Mdina & Rabat: City Walking Tour with Licensed Guide

Summary

Wander Mdina’s quiet lanes and Rabat’s old quarter with stories at every turn

You’ll wander Mdina’s silent streets with a local guide who knows every hidden archway, then cross into Rabat to hear stories of saints and old families. Feel ancient stone beneath your fingers, catch the scent of fresh bread, and end up in St Paul’s Square where time seems to pause just long enough to notice.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the meeting point at Mdina’s Main Gate — I was too busy staring at those honey-colored walls that look like they’ve soaked up centuries of sunlight. Our guide, Maria, waved me over with a smile and a little City Walking Tours Malta sign. She had this way of talking about the city that made you want to lean in closer, like she might let you in on some family secret. The first thing I noticed was the hush — not silence exactly, but a kind of soft echo off the stones as we walked through those narrow streets. It really is called the “Silent City,” and for once, that didn’t feel like an exaggeration.

Maria pointed out where the old aristocratic families still keep their palaces (I tried to peek through one of those giant doors — just for a second). Every corner felt like it belonged in some faded painting: baroque balconies with chipped paint, sunlight slanting across empty courtyards, and the faint smell of baking bread from somewhere behind closed shutters. We passed a tiny church where someone was sweeping steps; she nodded at us but didn’t say anything. I liked that — it felt lived-in, not staged.

The walk from Mdina to Rabat was shorter than I expected — just a few minutes and suddenly we were in another world again. The streets here felt busier somehow, more tangled. Maria told us about St Paul living in a grotto beneath the parish church (I’d never heard that story before), and there was this moment when we stood in St Paul’s Square and everything got quiet for a second except for some pigeons fighting over crumbs. I don’t know why but that stuck with me.

I’m still thinking about those winding alleys and how cool the stones felt under my hand when I leaned against one wall to tie my shoe. If you’re looking for something real — not flashy or loud — this Mdina & Rabat city walking tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mdina and Rabat city walking tour

• Meet guide at Mdina Main Gate
• Walk through Mdina's palaces and churches
• Explore Rabat's old quarter streets
• Visit St. Paul's Square in Rabat

Top questions

How long does the Mdina & Rabat walking tour last?

The walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is this city walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the Mdina & Rabat tour start?

The tour starts at the Main Gate of Mdina; your guide will be holding a City Walking Tours Malta sign.

Does the tour include both Mdina and Rabat?

Yes, you’ll explore both Mdina and nearby Rabat during this guided walk.

Are children allowed on this walking tour?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult during the tour.

Can infants or small children join in strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers throughout the walk.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to both starting and ending points.

What is included with this city walking tour?

A fully licensed guide leads you through Mdina and Rabat for two hours; no additional entry fees required.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour guided walk through both Mdina and Rabat led by a fully licensed local guide. The route is wheelchair accessible throughout, suitable for all fitness levels, and welcomes children (with adults), infants in strollers, or service animals if needed—no extra entry fees or hidden costs along the way.