There are such a lot of improbable issues to do in Nicosia – Cyprus’ capital metropolis. It’s one of many main tourist destinations in Cyprus and is someplace that reveals Cyprus has far more to supply than just beaches.
I spent round 4 months living in Cyprus as a digital nomad. I beloved visiting Nicosia for its superb eating places, bars, and cafe scene.
As a historical past lover, and having spent quite a lot of time in Cyprus, I loved studying concerning the historical past of this stunning island and its folks. Cyprus travel is thrilling and attention-grabbing and Nicosia is likely one of the high locations to see.
For those who’re planning to go to Nicosia and are questioning the place to go, this information will assist you to plan the proper itinerary.
Finest Issues To Do in Nicosia
Nicosia is an enchanting metropolis filled with tradition and historical past. Because the last divided capital city on this planet, it presents a novel perspective from two opposing sides of the Inexperienced Line. It’s additionally a metropolis that’s alive with nice tradition, a superb meals scene, and a few superb, boutique bars.
I beloved my time in Nicosia, and inside this publish, I’ve collated a number of the greatest issues to do in Nicosia that will help you profit from your time on this great metropolis.
1. Head Contained in the Buffer Zone
It’s unimaginable to go to Nicosia and never be struck by the stark division between north and south. The town is split in half by the Inexperienced Line. The Republic of Cyprus, and its capital metropolis Nicosia to the south.
North of the Inexperienced Line lies Northern Cyprus, separated from the Republic by the Turkish invasion in 1974.
I can’t suggest this fascinating walking tour sufficient. It takes you throughout the Inexperienced Line and into the buffer zone between the 2 elements of this metropolis. The information, Eleni, is extremely educated and a pleasure to be round.
Throughout the 3-4 hour tour, you’ll find out how the Inexperienced Line got here to be, and see examples of life on either side of the divide. It’s completely the most effective issues to do in Nicosia and actually helps carry context to life on this divided metropolis. Click here to learn more and book your spot.
2. Discover St Hilarion Citadel and Bellapais
If you wish to head additional north and discover Northern Cyprus, then this breathtaking half-day tour of St Hilarion Castle and Bellapais is a superb alternative.
You’ll be collected out of your lodging in Nicosia and brought throughout the border. From right here, you’ll first head to St Hilarion Citadel.
This splendidly well-preserved fortress is reputed to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Magnificence. Whether or not true or not, it’s an exquisite web site to go to and presents some unimaginable views over the north coast.
Subsequent, you’ll go to the gorgeous village of Bellapais. It’s perched up within the Kyrenia mountain vary and has some superb views over the encompassing countryside.
This village was made well-known by Lawrence Durrell in his e book about life in Cyprus, Bitter Lemons of Cyprus – undoubtedly value a learn if you’re heading to this stunning island. Learn more about this day trip, here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Best Time to Visit Cyprus (Weather and Costs)
3. Troodos Mountains Meals Tour
Nicosia is ideally positioned very near the Troodos mountains. With that in thoughts, it’s ideally located in the event you fancy a day outdoors town. For those who’re a foodie, you’ll love visiting the small villages. It’s not solely where the country’s wine is grown however the place recent produce is made within the conventional manner.
This excellent tour is run by a bunch of Cypriot foodies for foodies. It’s completely sensible.
You’ll be collected out of your lodging and get pushed to the mountains. From right here you’ll go to a number of traditional villages in Cyprus to style a wide range of Cypriot delicacies together with native sweets, halloumi, honey, and olive oil.
You’ll additionally take pleasure in a full meze lunch at a village tavern and a stroll across the cute little craft outlets in a standard village. This varies tour to tour however might embrace Lefkara, Omodos, or Kakopetria. Click here to read more about this wonderful tour.
4. Embrace the Cafe Tradition
Cafe tradition is alive and nicely in Nicosia. It makes this metropolis a extremely particular place to be at any time of the day. Head into the Outdated City and discover the cobbled, slender streets, and also you’ll discover bustling cafes on each nook.
From conventional, household run choices to extra fashionable, acquainted operations, you’ll don’t have any hassle getting your each day espresso repair. This for me is likely one of the high issues to do in Nicosia. Merely wandering the streets in search of hidden gems down backstreets.
If you would like some inspiration, head to the great To Apomero and take a look at one among their baked items. The spinach pie is great, and the baklava is ideal for these with a candy tooth (like me!). And for wonderful espresso within the sq., try Tria Fanaria.
5. Take a Strolling Tour into North Lefkosia
It’s laborious to know the place to begin whenever you cross the border into Turkish-occupied Cyprus – it seems like a completely totally different nation. As I like to recommend everytime you journey to a brand new nation, the easiest way to discover it’s by taking a strolling tour.
This walking tour by way of North Lefkosia (Nicosia) takes in the primary Nicosia sights within the North. You’ll be taught all concerning the medieval metropolis, the Ottoman conquest and go to the oldest historic landmarks within the north.
A break is included the place you’ll take pleasure in Turkish tea or espresso with a chunk of yummy baklava. I undoubtedly suggest this walking tour because the historical past is fascinating. Don’t neglect your passport, as you’ll want it to cross into Northern Cyprus.
6. Take pleasure in a Meals Tour of the Inexperienced Line
Nicosia is a fusion of ages and cultures that’s represented completely within the enormous number of meals on supply within the metropolis.
To essentially get an appreciation of the totally different cultural influences, and to attempt some scrumptious meals, I extremely suggest this 3-hour food tour of the Inexperienced Line. You’ll wander by way of the Outdated City together with your information, Eleni, who makes this tour one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Nicosia.
You’ll pattern some scrumptious Armenian road meals recent from the wood-fired oven, adopted by a go to to one of many oldest bakeries within the Outdated Metropolis, and a cease off at an exquisite Cypriot taverna.
The meals is scrumptious. You’ll go away the tour filled with genuine, native meals and a feast of information about this unimaginable metropolis. Eleni is identical information who runs the unimaginable walking tour of the Green Line. You’ll be in good fingers!
7. Chill out with a Therapeutic massage at Hamam Omerye
The unimaginable Hamam Omerye is likely one of the most enjoyable locations to go in Nicosia to flee the bustle of the Outdated City.
These beautiful baths have been initially constructed by the Ottomans within the 1570s after the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus. A hamam tub was typically described as a “silent healer” and the connection between cleaning and nature was used to purify the physique and soul.
Immediately, Hamam Omerye has been utterly renovated whereas retaining its unique options and class, into one of the crucial luxurious hamams in Cyprus. You may enter to make use of the baths or mix this expertise with a bundle.
Omerye presents a alternative of therapeutic massage and scrub packages or you may couple your time within the hamam with their wine and bites bundle. Both manner, unwind and loosen up in true type in one of the crucial elegant Nicosia sights.
8. Wander the Museums of Nicosia
Nicosia is a metropolis steeped in historical past, and there’s no higher technique to study how this superb place has modified over time than to walk by way of a few of its fascinating museums.
I notably loved the Leventis Municipal Museum, which is positioned near the primary Ledra Avenue. It’s the most effective locations to go to in Nicosia earlier than you head to the Inexperienced Line to grasp Nicosia’s distinctive historical past.
Leventis walks you thru Nicosia’s historical past from historic instances proper as much as the trendy period and the Turkish invasion in 1974.
An alternative choice is the enduring Cyprus Museum, which is the biggest and oldest archaeological museum in Cyprus. It’s the most effective free issues to do in Nicosia, with no entry charges to this unimaginable assortment.
For those who choose artwork to historical past, then try the Nicosia Municipal Arts Center. It’s the oldest modern arts heart in Cyprus internet hosting reveals from native and overseas artists. Entry is free right here as nicely.
9. Enterprise to Famagusta and the ‘Ghost City’
Given its location on the Inexperienced Line, Nicosia is the proper leaping off level to discover North Cyprus, and there are many nice excursions that help you do that simply and safely.
The walled metropolis of Famagusta particularly is likely one of the jewels of Northern Cyprus. Traditionally, it was a vastly vital port metropolis the place the Silk Road retailers would arrive to carry their items to Western Europe.
Immediately, it has some extremely well-preserved structure mixed with a contemporary revival of this stunning metropolis.
Take this fascinating full-day tour to Famagusta and discover the gorgeous St Barnabas Monastery and the traditional metropolis of Salamis the place you’ll see the biggest Roman amphitheater in Cyprus.
You’ll have a tour of Famagusta, and see the notorious ‘Ghost City’. Varosha was a well-known vacationer district of Famagusta earlier than the invasion. Ever since then, it’s been frozen in time with nobody allowed to enter since that day. Click here to learn more and book.
10. Study to Make Cypriot Halloumi
For those who love cheese, you’ll completely love this tour. A information will acquire you out of your location in Nicosia, and also you’ll drive over to the Larnaca area of the Troodos Mountains.
Right here, you’ll participate in a cheese-making workshop in an area village to be taught the standard manner of creating halloumi and anari cheese.
You’ll take part within the course of from starting to finish after which have the possibility to take pleasure in all of your laborious work with a brunch together with the cheeses you’ve simply made.
After this, you’ll proceed on to a different village and go to a honey producer and an area who makes distinctive merchandise utilizing donkey milk.
You’ll end up in Lefkara and witness the women making lace on the cobbled streets as they’ve executed for hundreds of years. For a day journey itinerary to Lefkara, click on here.
It’s a improbable technique to discover conventional Cypriot cuisine and a superb technique to expertise native tradition outdoors town. Click here to learn more concerning the cheese-making and brunch tour.
11. Stroll the Streets in Nicosia Outdated City
Probably the greatest issues to do in Nicosia is to easily head into the Outdated City and get misplaced within the stunning cobbled streets. You’ll actually get a really feel for all times in Nicosia and its historic and cultural origins – and likelihood is you’ll discover a cool native bar or restaurant to attempt as nicely.
For those who choose a bit extra construction, then head to Ledra Avenue, which is the primary road by way of the center of Outdated City. Or head to the adjoining Onasagorou the place you’ll be met with loads of outlets of every kind.
Each streets additionally result in probably the most energetic a part of Outdated City, and exploring right here is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Nicosia at night time.
There are cafes, bars, and eating places all over the place and the environment within the night is bustling but calming. Attempt the stunning Halara Cafe for its outside road seating and superior environment.
12. Take a Wine Tasting Tour within the Troodos Mountains
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Nicosia is to go on a wine tasting tour within the mountains. For those who’re within the metropolis in the summertime, going to the mountains is the proper technique to escape the warmth. It’s additionally the place the place wine is grown, which is a contented coincidence!
Beginning early within the morning you’ll drive to Lefkara with a information the place you’ll get to discover this pretty conventional village on foot with a information. You’ll cease for a standard Cypriot snack, pattern some sweets, and luxuriate in a espresso within the village sq..
From right here, you’ll transfer on to Kato Drys, the place you’ll go to an area boutique vineyard. Throughout a tour of the location, you’ll be taught all concerning the indigenous grape varieties, and take a look at a couple of totally different wines together with the well-known candy wine in Cyprus, Commanderia.
The whole lot is included within the value, making it a enjoyable and nice worth tour. Click here to learn more and safe your spot.
13. Hike the Unimaginable Akamas Nationwide Park
If you wish to escape into nature throughout your time in Cyprus, then taking a tour out to Akamas Nationwide Park is completely the most effective issues to do in Nicosia.
Akamas Nationwide Park is one among my favourite locations to go to and hike in Cyprus, and it’s packed filled with all the most effective bits that this island has to supply.
From beautiful viewpoints to the unimaginable waters of the Blue Lagoon, turtles hatching on Lara Seashore, and the natural world within the imposing Avakas Gorge. There’s one thing for everybody.
This very good full-day tour of Akamas will acquire you from Nicosia earlier than taking you to ‘Aphrodite’s Playground’. The 7-kilometer stroll will see you discover the pristine nationwide park till you attain the point of view at Moutti tis Sotiras.
After a picnic overlooking the remainder of the shoreline, the path leads again down and winds up on the Baths of Aphrodite.
Alongside the best way, there shall be loads of stops for swimming and snorkeling within the unimaginable waters that encompass the nationwide park. A good way to chill off and finish a tremendous day journey from Nicosia. Learn more here.
14. Discover Nicosia on Two Wheels
If you wish to take your Nicosia sightseeing up a notch, then why not bounce on one among these excellent 3-hour Segway tours of town? After a fast induction in your new mode of transport, you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the most effective Nicosia vacationer sights.
You’ll roll previous the Archbishop’s Palace, the house of the Archbishop of Cyprus, in addition to the beautiful Nicosia Cathedral. There are additionally stops on the City Corridor, the newly recreated Eleftheria Sq., and many extra of the most effective locations to see in Nicosia.
You’ll cease for a espresso together with your educated information who will share tales and reply any questions you could have about this superb metropolis. Not solely will you cowl quite a lot of floor and tick off lots of the greatest issues to see in Nicosia, however it’s additionally quite a lot of enjoyable. Find out more here.
15. Cease for a Drink at Pivo Microbrewery
For the craft beer lovers on the market, a cease at Pivo Microbrewery is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Nicosia throughout your journey.
The brewery is positioned in a restored conventional Nicosia home and was co-founded by 4 brothers who shared a passion for brewing. They create unimaginable beers with out filtration or pasteurization to protect the flavors and freshness – I’m telling you, they’re scrumptious.
You’ll discover their beers stocked in varied bars round city, however the microbrewery is the most effective place to provide them a attempt.
They’ve an exquisite setting to settle in for a beer or two and the great workers are readily available to reply any questions or that will help you resolve which one to attempt subsequent. It’s open till 1:30 am, and it’s one among my favourite locations to go in Nicosia at night time.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Nicosia
There are such a lot of issues to see in Nicosia, it’s laborious to know the place to go and the place to begin. Beneath, I’ve put collectively some brief itineraries that will help you plan what to do in Nicosia.
1 Day in Nicosia Itinerary
For those who’re taking a day journey to Nicosia, I like to recommend you seize a selfmade pastry and Freddo Cappuccino (Chilly Cappuccino) from Apomero first to gasoline the day.
As soon as suitably fueled, I like to recommend that you simply take a walking tour of the city, together with a tour of the Green Line. It’s right here that you simply’ll be taught concerning the historical past of Cyprus and its divided capital metropolis.
Within the afternoon, cement your information with a visit to the Leventis Museum and absorb that candy cafe tradition.
2-3 Days in Nicosia Itinerary
When you’ve got a bit longer in Nicosia, discover town on foot first by becoming a member of a strolling tour to get an thought of what town is all about and to get your bearings.
On the second day, cross the border at Ledra Avenue and discover the north of Nicosia. I like to recommend taking a tour to see the most effective north Nicosia sights, however you could possibly additionally go for a stroll and see what you discover for your self.
Within the afternoon, go for a scrumptious Turkish lunch and expertise the tradition change. I like to recommend Krubera Restaurant and Cafe to attempt some genuine meals.
On the third day, take a day journey to the Troodos Mountains and visit the traditional villages within the hills. You can go wine tasting or book a cheese-making tour; each are wonderful methods to discover the Troodos mountains.
1 Week in Nicosia Itinerary
When you’ve got a full week to take pleasure in Nicosia, you then’ll be capable to go to all the most effective locations in Nicosia, in addition to enterprise out of town and see extra of the island.
Take the 2-3 day itinerary above and add in a number of the day journeys and experiences listed on this weblog which go additional afield. I like to recommend both the Halloumi Making Tour or the Famagusta Ghost Town Tour as not solely are they each actually good enjoyable and attention-grabbing, however in addition they return you again to Nicosia.
Possibly deal with your self to a hamam on the ultimate day to finish your journey on an expensive and enjoyable observe.
The place to Keep in Nicosia
These are a couple of of the most effective neighborhoods in Nicosia for vacationers.
Outdated Nicosia – Finest for Cafe Tradition
Outdated Nicosia, or Chrysaliniotissa to be precise, is full of stunning structure, fairly church buildings, and conventional Cypriot houses. The neighborhood is an up-and-coming hipster spot having loved a revival over the previous few years.
You may count on hip espresso outlets and bars the place you may take pleasure in espresso or brunch, boutiques promoting Greek-made clothes, and a few superb eating places and cafes. My favourite cafe in Nicosia, Apomero, is on this neighborhood. For lodging, the Madama Residence is in a superb location.
Kaimakli – Finest for Households
This quiet neighborhood virtually seems like a Cypriot village proper in the course of town. Its slender winding streets make you’re feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time.
It’s a superb neighborhood to benefit from the metropolis whereas offering an escape from the hustle, which makes it a sensible choice for households.
Kaimakli is cozy and welcoming and is a melting pot of creativity with theaters, artists’ workshops, and studios dotted round together with little espresso outlets. Take a look at these apartments with balconies.
Metropolis Heart – Finest for First Time Guests
The middle may be very fashionable and is dwelling to a lot of manufacturers and chains that you simply’ll acknowledge. On this neighborhood, you’ll discover the primary shopping center and a number of the greatest bars and eating places in Nicosia.
It’s inside strolling distance of Outdated Nicosia and Kaimakli, and minutes from lots of the greatest locations to go to and issues to see in Nicosia. Take a look at Urban Habitat Executive Suites or Central Park Residences with its spa and indoor swimming pool.
Finest Eating places in Nicosia
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Nicosia!
Piatsa Gourounaki
A traditional taverna with easy, but superb meals. The souvlaki is unimaginable – the meat is simply so tender and juicy! I like to recommend that you simply attempt it or get one of many meat platters. You gained’t be disillusioned.
All of the meat is cooked on a standard grill and tastes very genuine and recent and but, it’s tremendous reasonably priced. An incredible choice for these touring on a finances however nonetheless in search of high quality traditional Cypriot food. They even have an specific restaurant for these in a rush.
Elysian
For those who’re vegetarian, vegan, celiac, or simply after one thing a bit totally different, it is best to undoubtedly try this cool restaurant within the coronary heart of Nicosia. The whole lot on the menu is vegan and gluten-free and so tasty. The veggie burger is likely one of the greatest I’ve ever tried.
The costs are round mid-range, however the parts are additionally enormous, so that you’ll get a really decent-sized meal on your cash.
Pyxida Fish Tavern
For followers of fish dishes, head to Pyxida within the metropolis heart. It’s the most effective seafood eating places in Nicosia. The whole lot is cooked recent, and the service is great. It’s additionally positioned in an previous conventional constructing, so the setting is beautiful.
I like to recommend ordering the fish meze as you’ll get a bit style of every part, and every part served is scrumptious.
Issues To Do in Nicosia: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Nicosia.
Nicosia is called the final divided metropolis on this planet. It’s cut up in two; half remaining Greek Cypriot, and the opposite beneath occupation by Turkey. You may cross the border and see how totally different either side are to expertise each Turkish and Cypriot tradition in a single metropolis.
You may go to Nicosia at any time of yr. Nevertheless, the summer season will get extremely popular within the metropolis, and it’s not coastal so in the event you don’t do nicely within the warmth, I’d keep away from visiting Nicosia between June-September.
After all, all over the place is air-conditioned, however strolling across the metropolis throughout the day will be extremely popular work.
Completely. It’s a classy and fairly metropolis with a lot historical past and tradition. For those who love meals, that is the place to attempt a number of the greatest cuisines in Cyprus. It’s additionally a really walkable metropolis, and an excellent place to seize a espresso and watch the locals go about their day.
Nicosia is stuffed with stunning structure, candy cobbled streets lined with bougainvillea, and conventional Cypriot houses.
That mentioned, the Inexperienced Line, which marks the buffer zone and splits town in two, isn’t so stunning. It’s lined with barbed wire, and derelict buildings which have fallen into disrepair for the reason that struggle, however it’s so attention-grabbing to see.
Sure. You might even see extra navy personnel in Nicosia, however that is due to the buffer zone slightly than something to do with security. Cyprus is a really safe country to journey to, with a really low crime price. Of curse, it is best to nonetheless take precautions, as you’d in all vacationer locations.
Sure. The primary crossing is at Ledra Avenue, the place there’s a border crossing. You’ll want to point out your passport to get by way of the place you’ll be stamped as leaving Cyprus, and once more whenever you enter Turkish Cyprus.
In Closing
Nicosia is a vibrant and enjoyable metropolis, with an enchanting historical past, a lot of which continues to be fairly latest for a lot of Cypriots.
For foodies, it’s the most effective place to go to on the entire island and for historical past lovers, there are many museums to go to to flee the warmth and study Cyprus and its capital metropolis. I hope this weblog publish helps you propose what to do in Nicosia and have an unimaginable go to.
See extra posts about Cyprus right here:
15 Fun Things To Do in Larnaca
25 Best Places to Visit in Cyprus
15 Top Things To Do in Paphos
15 Things To Do in Limassol
15 Best Airbnb Stays in Limassol
15 Top Restaurants in Limassol
