Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is home to many beautiful landmarks that embody the island’s fascinating history. From ancient monuments to exquisite galleries, here’s what shouldn’t be missed when you’re in Nicosia.
Café culture is an essential part of life in Cyprus, so be sure to indulge in a hot drink with one of the many delicious pastries and traditional cakes on offer in coffee shops across the city. Locals love To Apomero, a small café hidden in an alley just off Ermou, its name aptly meaning ‘secluded’ in Greek.
Walk along the Green Line
Splitting the island in two, Nicosia’s Green Line extends across the capital, with various checkpoints along the way. The main one can be found at Ledra Street, an entry point where people can cross over to the other side. Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, and visiting the city’s Green Line is a great way for visitors to explore the social and political situation on the island, as well as its fascinating history.
Visit the OHI Farmer’s Market
People buy their fresh fruit at the OHI market | Eleni Philippou / © Culture Trip
Discover Nicosia’s museums
Visiting some of Nicosia’s greatest museums and collection galleries is a fantastic way to gain insight into the island’s art scene and ancient traditions. For an overview of Cyprus’ complex and fascinating history, visit the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia in the heart of the Old Town. Expect to find engaging exhibits, clear information in Greek, Turkish and English, and a cool interior that makes a welcome break from the baking sun. Admission is free, and this makes a great stop for keen historians and families alike.
Another must-visit museum is the iconic Cyprus Museum, the largest and oldest archaeological museum on the island. Its rich collection demonstrates the turbulent and significant role that this tiny country has had in European history, while the building itself is emblematic of the pride Cypriots have in their heritage and culture.
The third cultural spot worth visiting is the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (NiMAC), the oldest Contemporary Arts Centre in Cyprus, which hosts exhibitions from local and foreign artists. Admission is free.
Walk the streets of the Old Town
The best-known street in Nicosia is the pedestrian Ledra Street, which is filled with shops, bars, cafés and eateries, and ends at one of the most popular checkpoints on the Green Line. Parallel to Ledra is Onasagorou, an equally busy street that has flourished in the last decade with bars and restaurants, bringing life back into the Old Town. A bit further down NiMAC is Ermou Street, which is home to many old Cypriot craftspeople.
Get your souvenirs from Laiki Geitonia
Off Onasagorou Street you’ll find a dozen little shops that make up a pedestrian neighbourhood called Laiki Geitonia. This is the ultimate place to visit if you want to do some souvenir shopping, as the shops sell everything from olive oil and zivania(a traditional alcoholic drink) to Cypriot sculptures and lace embroidery. The friendly shop owners will definitely engage in conversation as you explore their goods.
Enjoy a Cypriot meal
Although Laiki Geitonia has a couple of taverns, for a more local experience head to one of the Old Town’s eateries, otherwise known as mayiria. These eateries serve daily home-cooked, traditional meals and are the closest you’ll find to eating at a Cypriot home. Try Shiantris or Mathaios – both in Old Nicosia – or Stoa tou Dimitri just outside the walls of the city. A visit to Cyprus can’t be complete without trying a pitta of mixed souvlakia: grilled meat skewers and sheftalia sausages with salad. It’s a traditional island dish.
Pay a visit to the grand Phaneromeni Church
The church is surrounded by cafés and a big square where lots of events happen | © Dimitris Vetsikas / Pixabay
Ride the town on a Segway tour
This is one of the funnest (and most leisurely) ways to explore the city, and is a quick means of manoeuvring between many of the town’s unmissable landmarks. Groups are provided with a guide and individual Segways, as well as some basic training and safety talks. The guides are experts on the local area and will use their native knowledge to make tours fun, educational and unlike any other tour provided on the island. Although you won’t see any locals on Segways, it’s an exciting way to see the town, especially for children.
Enjoy Athalassa National Forest Park
The park’s lake is decorated with tall trees and vegetation and is home to swans and ducks | © Dimitris Vetsikas / Pixabay
Accessibility & Audience:
Family Friendly, Kid Friendly
Services & Activities:
Picnic Tables, Smoking Allowed, Free
Atmosphere:
Outdoors, Scenic
