Best Things To Do in Mdina and Rabat in Malta

Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 11 minutes
By: Shaun

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, famous for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Among Malta’s many attractions, two of the most fascinating places to visit are Mdina and Rabat, two neighbouring towns that offer a glimpse into Malta’s past and present.

_{Disclosure: While we did our absolute best to provide the most accurate information about the opening times and admission costs for each site, take note that these might vary at different times of the year and might also be closed during public holidays.}

Why visit Mdina and Rabat?

Ariel view of Mdina | Image by R Muscat on Wikimedia Commons

Mdina and Rabat are both located in the central region of Malta, about 10 kilometres from the capital city of Valletta. Mdina is the old capital of Malta, dating back to Phoenician times. It is also known as the Silent City because of its peaceful atmosphere and strict regulations on traffic and noise. Mdina is surrounded by high walls and has a mediaeval charm, with narrow streets, palaces, churches, and museums.

Rabat is the modern counterpart of Mdina, where most of the residents live and work. It is also a historical town, with many sites related to the early years of Christianity in Malta, such as the grotto where St. Paul is said to have stayed after being shipwrecked on Malta. Rabat also has Roman ruins, catacombs, and art galleries to explore.

Visiting Mdina and Rabat will give you a chance to experience the contrast between the old and the new, the sacred and the secular, the rural and the urban. You will also learn about the different influences that shaped Malta’s history, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, from the Arabs to the Knights of St. John, and from the French to the British.

How do I get to Mdina and Rabat?

Mdina Alley | Image by Tudoi61 on Wikimedia Commons

Mdina and Rabat are easily accessible by public transport or car from any part of Malta. The most convenient way to get there is by bus, as there are frequent services from Valletta and other major towns. The bus stop is located just outside the Mdina Gate, which is the main entrance to the old city. From there, you can walk or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore Mdina. To visit Rabat, you can simply cross the road from the bus stop and walk along the main street.

If you prefer to drive, you can park your car at one of the designated parking areas near the Mdina Gate or in Rabat. However, be aware that parking can be limited during peak hours or special events.

The journey from Valletta to Mdina or Rabat takes about 30 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by car. The bus fare is €2 per person for a single trip or €1.50 if you buy a 12-journey card. The parking fee is €0.60 per hour or €5 per day.

When is the best time to visit Mdina and Rabat?

Mdina Blue Door | Image by Arne Dahl on Flickr

Mdina and Rabat are open all year and can be visited at any time of the day. However, some attractions may have different opening hours or admission fees depending on the season or day of the week. It is advisable to check the official websites of the places you want to visit before planning your trip.

The best time to visit Mdina and Rabat depends on your personal preference and what you want to see and do. Generally speaking, spring and autumn are ideal seasons for sightseeing, as the weather is mild and pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot and humid, but it also offers more events and festivals, such as the Mediaeval Mdina Festival in May. Winter can be cold and rainy, but it also offers a cosy atmosphere and Christmas decorations.

If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, you may want to visit Mdina and Rabat in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is more beautiful and the temperature is more comfortable. You may also want to avoid visiting on Sundays or public holidays, when some attractions may be closed or have reduced hours.

Top attractions in Mdina

Mdina Main Gate | Image by Andrey Sulitskiy on Flickr

Mdina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts many historical and cultural treasures. Here are some of the top attractions you should not miss when visiting Mdina:

Mdina Gate

The Mdina Gate is the main entrance to the old city and a stunning example of Baroque architecture. It was built in 1724 by Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena and features a coat of arms, a Latin inscription, and two statues of St. Paul and St. Agatha. The gate was also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

The Mdina Gate is open 24/7 and free to enter. You can walk through it or take a horse-drawn carriage that will take you around Mdina for a fee. The gate also has an information centre where you can get maps and brochures about Mdina.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Mdina Cathedral | Image by Frank Vincentz on Wikimedia Commons

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in Mdina, dominating the skyline with its dome and bell towers. It was built in 1697 on the site where St. Paul is believed to have converted Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, to Christianity. The cathedral has a rich interior decorated with marble, paintings, sculptures, and a silver reliquary containing a bone fragment of St. Paul.

The cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The admission fee is €10 per person (€8 for students and seniors) and includes access to the cathedral museum, which displays more artworks and relics related to the cathedral and its history.

Palazzo Falson

Palazzo Falson is one of the oldest palaces in Mdina, dating back to the 13th century. It was owned by various noble families until it was acquired by Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher, a philanthropist and collector, who turned it into a museum. The museum displays his eclectic collection of art, antiques, books, jewellery, weapons, costumes, and more.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.). The admission fee is €10 per person, or €5 for students and seniors.

Mdina Dungeons

Mdina Dungeons are a network of underground chambers that were used as prisons and torture chambers throughout history. They are now open to visitors who want to learn about the dark side of Malta’s history through realistic scenes and exhibits depicting crimes, punishments, executions, and legends.

The dungeons are open from Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last admission at 4:15 p.m.). The admission fee is €5 per person or €2.50 for children under 12 years old. Be warned that the dungeons are not suitable for young children or people who suffer from claustrophobia or heart problems.

National Museum of Natural History

Right next door to Mdina Dungeons, you can visit the National Museum of Natural History. The museum is housed in an 18th-century palace that was built by Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena. The museum displays a variety of specimens related to local and foreign flora, fauna, geology, palaeontology, and human evolution.

Some of the highlights include a 4000-year-old mummified Nile crocodile, the skull of a false killer whale, the tooth of a giant white shark, and a large collection of fossils. The museum also has a reference library on natural sciences with over 4000 titles. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the entrance fee is €5 for adults and €2.50 for children under 12 years of age.

Bastion Square

Bastion Square in Mdina | Image by Steve Knight on Flickr

Bastion Square is a scenic spot in Mdina that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coast. It is located on top of one of the bastions that form part of the city walls and has benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.

Bastion Square is open 24/7 and free to access. You can reach it by walking along Villegaignon Street or Triq Is-Sur (South Street). You can also take a horse-drawn carriage that will stop at Bastion Square for a few minutes. Bastion Square is especially beautiful at sunset or at night when it is lit up.

Top attractions in Rabat

Rabat is a lively town that has plenty of attractions for visitors who want to discover more about Malta’s history, culture, and religion. Here are some of the top attractions you should not miss when visiting Rabat:

St. Paul’s Grotto

St. Paul’s Grotto is a sacred site where St. Paul is said to have stayed for three months after being shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD. The grotto is located under the church of St. Paul, which also houses a museum with relics and paintings related to the saint. The grotto is decorated with marble statues, a silver altar, and an oil painting depicting St. Paul’s shipwreck.

The grotto and museum are open from Monday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with last admission at 5:30 p.m. The ticket costs €6 per person, or €4.50 for students and seniors.

Domus Romana

Domus Romana is an archaeological site that showcases the remains of a Roman townhouse that dates back to the 1st century BC. The site was discovered in 1881 by accident when workers were digging for foundations. The most remarkable feature of the site is the mosaic floor that covers several rooms and depicts geometric patterns, animals, and mythological scenes.

The site is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission allowed 30 minutes before closing time. The admission fee is €6 per person, or €4.50 for students and seniors.

Wignacourt Museum

Wignacourt Museum is a cultural centre that occupies an elegant Baroque building that was once the residence of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, who ruled Malta from 1601 to 1622. The museum displays various collections of art, antiques, coins, ceramics, and religious items. It also has an underground section that leads to St. Paul’s Grotto, the catacombs, and an air raid shelter.

The museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last visitors admitted at 4:00 p.m. The entry ticket costs €6 per person, or €4.50 for students and seniors. Audio guides in several languages are available for an additional €2.

Catacombs of St.Agatha and St. Paul

St. Paul's Catacombs | Image by flowcomm on Flickr

The Catacombs of St. Agatha and St. Paul are two separate complexes of underground burial chambers that date back to the early Christian era. They are located near the Wignacourt Museum and can be accessed by guided tours. The catacombs contain hundreds of tombs carved into the rock, some of which have frescoes, inscriptions, or symbols. The catacombs of St. Agatha also have a small chapel dedicated to the saint, who was martyred in Sicily.

The catacombs are open from Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last admission at 5:30 p.m.). The admission fee is €6 per person, or €4.50 for students and seniors, for each catacomb complex.

Casa Bernard

Casa Bernard is a 16th-century palazzo that belongs to a noble Maltese family that still lives there today. It is open to the public as a private museum that showcases their personal collection of furniture, paintings, porcelain, silverware, and more. The palazzo has been restored to its original splendour and reflects the lifestyle of the Maltese aristocracy over the centuries.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tips for visiting Mdina and Rabat

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will be walking a lot on uneven surfaces.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water, as it can get very hot and sunny during the day.
Respect the local customs and dress code when visiting churches or other religious sites.
Buy tickets online or in advance for some attractions to avoid queues or sold-out situations.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people or private property.

The Best Restaurants in Mdina and Rabat

There are many restaurants in Mdina and Rabat that offer a variety of cuisines, from traditional Maltese dishes to international options. Some of the most popular ones are:

De Mondion: A fine dining restaurant located in the Xara Palace Hotel, offering panoramic views of the island and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.
Fontanella Tea Garden: A cosy cafe situated on the bastions of Mdina, serving delicious cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and drinks.
Crystal Palace: A local favourite that sells the best pastizzi (savoury pastries filled with ricotta or peas) in town.
Ta’ Doni: A family-run restaurant that serves authentic Maltese food in a rustic setting.
Cosmana Navarra: A historic restaurant that dates back to the 17th century and offers a refined menu of Maltese and European dishes.
Veduta Restuarant: Veduta Restaurant is located just outside of Mdina and offers amazing panoramic views of two-thirds of Malta. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, from pizza and pasta to meat and fish, using fresh and local ingredients.

Conclusion

Mdina and Rabat are two towns that offer a unique experience for visitors who want to explore Malta’s rich heritage and culture. They have something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, art, religion, or nature. You can easily spend a day or more wandering around their streets and discovering their secrets.

If you are planning your next trip to Malta, do not miss these two gems! You will not regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best souvenirs to buy in Mdina and Rabat?

You cannot go wrong with anything from Mdina Glass, which is a renowned glassware company that produces handmade items such as vases, bowls, ornaments, and jewellery. You can also opt for some filigree, lace, honey, or even a book about the history, culture, and legends of the Maltese islands.

How much time do I need to visit Mdina and Rabat?

You can visit Mdina and Rabat in one day if you start early and focus on the main attractions. However, if you want to explore them more thoroughly and enjoy their atmosphere, you may want to spend two days or more.