It is one of the brightest and most captivating cities in Europe. Its medieval walls, its museums, its Venetian monuments and the aura of its inhabitants compose a “collage” of experiences that will remain etched in your memory. It is definitely worth walking to get to know it better and especially to learn about its cultural wealth.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +90
Nearest airports from city center: Ercan Airport (35km), Larnaca Airport (53km), Paphos Airport (144km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** CYPRUS MUSEUM (1 Mouseiou, Nicosia)
See the evolution of the culture of Cyprus from the Neolithic Age to the Early Byzantine period (7th century). The collections are extensive from excavations on the island and can include, among others, the cross-shaped idol of the Chalcolithic period, the pottery of the Early Bronze Age, the statue of the 1st century BC. Aphrodite of Solon and many more.
*** BUYUK HAN (Büyük Khan, Nicosia 99010)
It was built in 1572 by the Ottomans and is one of the best preserved buildings in Cyprus. It was built by the first Thoman ruler of the island, Muzaffer Pasha, and was, among other things, a prison, a hostel for needy families and an art space.
*** CYPRUS CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM ( 44 Granikou Street, Nicosia 1010)
If you love motorcycles, then you’ve come to the right place to see motorcycles from 1914 to the present day.
*** SELIMIYE CAMII (Selimiye Sk, Nicosia 99010)
The foundation stone was laid in 1209, it is of Gothic architecture and is a former Roman Catholic cathedral converted into a mosque.
*** THE LEVENTIS MUNICIPAL MUSEUM (Ippokratous 15-17, Nicosia 1011)
It was inaugurated in 1984 and in this stone-built mansion that became a museum, you can see exhibits concerning the evolution of Nicosia from the Chalcolithic era to the present day.
*** SAINT JOHN’S CATHEDRAL (59F9+84J, Square of Archbishop Kyprianos, Nicosia)
It is the Cathedral of the Church of Cyprus and was opened in 1662. It has one wing and a circular dome in the Franco-Byzantine style, with external buttresses and a western chancel. See the gilded wood paneling and crystal chandelier decorated interior of the temple.
*** FOLK ART MUSEUM (59F9+95F, Square of Archbishop Kyprianos, Archbishop Kyprianos Square, Nicosia 1016)
The Museum was opened in 1937 by the Society of Cypriot Studies and is housed in the grounds of the Old Archbishop’s Palace which is a 15th century building. See works of weaving, pottery, embroidery, metalwork, woodcarving, leatherwork, agricultural tools and more.
*** MEVLEVI TEKKE MUSEUM (Kyrenia, Nicosia 99010)
It is one of the most important historical and religious buildings in Cyprus and was used by the Mevlevi Order. It was built in the early years of the 17th century.
*** CYPRUS CAR MUSEUM (near east university campus, Nicosia 99010)
It is worth a visit to this particular museum to see over 150 cars dating from the beginning of the 20th century to the most modern ones.
*** LUSIGNAN HOUSE (59H8+7G5, Yenicami Sk, Nicosia 99010)
Of great interest is the 15th century mansion with its combination of Gothic and Ottoman architecture.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** If you have free time, then take the approximately 2 hour road trip to see Kykkos Monastery up close.
*** It is worth seeing up close the Arapahmet Mosque which is a 16th century temple.
*** The Leventios Art Gallery is an art gallery that opened in 2014 and has over 800 paintings by Cypriot, Greek and European painters.
*** Freedom Square is the central point of the city and you will be delighted by its architecture.
*** Hatzigeorgaki Kornesiou House – Ethnological Museum is an 18th century mansion which, if you have time, is worth seeing.
*** The Nicosia old aqueduct is the oldest in Cyprus and we would recommend you to see it.
*** The Museum of the history of Cypriot Coinage is also worth a walk.
FOOD AND DRINK
Nicosia is a culinary paradise, like all the cities of Cyprus. Try halloumi, crushed green olives, sheftalies, souvlaki, moussaka, dolmades, pastitsio, trachana and loundza, but also the local sojuko for dessert. An excellent choice is kleftiko which is roasted lamb meat In Nicosia you can find restaurants with meat, seafood and many menus that have influences from all cuisines. Definitely try the local wine and the local zivania to drink.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several options for finding affordable hotels and accommodations in the city center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** In the main street of Ledras there are many shops to do your shopping.
*** If you like hiking, then go to the Athalassa National Forest Park.
*** Linear Park is an ideal area to take a walk and feel carefree.
*** Megaro Galaxias and City Plaza shopping malls are ideal options for your shopping.
*** The Turkish Bazaar on the Turkish Cypriot side of the island is equally great for your shopping.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bus.
CITIES NEAR NICOSIA
Major cities close to Nicosia are Larnaca (48km), Famagusta (70km), Limassol (88km), Ayia Napa (88km), Paralimni (91km), Paphos (152km).
