Welcome to the ultimate guide to Mdina and Rabat, the historic and soulful heart of Malta. Whether you are hunting for Game of Thrones filming locations, exploring ancient St. Paul’s Catacombs, or simply hunting for the best pastizzi in Malta, these two towns offer the perfect day trip from Valletta. Known as the ‘Silent City,’ Mdina’s noble limestone streets feel like a portal to the medieval past, while the vibrant suburb of Rabat offers a taste of authentic local life. In this 2026 update, I’ll share exactly how to get to Mdina, where to find the hidden gems, and the best spots to stay for a luxury experience.
Quick facts: Take Bus 51, 52, or 53 from Valletta (about 40 minutes, €2.50). Visit before 10:00 AM for empty streets, or after 6:00 PM for the “Silent City” glow at night. St. Paul’s Cathedral entry is roughly €15 (includes the museum) and has a dress code — cover shoulders and knees. The Catacombs are open daily 09:00–17:00, tickets from €6. Don’t miss pastizzi at Crystal Palace (Is-Serkin) in Rabat. Pro tip: stay overnight at a boutique palazzo to see the city lit up once the day-trip crowds are gone.
Entering Mdina isn’t just a walk into a city; it’s a transition into another era. Perched on a high plateau, this fortified citadel has served as Malta’s strategic heart since the Phoenicians first settled here over 3,000 years ago. While it served as the island’s capital until the arrival of the Knights in 1530, today it is a “living museum” — a car-free labyrinth where the only sounds are the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages and the distant tolling of church bells.
⭐ Top Rated: Mdina & Rabat Walking Tour
If you want to truly understand the history behind the limestone walls, this 2.5-hour guided walking tour is the most comprehensive way to see both cities in one go — including Catacombs & WWII shelter entry, hidden Game of Thrones spots, and a professional licensed local guide.
Your journey begins at the Main Gate, a Baroque masterpiece built in 1724 and guarded by two stone lions — a masterclass in architectural “scenography.”
Game of Thrones fans will recognize this as the entrance to King’s Landing from Season 1. Blogger’s tip: arrive by 8:30 AM for the best light and fewest crowds — the honey-coloured limestone glows perfectly for that hero shot.
Landmark
St. Paul’s Cathedral: A Baroque Masterpiece
Dominating the city skyline, the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Paul is the pinnacle of Maltese Baroque design, rebuilt by architect Lorenzo Gafà after the devastating 1693 earthquake. The interior is a riot of gold leaf, marble, and fine art.
Look down: the entire floor is a tapestry of inlaid marble tombstones marking Maltese nobility and clergy. Look up: the dome frescoes depict the life of St. Paul, shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD. Your ticket also includes the Cathedral Museum, home to a collection of Dürer woodcuts.
Viewpoint
The Bastion View: Malta at Your Feet
Follow the winding Triq Villegaignon to its very end and you’ll reach the northern bastions, where the fortifications drop away to reveal a staggering 360-degree panorama.
On a clear day you can see all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and the dome of Mosta Rotunda. Grab a pastizz from a nearby bakery and simply soak in the silence — it’s here you understand why Mdina remains the “Silent City.”
Rabat: Where History Runs Deep
Just a stone’s throw from Mdina’s Greek Gate lies Rabat, a town that served as the “suburb” to the ancient capital. While Mdina is silent and reserved, Rabat is a vibrant hub of Maltese life, famous for its sprawling underground labyrinths and its legendary street food.
Underground
The Underground Labyrinth: St. Paul’s Catacombs
Underneath the peaceful streets of Rabat lies a massive network of Roman burial chambers — since Roman law forbade burials within city walls, this area became a vast necropolis spanning over 2,000 square metres, the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.
Look for the circular rock-cut “Agape” tables used for commemorative meals honouring the deceased. Pro tip: St. Agatha’s Historical Complex, right across the street, is double the size and features 12th-century frescoes. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes — the limestone steps can be damp.
Sacred site
St. Paul’s Grotto: A Holy Sanctuary
According to tradition, this is the very cave where the Apostle Paul sought refuge after being shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD. Accessible through the Wignacourt Museum, the grotto is a place of profound quiet.
Don’t miss the WWII air raid shelters connected to the museum — hand-carved tunnels that sheltered Maltese families during the Blitz.
Cover more ground in less time with a guided tuk tuk tour linking Rabat, the Dingli Cliffs, and Mdina — a fun, easy way to see the wider area beyond the city walls.
You cannot visit Rabat without eating. Period. The town is home to what is arguably the most famous snack shop in the Mediterranean.
Local Icon · Since 1946
Is-Serkin (Crystal Palace Bar)
This humble, no-frills bar has been serving Malta’s national snack — pastizzi — since 1946. Ask for “one of each”: pizelli (curried peas) and irkotta (ricotta cheese). Flaky, greasy, and perfect.
Pair it with a te fit-tazza (tea in a glass with condensed milk) or a cold Kinnie, Malta’s iconic bittersweet orange soda. At roughly €0.50 per pastry, it’s the best cheap eat on the island.
Fine Dining
Fine Dining in a Cave: The Grotto Tavern
For a “bucket list” dinner, head to The Grotto Tavern, where you dine inside an actual 2,000-year-old Roman cave — easily one of the most atmospheric dining rooms in the world.
Expect high-end Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist; the octopus and local prawns are standout stars.
Where to Stay in Mdina & Rabat
To truly experience the magic of these towns, I recommend staying overnight rather than just day-tripping.
Mdina: Luxury & Boutique Charm
Ultra-Luxury
The Xara Palace
A 17th-century palazzo offering ultra-luxury and romance inside the silent city walls.
Yes, but with a caveat! Mdina earned its nickname because vehicle access is strictly limited to residents, making the atmosphere incredibly peaceful. However, it can get busy with day-trippers between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Insider tip: to experience the true silence, stay overnight at a boutique palazzo like The Xara Palace — once the gates close to the public at night, the city is yours.
How do I get to Mdina from Valletta?
It’s incredibly easy. Take the direct bus (routes 51, 52, or 53) from the Valletta terminus, which takes about 30–40 minutes. By car, it’s a 20-minute drive, but parking can be tricky. Many travelers prefer a full-day guided tour that combines Mdina with the Mosta Dome and the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village.
Is there a dress code for St. Paul’s Cathedral?
Yes. As it is an active place of worship, you must cover your shoulders and knees. If you’re wearing a tank top or shorts, shawl-wraps are usually available at the entrance. Also avoid stiletto heels — the 300-year-old inlaid marble floors are delicate and easily damaged.
Can you visit both Mdina and Rabat in one day?
Absolutely. They are essentially connected — you just walk across the “ditch” (the Howard Gardens) to get from one to the other. Spend the morning in the shady streets of Mdina and the afternoon exploring the Catacombs and food scene in Rabat.
Where is the best place to park?
If you are driving, head for the Mdina Ditch Car Park or the large public lot near the Rabat Bus Terminus. Parking is technically free, but you will often see “parkers” (attendants) who help direct traffic — it’s customary to give them a small tip of €1 or €2.
Are the Catacombs claustrophobic?
The main areas of St. Paul’s Catacombs are surprisingly spacious with high ceilings and modern lighting. However, some side galleries are tighter. If you’re very claustrophobic, you might prefer the Domvs Romana, which is entirely above ground.
What are the best “Game of Thrones” spots?
The most iconic spot is the Mdina Main Gate (the entrance to King’s Landing). You should also visit Mesquita Square, where the famous sword fight between Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister was filmed.
Coming from Valletta Cruise Port?
If you have a full day in Malta, Mdina and Rabat are a great contrast to Valletta’s waterfront and city streets. Read my Valletta cruise port guide for ideas on how to structure your day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning your first trip to Malta, make time for Mdina and Rabat. Go in the morning. Walk slowly. Stop for coffee at Fontanella, try pastizzi in Rabat, and let yourself get slightly lost in the narrow streets. It’s one of the places that truly captures the character of the island — and one you’ll likely remember long after your trip ends. I hope this guide to Mdina and Rabat helps you plan an unforgettable day.
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