tourist information nicosia

The 15 best things to do in Nicosia: from Venetian walls to Turkish baths

Jan 4, 2022 • 8 min read

The beautiful streets of Nicosia are a delight to wander through © Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock

While not large – everything is walkable – Cyprus's capital city of  Nicosia (Lefkosia)  has loads to do. You can explore its centuries of history, from Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks to residential districts enjoying a rebirth.

Along the way, stop for a traditional coffee and consider a bath in a centuries-old bathhouse. Or you can take in the city’s newly redesigned main square, which is the work of a world-famous architect. Plus, there’s North Nicosia (Lefkoşa) never far away across the dividing Green Line.

Stroll Nicosia’s stunning new square, Plateia Eleftherias

After 16 years, in December 2021 Nicosia unveiled its reimagined central square, Plateia Eleftherias . The architect is the late Zaha Hadid , who was renowned for adding sinuous shapes and beguiling curves to major projects across the globe, including Beijing’s new airport and a stadium for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The project was mired in delays and economic woes from the start, and it attracted its fair share of opposition. But there’s nothing like completion to get everybody on board, and the results are arresting, with Hadid’s flowing arcs making a dramatic statement below the old walls. Hundreds of native trees provide shade for pedestrian avenues and a series of small gardens.

Follow the Green Line

The 300km (186 mile) Green Line is the UN-administered buffer zone and barricades that have divided the two parts of Cyprus –  Nicosia and North Nicosia – since 1974. It runs right through the heart of Nicosia, and following its zigzagging route makes for a fascinating walk.

Start your walk on the eastern side of the Old City at the northern end of Leoforos Athinas, where a metal gate and UN bunker signal the end of the road. Turn left into Antasias Toufexi, rimmed by terraced cottages, some restored and others with their adobe-brick innards exposed, and then right onto Axotheas, which ends abruptly with another cement-bunker barricade. From here stay close to the wall as you trace along streets, alleys and squares in a generally southwest direction. Look at how residents have coped with five decades of division, whether by planting flowers on barricades or protecting windows with sandbags.

On Ledra Street, walk to the crossing checkpoint, and take the first left turn down the Stoa Tarsi arcade. Keep heading west, onto Artimidos with another bunker, and then zigzag to Pafou, where the Roman Catholic Holy Cross Church sits beside the barricaded-off stub of the street with the Roccas Bastion right behind.

See both sides of Nicosia from Shacolas Tower Observatory

Shacolas Tower Observatory provides a sweeping 11th-floor view across Nicosia and the mountain range beyond. Placards in English below the windows call out specific buildings and neighborhoods, and trace the course of the Green Line as it bisects the city.

Be dazzled at the Church of Archangelos Michail

The domed Church of Archangelos Michail dates to 1695 and is thought to have replaced an earlier Gothic church on the same site. Its interior is a constellation of glitter from hundreds of gold icons, some dating to the 1400s, and its exterior is built in Franco-Byzantine style, which is a pastiche of Gothic elements from France and Byzantine details traditionally used by the Greek Orthodox Church. You can see influences from two different rulers: the Lusignans of France, who were active in Cyprus from the 12th through 15th centuries, and the Venetians, who ran the show starting in the 16th century.

Get reverent at Omeriye Mosque

The Omeriye Mosque dates from the 14th century, when its site was occupied by the Augustinian Church of St Mary, and its tall minarets date to the opening of the current structure in 1571. Popular lore says this was the first place used by Turks for worship after their invasion the same year. It’s a working mosque that serves Nicosia’s diverse Arab and Asian Muslim populations. Non-Muslims may visit outside of prayer times, as long as they observe the clothing etiquette and remove their shoes.

See all that glitters at the hidden Agios Ioannis Church

After the Ottomans took over in the 16th century, Christians kept low profiles in Nicosia. But they didn’t go completely underground, as you’ll see at the modestly sized Agios Ioannis Church , which dates to the 17th century. Located in the courtyard of the Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation , the church’s discrete exterior masks an opulent interior featuring elaborate 18th-century frescos. Added sparkle is provided by gold-covered carvings and hanging crystals.

Smell the flowers in the beguiling Chrysaliniotissa Quarter

Hard up against the Green Line dividing the city, the Chrysaliniotissa Quarter is a gentrified residential neighborhood on the edge of the Old City. Decades of neglect had the unintended consequence of preserving its elegant early-20th-century homes from redevelopment. Today the area’s charms are fully appreciated and a wave of renovations have returned the facades to their lost glory.

Residents create tiny, lush gardens with little more than a few potted plants. The narrow lanes provide a restful escape from the busier byways of the Old City. Stop into the Chrysaliniotissa Crafts Centre , where you’ll find artisans creating traditional Cypriot craft objects in eight workshops surrounding a central courtyard.

Walk the 16th-century Venetian walls

The Venetian walls surrounding the Old City are so unusual that, once seen on a map or aerial photo, you’ll never forget their idiosyncratic snowflake-like shape. Strolling these fortifications and their adjoining moats is one of Nicosia’s highlights.

Dating from 1567, the walls were erected by the Venetian rulers to defend against Ottoman invaders. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out: In 1570, the Ottomans landed in Larnaka and stormed the fortifications, killing over 50,000 inhabitants. But the walls have remained in place ever since. Of the 11 bastions, five in Nicosia have been carefully restored, while another forms part of the dividing Green Line. The other five are in North Nicosia (Lefkoşa), where they slowly crumble ahead of some future restoration.

Take a selfie under Famagusta Gate

Nicosia’s most photographed feature is  Famagusta Gate on the city’s east side. Dating to the Venetian era of the 16th century, it’s the best-preserved of the three original gates that once led into the Old City, with a timeless wooden door and a sloping facade that open into a tunnel leading through the rampart wall. Beyond the tunnel on the right is a small open-air arena, where summertime concerts are held. 

Get clean in 16th-century Hamam Omerye bathhouse

The ancient Romans were the inspiration for the Ottomans who popularized hammams: traditional bathhouses featuring a series of rooms where you can use hot and cold water plus steam for your ablutions. The 16th-century Hamam Omerye has been lavishly restored to its centuries-old glory, and the luxurious facilities are open to the public. Indulge in a range of hot and cold baths, massages, body scrubs and treatments.

Ponder the charms of Laïki Yitonia

Appropriately translating to “popular neighborhood,” Laïki Yitonia is the only overtly touristy neighborhood in the Old City. It manages to transcend the legions of touts trying to lure you into restaurants with mediocre food, and its narrow lanes drip with vintage charm. It’s a worthy quick detour during your explorations of the Old City’s southern precincts.

Escape the heat in the Municipal Swimming Pool

There’s no need to trek to the coast on a stinking-hot summer’s day, nor do you need to con the family into believing that a cool museum will suffice – not when you can take the plunge at the well-maintained Municipal Swimming Pool . Located in the northwest corner of the city, it has lifeguards and is surrounded by big shady palms and well-tended public gardens.

Find the best time for your next Cyprus vacation with our seasonal guide

Relive the Middle Ages at the Medieval Nicosia Festival

During the five-day-long Medieval Nicosia Festival in April, the city hosts a bundle of events that celebrate its medieval past. Enjoy free guided tours, concerts, lectures and special exhibitions, all with medieval themes. Highlights include hands-on crafts demonstrations aimed at adults and kids.

Savor a traditional coffee at Haratsi

The appeal of Haratsi , a traditional coffee shop dating from the 1930s, is that little has ever changed. Here, deep in Old City near the Green Line, there’s no New Agey background music and no minimalist decor. Rather, this is where you adjust your well-worn wooden chair until it sits at least sort of level and, if it’s morning, consider a traditional breakfast of olives, grilled or fresh halloumi, bread, tomatoes and, of course, coffee. At any time of day, you can savor a Greek coffee served sketo (in Greek), which is without sugar and very bitter and strong. 

Shop for exquisite art at Diachroniki Gallery

Join art collectors who come from around the globe to peruse the artwork at this unmissable gallery. Diachroniki Gallery brings together the work of top Cypriot artists as well as artists inspired by the island. Exhibitions feature everything from paintings, sculpture and etchings to antique maps and prints.

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during Covid-19 .

You might also like:  The 9 best museums and churches in Nicosia See a different side to Cyprus on these stunning hikes The best things to do in Cyprus: sun, sand and ancient civilizations

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Nicosia

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Cypriot capital of Nicosia is literally a tale of two halves. The southern half of Nicosia (also called Lefkosia) belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, while North Nicosia (also known as Lefkoşa) is the capital of the UN-unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Since 2003, the logistics of visiting both sides of the city have loosened up considerably, and popping over to Northern Cyprus and back again requires just a quick flash of your passport as you stroll through the Ledra Street green-line crossing that divides the old city district in two.

This means that the tourist attractions of North Nicosia's old town can be just as easily visited as the museums in Nicosia.

The city is also a fantastic base for launching yourself out on sightseeing trips into north Cyprus, which is home to some of the island's most important historic places to visit such as the fairy-tale castle of St. Hilarion and the extensive ruins of Ancient Salamis.

To help plan your time here, use our list of the top attractions and things to do in Nicosia.

See also: Where to Stay in Nicosia

1. Admire Nicosia's Venetian Fortifications

2. visit the cyprus museum, 3. shop for crafts inside the büyük han, 4. view the byzantine art inside makarios cultural foundation, 5. admire the architecture of the selimiye mosque, 6. stroll nicosia's old town neighborhood, 7. see the leventis museum collection, 8. day trip to the ruins of bellapais abbey, 9. road trip through the mesaoria region, 10. explore the sights of kyrenia (girne), 11. climb up to the high towers of st. hilarion castle, 12. day trip to famagusta, 13. wander through the ruins of ancient salamis, 14. visit the remains of buffavento castle, where to stay in nicosia for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in nicosia.

Nicosia's most defining features are its impressive Venetian walls, which encircle the old city. Although crumbling significantly, much of their original three-kilometer length is still in place.

Famagusta Gate is the best preserved and is decorated with numerous coats of arms. The passage here leads out from the old city to the old city's empty moat area.

Paphos Gate and the Roccas Bastion beside it are more interesting for their role in modern history. Here, the UN Buffer Zone between the Republic of Cyprus and northern Cyprus dwindles to less than 200 meters, and until 2003, this was the only place on the island where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots could get close up.

Today, flags for all four countries in the unresolved dispute (Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey, and north Cyprus) flutter in the breeze as a reminder of this island's unresolved woes.

This exceedingly well-thought-out museum should be top of your things to do in Cyprus list if you are interested in getting to grips with the ancient history of the island. Its extensive collection of artifacts swoops from the Neolithic period right up to the Byzantine era.

Room One contains excavated finds from the Neolithic age, including a large number of Steatite idols.

Room Two covers the Bronze Age, with many vases and jugs decorated with rather endearing animals. Mycenaean artifacts from Ancient Kourion are displayed in Room Three.

Head to Room Four to view the museum's highlight: a collection of votive figures (including Minotaurs, warriors, and charioteers) from 7-6 BC, found at Ayia Irini, near Morphou.

Rooms Five and Six are sculpture galleries with artifacts from a wide range of periods, while Room Seven contains a limestone female statue from Soli and a huge bronze statue of the Emperor Septimus Severus.

Continue on to Room Eight for exhibits of bronze tools and assorted weaponry, as well as some statues of gods. The tiny stone seals are interesting as are the Egyptian amulets and the green-horned god from Engomi.

You'll find representations of rock-cut tombs (2500 BC - 400 BC) along with the objects found in them, votive inscriptions, and other artifacts from tombs in Rooms Nine and 10.

Afterwards, check out the marble statues from Salamis in Room 13 and the terra-cotta figurines in Room 14 before heading for the exit.

Address: 1 Leoforos Mouseiou, Nicosia

This han (a caravanserai) was constructed in 1572 and is an excellently preserved example of the architecture of that period.

Hans were used as accommodation and storage places for merchants as they passed through town, often including stabling facilities for their horses (or camels) and sometimes recreation facilities such as restaurants and hamams (Turkish baths) as well.

The Büyük Han is one of the city's finest historic buildings and has been painstakingly restored to its former glory.

Today the former sleeping quarters, now home to a variety of shops, cafés, and local artisan ateliers, are perfect for a spot of shopping to break up your old city sightseeing.

It's in North Nicosia, just a short stroll from the Ledra Street pedestrian green line crossing.

For anyone interested in Cypriot religious artwork, the Byzantine Museum contained within the Makarios Cultural Foundation is an important stop in the city.

Here, you'll find a staggering collection (220 pieces) of Christian icons that range in age from the beginning of the Byzantine era up until the 19th century.

For many people with a special interest in this artwork though, the highlight of the museum is the Kanakaria Mosaics on display.

These important art pieces were stolen from a church in the Karpas Peninsula after the 1974 Turkish invasion. In a story that could have been ripped straight from an art world thriller novel, involving dodgy art dealers and an Interpol sting operation, they were returned to the Republic of Cyprus in 1991.

Address: Plateia Archiepiskopou Kyprianou

The most recognisable landmark in North Nicosia, the Selimiye Mosque began life as the Church of Agia Sofia and was finished after a 78-year construction process in 1326.

It has been a mosque since the 16th century, when the Ottomans took control of the island.

This merging of elaborate medieval church architecture and the simplicity of mosque design has created a fascinating space with the soaring interior of this typically Gothic structure having been whitewashed and any icon details long taken away.

If you'd like to enter, bring a headscarf (for females) and dress modestly (no shorts or shoulder-less tops).

The mosque is a five-minute walk from the Ledra Street green line crossing.

Address: Selimiye Meydani, North Nicosia

Although Nicosia doesn't have a huge amount of big-hitter tourist sights, the true attraction of a visit here is simply strolling the narrow lanes of the old town district.

Ledra Street is the main drag through the old town and is lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, leading right up to the Ledra Street Green Line crossing-post to North Nicosia.

To explore the northern section of the old city, you will need to bring your passport to cross here.

Skirt off Ledra Street into the tumble of alleyways to check out the Ottoman mansion architecture of the House of Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios (20 Patriachou Grigoriou Street), who was the island's dragoman during the late 18th century and the Omeriye Mosque (Trikoupi Street), which has a 14th-century Lusignan entranceway.

Plenty of the old town's small churches have lavish interiors that merit a peek inside.

Two of the best are the Panagia Chrysaliniotissa (Archiepiskopou Filotheou Street), considered the oldest church in Nicosia and believed to have been built in 1450, and the Agios Ionnis (Plateia Archiepiskopou Kyprianou), which holds colorful 18th century frescoes.

Among the old town's many private museums that are worth seeking out, don't miss the photography and document collection at CVAR (Ermou Street), which focuses on the island's period under British colonial rule.

Afterwards cross into North Nicosia to continue your old town tour.

Along with the two main attractions of the Selimiye Mosque and the Büyük Han, make sure to visit the Bedesten (Arasta Sokak), which first served as the Church of St. Nicholas of the English and then became a market in the Ottoman era; the Mevlevi Museum (Girne Caddesi), which offers a series of well-thought-out exhibits on the whirling dervish Sufi order; and the Arabahmet neighborhood.

While wandering Arabahmet's alleys, rimmed with Ottoman-era mansions, don't miss the finely restored Armenian church Sourp Asdvadzadzinare (Şehit Mehmet Huseyin Sokak), which dates from the 13th century.

Recently renovated, Nicosia's Leventis Museum is housed in a beautiful old city mansion and presents the history of Nicosia through a carefully selected collection of ethnographical displays and artifacts.

For history lovers, this is not to be missed, and the museum has won European Museum of the Year for its brilliantly curated exhibits that trace the city's long and eventful past.

Among the displays, you'll find items dating from 2300 BCE right up to the Ottoman and colonial era with some of the most fascinating exhibits being the wonderful traditional costumes on show.

The museum also helps you understand the impact of British rule on Cyprus and the city's modern history with the island's division in 1974.

Address: 17 Ippokratous Street, Nicosia

One of the island's most famous tourist attractions – thanks to writer Lawrence Durrell – Bellapais is a wonderfully old-fashioned village of humble whitewashed cottages that sprawl down the hillside ending at the evocative ruins of Bellapais Abbey below.

British author Lawrence Durrell wrote the book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus while living here, immortalizing Cypriot village life at the end of the British colonial period.

Although the village is incredibly picturesque itself, the main sight is Bellapais Abbey, an old Augustinian monastery full of intricately carved arches and cypress trees surrounding its cloister.

There are panoramic views across North Cyprus' coastline from the refectory roof.

Bellapais is 25 kilometers north from North Nicosia but there's no direct public transport to the village from the city.

If you don't have your own transport, hop on one of the frequent minibuses from North Nicosia heading to Kyrenia and then take a short taxi ride to the village from there.

Just west of Nicosia is the Mesaoria region, scattered with tiny villages and ancient monasteries and churches. If you've got your own transport, this region is great for a day trip, exploring the historic highlights and rural scenery in easy reach of the city.

Of the villages here, Peristerona (30 kilometers west from Nicosia) is a quaint place, which deserves a visit for its 10th century five-domed Church of St. Barnabas and Hilarion, which towers over the surrounding traditional stone houses. Inside, the church contains important and well-preserved 16th century icon paintings depicting the presentation of Christ.

Head south from here to visit Maheras Monastery, sitting in splendid isolation on a craggy hill.

Then head northeast for a trip to the Monastery of Agios Irakleidios and the archaeological site of Ancient Tamassos, an old copper-working town that dates back to the 6th century BCE, both near the village of Pera.

The atmospheric harbor town of Kyrenia (also known as Girne), 30 kilometers north of Nicosia, is northern Cyprus' vibrant seaside hub. It's one of the best places to visit if you are looking for day trip options from Nicosia.

The small harbor is overlooked by a grand Byzantine-era castle and backed by an old town district of tangled alleyways and Ottoman-period houses that are fun to explore.

Visit the castle first with its Shipwreck Museum , and then stroll harbor-side to see the Folk Art Museum in a restored carob warehouse.

Later, wind through the narrow lanes to the Church of Archangel Michael (Cambulat Caddesi), with its collection of religious icons that come from churches across northern Cyprus.

Frequent minibuses run from North Nicosia to Kyrenia, so it's very easy to day trip to the town by public transport.

St. Hilarion Castle looks like it fell straight off the pages of a storybook. With its ramparts climbing up the jagged hilltop, this is the epitome of a fairytale castle (and it's said the castle in Disney's Snow White is based on St. Hilarion).

Built in the 10th century by the Byzantines, the castle sits in a lofty position that has been a strategic asset right up to the modern era.

Follow the path (wear good walking shoes) from the lower enceinte, where the garrison were housed, up to the middle enceinte, with its church and barrack rooms, and then climb higher to the upper enceinte, with a tower and royal apartments.

From here, a series of staircases lead you to Prince John's Tower , with amazing views across the countryside.

Located 36 kilometers northwest of Nicosia, St. Hilarion Castle is best visited with your own transport, as there's no public transport to the site. If you haven't rented a car, though, taxi drivers in North Nicosia are happy to run return trips to the castle.

The old town of Famagusta (also called Gazimaǧusa), riddled with crumbling Gothic buildings, is the most beautifully evocative town on the island.

Ringed by a mighty border of well-preserved Venetian fortifications , the old town is stuffed full of golden-stone ruins of basilicas and remnants of palaces that sit incongruously between rows of dilapidated houses.

Right at the center is the glorious Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (Main Square), which was once the Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos and is a beautifully-preserved example of Gothic architecture.

Nearby are the roofless ruins of St. George of the Greek Church (Istiklal Caddesi), where faint traces of frescoes still remain on the apse.

On a grassy bank just inside the city walls are the haunting remnants of St. Mary Church and the Carmelite Church (Server Sokak).

From here, it's possible to climb up onto the Venetian fortifications at the Pulacazara Bastion. You can stroll along a segment of the walls here for commanding views across the town.

Famagusta is 58 kilometers east of North Nicosia, and there are regular minibuses between the two towns if you don't have a hire car. For a day trip, though, your own transport is best, as then you can easily fit in a visit to Ancient Salamis and other historic tourist attractions around Famagusta in one day.

Along with Ancient Kourion, Ancient Salamis is Cyprus' most important ancient-kingdom archaeological site, with a wealth of ruins to explore.

The gymnasium and baths complex , with its fine statuary and grandly columned courtyard, is the main attraction, but further into the sprawling site are vast remnants of two basilicas, an agora and a huge reservoir complex.

Nearly all the remains date from the city's Graeco-Roman and Byzantine eras, but Salamis' history stretches much further back.

It's said to have been founded just after the Trojan War and has been variously under Assyrian, Persian, Greek-Ptolemaic, Roman, Byzantine, and Arab command, which mirrors the island's own classical history.

There's no public transport to the site, so it's easiest seen with your own wheels, or you could catch a minibus from North Nicosia to Famagusta and hire a taxi for the short ride to the site.

The ruins are located about 73 kilometers east of Nicosia.

Less visited than St. Hilarion Castle and more dilapidated, Buffavento Castle is a windy, rugged outpost of a ruin atop a craggy mountain summit to the east of Kyrenia. The ruins here are not extensive but they lie in a picturesque location, towering over the forested slopes below.

Hike from the lower enceinte to the upper enceinte for the best views across the coast.

Buffavento is thought to have been built during the Byzantine era, and Crusader Richard the Lionheart once took ownership of it. Strategically, it played an important role in guarding the coastline along with St. Hilarion Castle to the west.

Located 52 kilometers northeast of Nicosia, the castle is best visited with your own transport as part of a day trip including St. Hilarion.

We recommend these great hotels and guesthouses with easy access to the town's top attractions:

• The Landmark Nicosia : At this 5-star luxury, guest will find spacious rooms, an excellent breakfast, an indoor pool, and a health club.
• Gul Hanim House : An intimate family-run boutique hotel with welcoming owners, this property has atmospheric old-world interiors and is conveniently located in the old town.
• Centrum Hotel : This 3-star hotel has an old town location, air-conditioned rooms, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
• Asty Hotel : This family-run budget hotel is like a home away from home. It offers free city shuttle, mini-golf and fitness center, and complimentary use of bikes.

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Home » Travel Guides » Cyprus » 15 Best Things to Do in Nicosia (Cyprus)

15 Best Things to Do in Nicosia (Cyprus)

Nicosia is the last capital in the world to still be divided militarily, and the Green Line at Ledra will intrigue visitors who want to know what it’s like to cross a city checkpoint in the 21st century. On both sides of the divide there’s a lot to see, like the Selimiye Mosque, a hybrid of Christian and Islamic architecture, or the Cyprus Museum, the premier collection of ancient artefacts on the island.

Nicosia’s an un-touristy, businesslike place, but gives you a real sense of urban life in Cyprus . There’s no shortage of friendly cafes and museums in the busy old town, and exciting day trips to the north or mountains in the west. Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Nicosia !

1. Selimiye Mosque

Here’s the slightly confusing sight of a mosque adapted from a former Gothic church. St. Sophia’s Cathedral, the original Christian building, was started during the crusades by the Lusignans, but never actually completed, even though it was the foremost church on the island.

Western eyes will recognise all the features of a gothic church, including the traceried windows and flying buttresses, but bestriding the front of the building are two tall minarets.

The conversion to mosque took place after the Ottoman conquest in the 1500s when most of the Christian iconography was removed.

2. Cyprus Museum

The island is a treasure chest of ancient civilisation; almost every town has an excavation site close by.

Many of the best pieces discovered at these digs are on display at the Cyprus Museum, the island’s biggest and best archaeological exhibition.

This is a gateway to Cyprus’ rich history and what’s great about the attraction is that only pieces recovered on the island are on display.

The exhibits begin in the Stone Age and conclude with the Roman era, featuring coins, sculptures, jewellery and everyday household items, as well as priceless treasures from the Ancient Greek Tombs of Salamis.

3. Byzantine Museum

Lefkosia’s Byzantine Museum, in the grounds of St. John’s Cathdedral, is a comprehensive exhibition of Byzantine art spanning almost 1,500 years.

The earliest pieces are seven mosaic fragments looted from the northern Church of Kanakaria and sold abroad, but since brought back to the south.

Also stolen and repatriated are 36 fragments of a 15th-century wall painting from a church in Kalogrea.

There are also 230 icons, many richly decorated and dating between the years 800 and 1900. These sumptuous paintings are complemented by a collection of vestments, books and sacred vessels.

4. Cypriot Coffee

To see Nicosia through the eyes of a Nicosian you’ll need to park yourself at a street-side cafe and order a cup of traditional (and very powerful) Cypriot coffee.

This is brewed in a tall copper pot with a long handle to manoeuvre it on the stove. Sugar is added to the water and coffee powder while the water is still cold, and when you can order you’ll be able to choose between sweet (glykis), medium (metrios) and unsweetened (sketos).

When you finish your coffee you’ll notice there’s a residue at the bottom of the cup: Make sure not to drink this!

5. Ledra Street

Traditionally Nicosia’s main shopping artery, Ledra Street was sealed off by the militarised boundary between north and south Nicosia after Bloody Christmas in 1963.

The street was only reopened in 2008, and has now become a hub for commerce once more. The reopening was a big step for the improving relationship between once irreconcilable parties.

The Shacolas Tower on this Ledra Street has a public observation tower on its 11th floor, with a wide-ranging view of the city and the north-south UN buffer zone as it ripples along the landscape.

6. Famagusta Gate

In the years preceding the Ottoman invasion of Cyprus the Venetians bolstered Nicosia’s defences and you can still see the walls and gates that they constructed.

Famagusta Gate is the most impressive fragment of these old defences and is an exact copy of the Lazaretto Gate that was built by the Venetians for Candia on Crete.

After being used for storage by the British it was restored in the 1980s, breathing new life in to the Tahl-el-Kale neighbourhood around it.

The gate has a two-lane passageway lit from above by a dome that is based on Rome’s Pantheon, and today is a cultural centre where exhibitions are held throughout the year.

7. Büyük Han

After the Ottomans took over Cyprus in the 16th century this marvellous caravanserai was one of the first things they built.

A caravanserai is a kind of inn for merchants and other travellers, set around a central courtyard in the middle of which is a masjid, or small mosque.

Büyük Han is two storeys in height and has been beautifully restored over the last 20 years, after a few decades when it was used as a prison by the British. It’s now a centre for the arts, with galleries, studios and workshops.

8. Folk Art Museum

This exhibition of Cypriot art has a splendid home, inside the city’s old Episcopal palace, which was built in the 1400s but has portions that go back a further 200 years.

The museum  was founded in the 1930s as part of an effort to preserve handmade embroideries, metalwork, lace, pottery, textiles and more after the advent of machine-powered mass production.

There are 5,000 items in the museum’s collection and as well as intricate decorative pieces you can see historic farming implements such as olive presses, water mills and threshing boards.

9. Machairas Monastery

Set 40 kilometres  south of Nicosia is this delightful 12th-century monastery built in the middle-byzantine style.

The monastery takes its name from an iconic painting of the Virgin Mary by Luke the Apostle, which legend has it was smuggled here from Asia Minor to Cyprus by a hermit.

The monastery is a central church enclosed by a rectangular courtyard with cloisters all around.

These stunning buildings in front of a landscape of dark pinewood hills is one of the most beautiful scenes in Cyprus.

The picture alone is worth the trip, but the church’s interior is delightful with opulent frescoes, icons and gilded chandeliers.

10. Fikardou

Around 45 minutes southwest of Nicosia is this small upland village that today only has three residents.

Fikardou has been left untouched and is currently being considered for UNESCO status as the settlement is a perfect example of traditional Cypriot rural architecture.

The village was inhabited from the 400s, but by the 1800s Fikardou’s population was dwindling.

What is left is a Cypriot community before electricity and cars arrived on the island.

On a visit you could spend your time negotiating the village’s steep paths are flanked by quaint stone houses topped with fading red terracotta tiles.

11. Pivo Microbrewery

Nicosia’s only brewpub, Pivo was set up by three brothers and their cousin who learned their craft in the Czech Republic, the home of lager.

At Pivo, you can sample four beer varieties (pilsner, Bavarian weiss, dark lager and American IPA) straight from the tank unfiltered and unpasteurised.

These four mainstays are joined by a range of seasonal and limited edition beers, so whenever you visit you’ll have something different to try!

There’s a great menu of Cypriot favourites to pair with you beer and the old-town setting is also part of the charm: Pivo is a 100 year-old manor house with marble archways, stone walls and wooden furniture.

12. Whirling Dervish Performance

On the northern side of Nicosia check out a spiritual ritual practiced for centuries.

At Tekkes, spiritually significant meeting places, men who practice the Sufi form of Islam gather for a kind of dance that is unique in the Islamic world.

A performance will last for around half an hour, in which Dervishes in long white robes and conical hats will spin on the spot.

For the spectator it’s an emotionally-charged spectacle, especially when combined with live musicians and vocals. For the Dervishes it’s a form of moving meditation, and once they get going they’ll barely even notice you’re there.

13. Kyrenia

On the North Cyprus coast, Kyrenia is a gorgeous little port town framed by the formidable peaks of the Pentadaktylos Mountains.

The harbour was fortified by the Venetians who bolstered its imposing fortress with thick roundels that have survived for almost half a millennium.

You could take a tour of the old town’s narrow alleys and take dinner by the water to round off a perfect day trip.

If you visit Kyrenia in June you can get to know the town’s Turkish culture when a variety of Turkish and international bands put on concerts.

14. St. Hilarion Castle

High above the road that snakes down to Kyrenia is this astounding building that deserves an hour of your time.

From a distance this castle, that guarded the historic mountain pass between Nicosia and Kyrenia, can be difficult to pick out from the white stone bluffs that protect it.

Once you’re on the site it’s a real joy to explore the fragmented stairways, walls and towers, while the view encapsulates a massive sweep of the northern coast.

St. Hilarion started out as an upland hermitage, but the Byzantines and then the Lusignan’s fortified the complex to defend against Arab coastal raids.

15. Panagia Asinou

The Troodos Mountains are southwest of Nicosia, and together with their awesome scenery the pine-covered slopes of this range hide some astounding pieces of Byzantine heritage.

The must-see is an ensemble of ten medieval churches with murals that have earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

The most accessible from the capital is Panagia Asinou outside Nikitari, 50 kilometres west of Nicosia.

You won’t regret the trip, as the entire interior walls are covered with Constantinople-inspired 12th century frescoes, as colourful as the day they were painted.

15 Best Things to Do in Nicosia (Cyprus):

• Selimiye Mosque
• Cyprus Museum
• Byzantine Museum
• Cypriot Coffee
• Ledra Street
• Famagusta Gate
• Folk Art Museum
• Machairas Monastery
• Pivo Microbrewery
• Whirling Dervish Performance
• St. Hilarion Castle
• Panagia Asinou

13 Best Things To Do In Nicosia: A One-Day Itinerary

Last Updated on February 26, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re visiting Cyprus, it’s a great idea to plan to spend at least some time in the capital city. There are a number of interesting things to do in Nicosia that make it very much a worthwhile stop on any trip to this Mediterranean country.

Nicosia is the largest city by population in Cyprus and is the commercial and legislative centre of the country. Split into two sides (North Nicosia and South Nicosia), the city is considered to be the last divided capital in Europe and it is a truly fascinating place to spend a day or two, especially if you want to get a well-rounded view on the history and culture of Cyprus as a country away from the coastline.

Table of Contents

Is Nicosia Worth Visiting?

Though it is the capital city, many visitors to Cyprus will ask themselves ‘Is Nicosia worth visiting?’ especially due to its central location away from Cyprus’ famous Mediterranean coastline.

However, if you’re interested in learning more about Cypriot culture and daily life while also learning more about the country’s fraught and complicated history, then Nicosia is most definitely worth a spot on your Cyprus itinerary.

Not only is the city lively and interesting to walk around, but the history and dynamic of the Cypriot capital is unlike anything you find elsewhere in Europe. Nicosia is the perfect place to visit if you want to get away from the tourist-centric atmospheres of cities like Paphos or Larnaca, experience more of Cypriot culture and hospitality, and garner a deeper understanding of the divided nature of this Mediterranean nation.

There are lots of things to do and see in Nicosia and the city really doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Even if you don’t have a number of days to devote to seeing the Cypriot capital, spending one day in Nicosia or visiting as a day trip is adequate to be able to get to know this fascinating city.

So don’t let the lack of water and the higher temperatures (it does get REALLY hot…) compared to the rest of the island deter you — Nicosia is a wonderful city that is well worth visiting and exploring!

Getting To & Around Nicosia

Being the capital and largest city in Cyprus, it is pretty easy to get to Nicosia from other major cities in the country. Nicosia is well-connected by road and bus to cities like Paphos, Larnaca, and Limassol and you can also find direct buses to the Cypriot capital from the Larnaca and Paphos airports.

Just like everywhere in Cyprus, it is easiest to get to and around Nicosia via personal vehicle, as it is very much a “driving” city, especially if you want to venture a little bit outside of the centre.

While the Old Town and central area are fairly walkable (we managed to get around the city centre on foot), locals have a tendency to drive most places and it can be preferable in the summertime to beat the oppressive heat.

If you want to rent a car while visiting Cyprus , we recommend that you use Rentalcars.com in order to find great prices across many available car hire companies. It can also be a good idea to take out an excess insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to avoid paying a high deductible should any damage happen to your rental car.

If you don’t want to hire a car and aren’t keen on walking around Nicosia independently, there are numerous guided tours that you could go on. If you are spending the night in Nicosia, you can go on a guided walking tour of the city that focuses on its history.

13 Best Things to Do in Nicosia: A One-Day Itinerary

While there are numerous things to do in this dynamic metropolis, spending one day in Nicosia is generally sufficient to get a good feel for the capital.

This Nicosia itinerary will see you going past the main sites of the city and crossing the border to the northern part of the city, as well.

Because of this, make sure to bring your passport with you when you leave for the day as you will not be permitted to enter the northern part of the city without it.

If your accommodation doesn’t provide breakfast, begin your day at Giagia Victoria cafe, located right along the Green Line next to the Ledra Street checkpoint in the old city.

Here you can experience a traditional Cypriot cafe and coffee shop, eat a delicious spinach pie or some other kind of traditional pastry. You can also kick start your active day with a coffee.

Walk Along the Green Line

Nicosia is unique in that it is the last divided capital city in Europe and one of the few places in the world where two sides of the same city are controlled by different governments, use different currencies and speak different languages.

The southern part of Nicosia is under Greek Cypriot control and is part of the internationally recognised country of the Republic of Cyprus.

North Nicosia is considered by the Republic of Cyprus to be occupied territory and is the capital of the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This country is only recognised by Turkey, nevertheless, the island of Cyprus and Nicosia remains divided because of this.

The conflict between Greek and Turkis Cypriots is complex and complicated and it is worth doing more research about it before you go to gain a better understanding of recent Cypriot history.

If you are interested in seeing the border and how it divides the city of Nicosia, you can walk along the Green Line (the colloquial name for the UN buffer zone that divides northern and southern Cyprus). Start at the Paphos Gate on the western side of the old town and make your way, if you’re not too tired or too hot, all the way to Toufexis Park on the eastern side.

Nicosia Border Crossing

Though the majority of this one-day Nicosia itinerary takes place in the southern part of the city, you should consider heading to the northern part of the Cypriot capital to take advantage of all of the things to do in Nicosia.

Northern Nicosia is as safe as the southern side and many tourists cross the Green Line every day to see what that side of the city has to offer. You do need a passport to walk across, however, neither side will give you a stamp. Instead, they will just scan it, maybe look at you, and then hand it back.

We recommend walking across at the Ledras Street crossing, which is the busiest and most common crossing for tourists (it also is closest to all of the main sites in Northern Nicosia.

I’m not sure about the exact border nuances between the two sides of Cyprus, but I was able to enter Northern Cyprus with no problem on my US passport, with no questions asked.

The Nicosia border crossing is incredibly straightforward and only takes a few minutes. You will first enter the Greek side, hand over your passport where they will scan it and return it to you, walk the 20 metres or so through the UN buffer zone to the Turkish checkpoint where they will also scan and return your passport.

We did not get a stamp and the process took no more than five minutes.

Explore Northern Nicosia

Once you’ve successfully crossed the Green Line, now it’s time to explore what Northern Nicosia has to offer. Conveniently, all of the main sites of this side of the city are located within easy walking distance of each other and you can easily cover all of them within the span of an hour or two.

Make sure to head to the Büyük Han, a traditional inn that is now home to local artisan shops in a beautiful setting. This is a great place to pick up some handmade Cypriot souvenirs that you won’t find in tacky, kitschy shops.

Though Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira for their currency, you will find that most places close to the Green Line (especially in the Büyük Han) will accept Euro so it isn’t necessary to take out a new currency for a couple of hours in Northern Cyprus.

Next, head to the massive Selimiye Mosque, which was formerly the Roman Catholic St Sophia Cathedral. Though it is undeniably a mosque today, it isn’t hard to pick up its Christian roots.

You can enter the mosque free of charge, however, keep in mind that you must remove your shoes, knees and shoulders must be covered, and women must cover their heads (scarves are provided outside should you not have one yourself).

You should also take the time to head to the marketplace to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables or traditional sweets like Turkish delight or baklava. Closer to the Green Line, there is also some great street art to check out if you’re interested.

Cross back over to the southern part of the city in the afternoon and try to take it a little bit more slowly if you’re visiting in the summer months as the heat can get really oppressive at that time of year.

Lunch at Mathaios

Only open for lunch (from 12-4 PM) and closed on Sundays, this local joint is the perfect place to get some traditional Greek Cypriot food at an affordable price.

This family-run restaurant only has a handful of dishes on their menu but they are all incredibly delicious. They will also include some salads beforehand and some fruit for dessert free of charge.

If you happen to be visiting Nicosia on a Sunday, there are still a handful of places that you can go to for lunch, however, a good portion of businesses do close on Sundays. We recommend heading to Tsolias , which serves traditional Cypriot food at agreeable prices.

Stroll down Ledra Street

The main pedestrian street and the beating artery of the old town of Nicosia is Ledra Street, where you will find numerous cafes, shops and restaurants inviting you to pop in and browse.

It is impossible to wander through Nicosia’s old town and not to walk down this street, but give yourself some time for a leisurely stroll along it and enjoy the people-watching and energy of the Cypriot capital.

Levantis Museum

After strolling down Ledras Street, take a break from the heat and duck into the Levantis Museum. This museum (which is free to enter) is a well-curated history of Nicosia from ancient times to the present day and it will give you a more broad understanding of the Cypriot capital and how it has been shaped over the centuries. You can see lots of archaeological artefacts along with other historical items.

The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday (it is closed on Mondays) from 10 AM – 4:30 PM. If you go through all three floors, you need about 1-2 hours to get through the whole museum, but that also depends on how interested you are in the historical artefacts.

Famagusta Gate and Aqueduct

If you’re up for a bit more of a walk in the heat after you visit the Levantis Museum, then walk about fifteen minutes to the east to the beautiful Famagusta Gate and the remains of the aqueduct.

The gate is part of the Venetian city walls that were originally constructed in the Middle Ages and the aqueduct, constructed under Ottoman rule, dates back to the 18th century.

Cool Off at a Cafe

After walking all over Nicosia, take some time to give your feet a break and cool off from the afternoon heat by chilling out in one of Nicosia’s many cafes and coffee shops.

We recommend heading to Pieto on Ledras Street, where you can people-watch and sip on a coffee, tea, or even a cocktail while playing a chilled-out game of backgammon or chess.

Shacolas Tower

As the sun begins to set, head to the Shacolas Tower where on the 11th floor, you can find a small museum and viewing platform that will give you fantastic views over all of Nicosia, the North and the South.

The entrance to the tower is on the other side of the H&M just of Ledras Street and there is a lift that will take you to the 11th floor.

Entry to the observatory is €2.50 per person and there are panoramic windows with plaques and some interactive screens that point out important landmarks in the Cypriot museums.

We recommend visiting around sunset as the views and lighting at this time are absolutely stunning. There is also a short film in many different languages that you can view that explains a brief history of Nicosia.

Enjoy the Evening Atmosphere

In the evening, take the time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city. Locals tend to come out in droves as the sun sets, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures.

If you want to cool off with a cold beer after all of the sightseeing, then you cannot go wrong with BrewFellas pub which sells both Cypriot and international craft beers.

Dinner at Piatsa Gourounaki or Berlin Wall

After enjoying a beer, head to dinner at Piatsa Gourounaki . There are two locations of this popular restaurant in Nicosia’s old town and both serve high-quality Greek Cypriot specialities at great prices.

If you’re looking for something a little less formal — though the aforementioned restaurant is quite casual — then head to Berlin Wall . This relaxed kebab and souvlaki restaurant is located directly on the Green Line and serves delicious Greek Cypriot fast food, has friendly service, and affordable prices.

Cocktails at Granazi Artspace or Lost & Found

If you’re not too exhausted from your day of Nicosia sightseeing and you want to experience some more of Cypriot capital’s nightlife, then head to one of the city’s trendy cocktail bars.

Perhaps the most famous (it was named one of the 50 best bars in the world) is Lost & Found . This is located a bit outside of the old town and is known for its trendy and inventive cocktails.

If you want to get a bit more local though not as renowned, then head to Granazi Art Space . This trendy bar has a range of cocktails available (including craft old fashioned’s, gin and tonics, and negronis) and they even host live music on some nights.

Have More than One Day in Nicosia?

If you have more time in the Cypriot capital and want to know what to do in Nicosia for two or more days, then here are a few suggestions:

First, you could head to a couple more of the city’s museums — like the Cyprus Museum located a bit outside of the old town. You also could spend more time exploring the northern part of the city and even take a day trip to other Northern Cypriot destinations.

Two top recommendations include the ancient coastal town of Kyrenia and visit the Hilarion Castle or head to the popular resort city of Famagusta. Both are reachable by bus from Northern Nicosia or by joining an organised tour.

If you’re pressed for time, you could also drive south and explore some of the mountain villages nearby. These include the sparsely populated village of Fikardou or the Machairas Monastery.

Where to Stay in Nicosia

While you certainly can stay in the northern side of the city if you so choose, we believe it is less of a hassle if you stay in South Nicosia (especially if you have a car), so have only suggested accommodation on that side of the city.

Asty Hotel — Located in the centre of Nicosia within easy walking distance of everything that the Old Town has to offer, this]hotel is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a getaway in the Cypriot capital. There are a handful of clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms available, all equipped with air conditioning.

MAP Boutique Hotel — If you’d like another option for a chic and swish boutique hotel, then this one is a fantastic choice. Located within walking distance of all of the main attractions in the Nicosia itinerary, they have a few comfortable and air-conditioned rooms available and breakfast is included in the room rate.

Nex Hostel — If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, then this hostel is the perfect place for you. They have a range of both dorm and private rooms available, clean facilities, air conditioning, and good common areas to help you meet other travellers. It is also located in the centre of Nicosia, making it easy to see all that the city has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Nicosia hotels!

Though often overlooked in lieu of the sparkling coastline, there are so many fun things to do in Nicosia that make a visit to Cyprus’ capital city a worthy addition to any trip to this Mediterranean nation.

Are you wondering what to do in Nicosia? Have any questions about visiting? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Larnaca or Paphos or Limassol: Where to Stay in Cyprus

28 Best Things to Do in Paphos, Cyprus

How To Go from Paphos to Larnaca: Bus or Scenic Drive

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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• 1.1 Climate
• 1.2 History
• 1.3 Visitor information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By boat
• 2.3 By road
• 2.4 To/from North Nicosia
• 3.1 By foot
• 3.3 By taxi
• 3.4 By bike
• 4.1 Museums
• 4.2 Art galleries
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• 7.2 Mid-range
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• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe
• 12.1 Embassies

Nicosia ( Greek : Λευκωσία ; Turkish : Lefkoşa ) is the capital of Cyprus and is the largest city by far.

While it may not boast the same abundance of archaeological sites and lively beaches as other parts of Cyprus, the city's Old Town, with its museums and churches, is still a pleasant place to explore. What's more, with fewer tourists than the resorts on the southern coast, Nicosia maintains a more authentically Cypriot atmosphere.

Take a stroll through the city's charming streets, where you'll find delightful cafes serving traditional Cypriot coffee, as well as woodworking shops tucked away in unexpected corners. And don't miss the opportunity to visit the Green Line, the boundary that divides North from South. As the financial and administrative center of the island, Nicosia is a haven for shopping enthusiasts.

Nicosia is one of the very few divided capitals in the world. The barbed wire and guardtowers of the Green Line cuts the town in two, with the northern side being the capital of the self-proclaimed Northern Cyprus and the southern half being the capital of the Republic of Cyprus.

The municipality of Nicosia governs only the central portion, but the city now sprawls for several kilometers and has engulfed surrounding villages and settlements. The population of the Greek part hovers around 245,000 in 2020 (a third of the total population of Cyprus), but the city has a feel of one much larger. It is the administrative and financial hub of the island as well as home to several universities, colleges and other educational establishments. It hosts most foreign embassies and offshore companies (a big industry in Cyprus nowadays). Along with its international students and foreign workers it has developed a truly cosmopolitan feel. It also acts as a separate administrative capital for the Nicosia district .

One of the southernmost locations in Europe, Nicosia's climate is classified as subtropical and semi-arid. Summers are very hot and dry, you can expect temperatures to regularly rise above 35°C. Pleasantly warm temperatures are common early in the spring and late in the autumn, making these good times to visit. Winter is the wettest time of the year, though even then just 7-8 days of the month see rain. During mid-winter, the temperature may sometimes drop below freezing and light frost and sleet occurs, but snowfall is very rare.

Cyprus is in the Levant , and as with other places in this part of the world it has a long and tumultuous history and has seen many great empires come and go. Taking that into consideration, Nicosia has surprisingly few sights dating back from antiquity or even from the middle ages.

Nicosia is in the middle of the island and the region has been inhabited since around 2500 BC. A city-state by the name of Ledra was established here sometimes after the end of the Trojan War (1180 BC), though not much of it is known today. By 330 BC Ledra was recorded as a small unimportant farming town. The following high point came in the Byzantine Era. In the 4th century AD the town became a bishopric seat and it got its current ( Greek and Turkish ) name, Lefkosia. Nicosia grew as an agricultural centre, and unlike the richer coastal cities it wasn't destroyed by Arab raids. Around 965 the Byzantine governor moved the administration to Nicosia, and since then it has been the capital of the island albeit under many different administrations.

With the crusades came the rule by Western European powers. The Frankish Kingdom of Cyprus was established in 1192 as a base for crusades to the Holy Land . During that time, the first city walls were built, as well as some notable churches (now in North Nicosia). Over the years Genoan and Venetian merchants established themselves and competed for influence over the island, and in 1489 the last queen sold the administration to the Republic of Venice. Venice had been fighting one war after another with the Ottoman Empire for some time already, and during the following decades Nicosia was attacked multiple times. A new fortification system, which still stands, was built in 1567-70, but in the same year it was finished, the Ottomans captured Nicosia after a siege of 40 days.

After that Nicosia largely lay in ruins, and the population fell by 95%. From then on the inhabitants comprised Ottoman Muslims and Greek Orthodox Christians; the former settled in the north of the city and the latter in the south. Over the years the Ottoman Empire slowly declined, to the point that it was dubbed the "Sick man of Europe". In order to protect the empire from Russian incursions (as in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877), Cyprus was traded to the British in 1878 in exchange for protection against Russia. By then, Greece had gained independence from the Ottoman Empire, and many Greek-Cypriots hoped for the island to become united ( enosis ) with Greece.

Like the Venetian rule, the British rule would also last about 80 years. Most of it went relatively peacefully, but after World War II, the opinion turned against the colonial rule. The pro-independence EOKA organization was founded, and from 1955 on bomb attacks and rioting became common in Nicosia and elsewhere in Cyprus. As a result the independent Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960. The Greek Cypriots still dreamed about enosis with Greece, whereas the Turkish Cypriots who were afraid of what would happen to them now (and especially if such a union would take place), instead demanded a division of the island. In the following years the two groups were fighting each other.

In July 1974, the military junta ruling Greece orchestrated a coup d'état, installing a pro-enosis leader. Turkey replied by invading the island a few days later, capturing the northeastern third of Cyprus, including the northern half of Nicosia and establishing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). After the ceasefire, the UN established a buffer zone (aka the Green Line) between the two parts of the island and stationed peacekeepers there. Even as Northern Cyprus isn't recognized by anyone but Turkey, it is de facto a separate state from Cyprus, and Nicosia is a divided city. Since 2003 it's less divided than it used to be when the first border crossing between the Republic and TRNC was opened at the Ledra Palace Hotel (now there are several of them both in Nicosia and elsewhere).

The Cyprus peace process is ongoing as of 2023. A plan to unite the country was turned down in a 2004 referendum, and thereafter peace talks have stalled many times. But from a traveller's point of view the situation is peaceful, and you can safely explore the two sides of the city (and the country).

Visitor information

• Visit Nicosia

Nicosia International Airport ( NIC  IATA ) has been closed off since the partition of the country. 34.878889 33.630278 1 Larnaca Airport ( LCA  IATA ) (40 km, 30-min drive) has scheduled flights to all major European cities. An airport shuttle bus operates between Larnaca Airport and Nicosia, but this bus does not stop close to the city center so you will have to take a taxi or walk to the highway and take a public bus from there. Further away, the smaller 34.718333 32.485 2 Paphos Airport ( PFO  IATA ) is a 140-km (1 hr 40 min) drive from Nicosia.

Limassol (80 km away) and Larnaca (40 km away) ports have passenger terminals with ferry and cruise ship services to the Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Greece. Timetables vary considerably with the summer season being the busiest.

Nearly all visitors arrive via the southern highway from Larnaca (43 km) and Limassol (83 km). Regular, cheap and reliable intercity taxi and bus services connect Nicosia to the centre of Cyprus' other cities. Private hire taxis are considerably more expensive. Car hire is also affordable and all major car hire companies are represented at both airports. Cyprus By Bus provides information about buses in Nicosia. Nicosia's 35.17065 33.35881 3 central bus station is at Solomos square, next to the city wall.

To/from North Nicosia

Entry from Northern Cyprus to south Nicosia used to be close to impossible. However, following a thawing in relations, it is possible for EU citizens to cross the border at official crossing points, regardless of their point of entry to the island. People from other parts of the world will likely be turned back at crossing point. For details on how you can cross the border, please see the Cyprus page.

The Ledra Street crossing (as opposed to Ledra Palace Hotel crossing ) allows people to cross again from North to South Nicosia and vice-versa. The crossing traverses the United Nations Buffer Zone dividing Southern and Northern Cyprus. The (Greek) Republic of Cyprus does not maintain an immigration post at the crossing but conducts ID checks, while Northern Cyprus maintains an immigration and customs checkpoint on its side of the border.

If you're taking a taxi to North Nicosia before crossing, do not say "Ledra" because everyone in Northern Cyprus will assume the Ledra Palace crossing, which is outside the city walls to the west.

Greater Nicosia sprawls for kilometers on end, but the Old City is small enough to navigate on foot. Traditional Greek Cypriot shops line the streets of the Old City, and with very narrow footpaths/walkways, traffic must always be observed. GPS navigation systems may not include Cyprus, but a paper map can be picked up (free of charge) from the Nicosia Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) Information Office (in Laiki Geitonia).

Nicosia is developing a more extensive network of bus services that connect the ever expanding sprawl. Transport is inexpensive, however timetables remain unreliable and only a few buses are air conditioned.

Private taxis abound, they are usually diesel Mercedes cars, and always have a number plate starting with the letter T . Some even have a yellow TAXI (or ΤΑΞΙ in Greek) sign above. Unlike other world cities, they are not in a distinctive colour. Make sure the meter is turned on the second you enter, as tourist expoitation is as common here as everywhere else in the world!

A cheaper alternative to buses and taxis is to use the bike sharing system Bike in Action. Smart card needed.

Nicosia's sights are concentrated in and around the Old City , surrounded by a picturesque star-shaped city wall whose moat has been converted into a pleasant park. Wandering around the Old City is an interesting experience in itself, although some buildings (esp. those near the Green Line) are derelict and crumbling. Many sights in the Old City close early, so try to get an early start - also a good idea for beating the heat in the summer.

• 35.17354 33.367113 2 Byzantine Museum ( Archbishop Kyprianou Square ), ☏ +357 22 430008 . M-F 09:00-16:30, Sa 08:00-12:00, Su closed . Easily spotted thanks to the giant statue of Archbishop Makarios standing outside, has one of the world's best collections of Orthodox icons and other artworks, mostly ranging from the 9th to the 16th century. €2 .  
• 35.17403 33.36804 3 National Struggle Museum , Kiniras 7 . Daily 08:00-12:00 . Documents the history of the Cypriot independence movement (1955-1959), with a rather positive spin on the EOKA guerrilla movement. €1 .  

• 35.17283 33.36235 6 Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage , Bank of Cyprus Administrative Headquarters, 51 Stasinou Str., Agia Paraskevi , ☏ +357-22677134 . M-F 08:00-14:30 . A numismatics museum with hundreds of coins on display, from ancient to modern spanning nearly 3,000 years of coinage history on the island.  

Art galleries

Religious buildings

Monuments and architecture

• 35.17427 33.37121 22 Famagusta Gate ( Leoforos Athinon ). One of Nicosia's three old gates, it has been turned into the Lefkosia Municipal Cultural Centre, used for various exhibitions and performances.  

Explore the smaller city streets, small enough to easily do this on foot. Visit a traditional Cypriot cafe, and sample a Cypriot coffee. Greet the locals. Make sure you visit the Green Line and view all of the city from the Watchtower, into North and South Nicosia.

• 35.17257 33.36537 1 Hamam Omerye , 8 Tyllirias Square, 1016 Lefkosia . In the heart of the old town within the ancient Venetian walls. Find your way to the 'Ohi' Round about, then head straight all the way until you find the Omeriye Mosque on your right - you can't miss it. Turn right here and the Hamam Baths are on your left. 14th-century building restored to operate once again as a Turkish bath. The site's history dates back to the 14th century, when it stood as an Augustinian church of St. Mary, built by the Lusignan (French) and later maintained by the Venetians. In 1571, Mustapha Pasha converted the church into a mosque, believing that this particular spot is where the prophet Omer rested during his visit to Lefkosia. Most of the original building was destroyed by Ottoman artillery, although the door of the main entrance still belongs to the 14th-century Lusignan building, whilst remains of a later Renaissance phase can be seen at the north-eastern side of the monument. Couples on Mondays, men only Tu Th Sa, women only W F Su. €20/two hours, including towels, disposable underwear, tea, and sponge.  

In bygone times Nicosia was dotted with dozens of open air and closed cinemas offering films from local, Greek, Turkish and Hollywood producers. The advent of the video player and other home entertainment systems has strangled this industry and now only a handful of cinemas remain, none of which are open air. These offer the latest blockbuster movies from Hollywood and occasionally the odd arthouse European film. Most will be screened in their original language with Greek subtitles. The annual Cyprus International Film Festival is the local Cannes equivalent. Expect to see great movies, but not the same calibre of stars.

• 35.1466 33.3261 2 K. Cineplex , 115 Makedonitissis, Strovolos , ☏ +357-22355824 . Modern multiscreen theatre, not much different to what one would find anywhare else in the world. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 35.16806 33.35921 3 Zena Palace Cinema , 18 Theofanous Theodotou , ☏ +357-22674128 . One of the oldest venues, has escaped the bulldozer by a thin film. ( updated Jan 2020 )

The Friends of Cinema Society was the first to bring forward to the Cypriot viewer, films from countries as diverse and distant as China, Iran, and Japan. With the popularity and recognition of Greek cinema, the Cypriot viewer was able to finally view modern, Greek productions by distinguished artists. Through various festivals (European, French, Spanish, German), Cyprus is able to admire films which are awarded important prizes by international critics, thus bringing state-of-the-art trends of world cinema to Cyprus.

• Football: the Cypriot men's national soccer team play at GSP Stadium (capacity 22,800) by the A1 ten km south of city centre.
• 35.1756 33.3277 4 Horse Racing ( Nicosia Race Club ), Ayios Dometios , ☏ +357 22782727 , fax : +357 22775690 , [email protected] . The small and picturesque race track has a colonial feel to it. Emotions run high here every Wednesday and Sunday. Check website or call them for race timetable.  
• 35.173 33.3569 5 Tennis . Cyprus plays its home Davis Cup matches at the Field Club. Clay courts line the moat that was once covered with water protecting the city from medieval invaders. It has a colonial feel to it. Again, if you are lucky you might catch Marcos Baghdatis playing for Cyprus. ( updated Jan 2020 )

The traditional shopping district runs along 35.1728 33.3614 1 Ledra street and its tributary roads within the medieval walls of the city. A bustle of traditional jewelers, shoe and fabric shops give a blend of Middle Eastern and European feel. 35.1704 33.36213 2 Laiki Geitonia is a pedestrianised neighbourhood that has been preserved in its original architecture and is the best quarter if you are after souvenir shops. Big chains (e.g. Marks and Spencer, Zara) line the more modern 35.1652 33.3636 3 Makariou Avenue . 35.1659 33.361 4 Stasikratous street has evolved into a mini local version of 5th Avenue/Bond street with expensive brands such as Armani and Versace stores. All the above are within walking distance of each other.

There are no real department stores in a purist sense, but Ermes [dead link] (this chain inherited and re-branded the old local Woolworths) has several mini department stores across the island and a couple on Makarios Avenue. Alpha-Mega [dead link] is a local hypermarket chains (worthy equivalent of a Tesco or Wal-Mart) where it would be difficult not to find what you were after. Most of their stores however, are located in the suburbs.

International newspapers and periodicals (especially in the English language) are widely available but you can inevitably find them at the large kiosks ( periptera ) planted at the two corners of Eleftheria Square. These kiosks are open 24/7.

Traditional Cypriot cuisine is a melting pot of south European, Balkan and Middle Eastern influences. You will find most Greek , Turkish and Arabic dishes , often with a local name or twist. It is now decades since Cyprus has established itself as a tourist hotspot and as a consequence many of the local chefs have trained in Europe and elsewhere, bringing their experiences back home with them. As such most international cuisines are well represented (but unfortunately so are McDonald's & gang). In summary good food is not difficult to come by and most westerners will find dining quite affordable.

The shopping district is dotted with local tavernas and the likes of KFC and Pizza Hut. Virtually all restaurants allow smoking, (and unfortunately some don't even have a non-smoking area, and most restaurants with the non-smoking area don't enforce it). Al fresco dining is a luxury that can be enjoyed for over half the year. It would be a crime not to try (at least once) a mixed pork kebab with a chilled local KEO or Carlsberg (which is brewed locally and tastes different to the same brand overseas) beer. Carnivores are spoilt for choice, whilst vegetarians might find it a tad difficult.

The food is high quality and somewhat cheaper than in the most Western capitals. Snacks should be available from €2-4, kebabs from €7 and whole meals from €15-20. Local KEO beer costs around €4 a pint in bars, local wines starting from €10 a bottle. Hygienic standards are followed and even foods that usually are not recommended in the Mediterranean destinations, such as mayonnaise and salad-based foods, can be safely eaten.

• Kebab houses . The epitome of Cyprus fast food. There is no neighbourhood without its local (99% of these are family-run businesses) so follow the BBQ smoke or smell. Try a traditional mixed kebab (aka souvlakia/sheftalia) with a cold KEO beer. That should set you back €12 at the most.
• Sandwich kiosks . Several line Regina Str in central Nicosia close to Eleftheria Square. Some also offer doner kebab (gyros). You might have to stand whilst eating.
• 35.158811 33.356259 1 Toronto Pizza Agioi Omologites , Kasou 14 . This one is the closest to the city centre. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 35.17282 33.3625 2 Piatsa Gourounaki , Faneromenis 92 , ☏ +357 77787777 . M-Sa 12:30-16:00 and 19:00-23:00 . Greek restaurant with large servings specializing in meat dishes, but also has some vegetarian ones on the menu. mains around €6-8, also has different types of pita for €3-4 (Apr 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 35.16885 33.36974 3 Cookshop , Pindarou 6A , ☏ +357 99 012307 . lunch M-Sa 12:00-15:30, dinner F 19:00-22:30 . Dishes from many European and Middle Eastern cuisines. Friendly but sometimes slow service. Reservation is recommended. Has a nice price menu with mains for €8.50, and their regular menu with mains €10-15 (Apr 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 35.16827 33.34541 4 Syrian Friendship Club , Vasilissis Amalias 17 , ☏ +357 22 776246 . daily 12:00-23:00 . Syrian restaurant with fresh food and plentiful servings and as such good value for money. Appetizers €2-5, mains €7-10, full meze €18/person (min. 2 persons) (Apr 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 35.17328 33.3615 5 Toanamma , Ledra 89 , ☏ +35722210200 . Greek and Cypriot cuisine; mainly different kinds of grilled meat. pitas €3-7, mains €8-14 (Apr 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 35.17054 33.36188 6 Habibi , Ippokratous 16A , ☏ +357 77 777737 , [email protected] . daily 11:00-23:00 . Syrian restaurant with salads, döner and sandwiches. €5-7 (Apr 2020) . ( updated Dec 2022 )

• 35.1726 33.3658 7 Erodos Cafe-Restaurant , Erodos Patriarhou Gregoriou 1, Old Town Lefkosia , ☏ +357 22 752250 , [email protected] . Within the Venetian walls and in the heart of Old Town. Live music, fine wines, good beers and traditional, yet eccentric gastronomy. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 35.17278 33.36474 8 Zanettos , 65 Trikoupi Street , ☏ +357 22 765501 . Hidden away in the narrow streets of the old city, this can be difficult to locate alone. Ask any cab driver though and it's as much as a landmark as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Around since 1938, it serves traditional Greek-Cypriot meze at €14 a head. Booking is essential.  
• 35.164 33.3268 9 Akakiko , Achaion 1, Engomi, adjacent to Hilton Nicosia , ☏ +357 77 778022 . Asian-Japanese Sushi restaurant. Part of an Austrian franchise and not much different to a Benihana. Average €20-30 a head .  
• 35.16458 33.3369 10 Plaka Tavern , 65 Poseidonos Ave, 8042 Engomi , ☏ +357-22352898 , +357-22590944 . The quintessential Cypriot taverna, set in the middle of old Engomi (a Nicosia suburb) with tables spilling out on the street offering a strong meze. €15/head .  
• 35.1671 33.36494 11 Artisans Burgerbar , Stasandrou 20 , ☏ +357 22 759300 , [email protected] . Su–Th 12:00-22:30, F Sa 12:00-23:00 . Hamburgers that can be customized in many different ways, also serves salads, different small dishes, and steaks. Reportedly very good burgers, though prices are a bit steep. small dishes €5-10, burgers around €13, steaks €15-25 (Apr 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )

• 35.16921 33.35616 12 Rokoko , Odos Christodoulou Sozou 21 , ☏ +357 22 254525 . daily 19:00-00:30 . Popular Italian restaurant; here you can get for instance pizza, pasta and dishes like cotoletta alla milanese. mains around €10-20 (Apr 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 35.16084 33.36288 13 Xefoto , Aischylou 6, Laiki Yitonia , ☏ +357-22666567 . Traditional food in a traditional setting. Serves mezes too. The tables spill onto the pavement for the al-fresco months of the year. Live music on weekend nights. Open daily from 11:00 till late. €15-20/head .  
• 35.16687 33.35692 14 Pyxida Fish Tavern , Menandrou 5 , ☏ +357 22445636 . daily 12:00-16:00, 19:00-23:00 . High quality seafood with prices to match. Long menu with different fish, prawns, mussels, octopus, and lobster dishes. mains around €15, also more expensive dishes on the list (Apr 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 35.17241 33.3684 15 Domus Lounge Bar , Adamantiou Korae 5 , ☏ +357 22 433722 . daily 19:30-02:30 . Mediterranean, mainly Italian, fine dining restaurant with indoor dining in the winter and outdoor in the summer. It has a bar and a wine cellar. mains about €20-25 (Apr 2020) . ( updated Dec 2022 )

The substantial student population supports a flourishing industry of bars, pubs and nightclubs which keep the old city alive. Cypriots are true socialites and spend most of their time out as opposed to at home . In line with other south European countries going out is unheard of before 22:00-23:00. There is no official nightlife reference point but Makarios avenue turns into a catwalk cum cruising strip for Porsche owner show-offs. If you are after a more traditional flavour (generally catering for an older population) you could try a bouzouki bar.

Bars will stock the usual international brands of spirits. Local giants KEO beer and Carlsberg (the only other brand brewed on the island)also Leon beer, the first Cyprus brew, was relaunched 4 decades after it was last produced and traded in the market of Cyprus. Based on the original Leon recipe that was used in 1937, Leon is a pure all malt beer characterised by a rich and strong taste and aromahave a universal presence. Local wines are now making a comeback after years of medioaracy and decline. Commandaria is the pride of Cyprus' dessert wines. The local spirit zivania (very similar to grappa) is usually drank as shots straight from the freezer. Cyprus brandy was introduced about 150 years ago and differs from other continental brandies in its lower alcohol content (around 32%). As such it is often drank by locals whilst eating (and before and after) and is the basic ingredient for a local cocktail, The Brandy Sour . Local Ouzo is also another favourite.

Coffee culture is a way of life in Nicosia. It is the place to see and be seen in the afternoon to early evening. In the summer months, tables spill on to the streets. The posh cafés line Makarios Avenue, intertwined with shops. Starbucks and Costa coffee have invaded the island but local equivalents also survive. For a change don't stick to the latté/cappuccino, try a Greek coffee. In the summer you must order a frappé (iced coffee).

• 35.1657 33.3615 1 Pralina Café ( Pralina Experience ), 31 Stasikratous Street , ☏ +357 22 660 491 . The flagship café of a confectionery chain. A chocolate addict's paradise. You can easily overdose on sweets here, and before you know it, your diet is down the drain forever. The coffee is not bad either.  

Bars and pubs

There is not much of a distinction between the two, most will serve beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Many will now serve food too, but kitchens usually close earlier than the bar.

• 35.16303 33.35516 2 Babylon , 6 Iasonos Street , ☏ +357 22 665757 , [email protected] . Popular, long-established bar in a converted 1950s house. Has a large beer garden for the hot summers and cosy log fires for the cold winters.  
• 35.15761 33.35131 3 The Corner Pub , 48 Demostheni Severi Avenue , ☏ +357-22665735 . As the name suggests it’s a pub and on a corner. Some consider it a spooky shrine to Man Utd football club; its walls are adjourned with countless memorabilia and photos. Has several large projection screens so good for watching popular football games.  
• 35.17069 33.36283 4 Plato's Bar , 8-10 Platonos St , ☏ +357-22666552 . Long-established and popular, in the old city in an old converted house. Prides itself on its incredible range of beers, wines, malts and spirits selection. Good food menu. Has a beautiful yard open all year round featuring two massive fireplaces in the Winter. Nice Rock, Blues, Indie and Alternative sounds. Opens at 20:00 all year round. Entrance is not allowed to men with sleeveless T-shirts.  
• 35.16032 33.35589 5 Vinocultura , 20 Kyriakou Matsi , ☏ +357 22 676707 , [email protected] . daily 18:00-01:00 . Wine bar and shop, with wine seminars and classes and hundreds of wines. They serve many different tapas too. ( updated Apr 2020 )
• 35.16449 33.36069 6 Moondogs , Mykinon 7 , ☏ +357 70 006300 . daily 12:00-02:00 . Bar and grill, with a very wide selection of beer (Belgian beers especially) which are also sold in their beer store as well as other drinks, burgers and salads on the food side, and regularly live music (rock). ( updated Apr 2020 )
• 35.16248 33.34593 7 Murphy's Pub , Alkeou 11 , ☏ +357 96 313263 . M-Th 10:00-02:00, F Sa 10:00-04:00, Su 10:00-00:00 . British-style pub with occasional live music and football on tv. ( updated Apr 2020 )

Being more of an administrative city plus the financial hub of the island, hotels tend to cater more for business travelers. Accommodation choice is more limited than the purely tourist destinations that line the coast

• 35.1774 33.347 1 Averof Hotel , 19 Averof Str. , ☏ +357-22773447 , fax : +357-22773411 , [email protected] . A cheaper hotel in a very residential area. Rooms with A/C, tv, and some with balcony. sgl €35, dbl €55 .  
• 35.1702 33.36216 2 Sky Hotel , 7C Solonos Street ( near the City Hall ), ☏ +357 22666880 . Budget hotel. Rooms with A/C and tv. Friendly staff and big rooms, but some travellers report the rooms may be dirty. rates from €60 .  
• 35.1688 33.33904 3 Asty Hotel , Prigkipos Karolou 12 , ☏ +357 22 773030 , [email protected] . Rooms have private bathroom, cable tv, A/C. Free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, as well as common areas (sitting room, library, verandah) and a gym and laundry room. In the 2010s, this hotel has won several awards of booking.com and Tripadvisor. sgl from €45, dbl from €65 . ( updated Apr 2020 )
• 35.17336 33.36002 4 Kipros Accommodation , Vasileiou Voulgaroktonou 16A , ☏ +357 96 299435 , [email protected] . Family-run hotel in an old building. Rooms have private bathroom (a bit small), tv, and balcony. Free Wi-Fi. rates from €44 . ( updated Apr 2020 )
• 35.17102 33.35909 5 Delphi Hotel , Kostaki Pantelidi 24 , ☏ +357 22 665211 . Clean but basic hotel. Laundry service. Free Wi-Fi. rates around €50 . ( updated Apr 2020 )
• 35.17249 33.35815 6 Castelli Hotel , 38 Ouzounian Str. , ☏ +357-22712812 , fax : +357-22680176 , [email protected] . Rooms with A/C, tv, bathroom and what you would expect from a mid-range hotel room. Some rooms have a balcony. The hotel has a bar, the restaurant is for breakfast only. rates from €68, including breakfast .  
• 35.16998 33.36174 7 Centrum Hotel , 15 Pasikratous Str. , ☏ +357-22456444 , fax : +357-22873560 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Cosy, 40-room hotel with a bar on the ground floor. Offers free WiFi access and includes breakfast. single €89, double €109 .  
• 35.17302 33.3575 8 Classic Hotel , 94 Rigenis Str. , ☏ +357-22664006 , fax : +357-22670072 , [email protected] . Called Classic , but in fact very minimalistic and chic with wooden floors. Some limited conferencing facilities. Run by GAP Vasilopoulos, one of Cyprus' largest conglomerates. dbl €105 .  
• 35.16513 33.35874 9 Cleopatra Hotel , 8 Florinis Str. , ☏ +357-22844000 , fax : +357-22844222 . A family-run hotel close to the city centre and within walking distance of the shopping district. Swimming pool, bars and WiFi internet access. sgl €152, dbl €175 .  
• 35.16301 33.34653 10 Europa Plaza Hotel , 13 Alkaios Str , ☏ +357 22692692 , fax : +357-22664417 , [email protected] . 50-room hotel with wifi internet targeting the business traveller. Small conference room available too. rates from €70 .  
• 35.17118 33.36079 11 Royiatiko Hotel , 27 Apollonos Street ( City Centre ), ☏ +357 22445445 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Central location with an outdoor swimming pool. Brands itself as a "business hotel", and as such has a business centre and conference room. Rooms have the equipment rooms in mid-range hotels have, but are a bit dated. rates from €106 .  
• 35.1592 33.372 13 The Landmark Nicosia , 98 Archbishop Makarios III Avenue , ☏ +357-22-377777 , [email protected] . Luxury rooms, all with balconies. The hotel has two restaurants, a bar and two lounges. It also has a wellness and a business center and a few shops. rates from €174 .  
• 35.16781 33.35721 14 Central Park Residence , Evagorou 25 , ☏ +357 25 247000 , [email protected] . A 21-storey building with fully equipped luxury apartments, some of which are available for short term rental . The building also has a spa complex. upon request . ( updated Apr 2020 )

Crime rates are generally low in Cyprus. Pickpockets and petty theft are a risk at touristed areas, and some scams may be prevalent in bars, though may be less of a problem than at the beach resorts.

Don't stray into the buffer zone other than at designated crossing points, and don't feel tempted to photograph military and police installations.

There's 4G coverage throughout Nicosia. Places to sleep also commonly offer free Wi-Fi.

• You can cross over to Northern Cyprus and the northern side of Nicosia on foot or by car via the checkpoint near the Ledra Palace hotel, on the western side of the city wall. A more convenient checkpoint if you're on foot is the Ledra Street (Turkish: Lokmacı Caddesi) crossing which runs through the center of Nicosia.
• Public buses take you to other major destinations in the Republic of Cyprus; Agia Napa in the southeast, Larnaca in the south, as well as Pafos and Limassol in the southwest.

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8 things to do in Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital city

If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus, you must take some time to visit its capital city, Nicosia. Nicosia is the world’s last divided capital city, and it’s full of fascinating things to do – just don’t forget your passport!

In this post I’ll show you the best things to do in Nicosia, plus how to cross the Green Line between the Republic of Cyprus and the disputed territory of Northern Cyprus.

Is Nicosia worth visiting?

• How Nicosia came to be the world’s last divided capital city
• History of Nicosia

Things to do in Nicosia

• Crossing the Green Line border into North Nicosia

Things to do in North Nicosia

How to get to nicosia.

Absolutely yes. Visiting Nicosia and North Nicosia was the highlight of my trip to Cyprus, and while it isn’t particularly touristy compared to the resorts around the coast, it’s an absolutely fascinating city.

If you’re at all interested in history, then you’ll find lots of interesting things to do in Nicosia, and even if you’re not, the experience of two such different cities just steps away from each other is unforgettable.

This post contains affiliate links – all this means is if you buy something as a result of clicking a link, I’ll make a small commission that helps me run this site. There’s no cost to you.

Nicosia: The world’s last divided capital city

Nicosia is two capital cities in one. It’s the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, which is an internationally recognised country and a member of the European Union . It’s also the capital city of Northern Cyprus, a country recognised only by Turkey.

The history of Nicosia – why is it a divided city?

Like a lot of places in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has changed hands many times. The island was controlled by the Greeks, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, French and Venetians up to 1571, before the Ottomans took over for three centuries.

In 1878 the Ottomans passed Cyprus to Britain in return for protection against Russia. By the 1950s, discontent with British rule had come to a violent head, and the island was granted independence in 1960.

Following independence, Greek Cypriots who wanted to see Cyprus united with Greece continued their campaign for  enosis , or unification. In July 1974, a coup was staged by Greek Cypriot nationalists, along with some elements of the Greek military junta. Five days later, Turkey invaded Cyprus, capturing the present-day territory of Northern Cyprus; 200,000 Cypriots, both Greek and Turkish, were displaced.

A separate, Northern Cyprus state for Turkish Cypriots was declared in 1983, despite widespread condemnation by the international community – only Turkey recognised the new state.

In recent years, relations between the Greek and Turkish states have thawed somewhat. The solid walls that prevented Cypriots from moving between the North and the Republic have been replaced with border crossings. However the situation is still delicate, and Northern Cyprus is still unrecognised by all countries apart from Turkey.

All the key sights in Nicosia are within walking distance of each other. If you’re visiting Nicosia from Larnaca, Paphos or one of the other resorts in Cyprus, the bus station is just outside the city walls.

Ledra Street

Ledra Street is Nicosia’s main shopping street. It’s not particularly picturesque or atmospheric, but it’s more notable for its history than its appearance. The street became infamous in the 1950s for Cypriot nationalist attacks on the British military and was nicknamed “Murder Mile”. The street was completely sealed – walled up – at the border following Turkey’s invasion in 1983. The border only reopened in April 2008.

Shacolas Tower

Just off Ledra Street you’ll find Shacolas Tower , one of the top things to do in Nicosia. If you go to the top, you’ll find a small museum about Nicosia, but what you’re really here for is the views from the observatory.

You can see for miles in every direction, including across North Nicosia and towards the mountains in the distance. On one of these mountains, Mount Pentadaktylos, you’ll see an enormous North Cypriot flag – it’s so large, in fact, that it can be seen from space .

Cyprus Museum and other Nicosia museums

There are several major museums in Nicosia, covering subjects ranging from Byzantine art , to education , coins and even classic motorcycles . A good place to start is the Cyprus Museum , which tells the rich history of Cyprus through archaeology, and holds artefacts dating back to prehistoric times.

Nicosia city walls and gates

The old city in Nicosia is surrounded by an amazing, perfectly circular wall, punctuated with bastions which make the city look like a star from above. The walls were built by the Venetians in the 16th century and are still intact. Around the walls, in the old moat, you’ll find a running track, gardens and even a sculpture park.

Historic gates in the walls givee access to the old city. The Famagusta Gate is the main gate of the city and the most impressive.

How to cross the border in Nicosia – the Green Line

Crossing the Green Line between the Republic of Cyprus and North Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is very easy for most visitors, as long as you didn’t enter Cyprus via Turkey. The two main airports in Cyprus are Larnaca and Paphos, both of which are in the Republic of Cyprus, so if that’s how you got to Cyprus, you shouldn’t have any problems. If you entered Cyprus at Northern Cyprus’s Ercan airport, or on a boat from Turkey, you may well not be allowed to cross.

The EU doesn’t recognise Northern Cyprus as a state, and regards the whole island of Cyprus as part of the EU, so for most visitors, EU entry requirements apply. In North Nicosia you’ll even see signs on buildings where the EU has contributed to their restoration, and in the 2019 elections for the European Parliament , residents of the North were able to cross the border to vote .

As we’re from the UK and were EU citizens when we visited Nicosia, we could cross the border into Northern Cyprus from the Republic very easily and this has continued after Brexit. We first showed our passports at a Republic of Cyprus (the south) border post, then again at a Northern Cyprus border post. We weren’t asked any questions, and we weren’t asked to declare anything that we were carrying with us.

I have heard that the Republic border guards can be tough if they think you’re carrying stuff back over the border from North Nicosia that you intend to sell. After you’re through the Northern Cyprus border post you’ll cross a buffer zone, guarded by UN Peacekeepers, then you’ll arrive in North Nicosia.

For most nationalities, including passport-holders from the USA, Canada and Australia, you’ll find crossing the border just as easy. It’s best to check whether you’re likely to have any issues with the border crossing in Cyprus before you leave though – your government should have information and travel advice on their website.

Is it safe to cross the border in Nicosia?

Crossing a border into an unrecognised country does sound a bit scary, especially for anyone who has memories of the Berlin Wall. It’s also a bit alarming to see the abandoned buildings and warning signs in the UN-administered buffer zone separating the two borders. It’s important to take crossing the Green Line seriously, but it is safe to cross the border into North Nicosia, and in fact I found the experience one of the most interesting things to do in Nicosia.

Is it worth crossing the border in Nicosia?

It’s definitely worth crossing the Green Line border in Nicosia between the Greek and Turkish parts of the city as seeing both sides is one of the best things to do in Nicosia, if not the whole of Cyprus. While the Greek part of Nicosia is worth a visit and has several interesting places to visit, for me the most fascinating thing about Nicosia was the contrast between the Greek and Turkish zones. Within a few steps, the atmosphere of the city changes completely.

As soon as you cross the Green Line into North Nicosia, you immediately feel like you’re in a different country. Ledra Street in the Republic of Cyprus is a fairly standard European shopping street, with the obligatory Starbucks and H&M. As soon as you go through the Ledra Street crossing, it’s like being in Turkey. Small independent shops selling definitely 100% legit branded sportswear replace the chain stores, and kebab shops and pavement cafes serving Turkish brands of beer replace McDonalds.

Selimiye Mosque

The most interesting place to see in the Turkish Cypriot part of Nicosia is Selimiye Mosque. If you’re familiar with the Gothic cathedrals and churches of western and central Europe, then Selimiye Mosque is a very confusing sight – all flying buttresses, typically Gothic arches and columns that suggest a cathedral-like layout. That’s because this mosque was initially a Roman Catholic cathedral – the Cathedral of Saint Sophia.

The foundation stone was laid in 1206 but earthquakes held up construction and it wasn’t consecrated as a Christian church until 1326 – even then, the building wasn’t fully complete. Further earthquakes over the next two centuries caused more damage.

In 1570, the Ottomans besieged Nicosia. When the city finally fell after 50 days, the cathedral was officially converted into a mosque and Christian artefacts and symbols were removed from the building. The two minarets were added later that year.

Like Seville Cathedral , which started as a mosque and was converted into a church, Selimiye Mosque is a fascinating place to visit. The conversion of this cathedral into a mosque was a bit more rough-and-ready than the conversion in Seville, and you can clearly see where stone carvings have been removed around the outside of the building – for me that just made it even more interesting. Selimiye Mosque is still an active place of worship, but respectful visitors are free to enter.

The other sight that you shouldn’t miss in North Nicosia is Büyük Han, or the Great Inn. Built in 1572 by the Ottomans, Büyük Han is a caravansarai where travellers and traders could rest. It’s a large, square, two-storey building with a central courtyard; traditionally the ground floor would have been used for commerce and the upper floor for accommodation. There’s a small, domed mosque in the centre of the courtyard where travellers could pray.

Büyük Han was restored during the 1990s, and visitors today can enjoy a drink or some food at the restaurants in the courtyard, just as hungry travellers could 400 years ago. Upstairs you’ll find a wide range of craft shops selling interesting souvenirs – I picked up a gorgeous olive wood bowl as a present for my mum.

Relaxing at pavement cafes

There are lots of attractive pavement cafes in the Turkish part of Nicosia, where you can relax and take in the atmosphere. My favourites were in a square behind the Selimiye Mosque, inside Büyük Han, and in the shopping area near the border post. Relaxing with a Efes beer and some Turkish pizza is one of the best things to do in Nicosia before you head back across the border.

If you’re staying on the southern coast of Cyprus, in or near Larnaca, Limassol or Paphos, then visiting Nicosia is an easy and fascinating day trip.

The simplest way to get from Larnaca to Nicosia is by public bus. Regular buses to Nicosia leave from the seafront in Larnaca and take about an hour to get to the bus station in Nicosia. They’re regular and pretty comfortable – our return bus to Larnaca was even showing episodes of Poirot on the TV screen. The bus station in Nicosia is just outside the city walls.

Buses also run to Nicosia bus station from Limassol (around 1 hour 45 minutes) and Paphos (2 hours).

Guided tours to Nicosia

There are a number of full-day guided tours available from resorts along the south coast, including Limassol and Paphos. These guided tours will take you around the best things to do in Nicosia and North Nicosia, and can be a good choice if you’re particularly nervous about the Green Line border crossing.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to things to do in Nicosia. Would you visit Nicosia?

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10 thoughts on “8 things to do in Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital city”

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My father was American military, and we were posted in Nicosia from 1968 to 1970. I was nearly ten years old when we left. Those years have never left me. Returning is number one on my Bucket list. Peace!

Interesting to know about the divided capital. Had never heard or read about it.

This is so fascinating! I’ve always been curious about Cyrpus but really didn’t know much about it or it’s capital. I would definitely love to come here one day and cross the border to see the contrast.

So fascinating about the border crossing right there in the middle of everything! Looks like such an interesting place to visit! 🙂

This is so interesting, I’ve never really understood Cyprus before. Now I feel I get it a bit more. I’d love to visit and cross over the border to see the difference. And the church become mosque sounds fascinating.

I had no idea that there were still divided cities! Very interesting post, and I’ve been wanting to visit Cyprus for awhile. I’ll definitely add this as a stop. I’d definitely love an olive wood bowl!

Absolutely fascinating, and great to hear that Nicosia is worth visiting. I think many Brits visiting the island tend to stick to the coast and its resorts so I’ve heard a few stories about heading inland. Would love to visit if I find myself in Cyprus.

Fascinating history! I didn’t realize there were still divided cities, but being Canadian, I wouldn’t have learned in school about Cyrprus politics and that only Turkey recognizes this state.

I don’t think I learnt anything about Cyprus in school either – I knew that there was something to do with the UK (although, to be fair, where haven’t we meddled!) It’s shocking to think that until 2008 this was a sealed border.

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• Country: Cyprus (north-central)
• Location: Nicosia (Lefkosia) District
• Status: capital city / largest city
• Population: approximately 310,000
• Language: Greek and Turkish
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
• Country dialling code: +90 / +90 392 if calling from the Republic of Cyprus (North), +357 (South)
• Telephone area code: 22
• Average daily Nicosia January temperature: 14°C / 57°F
• Average daily Nicosia July temperature: 35°C / 95°F

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6 things to know before you visit Nicosia, Cyprus

Yaren Fadiloglulari

• Things to know before you visit Nicosia

Planning a trip to Nicosia? Here are our top picks...

Stay: Hypnos Boutique Hotel in the city centre

Walking tour: Inside the buffer zone

Day trip: Kyrenia and the Five Finger Mountains

Car rental : find competitive rates with Discover Cars .

The island of Cyprus is known for its gorgeous beaches and its good food. Beach towns such as Paphos, Kyrenia, Famagusta and Larnaca get a lot of attention from tourists and are popular destinations for winter sun in the cooler months.

However, the capital, Nicosia, is much less visited, despite its unique history and culture. Here are a few things you should know about the city before you visit.

Nicosia has a border

Nicosia is the last divided capital city in Europe . It is the capital of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974. Since then, Turkish Cypriots have been living in the north and Greek Cypriots have been living in the south of the island.

The north of the island is often overlooked because it is not officially recognised by any country other than Turkey and many tourists assume that it is not safe to go. As a local, I would say otherwise.

Crossing the border in Nicosia is a common activity for locals and only then you would get the full experience of the city. However, you would need your ID card or your passport to cross the border.

There’s more than one currency in Cyprus

If you plan to cross the border, there is another thing you should know. The currency in the south is euros, and in the north, it is the Turkish lira.

Many places in the north accept the euro as well but it is best to keep in mind that at some point, you might need to exchange money.

The Walled City is the best part of Nicosia

On both sides of Nicosia, most of the interesting activities and the best places to eat and drink are located in the old city, also known as the Walled City. Ledra Street Crossing Point is conveniently located in the middle of the old city so it is possible to get around on foot and see both north and south Nicosia.

Enjoy your traditional coffee in one of the many cafes (it may be named Cypriot, Greek or Turkish coffee depending on the place you go!) as Cypriots chat and play backgammon around you.

Make sure to try traditional Cypriot food, such as halloumi, stuffed vine leaves, different types of kebabs and many more.

There is no beach in Nicosia

Nicosia is actually the only city in Cyprus that does not have access to the coast or a beach. Don’t worry though, the beach is less than an hour of a drive away!

During summer, Nicosia gets much hotter than the other cities. The best time to visit Cyprus is in April/May or September/October when the weather is cooler, the beaches are warm and there are fewer tourists.

There is a high military presence in Nicosia

Unfortunately, Cyprus is one of the most densely militarized countries in the world. As a result, it's likely that you will see soldiers in Nicosia, especially around checkpoints.

It may be uncomfortable for some people and many tourists come without knowing this. Just remember that Cyprus is a very safe place to visit, with a low crime rate.

Admire the architecture as you walk around the city

In the past, Cyprus has been a part of the Venetian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire and many more. Nicosia used to be the capital of the Lusignan Kingdom. This means that they all left their marks on the architecture of the country.

Nicosia is the best city in Cyprus to see many different examples of multicultural architecture at the same time. For example, Selimiye Mosque is one of the few mosques in the world that has gothic architecture. Famagusta Gate which used to be the main gate of Nicosia is an example of Venetian architecture.

Planning your trip to Nicosia

Visit in Spring or Autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds

Stay at the Hypnos Boutique Hotel in the city centre

See the Selimiye Mosque and Famagusta Gate

Book a day trip to Kyrenia and the Five Finger Mountains

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Author - Yaren Fadiloglulari

Yaren is a travel writer currently based between Cyprus and Prague, who is passionate about writing and travelling. Her writing has appeared in Euronews, Time Out, The Independent, and more.

Last Updated 24 February 2023

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Home » Nicosia Guided Tours

Nicosia Guided Tours

Discover Nicosia’s history and culture with expert-guided tours, revealing hidden gems and landmarks along the way.

Guided tour routes.

Welcome to Nicosia guided tours! Tours offer a unique and immersive experience, taking you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in Cyprus. Tours are designed to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience while also giving you an in-depth knowledge of the history, culture, and natural beauty of Nicosia—the brightest capital of Europe.

Five themed tours are available this year:

The Nicosia Walled City Tour

Explore the essence of Nicosia’s old town with the Nicosia Walled City Tour. Delve into its narrow streets, medieval monuments, houses of traditional urban architecture, and hidden gems. Discover landmarks like Famagusta and Pafos Gates, the Venetian Walls, and the Green Line. Experience the vibrant Eleftheria Square and Liberty Monument, while immersing yourself in the charm of the historical walled city. Finish your journey at the historical old town hall of Nicosia and don’t miss the chance to take a photo in front of the “Poet” glass sculpture. Join us for an unforgettable journey through centuries of history and culture.

Archaeological Tour

The Archaeological Tour  

Set out on an archaeological journey through Nicosia, delving into its rich history from ancient times to the Byzantine period. Begin your exploration at the Ledroi Museum where you can discover traces of the oldest ancient city in Cyprus dating back to the Late Chalcolithic Era with rare artifacts revealing evidence of the kingdom of Ledra. Continue at the Cyprus Museum, where an unparalleled collection of treasures awaits. Finally, visit the iconic Venetian Walls, majestic fortifications that have stood guard over the city for centuries, showcasing Nicosia’s enduring strategic importance.

Nicosia Guided Tours: City Museum Tour

The City Museum Tour  

Embark on the City Museum Tour, a captivating journey through Nicosia’s cultural treasures, featuring esteemed institutions like the Leventis Municipal Museum, the Museum of the history of Cypriot coinage at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, the House of Hadjigeorgakis, and the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum. Delve into the city’s vibrant history and contemporary allure as you explore these diverse museums.

Religion Tour

Start a journey through our city’s religious heritage, where you’ll visit revered sites representing two ancient religious and various Christian denominations Explore landmarks such as the Chapel of Saint Eleftherios, the Exarchate of the Holy Sepulchre, the Old Cathedral of Saint John and the historically and architecturally interesting churches of Saint Kassianos, Chrysaliniotissa and Faneromeni. Learn the history behind the Omeriye Mosque.  Get to Know the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace and the Church of the Holy Cross, where two popes who visited Nicosia officiated. Delve into centuries of faith and tradition as you immerse yourself in the diverse spiritual tapestry of our community.

Architecture Tour

 Embark on an architectural odyssey through our city’s stunning urban landscape with our Architecture Tour. Encounter iconic landmarks such as the 360o Building, Eleftheria Square, the Jean Nouvel building named Tower 25, the Venetian Walls, the Davilla Moat, the charming narrow streets of the Chrysaliniotissa neighborhood, and more. Marvel at the innovative designs of modern structures, appreciate the historical significance of ancient fortifications, and wander through the labyrinthine alleys that bear witness to centuries of urban evolution. Led by knowledgeable guides passionate about our city’s architectural heritage, our Architecture Tour promises an immersive exploration of form, function, and the fascinating stories woven into every brick and beam.

Join us on this year’s Free Nicosia Guided Tours, and allow us to take you on a journey you won’t soon forget. Make lifelong memories while seeing new places and meeting new people. Book your tour with us right away!

Premium Routes

Embark on our premium route through Nicosia to immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture. Explore the ancient streets of the Old City, marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Venetian walls and Selimiye Mosque, and indulge in local delicacies at charming cafes. With expert guides offering personalized insights, you’ll truly connect with the city’s secrets.

City Highlights Premium Tour

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Investigation Report on Applications for Type Designation Submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Under the request issued on Jan. 26 2024 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to conduct an "Investigation of facts regarding the existence of irregularities in Applications for Type Designation" (MLIT Notification No. 2018), Mazda Motor Corporation investigated all of its 2,403 tests for applications for Type Designation, implemented in the period covered by this investigation *1 . The investigation results confirmed irregularities in a total of five tests in two test categories, which was reported to the Ministry on May 30. The irregularities identified this time encompass 150,878 units produced and 149,313 units sold.

We would like to express our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and concern this may cause to our customers, business partners, dealers, and all other stakeholders related to Mazda.

■Overview of Irregularities

1. Irregular processing of test vehicles in crash tests regarding three models which are no longer in production. In a certification test for occupant protection in the event of a frontal collision, an external device was used to trigger a timed activation of the airbag instead of spontaneous activation based on collision detection by an onboard sensor.

2. Rewriting of engine control software in the testing on two models which are currently in production. In the certification testing for the on-boarded engine output of gasoline engine, the test should have been performed using engine control software in the same condition as a mass-production vehicle, but it was conducted by using control software in which the ignition timing adjust function was partially deactivated.

■Affected vehicles and impact on customers

In light of the investigation results, shipments of the affected models (the two models in 2. above) that are currently in production have been temporarily suspended since May 30.

The models mentioned in 1. above, although the production of them has already been discontinued, we have conducted in-house technical verification as well as re-tests, and confirmed that these models have the performance that meets the legal standards for occupant protection performance in the event of a frontal collision. There is no safety issue for the customers to continue to drive the affected vehicles. We will promptly take appropriate measures such as confirmation of conformance with laws and regulations in consultation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

With regard to the test described in 2.above is not related to vehicle safety, and customers who own the subject vehicles can continue to drive them safely. We will promptly conduct the tests again under the same conditions as those for mass-production vehicles and make preparations to undergo a re-examination by the authorities for type designation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and concern this may cause to customers who have been waiting for the delivery of vehicles.

■Causes of irregularities

(1) Insufficiency of governance structure and mechanism to check whether tests are conducted in conformance with laws and regulations for type designation.

(2) Inadequate procedures for conducting tests in conformance with laws and regulations for type designation.

(3) Insufficient facilities to stably meet testing conditions in conformance with laws and regulations for type designation.

■Recurrence prevention measures

(1) Re-establish a system and governance structure to check whether tests are conducted in conformance with laws and regulations for type designation.

(2) Thorough refinement of test procedures to proper implementation in conformance with laws and regulations for type designation, and thoroughly ensure educations and practices of those procedures and tests.

(3) Strengthen facility maintenance that enables providing testing conditions stably in conformance with laws and regulations for type designation.

Once again, we deeply regret any inconvenience this incident may cause to our customers, business partners, dealers, and all other stakeholders associated with Mazda. We consider this case as an important matter and are committed to preventing it from happening again in the future under management responsibility.

• *1: 10 years from January 2014 to January 2024
• *2: Cumulative number of affected vehicles as of the end of March 2024

Inquiries concerning this matter: Please contact the sales company, your local Mazda dealer, or the Mazda Call Center (0120-386-919, Hours: Weekdays 9:00-17:00, Weekends and holidays 9:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00).

• *If your Mazda dealer is closed on a holiday, please contact the Mazda Call Center.

List of affected model types

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6 Wild Swimming Spots in California, Beyond the Coast

The beach may beckon, but these freshwater swimming holes and hot springs show another side of the state: Granite canyons, emerald pools and ancient redwood groves.

By Dillon Seitchik-Reardon

The best of California is not its famous cities or coastline. The most authentic version of the state is its freshwater, in its many wild forms. At least, for my family.

My partner Caroline Clements and I write about water and wilderness and have spent much of the last 10 years documenting swimming around the world. Most recently, we returned to California to explore the state more deeply, piling into an old motor home with our toddler, and spending six months traversing the state in search of the best places to swim.

The variety of California’s environments continue to amaze us. Mountain lakes and redwood groves. Granite canyons and emerald pools. Volcanic peaks and thermal springs. The many long, slow river miles that nourish the state. It’s these wild, inland swims that stir us the most.

Below are six freshwater places that exemplify the best of the state. It’s by no means comprehensive but a starting point for your own adventures. Be safe and use good judgment. Drink them in with joy and share them with the people you love. Most importantly, treat them with respect so that others may enjoy them in the future.

Budd Lake, Yosemite National Park

Budd Lake embodies the best of Yosemite’s High Sierra, the vast granite sea of high-elevation mountains, meadows and lakes that is bisected by Tioga Road , a continuation of Highway 120. This little blue jewel is nestled in the Cathedral Range, a tiny sub-range of the Sierra Nevada entirely contained within Yosemite National Park . It’s a pocket-size playground of water and stone with endless combinations of backcountry hikes, swims and climbs. While many first-time visitors are rightfully drawn to the spectacular Yosemite Valley, the High Sierra still feels mercifully untouched by the modern world.

This is a backcountry hike, so stop at Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center to pick up a map and discuss the route. It is around five miles round trip to Budd Lake, starting from Cathedral Lakes Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows. After about a mile, turn left onto an unmaintained backcountry trail used by climbers to reach Cathedral Peak, marked by a signpost with an illustration of a carabiner clip. Follow the rough trail along Budd Creek. As long as you keep following Budd Creek upstream you will get there.

Budd Lake sits in a perfect glacial cirque at the base of Echo Peaks and Cockscomb, two nearby summits. Polished granite slabs form gently sloping beaches into the clear, cold water. It’s easy to spend a whole day lounging in the sun with a book, lost in the elastic permanence of geologic time. It would have been exactly the same here 5,000 years ago (20,000 years ago, however, you would have been under 1,000 feet of ice). The only sign of the outside world is carried on the breeze from Cathedral Peak — the indistinct voices of climbers. It’s the perfect Yosemite experience, without the crowds (standard vehicle fee is $35 and a park entry reservation is required during summer months).

Gualala River, Mendocino County

The Gualala River pronounced (“wa-LAL-la”) marks the border between Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. Its sinuous form cuts a lazy path through ancient redwood groves to ultimately form an estuary beneath windswept coastal bluffs. Just inland, the river is breathlessly still, wrapping itself around Gualala River Redwood Park to form one of the best campground and swimming hole combinations in the state. A lacquered boom gate divides this sleepy campground from the outside world. There is no day use allowed, so you must be a registered camper or their guest to enter. Beneath the dense canopy, much of the property sits in a permanent twilight. The forest trails are dusted with soft redwood branchlets and needles, campsites are divided by wild sorrel and ferns. The silence here is so complete that it becomes addictive. It spreads across the forest like freshly fallen snow, distorting our sense of time. For once, my wife and I sleep like two people who are not living in an RV with a toddler.

The most coveted spots overlook the river, whose current carves deep green pools as it arcs around the pebble beach (a river-view campsite is $90 a night). As the fog retreats, sunlight pierces the impossibly clear water and warms the dark sand below. People dive in with whoops of delight. Native coho salmon and steelhead trout glide in the shadowy depths, seemingly unfazed by the commotion. Lost among the trees, Gualala feels like an outlier, setting its own rhythms and casting a spell on all who visit.

Purdon Crossing, Yuba River South Fork

The South Fork of the Yuba River carves a deep canyon from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the Sacramento Valley. For much of the year it roils with white water, surging across the bedrock and cartwheeling into gorges. By late June or July, just as the summer heat becomes unbearable and cicadas reach their electric crescendo, the river drops to reveal placid, emerald pools and sandy beaches. Smooth granite slabs sparkle in the sun. It’s worth the wait.

For the nearby towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley, the South Yuba is the de facto public pool. People swim in almost every beautiful inch of this river, but Purdon Crossing, a historic steel bridge, has become our preferred access point. The bridge sits squarely in our swimming Goldilocks zone — just far enough from major roads to reduce would-be visitors, yet beaches are abundant and easily accessible from the parking area .

The South Yuba Trail traces the riverbank upstream. After about a quarter mile, a path drops down to Mother’s Beach. This wide, slow-moving section of the river has a gentle, sandy entrance, and is where families often gather. There’s plenty of space and you could happily spend the entire day here. But we like to go farther upstream one mile to China Dam, where the remnants of a mining diversion dam mark an exquisite pool flanked by high rocks. The cold, clear water is irresistible. Swims like this are the epitome of summer in California’s Gold Country. We immediately strip down and leap from the rocks. Clothing is optional here, but swimming is not.

Red Rock Pools, Santa Ynez River

The best wild swimming holes are a perfect expression of the environment and, by extension, the local culture. In the case of the Santa Ynez Valley, just north of Santa Barbara, the same conditions that make it an excellent wine region are what define it as a great place to swim. It’s hot and sunny, yet there is far more water than you would expect. Down in the valley, along the Santa Ynez River, is where the best swimming can be found.

To get there, drive along Paradise Road until it crosses the Santa Ynez River at First Crossing Kiosk ($10 day use fee). When water levels get high, in spring and early summer, rangers are quick to close the road to vehicles but still allow access on foot and bicycle. Over the next five miles the canyon walls grow higher and the swimming holes get deeper until the road dead ends at Red Rock Trailhead .

Even if it looks dry at the trailhead, there is always a place to swim at Red Rock Pools, which are fed by perennial springs. It’s an easy half-mile walk along the Gibraltar Trail to the largest and most reliable swimming hole. The singular Red Rock looms high over the water, with deep, cool pools at its base. It’s the kind of place you can spend all day luxuriating.

Big Sur River Gorge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

For about 90 miles along the Pacific Coast, California’s Highway 1 bravely navigates the steep slopes of the Santa Lucia Range. People are often so preoccupied with driving the famed Big Sur region that they forget about stopping. But hiding among the many inland ridges and creeks are trails, campgrounds and swimming holes — the best of them is Big Sur River Gorge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ($10 day use fee). It’s not a secret spot, yet many people drive past.

The park’s 11-acre campground sits under a canopy of redwood trees as it straddles the Big Sur River in a sunny, alluvial valley. Day use visitors can park at lot No. 3 to reach the Gorge Trail, which starts between campsites 111 and 112; an unmaintained path follows the river upstream for about a mile of wading and rock-hopping.

On our first visit, we asked a park ranger for directions. He said, “keep hiking until you get to the most beautiful pool you’ve ever seen.” He wasn’t far-off. The river abruptly spills into a huge, natural amphitheater where the water is shockingly clear and deceptively deep. One after another, people arrive and stand for a moment of stunned reverence before huge smiles bloom across their faces. Like much of Big Sur, the phone service is thankfully terrible, so there is nothing to do but jump in and enjoy the day. (Portions of Highway 1 have been closed because of rock slides; access to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park from the north is currently unaffected.)

Tecopa Hot Springs

Our search for natural hot springs took us to luxury spas, silent meditation centers, nudist colonies and, of course, pristine wilderness areas. California has it all. And yet, Tecopa, an unassuming township near the Nevada border, just south of Death Valley National Park, remains one of the most memorable places we’ve ever visited. This, unlike the others, is one to bookmark for winter, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 112 degrees.

Set in the badlands of the Mojave Desert, the town has a surprising bounty of hot springs along with scattered palms, rusted cars and sun-bleached ranch homes.

Mineral-rich hot water bursts from the ground to create a ribbon of natural wetlands and supply four (at last count) small resorts and bathhouses. Delights Hot Spring Resort ($25 day pass) has the best views of the Nopah mountain range from its large communal outdoor pool, while Tecopa’s austere public bathhouse ($10 day pass) has the hottest water in town. The latter is single-sex nude bathing only, like a Japanese communal bathhouse.

For a town of 100 or so, there is a surprisingly varied culinary offering — barbecue, breweries, a five-seater steakhouse (reservations required), a cafe and the nearby China Ranch Date Farm — all operating different hours to avoid too much competition. We even heard a rumor about a nightclub. It’s the kind of place that will keep surprising you, which is what always brings us back.

Dillon Seitchik-Reardon is the photographer and co-author with Caroline Clements of “Places We Swim California” published by Hardie Grant USA.

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