Nicosia Cyprus (also known as Lefkosia) is a fascinating walled city with a unique star shape. It is the capital and the largest city on the island of Cyprus and the only divided capital in the world. One of the best ways to get around the walled city and experience it like a local is to explore it on foot. That’s why I have created this fun free self-guided walking tour in Nicosia Cyprus.
5 of the 11 bastions that are a part of the Venetian walls surround the old town area in the southern part of Nicosia Cyprus. The others being in the north on the Turkish side. The walls are still largely intact and are among the best preserved Renaissance fortifications in the Mediterranean and have become a major tourist attraction.
Nicosia Cyprus is a place you should add to your European list especially if you appreciate history, culture, and good food. With interesting things to do, see, and places to eat, it should not be overlooked by its beach resorts as a destination to visit.
Looking to discover other parts of Cyprus, please feel free to head to my Cyprus page
⇒ Do you require a visa or need a covid test before going to Cyprus? You can check hassle-free and apply at ivisa
Free Self-Guided Nicosia Walking Tour
This free self-guided walking tour of Nicosia Cyprus walled city should take around 5-6 hours to walk. It includes stopping for a break, taking photos, but without going inside any of the paid attractions. The best bit is that you can do this at your own pace and can deviate if something catches your eye.
In it, you’ll find plenty of history and cultural sites well worth a visit, particularly if you’re looking to delve into the heart of the very history of Cyprus. Although the majority of the tour is on well paved flat surfaces, I highly recommend wearing good Walking Shoes
- Start – D’Avilla Bastion
- Finish – Laiki Geitonia
- Walking Time = Around 5hrs
- Walking Distance = 4-5 kms depending on which streets you walk
Map of your Self-Guided Nicosia Walking Tour
Walk part of the Medieval Wall- Free
Start your day walking a section of the Venetian wall (Medieval Wall) between bastions in the southern part of Nicosia. It’s best to walk from D’Avilla Bastion to Podocatoro Bastion roughly 850meters, along Konstantinou Palaiologou street passing Bayraktar Mosque before stopping at the Liberty Monument.
If you are arriving via bus for the day, add on an additional 300meters (3 mins) walk to D’Avilla Bastion. It is a nice walk from the central bus station along Konstantinou Palaiologou street, passing the newly built park and garden. It is an easy walk too as it is all on the same road.
Are you heading to Larnaca, while in Cyprus? – What to do in Larnaca Cyprus
Tip
- There is a great little local place called Constaza Kiosk (oxi), between D’Avilla Bastion and Podocatoro Bastion. If you are wanting local a coffee/bottled water or a quick snack before your walk.
The Liberty Monument (Memorial Park)
When you arrive at Podocatoro Bastion make your way to The Liberty Monument (Memorial Park), located near the Venetian walls 100 meters walk towards Nicosia old aqueduct. You will pass Liberty Monument Garden from above as well as see parts of the Venetian walls (defensive walls) that still exist around the city.
The Liberty Monument symbolises the successful Cypriot struggle for independence from Britain 1955-1959. It is a really interesting monument to see and worth a visit on the self-guided walking tour.
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 away from The Liberty Monument and on your way to Famagusta Gate is Nicosia old aqueduct. Built in the 18th century, the ancient Aqueduct as part of the old water supply system of Nicosia and is considered to be the oldest aqueduct in Cyprus.
You don’t need very long here and stop for a few photos before moving on to Famagusta Gate.
Staying in Paphos, how about Fifteen fabulous things to do in Paphos Cyprus
Famagusta Gate – Free
Still, along Konstantinou palaiologou 300meters walk (or a couple of minutes) from Nicosia old aqueduct is the famous Famagusta Gate considered to be the most splendid of all the 3 gates along the Venetian walls Nicosia.
Famagusta Gate is a 16th century Gate that has been restored and was originally a gate in the Nicosia walls. Now it houses the city’s Municipal cultural centre and exhibitions. Unless you are going to an exhibition, you only really 10-15minutes here to take your photos.
Tip
- Right next to the Famagusta Gate is an information point, which is great if you wanting to find your bearings along with the walled city.
The Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) (Optional)
If you like art and history then the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), should be next on your self-guided walking tour. You can either walk up Ammochostour St directly opposite the Famagusta Gate or go up Ektoros which is a little further up. Either way, both streets will lead to Ermou Street and are about 260-300 meters walk.
The Centre of Visual Arts and Research opened in 2014 and its exhibits trace the modern story of Cyprus. The Centre also houses a unique collection of paintings and artifacts that highlight the island’s multicultural past over the past three centuries.
Stop for a coffee and have a break
There is a small fee to go inside the centre, however, if you don’t want to go in, then it is worth taking a walk around the area and maybe having a short break at one of the cafes. We didn’t go into the centre, instead, we had a coffee and a nice break at the cafe/restaurant apart from The Centre of Visual Arts and Research
⇒ How about a trip to Malta? – Best things to do in Malta and Gozo
Additional Information
- Entry Fee – €5- per person (Students & children are free)
- Located – on Ermou Street
- Opening Hours – Mon-Sat: 9:30-17:00 Fri: 17:00-20:00 (only by appointment)
- Closed – Sunday
Tip
- You have the option to skip this and head straight to Archbishops Palace, which is the next stop (Refer below for walking directions). It might save you between 30mins to 1hr of your time.
- If you walk to the end of Ermou Street, you will reach the closed border area between Greeks and Turkish.
Archbishop’s Palace
Next stop on the walking tour is Archbishops Palace, which is the official residence and office of the archbishop of Cyprus. Even though you will not be able to go into the palace, you can visit the Cyprus Folk Art Museum Byzantine Museum, and National Struggle Museum. As well as St John’s Cathedral (I heard it’s really nice inside), which are within the grounds.
To get to Archbishops Place from Ermou, turn right down Pnytagorou to the end of the street for 100meters and then turn right onto Thiseos. From here take your first left 5o meters down Ayiouloannou for another 150meters, where you will reach an intersection and the grounds of the Archbishop’s Place.
Ledra Observatory
After the Archbishop’s palace, head over to Lera Observatory (or also known as Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory) around 900meters away. Where you will have panoramic views of the whole of Nicosia (Lefkosia) on both the north and south side. This is the best spot to get pictures of the Selimiye Mosque and the Turkish flag across the border. I use Sony mirrorless from their collection to capture the views.
The Lera Observatory is on 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. It is only a small fee to go up but it is worth it.
How about these Cyprus guide books with maps.
Additional Information
- Entry Fee – €2.50 per person
- Located – Right off Lidras Street
- Opening Hours – Everyday 10:00-17:00
Tip
I recommend Καφενείο Αρσινόης (I think the English version is Arsinoe Café) right near Lera Observatory, as there was not a bar/restaurant at the top.
Pafos Gate (Holy Cross Catholic Church)
Next up on your self-guided walking tour is Pafos Gate and the Holy Cross Catholic Church. Roughly 600meters walk from Lera Observatory. The gate is only 10m(30ft) from the Turkish Zone and it is here, you can also see the old UN building and get right up close to the Turkish side.
What makes The Holy Cross Catholic Church special is its position on the dividing line of the north /south. The entrance is opened on the south side but the rear door on the north side is sealed.
Suggested Reading The Cyprus Emergency; – The Divided Island or The End of Empire: Cyprus: A Soldier’s Story
Tip
- If you have the time, head up to The Ledra Street Border Crossing where you can enter the north of Cyprus if you have a valid passport.
Cyprus Museum
200meters walk away from Pafos Gate, just passed Performing arts theatre is The Cyprus Museum. It is the last historical site on the self-guided walking tour. Considered to be one of the best museums in Cyprus and is the oldest and largest archaeological museum in the country.
If there is only one museum that you have time to visit while in Nicosia then I highly recommend the Cyprus Museum. It is one of the most popular things to do in Nicosia. Looking for other museums to visit while in the capital. Here is a great guide of cultural and authentic things to see.
Additional Information
- Entry fee – €4.50 per person
- Located – on Museum street
- Opening Hours – Tue-Fri: 8.00-18:00 Sat: 9.00-17.00 Sun: 10.00-13.00
- Closed – Mondays
Tip
- If you love architecture then have a quick stop off at the front of the Performing arts theatre, it’s a stunning building.
End your self-guided tour of Nicosia at Laiki Getoria
After The Cyprus Museum walk the 650meters to Laiki Getoria pedestrian area. Where you can enjoy an abundance of shops cafes and restaurants. It is the last stop on the self-guided walking tour through Nicosia and a great way to finish up. As you can relax and enjoy some of the local food or coffee.
The pedestrian streets have giant coloured sails about them that not only look pretty but protect you from the elements of the weather, especially the hot sun.
There are plenty of great options in regards to food and the best bit is the prices are reasonable. Two places I recommend are Aladdin Lahmajoun that sold 1.50 souvlaki and Christakis Kebab House
Points of Interest in Nicosia of your self-guided tour
- D’Avilla Bastion
- Podocatoro Bastion
- Statue of Liberty (Memorial Park)
- Nicosia old aqueduct
- Famagusta Gate
- The Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR)
- Archbishops Place
- Lera Observatory
- Pafos Gate and Pafos Gate Police Station ( & Holy Cross)
- Cyprus Museum
- Laiki Getoria (Ledras street )
⇒ Spending longer than a day in Nicosia? Read this full guide on authentic things to do, which gives you options for additional day trips.
Add on a cultural food tour of Nicosia to your self-guided walk
How about adding on a cultural food tour of Nicosia to your self-guided walk around the old town? This would be a great option especially if you are a big fan of trying local foods. You can try things like shaftalia (grilled sausage), fried halloumi cheese, and souvlaki (grilled meat kebabs).
I recommend the following food tours in Nicosia 3hrs City Walking Food Tour tasting traditional Cuisine & Cultural Flavours. Or Traditional Food Tour within the Wall City
Related things you can do from Nicosia
Getting to get to Nicosia
Closest Airport
The closest international airport to Nicosia the capital city on the Greek side is Larnaca International Airport which is (49 km) away (around a 1hrs drive). London Stansted flights with Jet2 Alternatively, you can also fly into Paphos International airport.
Catching the Bus to Nicosia
If you are catching a bus to Nicosia from one of the beach resorts the central bus station is only 500 meters from the free self-guided starting point D’Avilla Bastion. The bus routes are serviced by Intercity Buses.
Where to park your car in Nicosia
Alternatively, if you have a car or you hire a car to get to walled city Nicosia Cyprus, there is a car park at the Tripoli Bastion. Which is near the Pafos Gate some of the last points on the self-guide walking tour.
Stay in the old town of Nicosia to do your Self-guided tour
We stayed at Hostel Xanthis for two nights and had just one full day in Nicosia before, we moved on to Paphos. We don’t usually tend to stay in hostels but it had everything we needed. Plus we could not argue with the price or the position of the hostel.
Hostel Xanthis was situated within the walled city and walking distance to the sites in Nicosia old town and only 10 minutes walk to the central bus station. We had a big room with a comfy bed for the two of us, the room also had USB ports and strong WiFi. The bathroom and kitchen were shared but they were clean and someone waited for us when to let us into our room when we arrived late.
Check availability for places to stay while exploring Nicosia
⇒ Do you require a visa for Nicosia Cyprus before you go? You can check and see if there are any requirements.
Top tips for doing your self guided tour around Nicosia
- This is a great day if you are staying in the nearby beach resorts like Larnaca, Limassol or Ayia Napa.
- I used a DJ Eyewitness pocket guide book as a reference while in Cyprus
- Add the farmers market to your self-guided walk, if you are in Nicosia on either a Wednesday or Saturday morning. It is allocated in between D’Avilla Bastion and Podocatoro Bastion.
- Remember that you need to get some good Walking Shoes
- If you love doors, then walking around Nicosia Cyprus’s old town is the place for you.
- Looking for a coworking space then Ygantourgeio TheWorkplace is a good alternative.
Resources and Booking links for Nicosia Cyprus√
- Search and book here for accommodation and hotels in Nicosia Cyprus
- Check prices for direct flights with Jet2 to Cyprus
- Book a hassle-free private transfer from Larnaca Airport to Nicosia Cyprus.
- Here is a link to check what paperwork is required to enter Cyprus
Thank you for reading this article ‘Free Self-Guided walking tour in Nicosia Cyprus’. I hope it helped you to decide what to do while in Nicosia Cyprus’s walled city. It is such an interesting and beautiful place to visit, full of history.
Remember, you can read my full guide on top things to do in Nicosia, which also explores the Northside.
Have you been to Nicosia Cyprus before? Please feel free to share your experience in the comments below or if you know any other places to see?
Head here for more amazing activities in Cyprus before you go.
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⇒ Please feel free to head to my Mediterranean page, if you are wanting to read about other locations.
Disclaimer: Even though I was sponsored by Jet2Holidays for my flights. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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I never really thought of the capital of Cyprus as a destination to explore but now l am. Loving that view from the Tower and the food street. Great self walking guide.
It was a great addition to our Cyprus trip and I am glad that we went. I hope that you get to visit one day and let me know if you need any tips for when you do.