Written by Celine Fournier, Julien Lambert, Maria Gaulto
08/08/2025
Diana Rafira, Pexels
Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a captivating journey through history with its remarkably preserved medieval architecture. Visitors can explore a rich tapestry of Byzantine, Gothic, and Ottoman influences, revealing an ancient city teeming with culture and picturesque scenery.
Within Rhodes Old Town, Hippocrates Square serves as a central social hub, perfect for coffee and observing the lively atmosphere. Sokratous Street, a bustling main thoroughfare, provides numerous opportunities for shopping and dining, with many bars and restaurants nestled throughout the Old Town's winding streets, particularly around this area and near the seaside walls. For a more tranquil setting, Socrates Garden offers a relaxing oasis to enjoy drinks and food amidst the historic surroundings.
Top 6 Things to do in Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town offers a deep dive into medieval history, allowing for immersive exploration of its ancient fortifications, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural street life.
1. Explore the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
Stepping into the Palace of the Grand Master feels like journeying back in time. I found myself walking through grand halls, admiring intricate mosaic floors, and envisioning the lives of the Knights Hospitaller who once resided here. It is an imposing fortress that served as their headquarters, offering a profound insight into medieval power and daily life. Allow a good 1.5 to 2 hours to truly appreciate the architecture and the artifacts within.
Cost: An adult entry ticket is typically €8. Reduced tickets are €4. EU citizens under 25 and children under 18 (for non-EU citizens) often receive free admission with valid ID. There is also a special combined ticket for €10 that includes access to the Archaeological Museum, the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, and the Decorative Arts Collection.
Transport: The Palace is centrally located within Rhodes Old Town and is easily accessible on foot from any of the Old Town gates.
2. Walk the Walls of Rhodes Old Town
Walking along the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town provided a unique perspective of this historic site. I enjoyed the elevated views over the labyrinthine streets within and the panoramic vistas stretching out to the harbour and beyond. The walls, some up to 12 meters thick, demonstrate the impressive fortifications built between the 14th and 16th centuries. It's best experienced in the late afternoon for pleasant light and cooler temperatures.
Cost: Access to walk the Walls is €5.
Transport: The entrance to the Wall walk is within the Old Town, usually near the Palace of the Grand Master or one of the main gates. It is entirely walkable from anywhere inside the Old Town.
3. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
I found the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes to be a captivating journey through the island's ancient past. Housed in the impressive 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, the building itself is a significant part of the experience. The collection includes artifacts from prehistoric times up to the Roman Empire, with notable pieces like the statue of the Crouching Aphrodite and the Head of Helios. It's a wonderful way to understand the island's long and rich history.
Cost: An adult entry ticket is €6. Reduced tickets are €3. Children under 18 often have free admission. A combined ticket for €10 covers this museum along with the Palace of the Grand Master and other sites.
Transport: The museum is located within the Old Town and is a short walk from the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights.
4. Ascend the Roloi Clock Tower
Climbing the narrow, steep wooden staircase of the Roloi Clock Tower offers some of the best panoramic views of Rhodes Old Town. From the top, I took in the medieval architecture, the imposing Mosque of Suleiman, and the vastness of the city walls, extending towards the harbour. It provides a fantastic vantage point for photography and gaining a sense of the Old Town's layout.
Cost: Entry to the tower costs €5, which typically includes a complimentary drink at its terrace café afterwards.
Transport: The Roloi Clock Tower is situated within the Old Town, a short walk from key attractions like the Palace of the Grand Master.
5. Wander and Shop on Sokratous Street
Sokratous Street is the vibrant heart of shopping in Rhodes Old Town. I enjoyed strolling this lively thoroughfare, which is lined with a diverse array of shops selling everything from traditional Greek products like leather goods, pottery, and textiles, to jewelry and souvenirs. Interspersed with cafes and restaurants, it’s a perfect place to absorb the local atmosphere, find unique gifts, and take a break for coffee.
Cost: Shopping costs vary based on purchases. There is no entry fee to the street itself.
Transport: Sokratous Street is a main artery within the Old Town, easily reachable on foot from any entrance or other attractions.
6. Dine at a Traditional Taverna in the Old Town
An essential part of experiencing Rhodes Old Town is indulging in its local cuisine within a traditional taverna. I found immense pleasure in the warm, authentic atmosphere, particularly at places like Mama Sofia, known for its homemade Greek dishes such as moussaka and lamb kleftiko. Dining in these establishments provides an opportunity to savor fresh, local ingredients and feel part of the city's living culture.
Cost: Meal prices generally range from €18 to €28 per person for a main course.
Transport: Numerous traditional tavernas are scattered throughout Rhodes Old Town, especially around Hippocrates Square and Sokratous Street. They are all easily accessible on foot.
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