Welcome to the capital city of Cyprus! We hope you are ready to enjoy long summer days and warm winters exploring the compact streets of Nicosia.
With welcoming locals who will be happy to point you in the right direction, all the necessary amenities you can dream of, and a heap of history to delve into, we are sure you’ll adore your visit to the world’s last divided city.
Whether your plan is to see the north or the south, or maybe a bit of both, we’ve broken it all down for you so you don’t have to miss a thing on your trip to Nicosia!
Cafe Culture
Arguably the center of Cypriot culture, settle the debate for yourself over a brew at one of the thousands of cafes in Nicosia. You may come across the word ‘Kafeneio’ which is the Greek’s own name for their traditional cafes.
They often supply free meze and wonderful Greek coffees that are lower in caffeine and overall better for you than coffee from the rest of the world. Not to mention, their furnishings always make a great photo op!
Here are a few kafenios you’ll want to stop by:
Apomero is a traditional kafenio that locals adore. Ran by a hospitable local lady, you must taste her lovingly baked pastries, and don’t miss out on the best coffee in all of Nicosia! Tie it in with your visit to the Famagusta Gate.
Nieto is a bright and cozy cafe serving up scrumptious soups and steaming pies made using local produce. Wash it down with a soothing iced beverage and enjoy some reading amongst the mass of potted plants.
Red Orange Kiosk is a hidden gem. Supplying orange juice to quench any level of thirst, the fruit is guaranteed to be top-notch quality as they grow it fresh themselves! They are 100% eco-friendly and even have a shop for knick-knacks.
The Green Line
The border that splits Cyprus in two is what makes Nicosia such a unique destination to visit. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was the only divided capital city on earth, and both sides offer something pretty different.
You can cross over from northern Nicosia to the south, or vice versa, at a few checkpoints along the Green Line. Just remember to bring your passport! You can do this a busy high street, Ledra Street; Ledra Palace; or if you intend to take a car, you should take Agios Dometios.
Other than that, feel free to follow the snaking course of the buffer zone and see where it takes you. It is easy to stumble across accidentally as many of the spots you’ll want to visit fall right by it.
Don’t forget to take photos with the peculiar barrels and sandbags as they may not be there in years to come, provided the UN changes its laws!
Lefkoşa
Turkish North
If planning your visit to northern Lefkoşa, you are guaranteed to find a host of European activities to sink your teeth into.
The Turkish-Cypriot community features Muslim-inspired infrastructure, so expect to find Turkish baths, mosques, and architecture.
Ledra Street
The high street is the best place for anyone looking to spend some time navigating through shops, sipping coffee, and sightseeing.
Ledra Street is a famously long shopping strip, located at the heart of the Cyprus capital. It thrives in the sun with vintage architecture, making exceptional photos. It has everything a local and a holidaymaker could need.
Along the route, you will come across buildings with bullet holes left over from military storms, which are a permanent reminder of the turmoil suffered.
Stop by the recently refurbished Civil Rights Monument for a restoration of faith in the city’s peace.
Ledra Observatory
Want to get a glimpse of both ends of the city, but you don’t have time to actually travel? The observatory at Shacolas Tower Museum has you covered! From the 11th floor, you get a grand view of the whole of Nicosia, minus the walking.
It stands 50m high (164 feet), making it one of the tallest buildings in the city. Doing a tour of the museum will give you the ins and outs of the most important buildings as well as their history.
Seeing Nicosia from Shacolas Tower is the equivalent of seeing Paris from the Eiffel Tower or New York from the Empire State Building — so it should not be missed on your trip! Try to spot your favorite Nicosia destinations through the telescope.
You can find the entrance on Ledra Street, and it only costs €2.50, making it extremely easy to tie in with whatever you’re already doing.
Bath Houses
A huge part of Ottoman (conquered Cyprus in the 1500s) culture was the daily outing to the bathhouse. To this day you can still take a therapeutic visit through the series of rooms and treat yourself to a Roman-inspired pamper.
It is an irresistible way to see how the Ottomans lived their lives while taking some real me-time and getting out of the sun. Luxuriate inside the 16th-century buildings that would have been some of the first built during their reign.
Treat your achy muscles to hot and cold baths, massages, steam and so much more. You can find bathhouses in both the north and the south, so no one misses out!
Büyük Hamam (north) and Hamam Omerye (south) are two places we urge you to try out!
Venetian Walls
Even today, the 16th-century defense system encompasses the northern Old Town’s edges. It stands in impeccable condition and features three gates: Paphos, Famagusta, and Kyrenia.
The Kyrenia is the main city gate, which is often seen being hired for weddings and other important ceremonies. This is because of its stunning arches and artistically-created dome. Each gate is incredibly popular with tourists.
You will likely come across the walls in the modern-day form of an event venue, a scenic pathway, or maybe even a car park. Take extra care to notice the unusual shape of the stone barricades that make up such an important part of Cypriot history. They are especially pristine in the south.
Büyük Han
Grab a morsel of history at the Great Inn traders’ market.
Previously the lodgings of traders from the Orient and Europe in the Middle Ages, merchants tied their camels to the arches at Büyük Han and set out their merchandise for the next day.
You can snap up your goods from the historical site just as they would have during the 15th century. Purchase lace and wine and other artisan products from passionate workers in the long-established piazza.
When you’ve had your fill, cool off underneath the Ottoman arches with a drink at the cafe.
Faneromeni Church
You will encounter many miracles at Faneromeni Church. It survived the Turkish attempt to transform it into a mosque, as well as its Virgin, came out of an earthquake completely unscathed.
It is a must-visit for these reasons alone, though it also holds the title of one of the oldest churches in Cyprus as well as the largest in the Old Town.
Although most importantly, it is home to one of the pieces of the True Cross, encased in silver. It is chilling to see this sacred relic so be sure to take time to admire its glory on your visit.
If you wish to be with God, this is a sanctified place to do so.
Selimiye Mosque
One place you should not miss, regardless of your faith, is the Selimiye Câmii (Selimiye Mosque).
Located close to the Ledra Street checkpoint, the largest and oldest gothic church in Cyprus was converted into what is now the main mosque in the city. It is a breathtaking sight to behold with its two striking towers. Out of all the historical buildings in Nicosia, this is the tallest.
See the majestic structure where Kings have their coronations. Its all-white interior is wonderfully grand while its tall ceilings and huge windows illuminate all that is inside.
You must visit to have your breath taken away. No photograph can truly capture its awe.
UNESCO Whirling Dervishes
Just north of Selimiye Mosque is where you can catch performances of Islamic rituals, Whirling Dervishes, protected by UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Feel the air change and fill with peace as the Sufis perform their worship, a type of physically active meditation. See the men (Dervishes) in their skirts that fan out beautifully while they turn on the spot.
Though alien to people not from the Sufi religion, you will find these performances are still extremely compelling and you may even take home a sense of healing.
You must visit the Mevlevi Tekke (Museum of Whirling Dervishes) near Kyrenia Gate, based inside an important 17th-century building where the dances used to take place. You will be moved by the lifestyle of the first Dervishes, seeing their tombs, costumes, and instruments.
Chrysaliniotissa Quarter
For a true sense of community in the Old Town, or a pleasant break amongst some greenery, you should visit the gardens of the Chrysaliniotissa Quarter.
The neighborhood is filled with small alleys, vibrant houses, and charming gardens providing escapism.
Though you can still see bullet holes in the historical buildings, the area is a very harmonious part of the city. Take loved ones for a wander amongst the Nicosian residences, admire the lovely shrubbery and take advantage of the many photo opportunities.
It is right up against the Green Line so you will have plenty of chances to learn more about the history while on your walk.
Lefkosia
Greek South
With the highest population density in Cyprus, you will notice southern Lefkosia has fewer attractions for tourists. Their deep-rooted history and friendly Greek locals offer plenty of opportunities to learn more about the capital city.
OCHI Market
Get down to OCHI Market next to Bayraktar Mosque for some exciting finds from every color of the rainbow.
Immerse yourself in the shouts of passionate farmers advertising their delicious produce. There are over 60 fantastically fresh stalls and plenty of steals to get your hands on.
Try some punchy citrus fruit that thrives in the Cyprus sun. Buy your eggs here, choose some nuts, or taste Nicosian classics.
It is an experience and a half just watching the locals interact and you will be sure to leave having learned something about the culture.
Get there in the morning as things sell fast! Open from 6 am-4 pm every Wednesday and Saturday.
Cyprus Museum
The oldest and largest museum is worth checking out if you’re visiting for anything more than just the Mediterranean sun. The Cyprus Museum is more detailed than anywhere in the world to learn about Cyprus’ history.
You can find it on Museum Street and free 90-minute tours are offered every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Discover the archeological finds of Cyprus. They have mosaics, columns, statues of ancient emperors, and everything else. You should not miss out on this fascinating trip.
Byzantine Museum & Art Gallery
Visit the Byzantine Museum to see the largest compilation of holy icons (religious images) in Cyprus. Relics dating back to as early as 400 AD can be found here, in the form of frescoes, mosaics, and more.
You can fetch an audio guide from reception to understand the collection in detail or take it at your own pace if you’re just nipping in.
The wonderful thing about the Byzantine Art Gallery is that you can see as much or as little of it as you want and still have your heart moved by the religious offerings.
Eleftheria Square
Cross the curiously designed bridge and decline the mind-bending staircase into historic Eleftheria Square. The plaza boasts laid-back dining spaces, citrus trees, and stores to cater to all your needs.
It has finally completed in 2021 according to the innovative designs from recently passed Zaha Hadid — the same architect that worked on Rome’s MAXXI Contemporary Art & Architecture Museum and the 2022 Stadium for the World Cup.
Her work adds new curves to the ancient buildings; the new and old blend flawlessly.
Liberty Monument
You will easily locate the 1973 Liberty Monument from the Famagusta Gate.
The landmark symbolizes an extremely important part of recent history for the locals and is the most photographed feature in southern Nicosia. You will find it immediately as you pass through Ledra Street into the south.
It is emotional for Cypriots as it resembles the end of their oppression by British Colonies. You can feel the raw emotion in the air when you see how recent the installment is.
Find out more about the events at the Museum of National Struggle, outside the cathedral.
Leventis Municipal Museum
To learn the ins and outs of Nicosia, you have to visit the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia. It features information on the capital city’s vast history and breaks it all down in the form of maps, artifacts, and paintings.
You will see a showcase of items, ordered from old to new, helping you gauge how life has changed over the years. We need one of these museums in every city!
You can enjoy it at Hippocrates, near Eleftheria Square.
