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Nicosia, Cyprus

Destination Guide

Nicosia

Cyprus

Best things to do in Nicosia

28 curated attractions in Nicosia, Cyprus. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

March - June, September - November

Average temp

19°C/66°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Nicosia

Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe, is a medium-sized city where history is as tangible as the cobbled streets. The division between the Greek and Turkish sides shapes the city’s character, with the Venetian Walls marking the border while the lively Buyuk Han showcases the complex multi-ethnic heritage. Visitors wander the historic center to find a mix of architectural styles, from the Selimiye Mosque to the Archbishop's Palace, offering a visual representation of its layered past. Eleftheria Square serves as the heartbeat, where locals and tourists gather, often while pondering the peculiar situation of living in a city split in two. People come for the eclectic museums and the intriguing blend of cultures that makes Nicosia unique, along with the chance to see a divided city up close.

Who it's for

History enthusiasts and culture vultures will find much to explore, as will those who enjoy walking through a city with a story. This is not a destination for those seeking a fast-paced nightlife or extensive shopping, as the focus here is more on appreciating the quiet, reflective atmosphere that the division brings.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The old town is compact enough to walk across in about twenty minutes, ideal for casual exploration
  • Public transport is good, with buses connecting the main areas and a reliable service linking to nearby towns
  • The Kyrenia Gate marks an easy entry point for visitors exploring the border region
  • Expect to spend some time at the museums, as many are worth lingering in
Liberty Monument

Liberty Monument

Monuments & memorials
Venetian Walls

Venetian Walls

Forts & citadels
Archbishop Makarios III Foundation

Archbishop Makarios III Foundation

Art museums & galleries
Dervish Pasha Mansion

Dervish Pasha Mansion

Historic houses & mansions
Nicosia Venetian Column

Nicosia Venetian Column

Monuments & memorials
Omeriye Mosque

Omeriye Mosque

Mosques
Faneromeni Church

Faneromeni Church

Churches & cathedrals
Famagusta Gate

Famagusta Gate

Forts & citadels
Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre

Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre

Art museums & galleries
Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia

Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia

History museums
Archbishop's Palace

Archbishop's Palace

Castles & palaces
Selimiye Mosque

Selimiye Mosque

Mosques
Ledra Street

Ledra Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Buyuk Han

Buyuk Han

Historic houses & mansions
Solomou Square

Solomou Square

Squares & plazas
Cyprus Theatre Museum

Cyprus Theatre Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Kyrenia Gate

Kyrenia Gate

Forts & citadels
Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum

Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Eleftheria Square

Eleftheria Square

Squares & plazas
Cyprus Folk Art Museum

Cyprus Folk Art Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Nicosia Aqueduct

Nicosia Aqueduct

Monuments & memorials
BAKI AFRICAN MARKET

BAKI AFRICAN MARKET

Shopping and Markets
Nicosia Municipal Theatre

Nicosia Municipal Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
Cyprus Museum

Cyprus Museum

History museums
Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion

Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion

Historic houses & mansions
Hamam Omerye

Hamam Omerye

Spas & bathhouses
Shacolas Tower Museum & Observatory

Shacolas Tower Museum & Observatory

Observation decks & city views
Cyprus Wine Museum

Cyprus Wine Museum

Specialty & quirky museums

Where to eat in Nicosia

The places worth planning a meal around.

qboo bakehouse

qboo bakehouse

Contemporary Bakery · $10–$20

★ 4.2 · 357 reviews

amber & joe

amber & joe

Modern Mediterranean · $20–$40

★ 4.9 · 232 reviews

LA CROISSANTERIE

LA CROISSANTERIE

French Bakery · $$

★ 4.1 · 95 reviews

MALIBU

MALIBU

$$

★ 3.8 · 12 reviews

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