Rhodes tours and tickets
Rhodes Old Town is a walled medieval city you can enter free, and most of its sights have simple tickets. The main bookings are boat trips to Symi, Halki and Lindos in summer, and tables in the old town on weekends. Tickets for the Palace and the Archaeological Museum are easy on the day.
Book these first
- Boat trips and ferries to Symi or Halki
- 1 to 2 weeks ahead in summer. Seats on the popular days sell out and schedules thin out outside the main season.
- Dinner in the Old Town on a weekend
- a few days ahead from June to September. The better places have few tables and fill from 8pm.
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Monuments and landmarks
Palace of the Grand Master
A large fortress built by the Knights of St John, with mosaic floors and furnished rooms. Entry has a ticket, and audio guides are available.
Which to pick. Buy at the door in the morning. A guide is useful for the Knights' story, but not essential.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorStreet of the Knights
A cobbled street lined with the inns of the different langues of the Knights. It is free to walk, and several buildings have small museums.
Which to pick. Walk it in the morning, before the heat and the cruise passengers. A guide adds the history of each inn.
Not needed, entry is freeVisitor guideTours and tickets on ViatorWalk the walls
A walk along part of the medieval walls and moat, with a guided route at set times. Tickets are sold on the ramparts.
Which to pick. Join the guided route if you want to see the sections that are closed otherwise. Go in the late afternoon.
Check the day's scheduleTours and tickets on Viator
Museums and galleries
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
A museum in the former Hospital of the Knights, with ancient finds from across the island and a courtyard garden.
Which to pick. Buy at the door. It is a cool, shaded option in the middle of the day.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorAcropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith
The ruins of a hilltop sanctuary with a stadium, theater and temple columns, and a view over the city and the sea.
Which to pick. Go near sunset and buy at the gate. It is a short bus or taxi ride, and a guide is optional.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Lindos
A white village below a hilltop acropolis, about an hour from the Old Town by bus or tour. Tickets for the acropolis are sold on site, and a donkey ride is offered up the path.
Which to pick. Go early to avoid the heat and the crowds. Take the bus on your own, or choose a guided trip with a beach stop.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSymi
A neat island of pastel houses and a harbor, reached by a boat trip of about an hour. Day trips include time in the town and a swim stop.
Which to pick. Book a morning boat in season and check the weather. The boats can be crowded at midday.
1 to 2 weeks ahead in summerTours and tickets on ViatorHalki
A quiet island with a small village and few visitors, reached by boat. Some trips combine it with a swim stop.
Which to pick. Choose it if you want a calm day. Boats are fewer than to Symi, so book ahead.
1 to 2 weeks ahead in summerTours and tickets on Viator
Experiences and nights out
Old Town dinner
Tavernas in the lanes serve grilled fish and meat, and book out on weekends in summer. Some have courtyards under the walls.
Which to pick. Reserve a table on Friday and Saturday evenings. Choose a courtyard or a rooftop for the best setting.
A few days ahead from June to SeptemberTours and tickets on ViatorSound and light show
A show in the evening at the Palace, telling the siege of Rhodes with light and recorded sound. It runs in season.
Which to pick. Check the schedule and buy at the door. Take a layer, since the evening can be cool.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Rhodes
Is the Old Town free to enter?
Yes, the walls and lanes are open. Only the Palace, the museums and the guided wall walk charge entry.
Can I visit the other islands in a day?
Yes. Symi and Halki are day trips by boat. Check the sea state, since boats can be canceled in strong wind.
Do I need a guide?
For the Palace and the walls, a guide adds the Knights' history. For the lanes and the harbor, a map is enough.
Is Lindos worth the trip?
Yes, for the village and the acropolis. Go early or late to avoid the midday heat.
What is the best time of day?
Morning for the sights and evening for dinner. In midday heat, use the museums or the beach.
What can wait until I arrive?
The Old Town, the Street of the Knights, the museums and Monte Smith can be done on the day. Book boat trips and weekend dinners first.