Malta: Mdina and Rabat Food Tour

Malta: Mdina and Rabat Food Tour — A Deep Dive into Malta’s Heritage and Flavors

A visit to Malta isn’t complete without exploring Mdina, its ancient silent city, and Rabat, the lively neighbor that holds the secrets of everyday Maltese life. This 3.5-hour guided food tour offers a chance to walk through 3000 years of history while sampling some of the best local foods and drinks. Led by a fully licensed guide, this experience costs $77 per person and promises a mix of cultural insights, delicious tastings, and scenic film-location strolls.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll visit local hotspots where locals eat—not just tourist traps. Second, the food and drink offerings include authentic Maltese specialties like rabbit, bragioli, and imqaret, with plenty of opportunities for wine and craft beer tastings. We love how the guide makes history come alive through storytelling, and the chance to try Maltese street food like the iconic Pastizz is a real treat.

One thing to keep in mind: since this is a food-focused tour, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with a good amount of walking and eating. The tour’s pace is lively, with multiple stops, so it’s ideal for travelers eager to combine history, culture, and cuisine. If you are a film buff or just love discovering hidden corners of old cities, this tour offers plenty of picturesque moments—many of which are Game of Thrones filming locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic local food at places where locals go, not just touristy eateries.
• Historical insights into Mdina and Rabat through engaging storytelling.
• Variety of tastings including Maltese snacks, rabbit, bragioli, imqaret, and regional drinks.
• Scenic streets and filming locations from Game of Thrones add visual appeal.
• Flexible price includes all food and drinks, making it good value.
• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and more authentic interactions.

A Full Breakdown of the Mdina and Rabat Food Tour

Starting Point: Is-Serkin – Crystal Palace Bar

We meet just outside the Crystal Palace Bar, a familiar spot that acts as a convenient hub for the tour. The meeting point is easy to find, which is a relief after a morning of travel. As we gather, our licensed guide, whose enthusiasm and local knowledge shine through, quickly sets the tone for the next 3.5 hours worth of sights, stories, and tastings.

First stop: Rabat – Introduction and Snacks

Our first taste of Maltese street food happens in Rabat, a vibrant town that balances age-old history with lively everyday life. Here, we sample pastizzi, the flaky, savory pastry filled with ricotta or peas, known as a Maltese comfort food. As one reviewer notes, “Make sure you go hungry as you get lots of food,” which is true; the snack is just the start.

During this brief stop, our guide offers insights into the local eating habits, highlighting how these snacks are part of everyday life. Expect an easy walk through charming streets, where the aroma of baked pastizzi fills the air.

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Second stop: Mdina – A Walk Through Time

Next, we stroll into Mdina, often called the “Silent City” for good reason. Its narrow alleyways, medieval walls, and stunning vistas make it a highlight. We spend about an hour here, walking through streets that have been inhabited for over 2,000 years.

Our guide points out the notable filming locations for Game of Thrones, which adds an extra layer of excitement for fans. As we admire the panoramic views from Mdina’s ramparts, we can picture the scenes from the popular series. The beauty of Mdina is that it’s both a living city and a museum—each corner whispers stories of the past while offering modern-day charm.

Third stop: Rabat – Food & Coffee Tasting

Back in Rabat, we enjoy a food tasting session that includes regional specialties and local coffee. The guide explains how Maltese cuisine melds flavors from Italy, North Africa, and Britain, creating a unique culinary profile.

This break is a good chance to ask questions and chat with fellow travelers. The local snacks are accompanied by Kinnie, Malta’s signature soft drink—bitter, sweet, and totally refreshing—perfect for cleansing the palate.

Fourth stop: Rabat – Beer & Tapas

Now, the tour heats up with craft beer tastings, paired with more regional snacks and tapas-style bites. We get to try two different local craft beers, and some reviewers mention that the beers are a highlight—”enjoyed immensely.” This stop showcases Malta’s evolving brewing scene, which blends tradition with innovation.

Fifth stop: Rabat – Dinner & Wine

The finale takes us to a cozy spot for dinner. Here, we indulge in rabbit and bragioli—classic Maltese dishes—washed down with local wine. The guide describes the regional food in a way that makes you appreciate the flavors even more.

We also try imqaret, a sweet pastry filled with dates, to cap off the experience. The portion sizes are generous, and all food and drinks are included in the €77 ticket, making the experience excellent value considering the variety and quality.

Return to Meeting Point

The tour concludes back at the Crystal Palace Bar, allowing for easy logistics after a day of exploration. Many guests have expressed satisfaction, with reviews praising the “knowledgeable guides” and “delicious food” as real highlights.

What Travelers Should Know

• Walking is involved, especially in Mdina and Rabat’s narrow streets, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• The tour includes all food and drinks—a good value but also a signal to arrive hungry.
• The small-group format tends to be more personal and engaging, enhancing the experience.
• The timing varies based on availability, so check the schedule and plan accordingly.
• It’s suitable for those interested in history, food, and film locations, but less so if you’re looking for a relaxed, sit-down meal only.
• The experience is in English, and the guide’s storytelling makes history accessible and fun.
• Be prepared for a lively pace; this is a walking, tasting tour—not a sit-down dining experience.
• Cancellation policy offers flexibility—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The price of $77 includes everything—no hidden costs—and offers excellent value for the breadth of experiences.
• Travelers have rated this tour 5 out of 5, with reviews emphasizing the knowledgeability of guides and delicious, authentic food.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you love history and culture paired with authentic Maltese cuisine, this tour is ideal. It’s particularly suitable for foodies eager to try local specialties like rabbit, bragioli, and imqaret. Fans of Game of Thrones will appreciate the filming locations sprinkled throughout, and those wanting a small-group, well-organized experience** will find it rewarding.

This tour also appeals to those who enjoy pairing food with drinks, as the inclusion of local wines and craft beers adds a fun, relaxing element. Conversely, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or are less interested in food, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, with a flexible schedule based on availability.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins just across from Is-Serkin—also known as Crystal Palace Bar—and ends back at the same location.

What is included in the price?
All food and drinks—pastizzi, regional snacks, rabbit, bragioli, imqaret, Kinnie soft drink, Maltese beer, and local wine—are included.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Based on the menu, some dishes involve meat (rabbit, bragioli). Vegetarians should inquire in advance if alternatives are available, but the focus is on traditional Maltese fare.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s best for those comfortable with walking and tasting multiple foods; children who enjoy exploring and trying new foods should find it suitable.

Are there any physical limitations?
Expect some walking, especially through Mdina’s narrow streets and ramparts. Comfortable shoes are advised.

How large are the groups?
While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on small-group experiences suggests an intimate, personalized tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, solo travelers often enjoy the social aspect of small-group tours, especially with engaging guides.

How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking, primarily through old streets and scenic spots, with plenty of opportunities to sit and relax between stops.

Final Word

The Mdina and Rabat Food Tour offers a wonderful taste of Malta’s culinary traditions, history, and film fame. It’s a well-balanced experience that combines delicious food, engaging storytelling, and stunning scenery. For travelers eager to explore Malta beyond the typical tourist spots, this tour provides a comprehensive and authentic taste of the island’s heart and soul.

Whether you’re a food lover, history buff, or Game of Thrones fan, you’ll find value in the knowledgeable guides, varied tastings, and scenic strolls. The only real challenge might be deciding what to leave for your next visit—there’s so much to love here. If you want to experience Malta like a local, this tour is a smart, flavorful choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: