With over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, Rhodes is one of the sunniest regions in Europe and rightly bears the nickname Sun Island. At the entrance to the harbour of Rhodes Town a huge statue of the sun god Helios is said to have once stood. The so-called Colossus of Rhodes no longer exists today, but there are many other sights.
When you enter the old town of Rhodes, you immediately feel transported back to the time of the knights.
Tom & Ella
The traffic-calmed old town stands in stark contrast to the modern new town. Cobbled streets, stone archways and beautifully decorated houses adorn the Old Town of Rhodes, which is a popular destination for day trips on the island. It is best to visit the old town in the morning, as the alleys fill up with visitors by midday.
In this article, we will introduce you to our highlights of Rhodes Town — the ones you shouldn’t miss!
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#1 Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes
Rhodes has an eventful history shaped by many different peoples. Strolling through the city, you will still encounter traces of Byzantine, Crusader, Ottoman and Italian rule. The medieval old town of Rhodes has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is also one of the most popular sights in Greece.
→ All information about the medieval fortress of Rhodes can be found in this article: Grand Master’s Palace Rhodes
A huge explosion in 1856 almost completely destroyed the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes. Between 1937 and 1940, the Italians rebuilt the magnificent building during their occupation. Inside, there are now showrooms and a museum with changing exhibitions.
Book your online ticket for the Grand Master’s Palace in advance, and safe time. You can book the tour here*.
- Opening hours Grand Master’s Palace: 08:00 – 20:00 | Admission: 20 € (reduced 10 €)
Rhodes City Walls
Directly at the entrance you can purchase the ticket for the palace as well as tickets for the city wall walk. The path along the wide wall is ideal for a first impression of Rhodes Town. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the old town and the harbour, with plenty of interesting photo opportunities along the way.
- Opening hours Rhodes City Walls: 12:00 – 15:00, Sat. and Sun. closed | Admission: 6 €
#2 Hippocrates Square and Owl Fountain
Next up is Hippocrates Square in Rhodes Town, the central hub of the medieval centre. Directly behind it is the massive Marientor (Thalassini Pyli), which marks the entrance from the harbour. Countless restaurants and shops are located around Platia Ippokratou and along the lively surrounding alleys.
During the day, Platia Ippokratou can get very busy. Restaurant owners try every trick to lure tourists into their taverns. In the middle of the square stands the Owl Fountain of Rhodes, a popular photo motif and a favourite watering spot for the local pigeons.
On one side of the square, a few steps lead up to an inconspicuous gallery. From here you can watch the hustle and bustle in peace. The view extends to the Suleiman Mosque, built in 1523, and the imposing medieval Roloi Clock Tower (see #6).
Prefer sitting to walking? Explore Rhodes Town comfortably with the Hop On Hop Off Bus. You can book the tour here*.
Sokratous Alley, which runs westward from Hippocrates Square, is a popular shopping destination. Numerous boutiques, souvenir shops and jewellers have set up here. If you’re planning to stay overnight in Rhodes Town, keep in mind that this corner is really only for night owls — it’s busy with activity day and night. Our accommodation was about a five-minute walk away, and it was blissfully quiet.
#3 Old Town of Rhodes
The quiet side streets to the east and south of the Old Town of Rhodes are particularly appealing. Photography lovers will find no shortage of beautiful motifs here. Most tourists never venture into the narrow side streets, so you often have these beautiful corners almost entirely to yourself.
Away from the crowds, you can still feel the medieval soul of the old town. Every now and then a cat scurries past. Take a little time to explore the more remote nooks and crannies — there are many small shops, restaurants and cafes tucked away here. This is where Rhodes Town will truly enchant you.
A guided walking tour through Rhodes brings the history of the old and new town to life. You can book the tour here*.
On a stroll through the alleys, you will keep discovering interesting spots, including Platia Dorieos, Platia Damagitou and Platia Arionos. The latter is home to several good cafés and bars (tip: Rogmi tou Chronou). Seats under a shady rubber tree invite you to linger, no matter what time of day!
#4 Naillac Tower and Windmills
For a beautiful view of the harbour entrance and the windmills of Rhodes, it is worth taking a short detour to the Naillac Tower. The tower sits on a small promontory between the two old ports of Rhodes Town. Steps lead up to an elevated vantage point with sweeping views of the surroundings.
Also worth seeing is the Kolona Port south of the Naillac Tower. Here, colourful fishing boats line the harbour pier, some of which serve as floating souvenir shops. From here you can stroll directly along the Rhodes waterfront heading north. This part of Rhodes Town is also great to explore by bike.
On the e-bike tour through Rhodes Town, you’ll see the medieval highlights along with a beautiful sunset. You can book the tour here*.
#5 Mandraki Port of Rhodes
Mandraki Harbour is a wonderful place for a short break. On the right side of the pier, a path leads to the windmills and the Fort of St. Nicholas. At the harbour entrance stand the statues of a stag and a doe, known as Elafos and Elafina.
It is here that, in ancient times, the Colossus of Rhodes is said to have stood. The huge bronze statue was dedicated to the sun god Helios, but toppled into the sea in 226 BC following an earthquake. No trace of the statue remains today — it was presumably melted down and used as building material. Rhodes sailing tours also depart regularly from the harbour.
A sailing trip along the coast of Rhodes is one of the best activities during your holiday. You can book the tour here*.
On the left side of the harbour, by the Evangelist Church, there are some benches where you can rest. As you can easily cover several kilometres on foot in Rhodes Town, it is always a good idea to take a seat and watch the comings and goings of Mandraki Harbour.
#6 Roloi Clock Tower
The Clock Tower of Rhodes, originally built in the 7th century, offers magnificent panoramic views of the city from the top. Right next door is the Süleyman Pasha Mosque with its striking minaret. The stairs to the top are narrow, so take care when climbing. The entrance ticket includes a complimentary drink (juice, beer, wine, etc.) redeemable at the adjacent café.
- Opening hours Roloi Clock Tower: daily 09:00 am – 08:00 pm | Admission: 5 €
Kahal Kadosh Shalom Synagogue
The oldest synagogue in Greece is located in the Jewish quarter of the capital of Rhodes. The museum housed within offers a fascinating insight into the history of the island’s Jewish community.
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#7 Street of the Knights
In the Middle Ages, the inns of the Knights of the Order were located along the Street of the Knights in Rhodes. The Odos Ippoton, with its historic residential buildings and numerous gateways adorned with coats of arms, runs dead straight from the city wall at the harbour up to the Grand Master’s Palace. Today, the buildings house museums and consulates, among other things.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Housed in the former hospital of the Knights of St John, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is one of the finest museums in Greece. It offers a comprehensive insight into the history of the island and contains exhibits spanning many different eras, including finds from neighboring islands such as Tilos and Halki.
- Opening hours Rhodes Archaeological Museum: daily 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Admission: 10 €
#8 Acropolis of Rhodes Town
The ancient Acropolis of Rhodes is located about three kilometres outside the city centre on Mount Monte Smith. Among the highlights are the Temple of Apollo, a stadium and an amphitheatre. The Acropolis of Rhodes is open throughout the day and admission is free.
It’s worth taking a taxi for the ride to the Acropolis or back to your hotel in town. You can reserve your Taxi here*.
→ More sights outside Rhodes Town can be found in this article: Things to do in Rhodes
#9 Day trip to Symi Island
The neighbouring island is only an hour’s boat ride from Rhodes and is a true pearl of the Aegean. A single day is really not enough to discover all of Symi’s beauty, but an excursion is well worth it — particularly for those spending only a few days on Rhodes. In the south of the island lies the magnificent Panormitis Monastery, an important place of pilgrimage in Greece.
→ More information for an excursion to Symi can be found in our article: Symi Highlights
In the evening in particular, the pastel-coloured houses are bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The main town of Gialos looks like something out of a picture book as you sail into the harbour. Ferries and excursion boats depart daily for the neighbouring island of Symi.
A day trip to Symi from Rhodes is an unforgettable experience on your holiday. You can book the tour here*.
More Rhodes Town Tips
Café & Restaurant Recommendations for Rhodes Town
Beerõkouto
Cozy bar with a wide selection of craft beers and local specialties. Friendly service and a pleasant, laid-back pub atmosphere. Ideal for beer lovers and relaxed evenings — an insider tip in the old town!
Nomad Mediterranean Gastronomy
Gourmet restaurant set in a historic courtyard. Modern Greek and international cuisine with creative dishes such as Greek ceviche. Excellent service and a romantic ambience, making it ideal for special occasions.
Tavern Ta Kardasia
Quaint tavern near the Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Tasteful interior, a lovingly designed roof terrace and a very friendly team headed by owner Vivi. Authentic Greek food at fair prices — recommended for both lunch and dinner!
Tokyo Yaki
Modern Asian restaurant with a stylish ambience on the edge of the old town. Excellent sushi, aromatic noodle dishes and creative cocktails. Very popular with locals and tourists alike. Reservations are recommended, especially at weekends, as both the indoor and outdoor areas fill up quickly.
Paneri Restaurant
Just a few steps from Hippocrates Square, yet pleasantly quiet. In a stylish setting, creative Greek cuisine takes centre stage — even classics such as hummus and tzatziki are reimagined with a fresh twist. A must for food lovers.
Guided tours from Rhodes Town
Below you will find a selection of the most popular tours from Rhodes Town. Via GetYourGuide* you can book tours and excursions with local operators directly on site. Click on the link* for details such as availability and prices:
🗺️ Find tours in Rhodes
Featured hotels in Rhodes Town
Rhodes Town offers a wide range of hotels and apartments to suit almost every budget. If you plan to stay in the old town, it is best to travel light — the narrow streets are car-free and the cobblestones are not kind to wheeled suitcases.
There are numerous hotels and apartments in Rhodes Town. Boutique hotels in the medieval old town are particularly charming and full of character. You can browse a wide range of accommodation in Rhodes Town via Airbnb or Booking.com*:
🛏️ Find hotels in Rhodes Town
All hotels at a glance, check prices & availability directly:
Here we stayed in Rhodes Town
Midgard Suites (Medieval Town)
The friendly host Jürgen rents out three newly renovated suites in the medieval old town of Rhodes. The small hotel is situated far enough from the bar strip to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.
A delicious breakfast is served on the hotel’s own roof terrace, with a magnificent panorama of the old town to enjoy. On Booking.com* you can find more information about the hotel and check prices:
More hotel recommendations in Rhodes Old Town
We recommend spending at least one night in Rhodes Town — ideally right in the heart of the medieval quarter — to fully soak up its unique atmosphere. Below you will find our personal recommendations for top hotels in Rhodes Town. Click on the Booking.com* links to check availability and prices:
- 10GR Hotel & Wine Bar Rhodes*
- Bellevue On The Beach Suites*
- Elakati Luxury Boutique Hotel*
- Rhodes Horizon City*
Getting to Rhodes
There are daily direct flights to Rhodes from Northern Europe, with particularly good deals available with Ryanair from Berlin. Diagoras Airport is located on the west coast, about 15 kilometres from the city centre. Click on the link from our partner Skyscanner* to find cheap flights to Rhodes:
➲ To cheap flights to the island*
✈️ Find flights to Rhodes
There are regular buses from the airport to the city centre. Volotea and Olympic Air operate daily flights from Athens. An airport transfer* (via GetYourGuide*) directly to your hotel is a convenient option worth considering.
Rhodes also lends itself beautifully to island hopping in the Dodecanese. The catamarans of Dodekanisos Seaways connect the islands to the north and south of Rhodes. From Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town, excursion boats depart daily during the season to the neighbouring island of Symi.
→ If you fancy island hopping from Rhodes, let yourself be inspired by our detailed article: Island hopping Greece
The large ferries, such as Blue Star Ferries, also call at Rhodes at least once a day, connecting the island with the rest of the South Aegean. The journey from Piraeus (Athens) to Rhodes by ferry takes between 15 and 17 hours and is usually an overnight crossing. Current ferry connections can be found via our partner Ferryhopper*:
➲ To the ferry booking with Ferryhopper*
⛴️ Find a ferry to Rhodes
→ More articles and numerous travel tips for the island of Rhodes can be found at:
- Rhodes Travel Tips
- Rhodes Beaches – Our favorites
- Rhodes with Kids – 9 highlights
- Rhodes Holiday Resorts
- Lindos Rhodes – 7 important tips for your day trip
- Rhodes Tours & Excursions
- Seven Springs
FAQ about Rhodes Town
What are the top sights in Rhodes Town?
The main highlights include the Grand Master’s Palace with its city walls, Hippocrates Square with the Owl Fountain, the Street of the Knights, the Archaeological Museum, Naillac Tower with the windmills at Mandraki Harbour, and the ancient Acropolis on Mount Monte Smith just outside the city.
How much time should you plan for Rhodes Town?
Plan for at least one overnight stay in Rhodes Town, ideally right in the medieval centre, so you can experience the old town’s special atmosphere in the evening and early morning too, once the day-trippers have gone.
What’s the best time of day to visit the old town?
Morning is the best time to visit the old town. By midday, the alleys — especially around Hippocrates Square and Sokratous Alley — fill up with tourists and get quite busy.
Is the Acropolis of Rhodes Town worth visiting?
Yes, the ancient Acropolis sits on Mount Monte Smith, about three kilometres outside the city centre. Highlights include the Temple of Apollo, a stadium and an amphitheatre. It’s open all day and admission is free.
Can you take a day trip to Symi from Rhodes Town?
Yes, the neighbouring island of Symi is just an hour away by boat. Ferries and excursion boats depart daily during the season from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town — a great day trip, especially if you only have a few days on Rhodes.
Do you need a rental car in Rhodes Town?
Not for the old town itself — it’s car-free and best explored on foot. For excursions outside the city, such as to the Acropolis or other sights further away, a rental car is worthwhile. For shorter trips within the city, like to the Acropolis or back to your hotel, a taxi is enough.
Are there guided city tours of Rhodes Town?
Yes, there are several options: a Hop On Hop Off bus, guided e-bike tours with sunset, and classic guided walking tours through the old and new town, all bookable online via GetYourGuide.
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