Rhodes Old Town: The Complete Guide to the Medieval City
The Old Town of Rhodes is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Behind its massive walls you will find the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches and hundreds of narrow lanes lined with shops, tavernas and bougainvillea. This guide covers the top sights, the best walking route and practical tips for your visit.
Top sights in the Old Town
The Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) is the most intact medieval street in Europe — a straight, cobblestoned avenue lined with the original inns of the different Orders of the Knights of St John. At the top stands the Palace of the Grand Master, rebuilt by the Italians in the 1930s and now a museum with mosaic floors and medieval exhibits.
Other highlights include the Clock Tower for panoramic views, the Suleiman Mosque, the Byzantine Museum inside the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, and the atmospheric Socrates Street with its shops and cafés.
The best walking route
Start at the Liberty Gate (Pyli Eleftherias), which leads directly into Plateia Symi and the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite. Walk south to the Museum of Decorative Arts, then turn onto the Street of the Knights up to the Palace.
From the Palace, head through the back lanes toward Socrates Street for lunch, then south to the Jewish Quarter and the Square of the Jewish Martyrs with its seahorse fountain. Exit through the Marine Gate (Pyli Agiou Pavlou) onto the harbour. The whole loop takes about two hours at a relaxed pace — longer if you enter the museums.
When to visit the Old Town
The Old Town is open year-round, but the cobblestones and walls trap heat in summer. Visit early morning or after 17:00 to enjoy cooler temperatures and softer light for photographs. The Palace of the Grand Master closes on Mondays. In August the cruise-ship crowds peak mid-morning to early afternoon — plan around that window.
Evening visits are magical: the walls are floodlit, the restaurants spill onto the lanes, and the pace is far more relaxed.
Guided Old Town tours
A guide makes the difference between seeing the stones and understanding the stories behind them — the siege tunnels, the Ottoman hammam hidden behind a shopfront, the cannonball marks on the walls. We offer guided walking tours of the Old Town that cover all the major sights plus hidden corners most visitors miss. Contact us to arrange a tour with hotel pick-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rhodes Old Town free to enter?
Yes. Walking through the Old Town is free. The Palace of the Grand Master and some museums charge a small entrance fee (around €8).
How long does it take to walk around the Old Town?
A relaxed walking loop covering the main sights takes about two hours. Add time for museums, lunch or shopping.
Is the Old Town accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
The cobblestones and steps make it challenging. The main streets (Socrates, Street of the Knights) are manageable, but the narrow back lanes are less accessible.
What is the best time to visit the Old Town in summer?
Early morning or after 17:00 to avoid the heat and cruise-ship crowds. Evening visits are especially atmospheric.