Nicosia, Cyprus

Overview

Cyprus's inland capital is the island's least touristy city and its most intriguing. The old town sits inside a ring of star-shaped Venetian walls, and since 1974 it has been divided by the UN buffer zone known as the Green Line.

You can cross on foot between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north in a few minutes, passing from churches and frappé cafés to caravanserais and mosques. Bring your passport.

Things to see

Photo: Nicosia029, CC BY-SA 3.0

Venetian walls
Sixteenth-century fortifications with eleven heart-shaped bastions encircling the old town.
Photo: Nicosiaduringnight1, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ledra Street crossing
The main shopping street runs straight to a pedestrian checkpoint into the northern half of the city.
Photo: A.Savin, FAL

Cyprus Museum
The island's main archaeological museum, with thousands of terracotta figures and ancient jewellery.
Tickets and tours
Photo: User:MatthiasKabel, CC BY-SA 3.0

Büyük Han
A restored Ottoman inn in the north, its courtyard now full of craft shops and cafés.
Photo: A.Savin, FAL

Selimiye Mosque
A Gothic cathedral turned mosque, with minarets added to its French-built towers.

Things to do

Photo: Georgy Papantoniou, CC BY 3.0

Wander Laiki Geitonia
A restored quarter of narrow lanes and old houses inside the walls, good for a slow lunch.
Photo: Cyprus Tourism CH, CC BY 2.0

Eat a meze
Settle in for a long run of small dishes, from halloumi and dips to grilled meats.
Photo: DanielMichaelPerry, CC0

Leventis Municipal Museum
An engaging, free museum telling the city's story from prehistory to the present.
Photo: Xenophon, CC BY-SA 3.0

Day trip to the Troodos Mountains
Pine forests and small Byzantine churches covered in frescoes, about an hour's drive away.

Where to stay

Old Town
Atmospheric and walkable, close to the crossing points and museums.
Hotels in Old Town
City centre around Makarios Avenue
Modern hotels, shops and cafés just outside the walls.
Hotels in City centre around Makarios Avenue

Getting around

The old town is best explored on foot. Buses serve the suburbs, but taxis are easier for most trips.

Shuttle buses and taxis run from Larnaca airport to Nicosia in about 45 minutes.

When to go

Spring and autumn are warm and comfortable. Summers inland are very hot, often over 40°C, while winters are mild with occasional rain.

Plan your trip to Nicosia

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Cyprus

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Back to Cyprus

Overview

Things to see

Venetian walls

Ledra Street crossing

Cyprus Museum

Büyük Han

Selimiye Mosque

Things to do

Wander Laiki Geitonia

Eat a meze

Leventis Municipal Museum

Day trip to the Troodos Mountains