There are such a lot of improbable issues to do in Nicosia – Cyprus’ capital metropolis. It’s one of many fundamental vacationer locations in Cyprus and is someplace that exhibits Cyprus has rather more to supply than simply seashores.
I spent round 4 months residing 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 numerous time in Cyprus, I loved studying concerning the historical past of this lovely island and its folks. Cyprus journey is thrilling and fascinating and Nicosia is among 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.
Greatest Issues To Do in Nicosia
Nicosia is an interesting metropolis stuffed with tradition and historical past. Because the final divided capital metropolis on this planet, it presents a singular 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 submit, I’ve collated a few of the finest issues to do in Nicosia that will help you profit from your time on this fantastic metropolis.
1. Head Contained in the Buffer Zone
It’s inconceivable to go to Nicosia and never be struck by the stark division between north and south. 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 advocate this fascinating strolling tour sufficient. It takes you throughout the Inexperienced Line and into the buffer zone between the 2 components of this metropolis. The information, Eleni, is extremely educated and a pleasure to be round.
In the course of the 3-4 hour tour, you’ll find out how the Inexperienced Line got here to be, and see examples of life on each side of the divide. It’s completely among the best issues to do in Nicosia and actually helps convey context to life on this divided metropolis. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book your spot.
2. Discover St Hilarion Fort and Bellapais
If you wish to head additional north and discover Northern Cyprus, then this breathtaking half-day tour of St Hilarion Fort 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 Fort.
This splendidly well-preserved fort is reputed to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Magnificence. Whether or not true or not, it’s a wonderful website to go to and presents some unimaginable views over the north coast.
Subsequent, you’ll go to the attractive 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 in case you are heading to this lovely island. Study extra about today journey, right here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Greatest Time to Go to Cyprus (Climate and Prices)
3. Troodos Mountains Meals Tour
Nicosia is ideally positioned very near the Troodos mountains. With that in thoughts, it’s ideally located for those who fancy a day outdoors the town. For those who’re a foodie, you’ll love visiting the small villages. It’s not solely the place the nation’s wine is grown however the place contemporary produce is made within the conventional means.
This glorious 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 choice of conventional villages in Cyprus to style quite a lot 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 retailers in a standard village. This varies tour to tour however might embody Lefkara, Omodos, or Kakopetria. Click on right here to learn extra about this glorious tour.
4. Embrace the Cafe Tradition
Cafe tradition is alive and properly 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, slim 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 among the high issues to do in Nicosia. Merely wandering the streets on the lookout for hidden gems down backstreets.
If you need some inspiration, head to the fantastic To Apomero and check out one in every of their baked items. The spinach pie is superb, and the baklava is ideal for these with a candy tooth (like me!). And for glorious espresso within the sq., try Tria Fanaria.
5. Take a Strolling Tour into North Lefkosia
It’s arduous to know the place to start out while 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, one of the simplest ways to discover it’s by taking a strolling tour.
This strolling tour by North Lefkosia (Nicosia) takes in the primary Nicosia points of interest 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 bit of yummy baklava. I undoubtedly advocate this strolling 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 provide within the metropolis.
To actually get an appreciation of the totally different cultural influences, and to attempt some scrumptious meals, I extremely advocate this 3-hour meals tour of the Inexperienced Line. You’ll wander by 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 avenue meals contemporary 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 a wonderful Cypriot taverna.
The meals is scrumptious. You’ll depart the tour stuffed with genuine, native meals and a feast of data about this unimaginable metropolis. Eleni is similar information who runs the unimaginable strolling tour of the Inexperienced Line. You’ll be in good palms!
7. Calm down with a Therapeutic massage at Hamam Omerye
The unimaginable Hamam Omerye is among the most enjoyable locations to go in Nicosia to flee the bustle of the Outdated City.
These gorgeous baths had been initially constructed by the Ottomans within the 1570s after the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus. A hamam bathtub was usually 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 magnificence, into one of the crucial luxurious hamams in Cyprus. You’ll be able to 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 possibly can couple your time within the hamam with their wine and bites bundle. Both means, unwind and loosen up in true fashion in one of the crucial elegant Nicosia points of interest.
8. Wander the Museums of Nicosia
Nicosia is a metropolis steeped in historical past, and there’s no higher option to find out about how this superb place has modified through the years than to walk by a few of its fascinating museums.
I notably loved the Leventis Municipal Museum, which is positioned near the primary Ledra Avenue. It’s among the best locations to go to in Nicosia earlier than you head to the Inexperienced Line to know Nicosia’s distinctive historical past.
Leventis walks you thru Nicosia’s historical past from historical instances proper as much as the fashionable 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 among the best free issues to do in Nicosia, with no entry charges to this unimaginable assortment.
For those who want artwork to historical past, then try the Nicosia Municipal Arts Middle. It’s the oldest modern arts middle in Cyprus internet hosting displays from native and international artists. Entry is free right here as properly.
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 specifically is among the jewels of Northern Cyprus. Traditionally, it was a vastly vital port metropolis the place the Silk Highway retailers would arrive to convey their items to Western Europe.
Immediately, it has some extremely well-preserved structure mixed with a contemporary revival of this lovely metropolis.
Take this fascinating full-day tour to Famagusta and discover the attractive 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 on right here to be taught extra and e-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 normal means 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 arduous 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 right here.
It’s a improbable option to discover conventional Cypriot delicacies and a superb option to expertise native tradition outdoors the town. Click on right here to be taught extra 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 lovely cobbled streets. You’ll actually get a really feel for all times in Nicosia and its historic and cultural origins – and chances are high you’ll discover a cool native bar or restaurant to attempt as properly.
For those who want a bit extra construction, then head to Ledra Avenue, which is the primary avenue by the center of Outdated City. Or head to the adjoining Onasagorou the place you’ll be met with loads of retailers of all kinds.
Each streets additionally result in essentially the most energetic a part of Outdated City, and exploring right here is among the finest issues to do in Nicosia at night time.
There are cafes, bars, and eating places in all places and the ambiance within the night is bustling but calming. Attempt the beautiful Halara Cafe for its out of doors avenue seating and superior ambiance.
12. Take a Wine Tasting Tour within the Troodos Mountains
Certainly one 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 option to escape the warmth. It’s additionally the place the place wine is grown, which is a cheerful coincidence!
Beginning early within the morning you’ll drive to Lefkara with a information the place you’ll get to discover this beautiful 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 positioning, you’ll be taught all concerning the indigenous grape varieties, and check out 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 on right here to be taught extra and safe your spot.
13. Hike the Unbelievable 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 among the best issues to do in Nicosia.
Akamas Nationwide Park is one in every of my favourite locations to go to and hike in Cyprus, and it’s packed stuffed with all the perfect bits that this island has to supply.
From gorgeous 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 perspective 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 way in which, there will likely 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. Study extra right here.
14. Discover Nicosia on Two Wheels
If you wish to take your Nicosia sightseeing up a notch, then why not bounce on one in every of these glorious 3-hour Segway excursions of the town? After a fast induction in your new mode of transport, you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the perfect Nicosia vacationer points of interest.
You’ll roll previous the Archbishop’s Palace, the house of the Archbishop of Cyprus, in addition to the gorgeous Nicosia Cathedral. There are additionally stops on the City Corridor, the newly recreated Eleftheria Sq., and lots extra of the perfect 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’ll have about this superb metropolis. Not solely will you cowl numerous floor and tick off most of the finest issues to see in Nicosia, however it’s additionally numerous enjoyable. Discover out extra right here.
15. Cease for a Drink at Pivo Microbrewery
For the craft beer lovers on the market, a cease at Pivo Microbrewery is among the finest 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 ardour 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 perfect place to provide them a attempt.
They’ve a wonderful setting to settle in for a beer or two and the fantastic workers are 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 in every of 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 arduous to know the place to go and the place to start out. Beneath, I’ve put collectively some quick 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 home made 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 strolling tour of the town, together with a tour of the Inexperienced 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 data 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 the town on foot first by becoming a member of a strolling tour to get an thought of what the 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 perfect north Nicosia points of interest, 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 go to the normal villages within the hills. You may go wine tasting or e-book a cheese-making tour; each are glorious methods to discover the Troodos mountains.
1 Week in Nicosia Itinerary
When you’ve got a full week to take pleasure in Nicosia, then you definitely’ll have the ability to go to all the perfect locations in Nicosia, in addition to enterprise out of the town and see extra of the island.
Take the 2-3 day itinerary above and add in a few 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 City Tour as not solely are they each actually good enjoyable and fascinating, however additionally they return you again to Nicosia.
Perhaps 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 perfect neighborhoods in Nicosia for vacationers.
Outdated Nicosia – Greatest for Cafe Tradition
Outdated Nicosia, or Chrysaliniotissa to be precise, is full of lovely structure, fairly church buildings, and conventional Cypriot properties. The neighborhood is an up-and-coming hipster spot having loved a revival over the previous couple of years.
You’ll be able to count on hip espresso retailers and bars the place you possibly can 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 – Greatest for Households
This quiet neighborhood virtually seems like a Cypriot village proper in the course of the town. Its slim winding streets make you are feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time.
It’s a wonderful neighborhood to benefit from the metropolis whereas offering an escape from the hustle, which makes it a good selection 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 retailers. Take a look at these flats with balconies.
Metropolis Middle – Greatest for First Time Guests
The middle could be very fashionable and is dwelling to plenty of manufacturers and chains that you simply’ll acknowledge. On this neighborhood, you’ll discover the primary shopping center and a few of the finest bars and eating places in Nicosia.
It’s inside strolling distance of Outdated Nicosia and Kaimakli, and minutes from most of the finest locations to go to and issues to see in Nicosia. Take a look at City Habitat Government Suites or Central Park Residences with its spa and indoor swimming pool.
Greatest Eating places in Nicosia
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Nicosia!
Piatsa Gourounaki
A conventional 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 upset.
All of the meat is cooked on a standard grill and tastes very genuine and contemporary and but, it’s tremendous reasonably priced. An important choice for these touring on a price range however nonetheless on the lookout for high quality conventional Cypriot meals. They even have an categorical restaurant for these in a rush.
Elysian
For those who’re vegetarian, vegan, celiac, or simply after one thing a bit totally different, you must 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 among the finest 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 to your cash.
Pyxida Fish Tavern
For followers of fish dishes, head to Pyxida within the metropolis middle. It’s among the best seafood eating places in Nicosia. The whole lot is cooked contemporary, and the service is superb. 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 little thing, and every little thing 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 underneath occupation by Turkey. You’ll be able to cross the border and see how totally different each side are to expertise each Turkish and Cypriot tradition in a single metropolis.
You’ll be able to go to Nicosia at any time of yr. Nevertheless, the summer season will get highly regarded within the metropolis, and it’s not coastal so for those who don’t do properly within the warmth, I’d keep away from visiting Nicosia between June-September.
In fact, in all places is air-conditioned, however strolling across the metropolis throughout the day might be highly regarded 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 few of the finest cuisines in Cyprus. It’s additionally a really walkable metropolis, and an amazing place to seize a espresso and watch the locals go about their day.
Nicosia is stuffed with lovely structure, candy cobbled streets lined with bougainvillea, and conventional Cypriot properties.
That mentioned, the Inexperienced Line, which marks the buffer zone and splits the town in two, isn’t so lovely. It’s lined with barbed wire, and derelict buildings which have fallen into disrepair because the struggle, however it’s so fascinating to see.
Sure. You may even see extra army personnel in Nicosia, however that is due to the buffer zone slightly than something to do with security. Cyprus is a really protected nation to journey to, with a really low crime price. Of curse, you must nonetheless take precautions, as you’ll in all vacationer locations.
Sure. The primary crossing is at Ledra Avenue, the place there’s a border crossing. You’ll want to indicate your passport to get by the place you’ll be stamped as leaving Cyprus, and once more while you enter Turkish Cyprus.
In Closing
Nicosia is a vibrant and enjoyable metropolis, with an interesting historical past, a lot of which remains to be fairly latest for a lot of Cypriots.
For foodies, it’s the perfect 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 find out about Cyprus and its capital metropolis. I hope this weblog submit helps you propose what to do in Nicosia and have an unimaginable go to.
See extra posts about Cyprus right here:
15 Enjoyable Issues To Do in Larnaca
25 Greatest Locations to Go to in Cyprus
15 Prime Issues To Do in Paphos
15 Issues To Do in Limassol
15 Greatest Airbnb Stays in Limassol
15 Prime Eating places in Limassol
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