Things to Do in Rhodes Town 2026: Best Sights & Local Tips

This guide is part of my Best Things to Do in Rhodes collection — where I break down the island’s best experiences, local activities, and hidden gems.

If you’re planning what to do beyond this specific spot:

→ Best Experiences in Rhodes — curated tours, boat trips, and local activities worth your time.

Rhodes Town is the historical and cultural heart of the island — the place where most travellers start their Rhodes adventure. What makes it special is how much you can experience within a small area. Inside the medieval walls you’ll find cobbled streets, knightly palaces and hidden tavernas, while just outside the walls you can swim at city beaches, walk along historic harbours and explore lively café streets.

Unlike many Greek destinations, Rhodes Town combines several experiences in one place: a UNESCO medieval city, beaches within walking distance, vibrant nightlife, and easy connections to the rest of the island.

Grab my FREE Rhodes Pocket Planner (instant download) — the hidden shortcut to easy boat trip bookings, must-do experiences, and smoother holiday planning.

Below is a local guide to the best things to do in Rhodes Town, including historic landmarks, swimming spots, viewpoints and hidden corners many visitors miss.

Why Rhodes Town Is One of the Best Places to Visit in Rhodes

Rhodes Town is one of the most fascinating places in Greece because it blends medieval history, seaside scenery and modern island life all in one walkable area.

The highlight is the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by massive stone walls built by the Knights of St John in the 14th century. Walking through its gates feels like stepping into a medieval city — narrow alleys, Gothic architecture and stone courtyards appear everywhere.

But Rhodes Town isn’t just about history.

You also have:

• Mandraki Harbour, where ancient legends say the Colossus once stood

• Elli Beach, a popular swimming spot within walking distance of the centre

• lively café streets and restaurants in the New Town

• easy transport connections to beaches and villages across the island

Because of its central location, many travellers also use Rhodes Town as a base to explore the island. If you plan to visit places like Lindos, Seven Springs or the west coast castles, renting a vehicle makes the trip much easier. You can find local advice in Car Rental Rhodes.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town is compact but divided into several distinct areas, each offering something different.

The Old Town is the medieval walled city where most historic attractions are located. It’s filled with museums, palaces, tavernas and hidden streets that reward slow wandering.

Just outside the walls you’ll find Mandraki Harbour, one of the most scenic parts of town with its windmills, yachts and historic statues.

Further north is Elli Beach, where locals and travellers swim within minutes of the city centre.

The New Town spreads west of Old Town and includes shopping streets, cafés and hotels.

Finally, overlooking everything is Monte Smith Hill, a historic viewpoint with ruins and sunset views.

12 Best Things to Do in Rhodes Town

Explore Rhodes Old Town

The first thing most visitors do in Rhodes Town is enter the medieval city through one of its historic gates.

A great route is to enter through D’Amboise Gate, one of the most impressive entrances in the northern walls. From here, walk down to the Street of the Knights, the most famous medieval street on the island.

Continue towards the Palace of the Grand Master, then explore the quieter alleys around Ippokratous Square, where small tavernas and artisan shops are hidden behind stone arches.

If you want a deeper guide to the medieval city, see Rhodes Old Town Guide 2026.

Visit Mandraki Harbour and the Windmills

Mandraki Harbour is one of the most iconic locations in Rhodes.

According to legend, the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood at the harbour entrance.

Today the harbour is marked by two statues:

• the Rhodes deer statue (Elafos)

• the female deer (Elafina)

Walk along the harbour breakwater to see the three medieval windmills that once ground grain arriving by ship.

This is also where many sailing tours depart. If you want to explore the coastline, see Best Boat Trips in Rhodes, which includes swimming cruises and Symi island trips.

Walk the Street of the Knights

The Street of the Knights (Ippoton Street) is the most atmospheric street in Rhodes Town.

It was built in the 14th century when Rhodes was ruled by the Knights of St John. Each building once hosted knights from different European regions.

Walking here early in the morning or late evening is magical because the stone buildings glow softly and the crowds are smaller.

It’s one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

Visit the Palace of the Grand Master

At the end of the Street of the Knights stands the Palace of the Grand Master, the most impressive building in Rhodes Town.

Originally built as a fortress by the Knights, it was later restored during the Italian occupation of Rhodes.

Inside you’ll find:

• medieval halls

• ancient mosaics

• exhibitions about the Knights of St John

Even if you don’t enter the museum, the palace courtyard and massive towers are worth seeing.

Swim at Elli Beach

One of the best surprises for travellers is that you can swim in beautiful water just minutes from the medieval city.

Elli Beach sits at the northern tip of Rhodes Town and is one of the island’s most popular beaches.

You’ll find:

• crystal clear water

• beach bars and sunbeds

• the famous diving platform where locals jump into the sea

If you want a full guide to this beach, see Elli Beach Rhodes – Full Local Guide 2026.

Walk the Medieval Walls

Many visitors walk inside Old Town but never realise you can also walk along the medieval walls.

These defensive walls are among the most impressive in Europe and offer unique views over the city.

The walk passes:

• old defensive towers

• hidden courtyards

• quiet sections of the city rarely visited by tourists

It’s one of the best ways to understand how Rhodes Town was built as a fortress city.

Visit the Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is located inside the medieval Hospital of the Knights, one of the most beautiful buildings in Old Town.

The museum contains artefacts from ancient Rhodes including:

• statues

• pottery

• mosaics

• sculptures from ancient cities like Kamiros and Lindos

The courtyard itself is worth seeing, filled with arches and quiet garden spaces.

Watch Sunset at Monte Smith Hill

Just a short drive or taxi ride from Rhodes Town is Monte Smith Hill, one of the best viewpoints on the island.

Here you’ll find:

• ruins of the Temple of Apollo

• an ancient Greek stadium

• panoramic views across the city and sea

Sunset from Monte Smith is incredible, with the medieval city glowing in the evening light.

Explore New Town Cafés and Shopping Streets

While Old Town attracts most visitors, the New Town is where locals spend time.

Walk along Ethnarchou Makariou Street and the surrounding New Town streets near Mandraki Harbour where you’ll find cafés, bakeries and small shops popular with locals.

Many locals come here in the evening for coffee or relaxed dinners away from the Old Town crowds.

Take a Boat Trip from Mandraki Harbour

Rhodes Town is also the main departure point for island boat trips.

Popular routes include:

• swimming cruises along the east coast

• day trips to Symi Island

• sunset sailing tours

You can explore the options in Best Boat Trips in Rhodes.

These trips are one of the most memorable experiences in Rhodes.

Visit the Rhodes Aquarium and Experience the 9D Cinema

Located near Elli Beach at the northern tip of Rhodes Town, the Rhodes Aquarium is a small but interesting stop while exploring the Mandraki and Elli Beach area.

Inside you’ll find exhibits showing marine life from the Mediterranean, including fish, sea turtles and other sea creatures found in the waters around Rhodes. It’s a quick visit but a nice indoor activity, especially if you’re walking along the seafront.

Another nearby attraction worth trying is the 9D Cinema, located near Mandraki Harbour next to the Starbucks café. This immersive 30-minute experience is one of the most entertaining ways to learn about the history of Rhodes.

The short film combines motion seats, sound, wind and special effects to recreate important moments from the island’s past, making it both educational and fun. It’s especially popular with families and travellers who want a quick and engaging introduction to Rhodes history before exploring the rest of the island.

Enjoy Local Restaurants in Old Town

Old Town is filled with restaurants, but some of the best are hidden in small courtyards away from the main streets.

Look for tavernas around quieter alleys near Ippokratous Square or the southern part of the medieval city.

Many serve traditional dishes such as:

• moussaka

• grilled seafood

• local Rhodian wines

Dining in a candlelit courtyard inside medieval walls is one of the best experiences in Rhodes Town.

Best Beaches Near Rhodes Town

Several beautiful beaches are located just a few minutes from the city, making Rhodes Town one of the few historic cities in Greece where you can explore medieval streets in the morning and swim in the afternoon.

Rhodes Town also gives you easy access to several excellent beaches.

The closest is Elli Beach, where you can swim right beside the city centre.

A short drive south brings you to Kallithea Springs, known for its beautiful architecture and clear turquoise water.

Further south is Faliraki Beach, one of the longest sandy beaches on the island.

If you’re planning a visit there, you can explore nearby attractions in Things to Do in Faliraki Rhodes.

Best Experiences in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town is also a great starting point for activities and guided experiences.

Popular experiences include:

• historical walking tours of Old Town

• sunset sailing cruises

• food tours and wine tastings

• boat trips to nearby islands

You can discover some of the best options in Best Experiences in Rhodes.

Many travellers also combine these with coastal sailing trips listed in Best Boat Trips in Rhodes.

Best Day Trips from Rhodes Town

Because of its central location, Rhodes Town is an excellent base for exploring the rest of the island.

Some of the best day trips include:

Lindos – a beautiful white village with an acropolis overlooking the sea. See Best Things to Do in Lindos Rhodes.

Seven Springs (Epta Piges) – a forest area with natural springs and a small lake.

Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes) – a nature reserve famous for summer butterfly migrations.

Monolithos Castle – a dramatic medieval castle perched on a cliff on the west coast.

For more ideas, see Best Day Trips from Rhodes.

If you prefer a guided experience instead of driving yourself, private tours can be arranged with local operator GES Travel.

👉 You can request a quote from GES Travel via WhatsApp — the message is already prefilled with Looneytravels, so your 10% partner discount is applied automatically.

Getting Around Rhodes Town and the Island

One of the best things about Rhodes Town is how easy it is to explore.

Inside Old Town everything is walkable, and most attractions are within a 10–15 minute walk.

For longer trips you can use:

• buses connecting towns and beaches

• taxis across the island

• rental cars for flexible exploring

If you want freedom to explore beaches and villages, Car Rental Rhodes is usually the easiest option.

Travellers arriving at the airport can also arrange direct hotel transport through Rhodes Airport Transfers.

Where to Stay in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town offers two very different accommodation experiences.

Inside the medieval walls you’ll find boutique hotels in historic buildings, perfect for travellers who love atmosphere and history.

Outside the walls in New Town you’ll find beachfront hotels and modern resorts close to Elli Beach.

You can explore both options in Staying in Rhodes Town – Local Guide to the Best Area in Rhodes (2026).

Local Tips From a Rhodes Resident

Here are a few insider tips to help you enjoy Rhodes Town more like a local.

Visit Old Town early morning or late evening.
Cruise ship crowds arrive around mid-morning, so exploring before 9am or after sunset feels completely different.

Wear comfortable shoes.
The medieval streets are made of uneven cobblestones that can be slippery.

Watch sunset from Monte Smith Hill.
Most tourists stay inside Old Town, but this hill offers the best panoramic views.

Grab coffee outside the walls.
Many locals prefer cafés in New Town where the atmosphere is more relaxed.

FAQ – Things to Do in Rhodes Town

Is Rhodes Town worth visiting?

Absolutely. Rhodes Town is one of the most fascinating cities in Greece because it combines medieval history, beaches and vibrant modern life. The UNESCO-listed Old Town alone makes it worth visiting, but the nearby harbour, beaches and restaurants add even more to the experience.

How many days should you spend in Rhodes Town?

Most travellers spend one or two days exploring Rhodes Town. This gives enough time to visit Old Town, swim at Elli Beach, walk Mandraki Harbour and enjoy the restaurants. However, many visitors stay longer because the town also works well as a base for exploring the island.

Can you explore Rhodes Town without a car?

Yes. Rhodes Town is one of the most walkable places on the island. The main attractions inside Old Town and Mandraki Harbour are within walking distance, and buses connect the town with other parts of Rhodes.

What is Rhodes Town famous for?

Rhodes Town is famous for its medieval Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. It’s also known for the Palace of the Grand Master, Mandraki Harbour and its connection to the legendary Colossus of Rhodes.

Final Thoughts

Rhodes Town is far more than just a starting point for exploring the island. It’s a destination in its own right where history, beaches and lively island culture meet.

Spend time wandering the medieval streets, watching sunset over the harbour, swimming at Elli Beach and discovering hidden corners inside the city walls.

⭐Plan Your Experience in Rhodes

If you don’t want to spend hours comparing options or risk choosing the wrong tour, I’ve already done the work for you.

Inside this guide, I break down the best:

→ Best Experiences in Rhodes (2026)
→ Best Boat Trips in Rhodes (2026)
→ Best Day Trips from Rhodes (2026)
→ Best Guided Tours in Rhodes (2026)

These are based on real local knowledge, traveller feedback, and what’s actually worth your time.

🚙Prefer something more flexible?

→ Private Transfers & Tours in Rhodes — custom routes, private drivers, airport pickups, and personalised island trips

🚗Want full freedom to explore?

→ Car Rental Rhodes — best options, local tips & trusted companies

📘If you want everything organised day-by-day:

→ Rhodes Digital Travel Guide 2026 (Local, Instant Download)