Last Updated on 19/08/2025
Introduction: Why Nicosia Capital?
We love Cyprus, and that is no secret. Beachfront hotels, resorts with pools, tasty and affordable food, and a holiday that suits families, couples and friends – all just a short flight away. Yet within all these choices there is one city that most travellers skip, and that is a real shame: Nicosia capital, the last divided city in Europe, is one of the most fascinating, surprising and authentic experiences the island has to offer.
If you give Nicosia capital a chance – even for just a few hours – you will discover that it is not just another spot on the map, but a destination with a powerful story. A place where you walk along an ordinary shopping street, suddenly reach a checkpoint with UN soldiers, show your passport, and continue walking on the same street – but in another country, with Turkish signs, different food, a new scent and a completely different rhythm.
And that is only the beginning.
The city itself blends narrow alleys with old European charm, bustling local markets, a relaxed café culture, small museums, street art, mosques and churches, abandoned houses behind barbed wire, and locals who still remember the division. It is more than just tourism – it is a lesson in history, culture, politics and daily life – all within less than 24 hours.
And the best part? Nicosia capital is only a 50-minute drive from Larnaca. If you are already in Cyprus, there is no reason not to add it to your itinerary. Simply park near Ledra Street Gate and set off to explore a city unlike anywhere else on the island.
Day Trip Itinerary in the Greek Side of Nicosia Capital
The easiest way to explore Nicosia capital is with a hire car. As you enter the city, you will notice an industrial area on your right with Nicosia Mall and an IKEA store. On very hot days, it is worth ending your tour inside the air-conditioned shopping mall.
Continue driving towards the city centre and park at Parking Ledras, close to the Ledra Street Gate. Once you have parked, take a short break before starting your walk through Ledra Street. Order a freddo espresso at Coffee Therapy Old City or a frappe at Café Pieto. You are now in the heart of Ledra Street, right next to the charming neighbourhood of Laiki Geitonia, a small quarter full of art galleries and picturesque alleys.
The Cyprus Museum – History of the Island in Bite-Sized Portions
A ten-minute walk brings you to The Cyprus Museum, the most important archaeological museum on the island. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building just outside the old city walls, it presents treasures from the many periods that shaped Cyprus over thousands of years.
This is not a huge museum, and that is part of its appeal. In less than an hour you gain a fascinating introduction to the culture, religions and civilisations that passed through the island. Highlights include sculptures, sarcophagi, ancient pottery, Hellenistic weapons and even a small statue of Aphrodite – a reminder that Cyprus has always been an island of mythology.
Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum – A Different Kind of History
For a change of pace, walk a few minutes to the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum. Though compact, it holds more than 150 motorbikes produced between 1914 and 1983. You will see rare models from BSA, Norton, BMW, Moto Guzzi and more, alongside authentic memorabilia that captures the spirit of vintage riding. Even non-riders will appreciate the nostalgia and passion behind this collection.
Ledra Street – The Beating Heart Leading to the Border
Back on Ledra Street, you will feel the lively pulse of the old town. The pedestrian street is lined with shops, restaurants and cafés, carrying a distinctly European vibe with a Mediterranean twist. It is not a grand shopping avenue like in other capitals, but its charm lies in its atmosphere.
As you walk further, you encounter one of the most unique features of Nicosia capital – the border crossing. Right in the middle of the street, after a few steps of shopping or coffee, you reach a UN checkpoint where you must show your passport. Beyond this point, you are in the Turkish-controlled side of the city. Here the division of Europe’s last split capital becomes tangible.
It is recommended to check the latest travel advice before crossing into Northern Cyprus.
If you prefer not to cross the border, you can climb the Shacolas Tower for a panoramic view of both sides of the city, including the minarets of the Turkish side. The viewpoint also displays historical photos of the city. Another option is a short visit to the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, which presents the daily life of the city’s residents across the centuries.
Before or after reaching the border point, stop at the famous Yiayia Victoria Café on Ledra Street. Known for its sweet and savoury pastries, this is the perfect place to sip traditional Cypriot coffee alongside a warm bougatsa – layers of filo pastry filled with delicate vanilla cream – or a slice of fragrant Cypriot orange cake, portokalopitta.
Crossing to the Turkish Side of Nicosia Capital
To cross from the Greek side to the Turkish side of Nicosia capital, you will need a valid passport.
Keep in mind that payment on the Turkish side is in Turkish lira, although in some shops euros are also accepted.
Büyük Han – An Ottoman Inn Turned Cultural Landmark
As soon as you cross the border and leave behind the bustle of tourist shops, you will reach Büyük Han – one of the most impressive sites in northern Nicosia.
This historic building was constructed in the 16th century by the Ottomans and originally served as an inn for travellers and merchants. Today it has been beautifully restored and feels like a work of art: a large courtyard shaded by trees, arched passageways, stone staircases and ancient balconies. In the centre of the courtyard stands a small mosque, while around it you will find artisan workshops, small cafés and galleries.
It is the perfect spot to sit with a Turkish coffee or tea, admire the Ottoman architecture and soak in the feeling that time has stood still.
Bedesten and Selimiye Mosque
A short walk from Büyük Han brings you to the Bedesten – a stunning structure originally built around 1,500 years ago as a Byzantine church. Later, under Ottoman rule, it was converted into a covered market. Today it serves as a cultural centre and exhibition hall, combining layers of history in one building.
Right next to it stands the Selimiye Mosque, the highlight of the Turkish side of Nicosia capital. This impressive Gothic cathedral was originally constructed in the 13th century as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia. When the Ottomans conquered Cyprus in the 16th century, they converted it into a mosque, added minarets, and created one of the most remarkable landmarks on the island.
The Covered Market, Ottoman Mansions and Atatürk Square – Daily Life in North Nicosia
The covered market (Belediye Pazari) may be small, but it is colourful and lively, with stalls selling fresh fruit, Turkish delights, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs. Nearby, you will find old Ottoman mansions, some restored and transformed into small museums or cultural spaces. One notable example is the Eaved House, once the residence of a wealthy Ottoman family, now open for visitors curious about daily life during that period.
End your walk at Atatürk Square (Atatürk Meydanı), the heart of Turkish Nicosia.
Food for the Soul – Recommended Restaurants in Nicosia Capital
From upscale fine-dining restaurants to cosy cafés serving homemade pastries, Nicosia capital has something for every taste. For a romantic dinner with attentive service and an intimate atmosphere, Rous is a superb choice, offering modern Mediterranean cuisine with a gourmet touch. Travellers looking for excellent food at more accessible prices should try Tocayo – a restaurant with a contemporary Mediterranean menu that locals often call “the best value in the city.”
Those who want to experience traditional Greek and Cypriot flavours in a homely setting will enjoy Bemba, or the stylish Pralina Experience, which serves local dishes with a modern twist alongside an impressive wine list. Italian food lovers should not miss Pinolo, an elegant restaurant highly rated for its fresh pasta and quality meats, while Crosta Nostra is another Italian favourite well worth a visit.
Alongside these restaurants, it is also worth stopping at local bakeries and well-known chains like Zorbas Bakery, where you can taste authentic Cypriot pastries: Loukoumades (small honey-soaked doughnuts), Spanakopita (filo pastry filled with spinach and cheese), Tiropita (cheese-filled filo pie) and Galaktoboureko (filo pastry with a creamy semolina filling, topped with syrup or honey).
The History of Nicosia – Short, Fascinating and Relevant
Nicosia (in Greek: Lefkosia) is the largest city in Cyprus and has served as the island’s capital since the 11th century. Over the centuries it passed through the hands of various empires – Byzantine, Crusader, Venetian and Ottoman – each leaving a lasting mark. The impressive stone walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century still surround the old city, whose narrow streets preserve a medieval layout.
In 1878 Cyprus came under British rule, yet tensions between Greeks and Turks continued under the new administration. After Cyprus gained independence in 1960, the conflict escalated, and in 1974 Turkey invaded the island following a pro-Greek coup attempt. Since then, Nicosia capital has been divided into two parts: the southern (Greek) and the northern (Turkish), separated by the so-called “Green Line” monitored by UN peacekeepers.
To this day, the city remains the only divided capital in Europe. Its uniqueness lies exactly in this point of rupture: alongside colourful markets, museums and ancient landmarks, there is also a haunting “No Man’s Land” of abandoned houses and sandbag barriers, a stark reminder of the political tension that still shapes life on the island.
Additional Attractions in Nicosia Capital
In addition to historical tours and walking through the old city, Nicosia capital offers a wide range of attractions that bring energy, curiosity and fun for all ages. Action lovers can jump, soar and play at ARC Indoor Trampoline Arena – the first indoor trampoline park of its kind in Cyprus, featuring dodgeball courts, slam-dunk basketball on trampolines, aerial challenges and jumps into a giant airbag.
Space and science enthusiasts will enjoy the Cyprus Planetarium – the first and largest planetarium in the Eastern Mediterranean. With its massive dome, 3D space shows and guided stargazing sessions, it is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Another must-see is the Cyprus Museum of Natural History, the largest of its kind on the island, displaying fascinating collections of mammals, fish, insects, fossils, rocks and minerals that tell the story of Cyprus’s unique natural world.
Summary
Nicosia may not be the first city Israelis think of when planning a holiday in Cyprus, but that is exactly where its charm lies. It offers a completely different experience from the beaches and resorts – a living city filled with history, culture, flavours and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the island. Wandering through its narrow streets, crossing freely between two very different worlds, meeting the locals and discovering small surprises at every corner all make a day in Nicosia capital an unforgettable experience.
For those who want to combine cultural depth with a light and easy holiday, a visit to Nicosia alongside a trip to the village of Lefkara or a beach holiday in Paphos is a winning combination.
And while you are in Cyprus, do not forget to schedule a meeting with us about real estate investments – whether with financing or without – and discover the best opportunities currently available on the island.
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