VISITING RABAT + MDINA IN ONE DAY: OUR SHORT GUIDE.
Why visit Rabat + Mdina?
If you only have time for one inland stop in Malta, make it Rabat and Mdina. These neighboring towns feel like stepping into two different versions of history: Mdina, the “Silent City,” is a grand, walled fortress frozen in time, while Rabat offers a more down-to-earth glimpse into Maltese life with fascinating catacombs, local eateries, and a genuine lived-in feel.
Mdina often gets all the attention, but honestly? I found Rabat more interesting.
Mdina is stunning, sure – golden-hued alleyways, grand palazzos, and sweeping views from its bastions. But it can also feel a little too polished, a bit of a stage set. Rabat, on the other hand, is where real life happens. Grab a pastizzi from a local bakery, wander its quieter streets, and discover its layered history without the crowds.
Together, they make for an incredible day trip – or, if you can, stay the night for a completely different experience once the day-trippers leave.
Rabat + Mdina are very close
Firstly, a bit of context. You’ll hear people talk about Rabat and you’ll hear them talk about Mdina. What’s often not clear, is that the two towns are essentially connected.
Mdina is the former capital of Malta, Rabat which means “suburb” was the overflow of Mdina. Whilst Mdina is the crowd pleasing walled city, Rabat is really pretty too.
To put it in context, you can spend a day, or even half a day exploring the two towns in detail.
Rabat + Mdina are worth seeing as a contrast to the coast
Malta is famous for its coastline – the crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and sandy beaches. But inland, the country tells a different story.
Visiting Rabat and Mdina is about stepping away from the sea and into Malta’s deep historical and cultural roots. The golden limestone streets, the quiet courtyards, and the echoes of past civilizations all make this a completely different side of Malta worth experiencing.
How to Get to Rabat and Mdina
Rabat and Mdina sit in the centre of Malta, around 30 minutes by bus from Valletta. The most convenient way to get here is by taking one of the frequent buses from Valletta’s main bus terminal – routes 51, 52, and 53 all stop in Rabat.
Tip – for buses in Malta, you can use Google Maps. We found it be pretty accurate on timings and routes. Expect the buses to run a few minutes late, especially with traffic at peak times.
If you’re driving, there’s a car park just outside Mdina’s main gate. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are also widely available.
One day is plenty, but if you can a night is a delight
One full day is enough to see the main sights, but an overnight stay offers a different perspective, especially when the crowds leave and Mdina returns to its quiet, atmospheric self. If you have the time, staying a night allows you to explore at a leisurely pace, enjoy an evening in Rabat (rather than Mdina – more on that below.)
13 best things to do in Rabat + Mdina
Here are the 13 best things to do in Rabat and Mdina when you visit. You can find the locations marked on the map below.
1/ Explore Mdina on a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Mdina is a city best explored on foot. Once you step through the grand Mdina Gate, you enter a world frozen in time.
Start at the main entrance and make your way to Pjazza Mesquita, a small, secluded square used in Game of Thrones. Continue towards St. Paul’s Cathedral, an impressive baroque church that dominates the skyline. The Mdina Cathedral Museum next door holds an extensive collection of religious art and artefacts.
The best part of Mdina? Getting lost. Every turn reveals something new – a hidden courtyard, an intricately carved balcony, or a grand wooden door with an ornate knocker. Eventually, you’ll find your way to Bastion Square, where you’ll get breathtaking views over the Maltese countryside.
Top tip: Go early in the morning before the tourist crowds arrive for a much more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities. When I visited, there were people queuing to take photos by particular front doors!
If you’d rather, you can book a guided walking tour to see all the main sights with a professional.
2/ The Mdina Dungeons
For a darker side of history, head underground to the Mdina Dungeons. The eerie chambers depict scenes of medieval justice, from torture methods to grim prison cells. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
3/The Carmelite Priory
A peaceful retreat within Mdina, the Carmelite Priory offers guided tours where you can explore the cloisters, church, and beautiful library.
4/Mdina Glass
While Mdina itself is more about history than shopping, Mdina Glass is a well-known Maltese brand selling hand-blown glassware. Just inside the city walls, it’s a great spot for picking up a colourful souvenir.
5/ St. Paul’s Catacombs
One of the most intriguing places in Rabat, these ancient catacombs date back to Roman times. The underground tunnels stretch over 2,000 square metres, with eerie, rock-cut tombs revealing centuries of history. Tickets cost about €7 for adults.
6/ Domus Romana
Just outside Mdina’s walls, this Roman townhouse contains intricate mosaic floors and relics from Malta’s Roman past. The museum provides insight into the daily life of an affluent Roman family. Tickets cost €7 for adults.
7/ Casa Bernard
A 16th-century noble house still privately owned, but offering guided tours. A rare chance to peek inside an aristocratic home filled with antique furniture and historical objects. Plan in advance to visit.
8/The Rabat Market
If you visit on a Sunday, the Rabat market is worth a stop. It’s a local affair, with vendors selling fresh produce, household goods, and traditional Maltese snacks like pastizzi – flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas (sounds weird, but is delicious.)
9/ Crystal Palace for the Best Pastizzi
Speaking of pastizzi, the best ones in town come from Crystal Palace, a no-frills bakery near the main bus stop in Rabat. This place has a bit of a cult following, and you’ll have to queue to get in. What is really lovely is that it attracts tourists but locals still go there too.
10/ Wander Away from the Tourist Centre
The streets near Mdina’s cathedral are charming, but they’re also packed. Venture deeper into Rabat’s backstreets for a quieter, more authentic experience.
We really liked the area near to the cathedral on Triq ir-Repubblika. Check out lowkey restaurants like Ottavo Senso -prices here are much lower than in Mdina and it’s a less touristy vibe.
11/ Admire Rabat’s Colourful Windows and Doors
Malta is known for its vibrant, painted doors and shuttered windows. Rabat is a perfect place to spot them, especially if you’re into photography.
12/Dine at a Michelin-Star Restaurant
Mdina has it’s very own Michelin Star restaurant – De Mondion set in a luxurious palace hotel. In Rabat, you can also fine a few fine dining options mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Try Grotto Tavern, set in an actual cave. Or The Golden Fork which has a well priced tasting menu.
13/The Confession Wine Bar
End your day with a drink at The Confession, a cozy spot serving excellent local and international wines in an atmospheric setting.
Where to Stay
BUDGET: My Travel House is a well priced boutique hotel in the heart of Rabat. Breakfast is included at a nearby bar.
MID-RANGE: Point de Vue Guesthouse is located in between Rabat and Mdina and offers palatial style accommodation with design touches.
LUXURY: Palazo Bifora is one of the only hotels inside the Mdina walls. A boutique and stylish place with great breakfast.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
Cyprus or Malta: a deep dive into the two islands
CYPRUS OR MALTA: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE TWO ISLANDS. Golden stone cities, azure seas, and a long, tangled web of Mediterranean culture and history – both Malta and Cyprus tick so many boxes when it comes to sunshine escapes. They’re warm, safe, culturally rich, and surprisingly affordable. But if you only have time for…
St Paul’s Bay vs St Julian’s Bay Malta: which coastal town to choose?
ST PAUL’S BAY VERSUS JULIAN’S BAY: WHICH COASTAL TOWN TO CHOOSE? Malta’s coastline is all cliffs, coves, and flashes of blue. Dotted along it are bays and towns that each have their own pace and rhythm. Two of the most talked-about spots — St Paul’s Bay and St Julian’s Bay — both pull in visitors,…
15 best hikes in Europe for April
15 BEST HIKES IN EUROPE FOR APRIL. April is a wonderful month to enjoy hiking in Europe, whether you’re looking for a long distance trail or a few days of trekking. But, you have to pick wisely to find the best hiking weather. In the north, trails might still be snowbound. But head a little…
USEFUL LINKS FOR FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
CHECK LATEST FLIGHTS
ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Please note that some links on our website are partnered with affiliates. Using an affiliate links does not make it more expensive for you to purchase. We receive a small commission whenever you buy something which in turn allows us to keep writing independent travel guides and your support is greatly appreciated.