Cultural & Authentic Things To Do in Nicosia Cyprus

Nicosia (also known as Lefkosia), Cyprus, is a unique city that offers many authentic and cultural things to do. The city is one of the last divided capitals in Europe, which is split into two sides: North and South. Controlled by two different governments, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish. What makes Nicosia more fascinating is a Venetian wall that surrounds the old town in the shape of a star on both sides.

In South Nicosia (the Greek side), you can visit things like the Cyprus Museum, Famagusta Gate, and Shacolas Tower. In North Nicosia (Turkish side), you can see Selimiye Mosque and Buyuk Han. If you want to experience something different, you can walk parts of the Green Line that borders both sides of the city. A great way to understand the fascinating history and culture of this divided country.

Walking along the green line bordering the two cities

Things To Do in Nicosia

We booked a trip to Paphos and Larnaca and took the opportunity to add on a couple of days to visit Nicosia. Between its interesting history and cultural wealth, there are plenty of authentic things to do. You can walk along the green line that divides the country in two and visit the multiple free museums on offer. If you are spending longer than a day, then you can take a day trip to places like Larnaca or the mountains in the west.

There is no shortage of cafés, restaurants and bars either. To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of interesting things to do in Nicosia’s old city.

If you are looking to discover other parts of Cyprus, please feel free to head to my Cyprus page

Try a traditional Cypriot Coffee

What better way to start your day exploring than with a Cypriot coffee and cake? Cyprus Café culture is an essential part of daily life, and it reminded me of countries like Tunisia. There are several ways to have Cypriot coffee in Southern Cyprus: traditional coffee without sugar (sekto), coffee with sugar (metrio) or a very sweet coffee (glico).

There are many local cafés in Nicosia, known as Kafenio, where locals gather to play tavli (backgammon). I suggest going to Red Orange Kiosk & Espresso Coffee Bar or Kumda Kahve Cafe.

Visit the Cyprus Museum

A visit to the Cyprus Museum should be at the top of your list of things to do in the old city. Located just up the road from Paphos Gate, just past the Performing Arts Theatre. Considered to be one of the best museums in Cyprus and the oldest and largest archaeological museum in the country.

It is a great introduction to Cyprus’s culture and history, with the artifacts dating from the Neolithic period to the Byzantine era. Its rich collection also demonstrates the turbulent history of what this tiny country has been through. Book a private custom walking tour of Nicosia, including the Cyprus Museum in the itinerary.

Cyprus museum: Additional information

Address: Mouseiou 1, Nicosia, Cyprus
Entry fee – €4.50 per person
Opened Tuesday – Sunday, closed Mondays

Cyprus Museum – Old Town Nicosia

Explore the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR)

If you like art and history combined, add the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) to your list of things to do. It houses a unique collection of paintings and artefacts highlighting the island’s multicultural past through the centuries.

Even if you don’t go inside, it is worth walking around the area as there are many up-and-coming artist shops, cafes, and restaurants. We took a break in one of the cafes here, which was part of the Centre of Visual Arts and Research. Address: Ermou 285, Nicosia, Cyprus. Wear good, breathable Walking Shoes to get around the sites in Nicosia.

Archbishop’s Palace

Visit the Archbishop’s Palace, the official residence and office of the Archbishop of Cyprus. While entry to the palace is not allowed, you can explore the other buildings within the grounds.

The Cyprus Folk Art Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and the National Struggle Museum are located in the Archbishop’s Palace grounds, along with St John’s Cathedral, which is said to have a beautiful interior. All of these are popular museums to visit while in Nicosia. Book a private tour for Nicosia that covers the Archbishop’s Palace and Shacolas Tower.

Shacolas Tower (Ledra Observatory)

Head up the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory, also known as Ledra Observatory. Here, you can take in amazing panoramic views of Nicosia’s north and south sides. This is the best spot to get pictures of the Selimiye Mosque and the Turkish flag across the border. I use a Sony mirrorless from their collection to capture the views.

There is a lift that will take you to the 11th floor of the Sharcolas Tower located just off the famous Ledras St. There are interactive maps to identify areas and buildings, a short video/pictures about the history, and a mini souvenir shop. There is a small fee to pay, but it is worth it.

Shacolas Tower: Additional information

Entry Fee – €2.50 per person
Address: Ledra Street 11th Floor of the Debenhams Building
Opening Hours – Everyday 10:00-17:00

Visiting the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory

The Liberty Monument (Memorial Park)

Take a look at The Liberty Monument, located near the Venetian walls, a 100-meter walk towards Nicosia’s old aqueduct. It is a really interesting monument to see and worth a visit. The Liberty Monument symbolises the successful Cypriot struggle for independence from Britain from 1955 to 1959.

The large monument contains several statues representing various things. There is one atop of the structure, watching over another two statues who are pulling chains to open a prison gate, allowing prisoners to escape British rule.

Nicosia Old Aqueduct

Only 50-100 meters walk from The Liberty Monument and on your way to Famagusta Gate in Nicosia’s old aqueduct. Built in the 18th century, the ancient Aqueduct is part of Nicosia’s old water supply system and is considered the oldest aqueduct in Cyprus.

Like Famagusta Gate, you don’t need very long here, just enough time to take a few pictures. It can get really hot, so it is best to carry stainless steel water bottles to keep hydrated.

Famagusta Gate

Take a walk up to the famous Famagusta Gate just along from Nicosia’s old aqueduct. It is the most splendid out of the 3 gates along the Venetian walls of Nicosia. Constructed under Ottoman rule, Famagusta Gate was originally a gate in the Nicosia walls. Now it has been restored and houses the city’s Municipal Cultural Centre and exhibitions.

Famagusta Gate is the most impressive fragment of these old defences and is decorated with numerous coats of arms. Unless you are attending an exhibition inside, you only really need10-15 minutes here to take your photos. An information point is right next to the Famagusta Gate.

Visit the OCHI Farmers Market

If you are in Nicosia on Wednesday or Saturday, visit the OCHI farmers market, which is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at the 11th bastion of the Venetian walls of Lefkosia (Nicosia) in the area of Bayraktar Mosque.

It’s a great cultural experience watching the locals interact, and one to add to your things to do in Nicosia’s old town. Here, you’ll find all kinds of products and fresh food produced and grown by locals.

Seeing the Famagusta Gate just along from the old aqueduct

Paphos Gate

Another interesting and unique thing to do is to walk over to Paphos Gate and the Holy Cross Catholic Church. The gate is only 10m(30ft) from the Turkish Zone. You can also see the old UN building and get right up close to the Turkish side. Suggested Reading The Cyprus Emergency; – The Divided Island or The End of Empire: Cyprus: A Soldier’s Story

Holy Cross Catholic Church

What makes the Holy Cross Catholic Church special is its position on the dividing line of the north /south of Cyprus. The entrance is open on the south side, but the rear door on the north side is sealed.

Walk along the Green Line

If you want to do something different that you most likely won’t do in any other country, walk part of the Green Line that cuts right through the centre of old town Nicosia. The Green Line, known as the United Nations Buffer Zone, divides northern and southern Cyprus. It extends approximately 180 km across the island, with various checkpoints.

Where to see the Green Line walk

Start at the Paphos Gate and either head towards Ledra Street or go the other way towards Toufexis Park. If you are planning on visiting the Selimiye mosque, then you will need to go to Ledra Street. This is where the main entry point is located for crossing over to the North side of Nicosia. We felt safe walking along the Greenline, even in the parts that looked a bit dingy.

If you want to learn more about this interesting divided capital, then think about a private tour created just for you.

Walking along the Green Line between the two cities

Things to do in North Nicosia

Most things to do in Nicosia occur in the southern part of the city. Cross over the border to the northern part of the Cypriot capital to see what it is like. The Nicosia border crossing is incredibly straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Northern Nicosia is as safe as the southern side, and many tourists cross the Green Line to visit Selimiye Mosque and Buyuk Han.

Cross the border at Ledra Street

The best place to cross the border is at Ledra Street Crossing, which is the most commonly used by tourists. It is also the closest to the main Selimiye Mosque. Make sure to bring along your passport, as you will not be permitted to enter the northern part of Nicosia without it.

Selimiye Mosque

One of the most recognisable landmarks in Nicosia and one of the top things to do is visit Selimiye Mosque. Located only a five-minute walk from the Green Line crossing at Ledra Street. It is a good starting point for exploring the North side of Nicosia.

It was originally known as the Cathedral of Agia Sofia before later being converted into a mosque. If you would like to go inside Selimiye Mosque, you will need to take your shoes off before entering. Females will be required to wear a headscarf; if you are not carrying one, they are provided for free.

Büyük Han

After stopping at Selimiye Mosque, head to Buyuk Han and wander around the market. Here you take in the smells of the spices and can pick up some yummy sweets. Büyük Han is a type of inn known as a caravanserai and is the largest in Cyprus.

It is where merchants and other travellers would stay and use it as storage while passing through. Büyük Han is two storeys and built around a central courtyard in the middle of which is a masjid, or a small mosque.

The Büyük Han has been beautifully restored to its former glory and is considered to be one of the finest buildings in Cyprus. Today it is home to a variety of shops, cafés and is a centre for the arts, with galleries, studios, and workshops.

The view from the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory of North Cyprus

Visit Laiki Getoria Pedestrian Area

Back on the southern side, head to the Laiki Getoria pedestrian area to fully immerse yourself in the culture and the atmosphere. You can enjoy an abundance of shops, cafes, and restaurants on the streets. The pedestrian streets look colourful with their giant sails above them. They not only look pretty but are a great photo opportunity.

This is a good spot if you are looking for things to do at night in Nicosia.

Purchase Souvenirs

While there are a lot of chain shops in the area, there are a lot of local ones too where you can purchase souvenirs. Just off Onasagorou Street, you’ll find a dozen little shops selling everything from olive oil to souvenirs. You can even get paintings and sculptures all made by locals in Cyprus.

Have a drink along Ledra Street.

A great way to finish your day exploring is to head to Ledra Street for something to eat or to enjoy a drink. It is not only popular with tourists but with the locals too, especially in the evening. We stopped off at Kafeneo Arsinois just off Ledra Street and even though it was not a bar, they served good cheap local drinks.

Ledra Street is the main pedestrian street in the Laiki Getoria area and is super easy to find. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars are scattered along the street, inviting you in. Zivania is a traditional alcoholic local drink if you want to try something local.

Experience an authentic Cypriot dinner.

If you want a more authentic experience, then I suggest heading to a Mayiria, an old town eatery that serves traditional meals that they would have at home. It is located just off Ledras Street in the Laiki Geitonia area. The best bit is that they are reasonably priced.

Two of my favourite Cypriot foods are souvlaki (grilled meat kebabs) and fried halloumi cheese. Personally, I can never have enough of either. I recommend a lovely place called Xefoto, where the food was good and reasonably priced. Vegetarian options were available there too.

Halloumi cheese at a local tavern in the old town

Best day trips from Nicosia, Cyprus

There are plenty of things to do outside of Nicosia if you stay longer than a day, like heading to Machairas Monastery. We would have loved to take a trip to picturesque Kyrenia harbour or even visit Machairas Monastery. Below is a selection of guided tours that you can book in advance and might be interested in doing;

Take a guided full day tour to Famagusta and Ghost Town Tour
Spend half a day doing a tour to St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour
Go up the mountain to the UNESCO World Heritage Agios Nicolaos tis Stegis and picturesque Kakopetria

Machairas Monastery

If you have the time, head up to Machairas Monastery, a picturesque location in the Cypriot hills. The authentic and historically beautiful Machairas Monastery is considered one of the most important religious sites in Cyprus.

The Machairas monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary icon, which was believed to have been painted by Luke the Apostle. They say it was smuggled by a hermit secretly from Asia Minor to Cyprus. The monastery is a central church enclosed by a rectangular courtyard with cloisters all around. It is visually appealing.

Do a day trip to Paphos.

Take a full-day guided tour of Paphos, visiting historical sites such as Kato Paphos Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings. Dive into Greek mythology and ancient legends, exploring world-famous mosaics, archaeological sites, and historic villas. This is a great activity if you have more than a day in Nicosia, especially if you are looking for cultural experiences.

Exploring the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos

Getting to Nicosia

The closest international airport to Nicosia on the Greek side is Larnaca (Larnaka) Airport, about 49 km from the capital city. You can hire a car at the airport or catch the bus. We flew with Jet2, which provides direct flights from Stansted, London, to Larnaca.

Central Bus Station, Nicosia

The central bus station is at Solomou Square, between Nicosia’s old and new cities. This station is the primary departure and arrival point for buses travelling to beach resorts such as Ayia Napa and Limassol.

Numerous buses run daily, with some operating more frequently than others; however, intercity bus services represent the main bus line routes. We caught the bus from Nicosia to Paphos and Larnaca.

Driving & Car rental Nicosia, Cyprus

Getting around Cyprus is generally easier by car than by public transport, especially if you’re not on a package holiday. You can rent a car from Larnaca Airport or any other airport in Cyprus. AutoEurope offers a quick, free way to compare car hire options in advance. If you decide to rent a car, there is a convenient parking area near the walled city of Nicosia. The car park is located at the Tripoli Bastion, close to the Paphos Gate.

Where to Stay in Nicosia, Cyprus

Most of the top things to see and do in Nicosia, Cyprus, are located within the Old Town, inside the historic Venetian walls. This makes the walled city one of the best areas to stay for sightseeing. If you’re travelling on a budget, Hostel Xanthis is a great option. It’s affordable, comfortable, and within easy walking distance of the main landmarks and attractions in Lefkosia’s Old Town, so you can explore the city without relying on transport. Check availability for places to stay in Nicosia (Lefkosia).

Souvlaki (grilled meat kebabs) in the Laiki Getoria pedestrian area – One of my favourite Cypriot cuisines

Why is Nicosia worth visiting?

Many visitors to Cyprus tend to skip the capital city and head straight to the Mediterranean coastline, such as Ayia Napa and Limassol. However, Nicosia is worth a visit, even if just for a day; you’ll be surprised by the unique and authentic experiences available, especially in the old town.

Whether you’re crossing the Green Line in Lefkosia, chatting with locals over Cypriot coffee, or sharing a meze in a local tavern, Nicosia is a fantastic addition to your Cyprus holiday. We felt safe walking around the city during the day and at night.

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