Nicosia, Cyprus’s capital, is often overlooked by travelers drawn to the island’s beaches. However, this historic city offers a wealth of experiences that make it worth including in your itinerary. From its Venetian walls to its vibrant old town and unique status as Europe’s last divided capital, Nicosia is a fascinating place to explore on foot.
Why visit Nicosia?
Nicosia has a character all its own. The city’s history is visible in its streets, where ancient walls, Ottoman-era architecture, and modern culture intersect. It’s also the gateway to Northern Cyprus, providing a unique perspective on the island’s complex past and present.
Many travelers skip Nicosia because it’s away from the island’s lovely beaches. But I visit Nicosia on every trip to Cyprus – it is a charming old city with city walls and gates, a stunning museum, and is the gateway to mysterious North Nicosia.
There is no other divided European capital and the United Nations Buffer Zone makes a fascinating walk – on both sides of the border.
For anyone not planning on traveling throughout Northern Cyprus, Nicosia is where you can see the recent turbulent history of Cyprus in its architecture, museums, and border fences. There’s no other city like it.
How to Get to Nicosia
Nicosia is easily accessible from most parts of the island. The closest airport to Nicosia is Larnaca International Airport. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or rent a car to arrive at the city center within 45 minutes.
Alternatively, Cyprus’ bus network provides a convenient and affordable way to travel to Nicosia from Larnaca and other towns across the island.
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Once in the city, the old town is compact and walkable, allowing you to explore Nicosia easily on foot.
What to Do in Nicosia
Walk the Venetian Walls
One of the must-do experiences in Nicosia is taking a walk along the city’s impressive Venetian Walls.
Built in the 14th century by the Lusignans and then reconstructed in the 16th century in fear of an Ottoman invasion, the Venetian Walls encircle Nicosia’s Old Town and showcase its historical importance.
Walking along the walls reveals the city’s layout and significant landmarks, such as the Famagusta Gate, a beautifully preserved part of the fortifications.
Stop at the bastions to enjoy views over the city and surrounding areas. Insider Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon – the midday heat in Nicosia in mid-summer is fierce.
Explore Eleftheria Square
Eleftheria Square, designed by Zaha Hadid, connects the Old Town with the modern city and is nestled below the Venetian Walls.
It’s a space often used for cultural events and an ideal starting point for exploring nearby attractions.
With cafes and public seating, it’s a hub for locals and a good place to relax and take in the city’s rhythm.
Go shopping on Ledra Street
No visit to Nicosia would be complete without a stroll along the lively Ledra Street, the city’s main commercial street.
Ledra is a pedestrian-friendly street lined with local boutiques, artisanal shops, and trendy cafes, offering a glimpse of the city’s vibrant culture.
So, spend some time window shopping, discovering unique local products, and immersing in Cyprus’ cafe culture.
Visit the Ledra Street Checkpoint
Ledra Street may be the main shopping spot in the Old Town, but it is also home to the Ledra Street Checkpoint, a pedestrian crossing point between the Republic of Cyprus and the self-declared country, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
This checkpoint was once a heavily fortified and guarded border. Still fortified, but it allows locals and visitors free movement and the chance to visit parts of North Nicosia, like the Selimiye Mosque and Buyuk Han.
It’s also used as the most convenient crossing point to buy electronics that are cheaper in the North than in the Republic.
Still, to cross to North Cyprus, you’ll need a valid passport, but no stamps will be stamped on your passport as TRNC is an unrecognized country.
Admire the views from Shacolas Tower
Located on Ledra Street, the Old Town’s main commercial Street, you’ll find Shacolas Tower. It is one of the tallest buildings in the Old Town, and so it offers the best panoramic views.
In fact, on the top floor of the tower, there’s a small museum depicting the city’s history throughout the year and an observatory where you can admire stunning views of both the southern and northern parts of the city.
The best time to visit the observatory is at sunset time when the city is covered in golden hues. It is an incredible sight!
Insider Tip: The entrance to the museum and observatory is on the other side of the H&M, and it costs €2.50.
Explore the Green Line
Officially, the Green Line is the UN Buffer Zone between the Turkish and Greek parts of the island, and entry is prohibited to all citizens.
But even though you can’t enter the zone, you can stroll along from either side.
As you walk along the Green Line, you’ll pass from significant spots like Ermou Street, Nicosia’s main commercial street, before the Turkish invasion in 1974.
Ermous Street was cut off by the zone, so you will notice barbed wires transporting you to another era.
Beyond the wires, you’ll see how the zone has been left behind by time. Shops, cars, houses, and the people’s belongings that were left behind in a hurry still remain waiting for unification.
Insider Tip: For a complete exploration of the Green Line, start your stroll from Paphos Gate and walk towards Toufexis Park.
Panayia Faneromeni
One of the most prominent churches in Nicosia’s Old Town is the Panayia Faneromeni, a 19th-century Greek Orthodox cathedral with an impressive facade and Baroque-style architecture.
Inside the church, you can admire intricate frescoes and icons adorning the walls, while outside, there’s a marble mausoleum containing the relics of the bishops and priests executed by the Ottomans on July 9, 1821.
Admire St John’s Cathedral (Agios Ioannis)
St John’s Cathedral is one of the city’s most important religious sites, as it serves as the seat of the Orthodox Archbishopric in Cyprus.
The 17th-century cathedral was built on top of a 14th-century chapel dedicated to St John the Theologian.
The cathedral features magnificent Franco-Byzantine architecture, with stunning, vibrant frescoes, gilded woodwork, and an elaborated iconostasis.
Discover Nicosia’s Museums & Galleries
Cyprus Museum
The Cyprus Museum holds artifacts from the island’s long history, including Neolithic pottery, Roman mosaics, and the famous Aphrodite of Soli.
This museum provides an in-depth look at Cyprus’s archaeological heritage, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. I visit the Cyprus museum every time I’m in Nicosia.
There are some astonishing items inside including the Pomos Idol. It’s a tiny stone sculpture that was found near the village of Pomos. It’s a mind-blowingly 30th-century BC find!
Practical Information: Open daily except Mondays. Entry fee is €4.50.
Leventis Municipal Museum
The Leventis Municipal Museum is another fantastic museum housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building with exhibits that cover the city’s history from the Bronze Age to the present day.
The galleries include artifacts, photographs, and documents that offer insight into the city’s story during the Ottoman and British rule which played a significant role in its division in later years.
Byzantine Museum
If you’re interested in art, the Byzantine Museum is an excellent destination to learn more about the evolution of art in Cyprus.
The museum is within the grounds of the Archbishop’s Palace, which includes the stunning St John’s Cathedral, while across the street, you’ll see the Pancyprian Gymnasium, the oldest school in Cyprus.
The museum features beautiful Byzantine art, such as icons, sacred vessels, books, and frescoes. Some of these are almost 1,500 years old.
The Fairy Tale Museum
The first thing to say about the Fairy Tale Museum is – good luck finding it open! The second thing is that it’s magical and visitors often spend several hours here.
You can find secret compartments and hidden passages, make your own fairytales, as well as learn about the fairytales and legends of Cyprus, around the world, and the history of fairytales.
It’s signposted hours are Saturdays, 10 an to 2 pm but a sign also tells you that they are subject to change. Call before you go: Tel: +357 22 376 522
The House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios – Ethnological Museum
Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios’ Mansion offers a glimpse into the story of this prominent Cypriot figure from the 18th century as he serves as an interpreter and mediator during Ottoman rule.
The mansion is beautifully preserved and restored to showcase Hadjigeorgakis’s opulent lifestyle. Various rooms are adorned with authentic furniture, artifacts, and artwork that provide insight into the elite class’s traditions, customs, and daily life during this era.
Folk Art Museum
Folk Art Museum is right by the Archbishop’s Palace and within a former episcopal palace, is an excellent museum for those interested in Cyprus’ vibrant and diverse folk art traditions.
The museum’s collection includes an extensive range of artifacts, such as intricately woven textiles, traditional costumes, delicate embroideries, handcrafted pottery, ceramics, and exquisite wood cravings.
A.G. Leventis Gallery
A.G. Leventis Gallery is an excellent spot for all art lovers as it presents artworks from local and foreign artists in three units.
These are the Paris Collection, the Greek Collection, and the Cyprus Collection. Artworks include paintings, watercolors, prints, drawings, objects d’art, and period furniture.
The Nicosia Municipal Arts Center
Housed in the Old Powerhouse, this art center strives to promote fine arts through exhibitions of rare and special publications, as well as modern and contemporary art from Cypriot and international artists.
Take a Cypriot Coffee Break
Some call this Greek coffee and others Turkish coffee. But here in Cyprus we call it Cypriot coffee!
Take a break from exploring at a coffee shop, (a kafeneio), and try the rich flavor of Cypriot coffee along with a homemade cake or traditional sweets like Galaktoboureko and Loukoumades.
Go souvenir shopping at Laiki Geitonia
The Old Town within the city walls is characterized by narrow streets, traditional neighborhoods, and charming shopping centers.
In Laiki Geitonia, you can find plenty of shops selling handcrafted jewelry, authentic Cypriot handicrafts, local delicacies and spices, and explore art galleries, markets, and even famous landmarks.
So, this is definitely an excellent spot to shop for unique souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones back home, as well as take memorable photos to remember the charm of Old Town Nicosia.
Relax with a Massage at Hamam Omerye
Located in the heart of the Old Town, Hamam Omerye offers a rejuvenating retreat where one can truly unwind.
This restored Ottoman-era bathhouse offers a tranquil retreat. Choose from traditional hammam treatments, massages, or exfoliating scrubs.
The skilled staff ensures a relaxing experience, and the ambiance of the centuries-old building enhances the sense of escape.
Insider Tip: Book in advance, especially during weekends, to secure a time slot.
Cypriot Meze
Meze is a traditional dining experience of shared tantalizing small dishes showcasing the diverse and vibrant cuisine of the island.
In other words, meze is a feast with various dishes starting with starters like tahini, halloumi cheese, and salad, main and side dishes like sheftalia, keftedes, bulgur, koupepia, and stifado, and finishing with traditional sweets like loukoumades or halva and fruits.
To complete this fantastic culinary journey, wash it all down with a glass of Cypriot wine or a shot of zivania, a traditional spirit from the island.
