Nicosia is a city rich in history and culture, inviting visitors to explore ancient sites and experience its unique status as a divided capital, offering a blend of traditional Cypriot life with modern urban appeal.
For socializing, the vibrant Ledra Street is a central hub with shops, cafes, and restaurants, ideal for mingling with locals and tourists alike. Onasagorou Street also provides a lively atmosphere for dining and people-watching, while Faneromeni Square is a historic meeting point with traditional cafes and shops. The old city, generally, offers numerous smaller cafes and bohemian bars, providing opportunities for relaxed evenings and conversations, though it is not considered a major party destination.
Top 6 Things to do in Nicosia
Visitors can engage in a range of activities, from exploring ancient archaeological sites and historical architecture to experiencing modern Cypriot culture, including a unique perspective on Europe's last divided capital.
1. Explore Ledra Street and the Green Line Crossing
Ledra Street is a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare that serves as a central hub for shopping, dining, and observing local life. This street is notable for featuring a crossing point into North Nicosia, part of the United Nations buffer zone known as the Green Line. Walking along Ledra Street provides a unique opportunity to witness the city's divided past and present, with various shops, cafes, and historical landmarks along the way. Crossing the Green Line offers a glimpse into a different cultural perspective within the same city. Visitors should carry their passport or ID for the crossing.
Cost: Free to walk and explore. Costs for shopping, food, and drinks vary.
Transport: Ledra Street is in the heart of the Old City, making it easily accessible on foot from most central accommodations. Public buses connect the wider city to the central area; a single bus ticket costs approximately €2.40, with a day pass available for €5.00 for all cities in Cyprus.
2. Visit the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory
Located on the 11th floor of the Shacolas Tower, this observatory provides panoramic 360-degree views of Nicosia, allowing visitors to see both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides of the city. The museum section offers interactive displays and a short film detailing Nicosia's history and its division, providing valuable context to the unique urban landscape below. It is an excellent starting point for understanding the city's layout and historical significance.
Cost: Entrance fee is approximately €2.50.
Transport: The Shacolas Tower is situated near Ledra Street, within walking distance of the city center. For those arriving from further afield, public buses can reach the central bus station, from where it is approximately a 10-minute walk. A taxi for this short distance would typically cost between €5.00 and €10.00.
3. Discover the Cyprus Museum
As the largest archaeological museum on the island, the Cyprus Museum showcases the evolution of Cypriot civilization from the Neolithic Age to the Early Byzantine period. Its extensive collections include pottery, jewelry, sculptures, coins, and other artifacts unearthed from various excavations across the island. Key exhibits highlight significant aspects of Cypriot culture and history, offering a comprehensive journey through millennia of the island's past.
Cost: Free admission.
Transport: The Cyprus Museum is located slightly outside the immediate city center, near Paphos Gate. It is a walkable distance from Ledra Street (around 15-20 minutes). Public buses are available; a single bus ticket costs approximately €2.40. Taxis typically range from €5.00 to €10.00 for short city trips.
4. Explore the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia
The Leventis Municipal Museum offers a detailed journey through the history of Nicosia, from ancient times to the present day. Housed in a complex of traditional buildings within the walled city, the museum's exhibits cover various eras, including the ancient city-kingdoms, Byzantine, Medieval, Venetian, Ottoman, and British periods. It provides insights into the daily life and development of the capital through a diverse collection of artifacts, maps, and costumes. The museum often hosts special exhibitions and educational programs.
Cost: Free admission.
Transport: Located within the old city on Hippocrates Street, the museum is easily reachable on foot from Ledra Street and other central areas. Public transport to the city center followed by a short walk is also an option. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2.40.
5. Walk the Venetian Walls and Visit Famagusta Gate
The Venetian Walls, built in the 16th century to defend Nicosia against Ottoman invaders, encircle the Old City in a distinctive snowflake-like shape. Strolling along these fortifications offers a sense of the city's historical resilience. Famagusta Gate, the largest and most well-preserved of the original three entrances, now functions as the Nicosia Municipal Multicultural Centre. Its impressive vaulted passage and adjacent rooms are often used for cultural exhibitions, providing an immersive historical experience.
Cost: Free to walk the walls and enter Famagusta Gate.
Transport: The Venetian Walls and Famagusta Gate are accessible on foot from the city center. Famagusta Gate is located on the eastern side of the Old City. Public buses can reach stops near the Old City, after which it's a short walk. A taxi to Famagusta Gate typically costs around €10-€15 from other parts of Nicosia.
6. Discover the Büyük Han (North Nicosia)
Crossing into North Nicosia via the Ledra Street checkpoint allows visitors to explore the Büyük Han, a magnificent Ottoman-era caravanserai. This beautifully restored inn now houses artisan shops, art studios, and cafes around a central courtyard. It provides an authentic atmosphere to browse for local crafts, enjoy traditional Turkish coffee, and appreciate the distinct cultural influences of this part of the city. The Büyük Han is a central point for experiencing the historical and cultural aspects of North Nicosia.
Cost: Free entry. Costs for shopping and refreshments vary.
Transport: After crossing the Ledra Street pedestrian checkpoint (passport/ID required), the Büyük Han is a short walk away within North Nicosia's old town. The area is highly walkable once across the Green Line.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
