Guide to Rhodes Old Town: What to See, Where to Go, and How to Explore
This guide to Rhodes Old Town is designed for travelers who want more than a quick checklist. Rhodes Old Town is compact, layered with history, full of excellent food, and easy to explore on foot if you know what you’re looking at.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days, here’s how to understand where you are, what to see, and how to experience it without feeling rushed.
Where Is Rhodes Old Town?
Rhodes Old Town is located on the northern tip of the island of Rhodes, inside massive medieval walls. It sits directly next to Mandraki Harbor and the modern part of Rhodes Town.
You can reach Rhodes Old Town by:
- Walking from most central Rhodes Town hotels (5–15 minutes)
- Taxi or local bus to one of the main gates
- Cruise ship dock (walkable from the port)
Once inside the walls, everything is pedestrian-only.
How Old Is Rhodes Old Town?
Rhodes Old Town dates back over 2,400 years, but most of what you see today was built during the medieval period.
Key dates:
- Founded: Classical antiquity (around 408 BC)
- Major construction: 14th–16th centuries
- Built by: Knights of St. John
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988
So when people ask “how old is Rhodes Old Town?” the short answer is ancient foundations with medieval architecture layered on top. It’s like an onion, it has layers!
When Was Rhodes Old Town Built?
The medieval city was largely built between 1309 and 1522, when the Knights of St. John ruled the island. The street layout, fortifications, and major buildings from that period remain remarkably intact.
It’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
What to See in Rhodes Old Town
You don’t need a packed itinerary, but these spots are worth prioritizing.
Must-see highlights:
- Palace of the Grand Master – fortress-like palace and museum
- Street of the Knights – original inns of the knightly orders
- Suleiman Mosque – reminder of Ottoman rule
- Archaeological Museum – housed in a former hospital
- Medieval walls and gates – walk along them if you can
Some of the best moments come from wandering side streets away from the main crowds.
Self Guided Walking Tour of Rhodes Old Town
A self guided walking tour of Rhodes Old Town is easy to do–Everywhere you wander brings new wonders along with it. In a place as lovely and historic as Rhodes, every corner holds a fascinating new find.
Here’s my suggested route:
- Enter through the Marine Gate
- Walk the Street of the Knights uphill
- Visit the Palace of the Grand Master
- Loop through quieter residential streets
- End near Socrates Street for food or drinks
If you want a Rhodes Old Town map, the official tourism office near the main gates provides free printed maps, and many hotels have them as well.
Rhodes Old Town Restaurants Worth Visiting
Tourist traps exist here, but there are genuinely good places if you know where to look.
Well-loved options:
- Tamam – modern Greek, consistently excellent
- Mama Sofia – traditional dishes, cozy atmosphere
- Marco Polo Restaurant – refined, romantic courtyard dining
- Ono – casual, local vegan cuisine
Tip: avoid menus with photos and staff aggressively inviting you inside.
Bars in Rhodes Old Town
Evenings in Rhodes Old Town are relaxed rather than wild.
Good bars to know:
- Boomerang Cocktail Bar – creative cocktails
- Monkey Cocktail Bar – casual, lively, affordable
- Sissitio Café Bar – great for a quieter drink
Most bars are clustered near Socrates Street and the central squares.
Where to Stay in Rhodes Old Town
Staying inside the walls gives you a completely different experience once day-trippers leave.
Recommended hotels:
- 10GR Boutique Hotel – upscale, central, quiet
- Spirit of the Knights – elegant historic building
- In Camera Art Boutique Hotel – intimate and atmospheric
If you prefer modern hotels, stay just outside the walls and walk in.
Looking for more guides for Greece? Check out our other articles.
Rhodes: Where to Go After Old Town
If you’re using Rhodes Old Town as a base, good next stops include:
- Lindos village and acropolis
- Anthony Quinn Bay
- Tsambika Beach
- Day trip to Symi island
Old Town works well as the cultural anchor of your Rhodes itinerary.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rhodes Old Town
- Go early morning or after 5 pm to avoid cruise crowds
- Wear good shoes; streets are uneven stone
- Bring cash for smaller cafés
- Allow at least half a day; a full day is better
Final Thoughts on This Guide to Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town is not just something to “see” — it’s somewhere to slow down, wander, and notice details. With the right expectations and a loose plan, it’s one of the most rewarding historic centers in Greece.