on a budget, €1,099 mid-range or €1,939 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 7 days | €476 | €1,099 | €1,939 |
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.
- 6With 7 days, consider a day trip outside Mdina to experience more of Malta.
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
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 Quiet Backstreets & Alleys
The network of narrow, winding lanes that branch off the main streets.
Day Trip Ideas
With 7 days in Mdina, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
The Blue Grotto & Ħaġar Qim Temples
30-40 min by bus (Route 74 from Rabat) or car
A combination of stunning natural beauty and ancient history.
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