Posted by The old town of Rhodes (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is by far the most important sight in the entire Dodecanese archipelago. It is almost completely preserved and surrounded by a city wall that is up to 14 meters thick and up to 20 meters high. Around 6,000 people live in the old town. The picturesque main squares and the main street (Socrates Street) are extremely touristy with their souvenir shops, cafes and taverns. In the many narrow streets away from the tourist crowds you will find more traditional shops and simple, inexpensive guesthouses.
Rhodes Old Town Sights
The centre of the old town of Rhodes is Ippocratou Square – almost deserted in winter, overcrowded with tourists in summer. Drinking a coffee in one of the street cafes is a similar experience to St Mark’s Square in Venice. From Ippocratou Square, Socrates Street with its many souvenir shops leads to the major sights in the west of the old town.
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A “must” for almost every Rhodes holidaymaker is a tour of the Grand Master’s Palace, a gigantic fortress in the north-west of the old town. It was the headquarters of the Order of St. John (picture bottom left, admission about 11 euros at the beginning of 2024, free on Sundays in winter. Opening hours in summer from 9 a.m. to after 7 p.m., in winter only until about 3 p.m.). Due to the large number of tourists, it is better to buy tickets for the Palace of Rhodes online in advance: Link to the booking page
Not far away is the large Suleiman Mosque, which is also one of the highlights of a tour of the old town (picture bottom right). You can also buy an entrance ticket including the Archaeological Museum (10 euros, recommended).
Prague Castle is considered the largest castle in the world.
Climbing the clock tower not far from the mosque costs 4 euros. This investment is worth it – from the top you have the best view for your eyes and camera lens over the world cultural heritage old town of Rhodes (picture below left).
Next to the Grand Master’s Palace, the most impressive building can be explored for free: the gigantic city wall of Rhodes, which still runs seamlessly around the old town today, is a top-class attraction (picture below right). You can walk on the city wall of Rhodes (short opening hours: only during the week from 12 to 3 p.m., entrance fee 2 euros). You should definitely also walk through the Street of Knights. It has been faithfully reconstructed from the time of the Knights of St. John and does not have the otherwise ubiquitous souvenir shops.
The Kahal Shalom Synagogue, the historic Turkish Baths (with swimming facilities), Martyrs’ Square with its Holocaust Memorial and Seahorse Fountain, and the Admiralty Palace are other important sights in the Old Town of Rhodes.
No hotel on Rhodes yet?There are many thousands of hotels on the islands of Greece. In our opinion, the best overview is on Booking.com. Here you can sort the accommodations by price or only display accommodations on a specific island. The hotels can be booked quickly and easily on Booking.com, and there are also many holiday apartments. Our favorite hotel is the Hotel City Center in the city center: Click here |
There is an art museum and a local history museum in Rhodes that are worth seeing. However, the most important and largest museum on Rhodes is by far the archaeological museum in the Old Town (very long opening hours from 8 a.m. to early evening, closed on Mondays, admission for adults without a discount is around 8 euros, as of early 2018, there is also a combined ticket with the Grand Master’s Palace for 10 euros.)
Rhodes Island: Tours by boat, bus and submarineWe have selected the best tours and day trips from Rhodes for you, which can be booked online on a well-known website: 1. Boat tour from Rhodes Town to Lindos (8 hours): More information and booking (very popular tour) 2. Boat trip from Rhodes to the island of Symi (10 hours): More information and booking (great tour to an interesting island) 3. Sailing tour around Rhodes with swimming and lunch (6 hours): More information and booking (very popular trip) 4. Bus tour to Lindos from Rhodes Town (7 hours): More information and booking (Lindos with the famous Acropolis) If you are travelling by yourself: Due to the large number of tourists, it is better to buy the tickets for Lindos online in advance: Link to the booking page 5. Submarine trip from Rhodes (45 min): More information and booking (great insight into life in water) |
Information about the rest of the city of Rhodes with a tip for accommodation can be found here: Rhodes Town
Video: Tour of the old town of Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town Top 10
Grand Master’s Palace of the Knights of Rhodes
An impressive structure and the symbol of the Old Town. The palace offers insights into the history of the Knights of St. John and medieval architecture.
Street of the Knights (Ippoton)
A well-preserved medieval street lined with the former quarters of the Knights’ Orders. Perfect for a stroll through history.
Süleyman Mosque
A stunning example of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is a symbol of the island’s multicultural history.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Housed in the former Hospital of the Knights. It offers a fascinating collection of ancient artifacts and artwork.
Evreon Square (Jewish Quarter)
Visit the Kahal Shalom Synagogue and its museum to learn more about the Jewish community of Rhodes.
Roloi Tower (Clock Tower)
Climb the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the old town.
Byzantine Museum
A smaller museum with Byzantine icons and other religious artworks.
Marine Gate
One of the most beautiful and imposing gates in the old town, ideal for photos.
Platia Arionos (Arionos Square)
A quiet square with cafes, restaurants and the famous hammam.
Walls and fortifications
A walk along the city walls offers impressive views and a feel for the defenses of the medieval city.
Rhodos Altstadt ( 
Deutsche Version)
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