Mdina, often called the “Silent City,” is a treasure trove for travelers eager to explore Malta’s rich past and scenic beauty. What makes Mdina stand out as a tour destination is its well-preserved medieval streets, panoramic views, and fascinating stories — all easily accessible through guided tours that cater to different interests. Whether you’re after a deep dive into history, a scenic stroll, or a musical evening, Mdina offers a variety of experiences. For instance, we love the full-day tour that packs six different sites into one day, giving a broad taste of Malta’s cultural and natural highlights. Or if you prefer a more intimate glimpse into Mdina’s secrets, the 2-hour medieval walking tour offers lively storytelling and immersive history.
Exploring Mdina by tour is a fantastic way to maximize your time and get insights that enrich your visit. From exploring the winding streets and ancient catacombs to enjoying a concert or uncovering darker legends, each tour provides a unique lens on this historic city.
1. Mdina, Rabat, Dingli cliffs, San Anton gardens, Ta’ Qali & Mosta guided tour
At number one, this full-day guided tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Malta’s top sights. It’s perfect for travelers who want an all-in-one experience without the hassle of planning every detail. The tour includes a walk through the medieval city of Mdina, where narrow streets lead to stunning views from the bastions, and a visit to Rabat’s early Christian catacombs—a chance to walk among underground tombs that span nearly two thousand years.
Highlights include a scenic stop at Dingli Cliffs, offering panoramic photos of Malta’s rugged coastline, and the lush San Anton Gardens, home to peacocks and perfectly manicured shrubbery. The tour also visits Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, which is a good spot for picking up authentic Maltese souvenirs, and concludes with a look at the iconic Mosta Dome—famous for its massive, uncracked rotunda. The trip is all about variety, with comfortable air-conditioned transport and a well-rounded itinerary. Reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the efficient organization, though some mention that the craft village could be less commercial. This tour provides a balance of history, scenery, and cultural insight, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting a solid overview.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a hassle-free, all-in-one day of sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits the mark, especially with its combination of natural beauty and historical sites.
2. Mdina: Medieval Mayhem 15th-Century Malta Walking Tour
For those seeking immersion and storytelling, this 2-hour walking tour offers a lively, theatrical take on Mdina’s past. Starting at the Joseph Howard Memorial, your guide—dressed in period costume—brings the city’s 15th-century era to life. This tour is rated a perfect 5/5 based on three reviews, which speaks to its engaging style and detailed storytelling.
The route includes stops at Mdina Gate, the Palazz Vilhena, and Greeks Gate, among others. Unique to this experience is the humorous and sometimes steamy tales about noble families, marriage scandals, and city secrets that are rarely found in traditional guidebooks. It’s like stepping into a medieval soap opera, with anecdotes that spark laughter and surprise. The guide’s passion and theatrical presentation make history feel immediate and personal—an especially good choice for travelers who want to break away from dry facts and enjoy some theatrical fun.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for history buffs who love storytelling and want to see Mdina through the eyes of its past residents, all packed into a lively, short walk.
3. Exclusive Concert in Mdina & Evening Tour – 25 June ONLY
If you’re visiting Malta in June, this special evening experience offers a magical combination: a guided tour of Mdina, followed by a concert inside St. Paul’s Cathedral. The tour begins with a 50-minute walk through the silent, atmospheric streets—ideal for photography and soaking in the city’s charm. Then, settle into Platinum seats for a classical concert featuring works by Mozart, Vivaldi, and Rachmaninoff, with poetic words from Shakespeare and William Blake woven into the program.
What makes this experience stand out is not just the concert—although that alone would be memorable—but the chance to see Mdina at sunset, when the stone walls glow warmly. This is a one-night-only event, so booking early is essential. It’s suited for music lovers and those wanting a romantic, cultural evening in a stunning setting. The combination of a scenic city walk and a concert offers a well-rounded night out, though it’s obviously limited to a single date.
Bottom Line: This is a special treat for classical music fans or those celebrating a special occasion who want a truly memorable night in Mdina.
4. Mysteries and Histories of Mdina – Walking Tour
Looking for a tour with a darker twist? This 2-hour walking experience explores Mdina’s spooky stories, ghost legends, and secret histories. It’s rated 4.8/5, reflecting its popularity among those intrigued by tales of miracles and buried treasure. The guide takes you through atmospheric streets, pointing out where buried treasure was found and where restless spirits supposedly still linger.
What sets this apart is its focus on stories that most tourist guides avoid—ghosts, miracles, and the city’s mysterious past. If you’re interested in the unexplained and love nighttime walks, this tour offers a compelling alternative to standard sightseeing. It’s perfect for night owls or history fans wanting a more spine-tingling perspective on Mdina.
Bottom Line: For a different take on Mdina’s history, this tour uncovers its shadowy stories, making it ideal for those who enjoy a spooky edge.
5. Tales of Torture in Mdina Dungeons – Guided Tour
For travelers intrigued by Malta’s more gruesome past, this 1.5-hour night tour offers a chilling look at the 18th-century dungeons. Entrance is included, and you’ll see wax figures depicting scenes of torture, punishment, and cruelty that reveal the city’s darker history. The tour is a guided walk through Mdina’s streets before descending into these underground chambers, where the macabre exhibits provide a visceral connection to Malta’s brutal past.
While this tour’s reviews are not explicitly rated, the focus on waxworks and stories of pain make it a memorable, if unsettling, experience. It’s perfect for those interested in military or criminal history, or anyone with a taste for ghost stories and historical horror. The night setting enhances the eerie atmosphere, making it more immersive.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a spine-tingling, thought-provoking experience, this tour offers a rare glimpse into Malta’s brutal history behind closed doors.
How to Choose the Right Mdina Tour
When deciding which Mdina experience suits you best, consider your interests and time constraints. If you want a rundown that covers multiple sites with a relaxed pace, the full-day guided tour is hard to beat. For those who love storytelling and a more theatrical approach, the 15th-century walking tour offers lively narratives. If a special evening with music sounds appealing, don’t miss the concert in Mdina.
For travelers interested in darker tales, the mysteries tour provides a spooky, atmospheric experience. And if you’re curious about Mdina’s sinister history, the Tales of Torture offers a visceral look at the city’s grim past.
When booking, consider your budget, how much time you have, and what kind of story you want to take home. Many tours sell out early, especially special events like the concert, so plan ahead.
No matter which tour you choose, Mdina’s charm, stories, and scenery promise a memorable visit. For first-timers, the full-day tour gives a great overview, while history lovers might prefer the more intimate walking adventures. For a night out, the concert offers a unique, cultural climax to your trip. Book early, and enjoy your exploration of Malta’s Silent City.