Daily boat excursions are the latest activity in Rethymnon, taking holidaymakers to the beautiful beaches at Bali or Marathi, and include lunch at a local taverna with unlimited wine. Evening cruises are also a popular activity, and there are opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. Sights within the city include the mosque of Sultan Ibrahim Han and the Venetian fortress as well as an archeaological museum.

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.

Rethymnon doesn't have the ruins and archaeological sites that many Greek holidaymakers expect for such an old city.

Nightlife in Rethymnon ranges from noisy pubs and bars around the inner harbour or inside the old town, to more relaxed bars on the beach where holidaymakers can enjoy the sounds of the sea while sipping on the favourite drink. Fortezza Disco is the flashiest in town, along with other dance clubs like the Metropolis, New York Club and the Opera Club. A new younger bar scene has appeared above the inner harbour around the Platía Plastira, with music bars sporting outdoor terraces.

The inner harbour of Rethymnon sports an array of restaurants perfect for holidaymakers and fish tavernas, many of which are expensive for what they are; the Samaria taverna is more reasonably priced and among the best here, while Famagusta offers a range of food from Greek cuisine to western and Chinese. Better value can be found in the streets around the Rimóndi fountain where there are some old-fashioned cafes serving local fare including delicious helpings of traditional yoghurt and honey. These include Kyria Maria, Agrimia and Othonos, all overlooking the fountain.

There is an overwhelming amount of gift shops geared towards holidaymakers offering tourist souvenirs, as well as a variety of handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, woodcarving and woven goods. Cretan embroidery can be found at Haroula Spridaki, while various items carved from olive wood are at Olive Tree Wood. Palaiopoleiou offers genuine antiques and old textiles and those interested in modern ceramics and Greek pottery should stop at Omodamos. Self-caterers will find numerous general stores and mini supermarkets scattered about, and there is a daily market below the Porta Guora, as well as a bakery just behind the Rimóndi fountain.