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Things to do in Mdina

Our most recommended things to do in Mdina

Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

1. Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

Experience some of Malta's most interesting highlights in just one day on a guided group tour. Discover the medieval city of Mdina, St. Cataldus Catacombs, and Mosta Rotunda. Stroll through the San Anton Botanical Gardens, take in sea views from Dingli Cliffs, and buy glass from local craftspeople. After hotel pickup, start your tour with the ancient city of Mdina, renowned for its opulent palaces, fortifications, architecture, and ancient heritage. Stroll through the narrow streets of the island's old capital, taking in one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled/fortified city. Take a journey back in time, as the streets have not changed much in the last 1,000 years. Admire the magnificent palazzos and churches in the city's unique mix of medieval and Baroque styles, as well as the spectacular panoramas from the high bastion walls. Leave Mdina through the Greeks Gate. Head to St. Cataldus Catacombs, in Rabat, on the outskirts of Mdina. Discover the catacombs, which were originally a Punic burial shaft, and some of the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. See graves that are beautiful examples of canopied tombs and others hewn in the rocks. Continue to Dingli Cliffs, off the village of Dingli on Malta's western coast, the highest point of the Maltese island at around 253m above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views over the terraced fields underneath and the panorama of the vast open seas with the small uninhabited island of Filfla. After lunch, visit the San Anton Botanical Gardens, built in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence: San Anton Palace, located at the perimeter of the gardens, now serving as the residence of the Maltese President. Next, stop at the Ta' Qali Craft Village, a former British Royal Air Forces wartime airfield restored into a local artisan hub. Watch local craftsmen form elaborate glass art using ancient glassblowing techniques. Get some genuine locally made mementos to remind you of your visit to Malta. End your tour with Malta's largest church, the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, commonly known as the Mosta Rotunda or Mosta Dome. Built between 1833 and the 1860s to Neoclassical designs, the present church is based on the Pantheon in Rome. Discover its dome, the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Finally, return to your hotel.

Mdina and Rabat City Walking Tour

2. Mdina and Rabat City Walking Tour

Mdina is a fortified hill-top urban settlement located at the very heart of the Maltese Islands. Founded by the Romans, for almost two centuries it served as the administrative and political capital of the Maltese Islands. It is to this day the seat of Malta 's episcopacy. Meet your guide at the Mdina Main Gate by the bridge and start your tour with an introduction on the city's historical background. You will then proceed to discover the “Citta' Notabile”, the Noble City, its medieval name which describes it best it was home then, as now, to Malta's noble families. You will see the impressive palaces, churches, and convents that line the narrow medieval streets. As you wind your way through the narrow streets you will be thrown back in time. The neighboring suburb, Rabat is just a stone’s throw away. There you will make your way through the old quarter and enjoy Maltese vernacular architecture.

Malta: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

3. Malta: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Explore Malta's incredible estates, history, and sights at your own pace. Take the exclusive hop-on, hop-off tours, and ride at your own convenience on the open-top double decker buses. During your tour, you can stop at any of the following major attractions in the city, on these routes: South Malta Route (Red Route) • Valletta • Hypogeum • The Three Cities • Zejtun Church • Marsaxlokk Fishing Village • Ghar Dalam Cave & Museum • Blue Grotto • Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples • The Limestone Heritage • Sliema North Malta Route (Blue Route) • Valletta • San Anton Gardens • The Crafts Village • Aviation Museum • Mosta Church • Mdina • Rabat • Mgarr Church • Golden Bay • Bugibba Square • Splash and Fun Water Park • Mediterraneo Marine Park • St. George’s Bay • Spinola Bay Free Transport is available from several areas at several times.

Malta: Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour

4. Malta: Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour

Mdina, once the capital city of Malta, has had many names throughout its history, but its medieval name describes it best: "Città Notabile" - the noble city. Built on a plateau in the center of the island, its baroque cathedral and magnificent bastions dominate the skyline. A stroll through its narrow streets, which have not changed much in the last 1,000 years, is a must for any visitor to Malta. The area occupied by Mdina has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age. The Phoenicians and Romans established their own settlements here, but the modern name and layout of the city reflect Arab rule before the Normans firmly established it as the country's capital. Although the construction of Valletta lessened its importance, a strong earthquake in 1693 led to reconstruction and a revival of the city. Since that time, Mdina has changed very little. Walk past the most notable sites in Mdina, including Vilhena Palace, St. Agatha’s Chapel, the Banca Giuratale, the Mdina Cathedral, and much more.

Malta: Malta Island Bus Tour with Optional Boat Tour

5. Malta: Malta Island Bus Tour with Optional Boat Tour

Get a taste of the unique island of Malta on a bus tour and boat tour. Discover over 7,000 years of history as you drive past heritage sites, popular attractions, and beautiful natural landscapes.  Running during the summer months of the year (May onwards), the hop-on hop-off route starts from Bugibba, passing through Qawra and St Julian's and on to Malta’s capital city Valletta. You'll then make your way south where you will be able to experience and visit historic temples and sights along the way. Following your stop at the Blue Grotto, the tour heads back up north and inland stopping at Roman sites and points of interest and then back to Bugibba via Golden Bay on the North-West coast. With over 30 stops and 50 points of interest along the route, discover this Maltese Island like never before. Experience key sights including the Mosta Church and Dome; Ta’Qali Craft Village; and Rabat with many Roman Sites such as the restored Roman Villa, St Agatha’s Catacombs, and the medieval town of Mdina. Enjoy the famous 'Three Cities' and the Tarxien Temples believed to be built around 3000 BC. Marsaxlokk is a traditional and picturesque fishing village that is sure to delight you. Take the opportunity to visit the beautiful Blue Grotto. You will discover plenty of things to do on this island tour. Plus you can combine your hop-on-hop-off tour with a harbor cruise. North Route Stops:• Bugibba (Topaz Hotel / Gillieru Hotel)• Bugibba Jetty (Seatrips Outlet) • Bugibba Centre (Opposite HSBC) • Bugibba (Santana Hotel)• Malta National Aquarium• Qawra Palace Hotel• Qawra Seafront• Bellavista Hotel, Qawra • Mediterraneo Marine Park• ITS Roundabout (Radisson & Corinthia Hotels) • St George's Bay, St Julians (City Sightseeing Route Stage) • Westin Dragonara, St Julians• Hilton Roundabout, St Julians• Spinola Bay, St Julians• Balluta Bay (Opp Balluta Church) • Sliema Seafront (Opposite Preluna Hotel) • Sliema Ferries (City Sightseeing Route Stage & Stop For Harbour Cruise) • Opposite Bayview Hotel (CitySightseeing Outlet) • Valletta - City Center• Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Change For South Route) • San Anton Gardens • Ta Qali - Aviation Museum• Mosta Church • Mdina Main Gate • Rabat - Domus Romana • Golden Bay South Route Stops: • ITS Roundabout • St Georges Bay, St Julians (CSS Route Stage) • Westin Dragonara, St Julians • Hilton, St Julians• Spinola Bay,St Julians• Balluta Bay (Opp Balluta Church)• Sliema Seafront (Opposite Preluna Hotel)• Sliema Ferries (City Sightseeing Route Stage and Stop For Harbour Cruise) Opposite Bayview Hotel • Valletta City Center• Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Change For North Route) • Tarxien Temples• Vittoriosa Waterfront • Marsaxlokk - Fishing Village • Pretty Bay (Birzebbugia)• Blue Grotto • Hagar Qim Temples and Mnajdra Temples  • Valletta City Center• Valletta - Malta Experience, Knights Hospital War Museum, and Fort St Elmo• Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Change For North Route)

Malta: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea Tour with Boat Trip

6. Malta: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea Tour with Boat Trip

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since prior to the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. During this half day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area. Pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation! We start with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double fortified harbour city and the largest of the three cities, to reach the city of Vittoriosa, this glorious city has been inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, but the current city dates back from the time of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. Vittoriosa was chosen as the capital city of Malta instead of Mdina upon the arrival of the Order in the year 1530. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the narrow streets of the city admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn. Upon arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa waterfront, board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks. The tour ends at Senglea, named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city, Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta” a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565. The island on which Senglea lies was joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result, it became peninsular in shape. From the Gardjola Gardens located at the tip of the peninsula enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Sant Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of 1565. During the whole tour knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.

From Valletta: Rabat, Mdina, & San Anton Gardens Tour

7. From Valletta: Rabat, Mdina, & San Anton Gardens Tour

Embark on a guided trip from Valletta to the San Anton Palace to explore the lush gardens before visiting some of the highlights of Rabat and Mdina, also known as the Silent City. Step into the unique underground galleries and tombs of St. Paul’s Catacombs, entry tickets included. San Anton Palace and GardensFor your first stop, visit the San Anton Palace in Attard, the official residence of the president of Malta since the office was created in 1974. Originally built in the early 17th century as a country villa for Antoine de Paule, it was later expanded into a palace in 1623. The palace was used as a residence by subsequent grand masters, being enlarged several times in the process. It was once the headquarters of the rebel National Assembly, and it later became a residence for the civil commissioners, governors, and governors-general of Malta. The palace is surrounded by the extensive San Anton Gardens, parts of which have been open to the public since 1882. During your tour, you’ll get to explore the garden before continuing to the next stop which is Rabat. RabatRabat is a town in the Northern Region of Malta and is home to the famous St. Paul’s Catacombs. These catacombs were used in Roman times to bury the dead. The catacombs are now looked after by Heritage Malta. Part of St. Paul's Catacombs, the part accessible from the Parish church, was where, according to tradition and as recorded in the bible, St. Paul stayed for three months when he was shipwrecked on the island in 60 A.D. After getting to know the unique underground galleries and tombs of St. Paul’s Catacombs, you’ll head to the next and final stop of the tour: Mdina. MdinaMdina, also known by its other titles Città Vecchia or Città Notabile, is a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta, which served as the island's capital from antiquity to the medieval period. The city is still confined within its walls and has a population of just under 300. Follow your guide around this quaint yet historic city, and marvel at its several Baroque features as well as its longstanding medieval character. Discover what gave rise to the city’s popular nickname “Silent City," used by both locals and visitors. Mdina is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it is now one of the main tourist attractions in Malta.

Malta: Mdina, Dingli Cliffs and San Anton Botanical Gardens

8. Malta: Mdina, Dingli Cliffs and San Anton Botanical Gardens

You start by visiting the ancient Medieval city of Mdina, renowned for its opulent palaces and fortifications, medieval and baroque architecture, and ancient heritage. This majestic city is unquestionably one of the island's most evocative destinations. Serving as the island's capital city from antiquity till the medieval period, Mdina is truly an enchanting city! A stroll through its narrow streets, which have not changed much in the last 1000 years, is a must for anyone visiting the Maltese islands. It is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled/fortified city. Explore this historic city with an experienced local guide and delve into the rich past of the city as you explore its medieval streets. Take a journey back in time admiring the magnificent palazzos and churches in the city’s unique mix of medieval and baroque styles, as well as the spectacular panoramas from the high bastion walls. Leaving Mdina through the ‘Greeks Gate’ you proceed to Dingli Cliffs, located off the village of Dingli on Malta’s western coast, at around 253 metres above sea-level. These cliffs represent the highest point of the Maltese islands. The cliffs propose a majestic sight; the views overlooking the terraced fields underneath and the panorama of the vast open seas with the uninhabited small island of Filfla on its backdrop, are truly breath-taking! Given their impressive height the cliffs can be considered as natural forts, since no attacker can approach the island from the west. Perched on the edge, marking the highest point on the Maltese islands, is a gorgeous tiny chapel built in 1646, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. The tour ends with a visit to the San Anton Botanical Gardens, located in the village of Attard. These beautiful gardens were built in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence; San Anton Palace, which is located at the perimeter of the gardens and which today serves as the residence of the Maltese President. Open to the public since 1882 the gardens have several pathways surrounded by fountains and ponds which are inhabited by families of ducks, swans, peacocks, peahens and turtles and encompass a large variety of trees and flowers from around the world, including a variety of palm trees, cypress, jacarandas, araucarias and other exotic plants, some of them over three centuries old. During the whole tour knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.

Malta: Dingli Village and Cliffs Segway Tour

9. Malta: Dingli Village and Cliffs Segway Tour

A 1-hour and 45 minute Segway tour guarantees you a unique experience whilst enjoying your stay in Malta. From the village of Dingli to the picturesque cliffs in the surrounding area, this zippy little Segway tour will give you a unique look at of Malta. Surrounded by natural sites of great ecological and archaeological significance, Dingli is a quaint village in Malta’s highest area. It is a typical Maltese village and is still detached from its neighboring communities. It is best known for its picturesque cliffs. Archaeologists trace the village back to the times of the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, almost 2,800 years ago. The Phoenician and Carthaginian tombs were also used by the Romans, who occupied the Maltese islands way back in 218 BC.

Malta: Mdina and Rabat Tour with Local Guide

10. Malta: Mdina and Rabat Tour with Local Guide

Let your local guide take you through the beautiful historic towns of Mdina and Rabat. Walk past palaces and be treated to sweeping views of the Maltese Islands as you learn about the history of these centuries-old places. The tour starts at the main gate of Mdina, where you'll meet your guide and take in the beauty of the architecture. Begin your walk through the winding streets of Malta's old capital. Pass the decadent palaces of the Maltese nobility and St. Paul's Cathedral. Go up to the bastions of the town to admire spectacular views of Malta. Exit the old city through the Greek's Gate and head to Rabat. Discover Rabat and it's people with your guide, who is a resident there. Meet some of the people of Rabat as you walk the streets to the main square. At the square, see St. Paul's Basilica, where the saint lived during his three-month stay on Malta.

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What people are saying about Mdina

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 902 reviews

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Our guide, Chris, was a local resident of Rabat and so had a good knowledge of the area. The information he provided was fascinating. Medina and Rabat are well worth visiting - I would recommend this tour. We were fortunate to have sunshine and a cloudless sky in February which adds to the experience. It felt like a private tour because Chris engaged so well with us all. This was a late afternoon tour and so we stayed on for a meal in Medina in the evening.

Descepcion

The tour was fantastic, due to traffic sometime the bus wasn’t on time but there was only a couple minutes delay. Everything was explained clearly and the staff were really pleasant. If travelling in February make sure you have a coat, umbrella and scarf a few people got caught off guard lol

Great excursion. Value for money definitely. Our guide Anna (Ana) was super interesting and friendly. Lunch was good organized.

Guide was very knowledgeable about Mdina and Malta. We enjoyed the day

Mario was great, very informative and kept the tour interesting