With a population of around 20,000, Kos Town is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of the Greek island of Kos. The lively capital is perfect for a day trip, even if the weather is not so nice.
“Kos Town has its very own charm, which some people only discover at second glance.”
The capital of Kos does not have a medieval old town with historic buildings like the one on Rhodes. However, if you get involved in the colorful mix of souvenir shops, boutiques, modern cafes and traditional taverns, you will feel at home here very quickly.
Since there is a wide range of sights in the capital of the island, we have put together our 10 personal recommendations for you here and show you the must-sees of the city of Kos:
#1 Old Town: Shopping in Kos Town
The best way to start your walking tour of Kos Town is to set off in the morning, as the siesta is heralded in Kos Town from 1:30 p.m. and a large number of shops are then closed until 6 p.m. The many tourist shops along the shopping streets as well as the market hall of Kos Town are open all day.
The area around today’s city has been inhabited for thousands of years. There are numerous ruins from ancient and Roman times, which are scattered throughout the city. Later, crusaders and Ottomans fought for the strategically important port town. At the beginning of the 20th century, even the Italians occupied the island of Kos.
In the narrow shopping streets of Apellou and Ifestou there is a lot of activity in the high season. Numerous shops, boutiques and jewellery dealers can be found along the bougainvillea-lined promenade. If it gets too hectic for you, head to the narrow side streets, where some quaint cafés are hidden away from the hustle and bustle.
You can find high-quality leather sandals and accessories in the store of craftsman Leftheris, called »Lefos Handmade Greek Leather Sandals« (Street: Kolokotroni 14). In addition to numerous restaurants and cafés, there are also interesting souvenir shops in Apellou Alley, including »Nisi« and »Its all greek to me«.
#2 Platia Eleftherias: The Square of Freedom
The main square of Kos in the heart of the city is always busy and is home to cozy cafes and bars. The influence of the former occupiers is unmistakable here, in addition to the Art Deco buildings (including the market hall and museum) from the Italian era, the Defterdar Mosque is a relic of the Ottoman rulers.
This is the most famous mosque on Kos Island, dating from the 18th century. It was a popular motif for photos until the last major earthquake in 2017. Unfortunately, it was so badly damaged that it is now dilapidated. The minaret of the beautiful mosque has also collapsed. The restoration will take some time.
To the north, the massive city gate adjoins the main square. The “Pyli tou Forou” (also known as the Steering Gate) marks the entrance to Bar Street. Behind it, the Nafklirou alley, lined with oleander, leads to the plane tree of Hippocrates. By the way, in our Travel Guide for Kos you will find many more tips for Kos Town.
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
#3 Kos Market Hall and Museum
If you are still looking for a souvenir for your loved ones at home, then mingle with the hustle and bustle of the market hall. In addition to numerous knick-knacks and goods from overseas, there are also some nice island souvenirs, such as handmade textiles, thyme honey, olive oil, wine and ouzo.
- Kos Market Hall Opening Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
After visiting the Kos Market Hall, you are welcome to linger for a short time in one of the cafes on Eleftherias Square. We recommend that you use the Giannou Kentriko Cafe. For those interested in history, it is worth taking a detour to the Archaeological Museum of Kos, which is also located on Freedom Square, too.
More than 130 finds are exhibited on two floors, including from the excavation sites of the Agora, the Asklepieion of Kos and the Villa Casa Romana. In addition to a coloured floor mosaic in the atrium, numerous statues, busts and everyday objects can be visited.
- Kos Archaeological Museum Opening hours: daily 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Admission: 8 €
#4 Plane tree of Hippocrates
From Eleftherias Square, the path continues through the medieval city gate, along the bar mile to the plane tree of Hippocrates. According to the story, the famous island doctor Hippocrates is said to have taught his students under the mighty giant tree with a trunk diameter of over four meters.
Although the plane tree already has to be supported by pillars, the experts argue about the true age of the tree, it is assumed to be between 500 and 2,000 years.
Below the plane tree is an Ottoman fountain. The neighboring loggia mosque was badly damaged by the 2017 earthquake and is now cordoned off due to the risk of collapse.
→ The most important information about the famous Plane Tree of Kos can be found in this article: Plane tree of Hippocrates
#5 Panoramic view from Kastro Neratzia
An old stone bridge leads from the plane tree to the entrance gate of the Neratzia Castle. The mighty fortress was expanded by the Crusaders in the 14th century and served primarily as a defensive structure against the Ottomans. Over the years, the fort changed hands several times and served as barracks and prison, among other things.
A visit to Kastro Neratzia is an enjoyable experience and has become an essential part of a tour of Kos city. Although much of the extensive complex has been destroyed today, some antique marble column stumps, cannons and knights’ coats of arms from the Middle Ages are still preserved.
The Kastro Neratzia has been allowed to enter again since 2021 and offers a magnificent view of the harbor bay of Kos Town. From 2021 to 2023, you could still visit the fortress in Kos for free. Unfortunately, the facility is currently closed for renovations.
- Kos Fortress Neratzia Opening Hours: temporarily closed, otherwise Wed.-Mon. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Admission: free
🚘 Car rental for Kos Town: We recommend Costas Car Rental – a warm family business that we know personally and have appreciated for years. Well-maintained cars, uncomplicated service and top ratings on Google speak for themselves. From small cars to family cars, everything is there. Request your desired vehicle for Kos directly here: Book Kos Car Hire
#6 Ancient Agora of Kos
The Ancient Agora of Kos, the city’s largest excavation site, is located behind the plane tree of Hippocrates. History buffs can linger here for hours, numerous information boards give an idea of this impressive complex, which is lined with huge palm trees.
In the 14th century, the medieval city centre of the Knights of St. John was located here, but it was completely destroyed by the earthquake in 1933. Fragments of an ancient agora came to light, which were uncovered by Italian archaeologists by 1942.
The agora dates back to the 4th century BC and was the centre of public life in antiquity. The courtyard-like complex was once home to a large columned hall (stoa) surrounded by shops. In the further area there are remains of ancient temples, a large marble gate, as well as ruins of an early Christian basilica and old residential buildings.
- Agora Kos Opening Hours: Wed.-Mon. 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Admission: free
#7 Waterfront at Mandraki Harbor
The palm-lined Finikon street leads under the stone bridge of the fort to the Mandraki Port of Kos. At the far end, the fishermen of Kos Town sell their catch in the morning. The colorful Kaiki boats are a great photo motif of Kos.
At the bulbous harbour pier, one excursion boat follows the other and numerous tours to the neighbouring islands are offered. Particularly recommended is the Three Islands Cruise with the providers Eva or Archangelos Michael. Most of the day tours include a barbecue and free drinks. More information at GetYourGuide*:
Island hopping from Kos: From the new port in Kos Town, the ferries start to the neighboring islands. In addition to Rhodes, Kos is considered an ideal starting point for island hopping on the Dodecanese. You can find out more about this in our blog post: Island hopping Greece
#8 White Stairs of Kos
Opposite the harbour, right next to the sitar bar, is probably the most popular photo motif in the city. The pretty white alley of Kos could make it onto any cover of a Greek travel guide. Of course, everyone wants to have a photo of the gem, so the crowd in front of the narrow alley is often all the bigger.
Really empty are the White Stairs of Kos only in the early morning hours. On the other hand, it is most beautifully illuminated at lunchtime, when the crowds of visitors are correspondingly large.
→ We tell you the 12 best excursions to do with children on the island in our article: Kos Island with children
#9 Roman Odeon
Not far from the free parking areas on Leoforos Grigoriou Street, you can get to the Roman Odeon. The amphitheatre in Kos Town dates back to the 2nd century AD and was unearthed by Italian archaeologists in 1929. You can climb up to the 14 marble tiers and take a short break.
Originally, the theatre was covered and served as a meeting and event venue that could accommodate almost 750 visitors. Under the Odeon of Kos today is an underground section where you can learn about the theatre’s origins and history.
- Odeon Kos Opening Hours: Wed.-Mon. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Entrance free
#10 Villa Casa Romana
Just a five-minute walk east of the Odeon, you’ll come to the Villa Casa Romana. The foundations of the building were built as early as the Hellenistic period in the 3rd century BC.
The Romans built a two-storey residential building on it, which gives a good insight into the life of wealthy families in Roman times. In addition to the peristyle courtyards with their marble columns, numerous mosaic floors, old ceramics, busts and clay vessels can be seen today.
- Casa Romana Opening Hours: Wed.-Mon. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Admission: 10 €
Parking in Kos Town
Free parking in Kos Town can be found along Leoforos Grigoriou Street between the Roman Odeon and Villa Casa Romana. From here, you can walk north and reach the heart of the city centre via Vasileos Pavlou Street.
Beaches near Kos Town
The bathing opportunities in the immediate vicinity of the city are limited. For a short refreshment, the city beach is suitable Paralia Kos before the Albergo Gelsomino Hotel. A spacious sandy-pebble beach is located near Lambi in the north of Kos Town. The beach bars on Lambi Beach rent out loungers and umbrellas.
→ More information about Swimming in Kos can be found in our article: Kos Beaches
Popular excursions from Kos Town
The three most popular tours from Kos Town are summarised below. Click on the links to our partner GetYourGuide* to see more details such as prices and available dates:
➲ To the 3-island tour with BBQ*
Restaurant tips for Kos Town
Broadway Restaurant
Creative Mediterranean cuisine true to the motto “food is joy”. Elegantly draped food with fresh ingredients and great flavors. From the outside quite inconspicuous and a bit off the beaten track, but still popular with locals. For us personally, it is the best restaurant in Kos town. Reservations in the evening are recommended!
GLOBAL Shisha Lounge Bar
The likeable Hassan runs a stylish café-bar in Ifestou Alley, not far from Eleftherias Square. In addition to seating along the alley, there is a hidden courtyard with sofa corners and lounge chairs. Hassan’s wife runs a small boutique next door. Friendly staff and great atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the old town alleys.
Kapari Meze
Located on the Platia Diagora, this welcoming tavern has numerous delicious mezedes (appetizers) on the menu. Unobtrusive yet attentive service, fair prices and a beautiful atmosphere under a roof of magnificent bougainvillea.
More Cafe-Bar
Cozy café on the edge of the old town run by Christin and her husband Kostas. Delicious coffee and cake, as well as small snacks and good cocktails (happy hour from 4-12 pm). Especially recommended in the morning, before you go into the hustle and bustle of the old town.
The Cup
Typical Greek street café near the altar of Dionysus. There are numerous types of coffee and different preparation methods to choose from. Tables are available in the pedestrian zone. Popular with locals, good prices and fast service.
Other and Other (Alla ki Alla)
Music bar and mezedopleion in one, with great nostalgic flair on two floors. Atmospheric Greek pop music alternates with rebetiko sounds. The food is very tasty, traditional Greek cuisine at a high level. The service is a bit reserved, but friendly. Open only Fri. & Sat. from 6:30 p.m. to 12 p.m.
Do you want more restaurant tips for Kos Town? → In our Google map you will find all the cafes and taverns on the island of Kos that we have tested and recommended, as well as our best Kos Town travel tips: To the map
Hotel tips for Kos Town
We have listed popular hotels and apartment complexes for you. On Booking.com* you will find many hotels in Kos Town and you can check prices here:
Albergo Gelsomino
Upscale 5-star hotel right on the harbour of Kos Town. Built in 1928, the iconic building is considered the oldest hotel in the city and was extensively restored in 2018. Courteous service, extremely tasteful rooms (some with sea views) and a compact city beach on the doorstep. Very good offers in low season! More information on Booking.com*:
Blue Lagoon City Hotel
This large city hotel is located in a quiet area, just a 5-minute walk from the harbour and the old town. Large and modern rooms, courtyard pool and extensive breakfast buffet. More information on Booking.com*:
➲ Book Blue Lagoon City Hotel*
10 ApArt Boutique Apartments
Leticia and Petros rent out four new apartments (2021) at fair prices in the heart of Kos Town. Balcony with city view, spacious living and dining area, tasteful furnishings, and friendly host. More information on Booking.com*:
➲ To book 10 ApArt Apartments*
Map with Kos Town Attractions
In our Kos Map you will find all the highlights of the island and the individual stations of Kos Town. So you can easily navigate through your vacation with Google Maps.
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
→ More articles and useful travel tips for the island of Kos can be found at:
- Kos Holidays – 11 Important information
- Kos Island – Digital travel guide
- Kos Excursions
- Kos Resorts – All holiday resorts at a glance
- Best Hotels Kos
- Our highlights on Kos
- Kos Car Hire – our local partner
- Zia Kos – Excursion to the mountain village
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