culture
8 things to do in Mdina in a day
Try these delightful ways to experience the best of Malta's old capital.

Melanie Drury

1. Listen to the Silent City 

The beautiful fortified city of Mdina calls you to step inside its walls and wonder what those walls have seen. The city inspires strength and magnificence, and the Cathedral Square always leaves you in awe, no matter how many times you see it. Every building, every street and every corner tells a story.

2. Peek through history

You can experience Mdina by wandering through its beautiful streets, merely feeling its presence. You can also allow The Mdina Experience and Knights of Malta 3D shows to lead you through exciting audio-visual tales of old.

3. Enjoy the view

Head towards Bastions Square and simply relish the view. How many important landmarks can you see scattered around the island from here? From top to bottom, Howard Gardens begins at the ditch at the secondary entrance to the city (left of the main entrance) and goes almost halfway around the city walls - a view of Mdina from a completely different perspective.

4. Eat a chocolate cake to die for

Fontanella Tea Garden

If you’re doing all this walking, fuel up with one of the most delicious chocolate cakes on the island at Fontanella cafe, situated right on the bastions near Bastion Square. The pretty cafe offers little tables right on the bastion walls.

5. Amuse yourself in a museum

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is at the main entrance of Mdina. But even more interesting than fossils, perhaps, is an insight into the lives of the people of Mdina. Palazzo Falson and the Mdina Dungeons transport you straight into the extreme opposite lives of the nobles and slaves.

6. Take a ride on a karrozzin

The traditional horse-drawn carriage is the only vehicle allowed inside the Silent City, where the clip-clop of horses remains the eternal sound of Mdina. The local karrozzin drivers are usually friendly, and will voluntarily give away a few stories about the city.

7. Buy some handicrafts

facebook/Mdina Glass Malta

Take home some beautiful glass art; Mdina Glass gets its very name from the city. Other traditional handicrafts, such as lace and silver filigree, as well as other souvenirs are available in several little shops scattered around Mdina’s main street. For bigger shopping, visit the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village just 2 km away.

8. Have a meal

Finish off your Mdina experience with a meal at one of the many quality restaurants within the Silent City. From Asian-Arabic cuisine to an Italian trattoria, casual to elegant, you're sure to be satisfied with your choice.

Come May and October...

During the Medieval Mdina weekend in May, the city comes alive with an array of Medieval costumes, sword fights - you name it! In October, you can also expect the Mdina Grand Prix, a special grand prix for classic cars and collector’s favourites - an auto museum that’s alive and racing!

How will your Mdina experience be?


Melanie Drury
Written by
Melanie Drury
Melanie was born and raised in Malta and has spent a large chunk of her life travelling solo around the world. Back on the island with a new outlook, she realised just how much wealth her little island home possesses.

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