Strolling through the walls of Rhodes Old Town is like taking a step back in time in Greece. From the moment we entered the D’ambrose Gate, we couldn’t believe our eyes! For a place with so much incredible history, it’s still the heartbeat of the city on one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Join us as we take you through all the must-see spots and best things to do in old town of Rhodes.
Quick History of Rhodes Old Town
Before we dive into all the incredible things to do in Rhodes Old Town, you should know how this magical medieval city came to be! People have been living on the island for thousands of years. Yet, it wasn’t until the Knights of St. John arrived in 1309 that the walls were built into what you see today.
Over the next two centuries, Rhodes would be transformed into a stronghold on the largest island of the Dodecanese. After surviving many attacks from large Muslim armies the city finally fell to the Ottomans in 1522.
The Knights Hospitaller came from all over Europe in the name of the Christian crusades. This created a blend of cultures that is still seen today within the walls. Now let us take a deeper look into the ancient fortifications and what’s going on inside the old town of Rhodes.
→ Planning a Trip to Rhodes Greece: 10 Step Easy to Follow Travel Guide
Entering the Walls of Rhodes Old Town
There are 10 different and beautiful entrances into Rhodes town. The gates are clearly labeled on the map, so you can walk into the city from all sides.
Once you arrive, you’ll immediately notice just how lively it is! Rhodes Old Town still has over 6,000 people living and working inside the walls, making it the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe.
The old town of Rhodes is made up of over 200 streets and alleyways, many with no names attached to them.
The main roads that connect it all are Orfeos Street and Sokratous Street. Take as many hours as you need to get lost in Rhodes Old Town, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this special UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
8 Best Things to do in Rhodes Old Town
1. See the Palace of the Grand Master
Out of all the things to do in Rhodes Old Town, The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights is a must! Towering high over the city walls, it’s a constant reminder of this storied past of the medieval town of Rhodes. The palace was destroyed in 1856 and then restored by the Italians in the early 20th century.
Enjoy different exhibits as you roam the halls of this historic castle. On our own visit, they had mosaics from the island of Kos lining the floors. The colors and architecture will leave you spellbound, and the rooms are filled with antique furniture from over 400 years ago.
2. Stroll the Street of the Knights
Leading up to the great palace is the famous Street of the Knights. This is where 7 different buildings were constructed for each of the tongues, or countries the Knights of St. John were made up of.
The Auberge de France is known as the most impressive, and a great example of the stunning European architecture you see around the narrow streets. As you walk up the cobblestone hill surrounded by the high walls, it’s easy to imagine what life was like back in ancient times.
3. Visit the Archeological Museum of Rhodes
There are many great museums around Rhodes Old Town in Greece, but this was our favorite. The Archeological Museum is located in the former hospital of the Knights of St. John.
Inside you’ll find artifacts, sculptures, and mosaics that date back to over 2,000 years ago! After literally walking through a living museum in Rhodes town, we were shocked to see even more unbelievable history.
We found the vases and jewelry of the 9th to 4th century BC and the insanely in-tact Roman sculptures particularly interesting. It’s truly amazing how many different cultures and peoples have inhabited Rhodes throughout history.
4. Eat an Authentic Greek Meal
While you’ll see history everywhere you go, don’t miss out on all the great restaurants in the old town of Rhodes. Honestly, it’s overwhelming how many tasty places to eat there are in the center of town.
Our only advice is to not settle for the first spot you see on the main streets and squares. Wander the backstreets and get local! Also, don’t limit yourself to eating in just Rhodes town. Some of the best meals we had were located just outside the massive towers and city walls.
→ 48 Best Greek Foods, Drinks & Desserts You Can’t Miss in Greece!
5. Walk the Walls of Rhodes Old Town
Once you’ve thoroughly explored the inner streets of Rhodes Old Town, it’s time to see this historic city from above! At the time of our visit, the walls were open every weekday from 12-3pm. It was so much fun to view the colors and architecture of the city from higher up.
The first known fortifications around the ancient city were in the 7th century AD. However, most of the work you see today was done by the Knights of St. John in the 200 years they held the island. With how thick and tall the stone is, you can tell they were very serious about defending it!
Take in the different angles and viewpoints as you stroll around the outside of the fortified city. You can enter from the front of the Palace of the Grand Master and exit back inside the walls. It will only take you less than an hour to completely walk the walls.
6. Have a Drink in Hippocrates Square
In the very middle of Rhodes old town sits Hippocrates Square. This is a fun spot to grab a drink at one of the many bars and cafes that surround the fountain. If you’re not feeling any of these establishments, don’t worry.
There are some steps that you can sit on with your own beverage or an ice cream and have a nice view. This is also the start of the popular Sokratous Street which doubles as the main shopping street in town.
7. Admire the Minarets in the Old Town of Rhodes
Some of the most impressive things to see from the walls of Rhodes town are the two minarets and Mosque of Suleiman. Just as there is history from all over Europe in Rhodes, the old town features architecture from the Middle East.
This shouldn’t be that surprising as the Ottomans occupied Rhodes for over almost 400 years. The Mosque of Suleiman was built after the siege of Rhodes in 1522, and the 16th-century minarets shortly afterward.
For some interesting backstory on this, you should know Suleiman the Magnificent led the 1522 siege with over 200,000 men. Although vastly outnumbered, the knights held out for over 6 months until they were eventually overtaken.
Suleiman was reportedly so blown away by their courage that he let them leave Rhodes for Malta without harm. Rhodes went under Italian occupation at the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but the two minarets still stand high above the Rhodes town streets.
8. Spend a Night in the City Walls
It’s such a unique experience to spend the night inside the city walls, and is something every traveler to Rhodes should do. On our recent visit to Rhodes, we stayed at 10GR Hotel & Wine Bar and loved being in the middle of the action.
Set inside the historic walls of Old Town, Hotel 10GR also doubles as the best wine bar on the island. The luxury rooms offer a cave-like atmosphere, yet with modern amenities.
It’s really cool how they transformed this building with a history of over 400 years into a luxury hotel! Each room also has a colorful mural of a famous Greek person that’s contributed to the country’s culture.
The 10GR Hotel bar has wines from 250 vineyards all over Greece. The restaurant offers a tasty menu and culinary experience any foodie will enjoy. The best part is you’ll be steps away from the Palace of the Grand Master, Hippocrates Square, and other great attractions.
While you may find other boutique hotels in this area, 10GR is the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring all the best things to do in Rhodes old town. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can also check out the Mascot Garden Rooms, Mascot Boutique Hotel, or Stay Hostel Rhodes.
What to See After Rhodes Old Town
Once you’ve had your fun in Rhodes town, know that there is so much more of the island to experience! Just a short walk from the walls is a fantastic place to swim called Elli Beach.
This is one of the best beaches in Rhodes to cool off on a hot summer day. You’ll even walk by where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes statue was said to have stood en route.
Another great place for a swim is at the ancient thermal spa of Killithea Springs. It’s just a 15 minute drive from Rhodes Old Town and fun place to spend the afternoon.
One special village you can’t miss is the stunning Lindos. It’s about 1 hour from the medieval city of Rhodes and well worth a visit.
The Lindos Acropolis sits high above the town and is one of the most important archeological sites in all of Greece. After that, you’ll find two epic beaches in Pallas and St. Paul’s Bay.
If you’re up for a trip to a traditional mountain village, then we recommend heading to Monolithos. Watching sunset from the 15th century castle will be the perfect end to end your trip!
Obviously, you will need more than a few days to fully experience the island. This is a great reason to consider a renting a car in Rhodes after your time in old town. We always use DiscoverCars to compare rates and find the best deals in Greece.
Be sure to check out our one week itinerary and more of the best things to do on Rhodes before your visit.
Have any questions on this article or want to share your own tips for Rhodes Old Town in Greece? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
