The Silent City That Feels Like a Movie Set

If there’s one place in Malta that truly made me feel like I stepped into another world — it’s Mdina. This tiny, quiet town is actually known as the “Silent City” with a rich history of over 4000 years, and honestly, that name fits perfectly. No traffic, no noise, barely any people (aside from tourists wandering around midday). Most cars aren’t even allowed inside, so you get to explore the streets on foot and fully enjoy the calm.

And yes, for photographers and content creators, it’s an absolute dream. Mdina feels like a movie set — and not just because of the fairytale streets. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognize a few filming spots (like the entrance to King’s Landing).

It’s one of those places that naturally makes you slow down. No rush, no distractions. Just the sound of birds and the soft clip-clop of horses pulling vintage-style carriages. Time really feels like it pauses here… and I loved every second of it.

What Makes Mdina So Special?

Mdina isn’t huge, but it’s full of charm. The kind of place where every street feels like it belongs in a fairytale — tiny alleys, pastel doors, cute balconies full of flowers… and suddenly you’re stopping every two minutes to say “wow, look at this!”

It’s located on a hill, so the views are pretty incredible — especially at sunset. And what I loved most? The calm streets and no one rushing at all. No cars zooming past, no background noise — it’s so peaceful that at first it almost feels strange. You actually get to slow down, breathe, and just be there…

“every street feels like it belongs in a fairytale — tiny alleys, pastel doors, cute balconies full of flowers…”

Best Things to Do in Mdina

Mdina might be small, but there are plenty of little corners worth seeing. Imagine it more like a “wander, feel, and fall in love with the vibe” kind of place. But here are a few things you shouldn’t miss:

Explore without a plan or a map. Just walk around and get lost in the little streets — they all look like they’ve been untouched for centuries. It’s the best way to discover the charm of the city.

Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. This is Mdina’s main landmark, right in the heart of the city. Even if you’re not usually into churches, this one is worth stepping inside because the interior is really beautiful.

Lunch or cocktails on a rooftop at Palazzo Bifora. This was such a nice surprise — the rooftop of Palazzo Bifora (a boutique hotel) has a gorgeous view and delicious dishes (I had one of the best risottos ever). Their Lumière Restaurant is such a vibe for a lunch break or sunset cocktail. Bonus: it’s peaceful, small (only a few tables), and not touristy at all! I found it accidentally, booked a table, and I’ve been welcomed as a VIP guest (huge huge compliments and recommendations)!

Stop for cake (and views!) at Fontanella Tea Garden. This place is known for its cakes and panoramic terrace. It’s super popular (and touristic), so you might need to wait a bit, but the views and sweets are worth the wait. Tip: take a look at their current cakes, because you’ll spend hours choosing, as they have so many!

Peek inside the Mdina Dungeons. Okay, this one’s a little spooky… It’s a small museum that shows a darker side of Malta’s history. Great if you’re into something a bit unusual and offbeat.

Find a Game of Thrones filming location. Yes, Game of Thrones fans — some scenes were shot right here in Mdina! The main gate of the city was actually used as the entrance to King’s Landing in season one. Fun to see in real life!

Stay until golden hour. Mdina during the day is lovely… but at golden hour it becomes magical! Lights everywhere, the silence, the view from the city walls — it’s just one of those moments that makes you smile without even trying.

Visit the nearby town of Rabat. Literally a few-minute walk outside Mdina’s gates, Rabat is another charming little town worth exploring. There are cute cafés (and friendly owners!), restaurants, small shops, and some hidden gems like St. Paul’s Catacombs if you’re into history. You can easily see both places in the same afternoon.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Mdina?

If you want to enjoy Mdina at its calmest and most magical time, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon (especially close to golden hour). During midday, it gets quite busy with tourists, which kind of takes away that peaceful, timeless vibe the city is known for. Besides that, traffic around Mdina gets very busy in the middle of the day, so better to plan your visit to avoid peak hours.

Michelin Star Restaurants

One thing I love about Malta — the cuisine is seriously great but underrated. The island has a surprising number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and honestly, they’re way more affordable than in most other European countries.

In and around Mdina and Rabat, you’ll find some beautiful dining spots with top-quality food, warm service, and gorgeous views. Whether you’re stopping for lunch, a tasting menu, or just a cocktail with a view — this area is perfect if you want to treat yourself to something a little more special (without the fancy price tag).

P.S. In many places, you’ll actually meet the owners themselves — they’re some of the kindest people you’ll come across (don’t forget to ask for their story and recommendations!).

Mdina quietly stole my heart… I thought nothing could top the charm of Valletta, until I came here. It just feels different. Quieter, slower, and magical in its own way. If you’re coming to Malta, don’t skip Mdina and Rabat. Spend a few hours walking around, grab a drink with a view, and just enjoy the calm surroundings. It might end up being your favorite spot, too, like it was for me!