Nicosia, Cyprus

🏛️ Nicosia, Cyprus

“Where Europe Meets the Middle East — A City Divided Yet United”

🗺️ Overview

Nicosia, or Lefkosia, is the capital of Cyprus and the last divided capital city in the world. Split by the Green Line, the city’s southern half belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, while the north is administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Despite this division, Nicosia thrives with vibrant street life, ancient city walls, art galleries, cozy cafés, and a blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences.

Fly All Over Rating:
✔️ Rich history and culture
✔️ Walkable old town with charm
✔️ Fascinating geopolitical context
❌ Summer heat can be intense
❌ Border crossing (Green Line) requires ID checks

✈️ Getting There & Around

Main Airport: Larnaca International Airport (LCA), ~40 minutes by car
Transport:
- Buses connect major parts of the city
- Walk or cycle the old town
- Taxis are common and metered
- Cross the Ledra Street pedestrian border with a valid passport/ID

🌟 Top Attractions

🏰 1. Venetian Walls

16th-century star-shaped fortifications still surrounding the Old City.

🕌 2. Büyük Han (North Nicosia)

A beautifully restored Ottoman inn now home to craft shops, cafés, and galleries.

🖼️ 3. Leventis Municipal Museum

A deep dive into Nicosia’s layered history—from Neolithic times to today.

⛪ 4. St. John's Cathedral

A small but ornate 18th-century Orthodox cathedral with impressive frescoes.

🎨 5. The Cyprus Museum

The island's top archaeological museum, featuring treasures from ancient city-states.

🍽️ What to Eat

Local Favorites

Souvla – Charcoal-grilled meat skewers
Kleftiko – Slow-cooked lamb in clay oven
Sheftalia – Minced meat sausages wrapped in caul fat
Halloumi cheese – Fried or grilled, a Cypriot must-try
Loukoumades – Honey-soaked doughnuts

Best Places to Eat

Piatsa Gourounaki – Authentic and lively Greek-Cypriot tavern
To Anamma – Hidden gem with garden vibes
Hamamönü Restaurant (North Nicosia) – Turkish-Cypriot cuisine in a historic setting

🏨 Where to Stay

Recommended Hotels

The Classic Hotel – Boutique charm near old town
MAP Boutique Hotel – Chic, modern, and eco-conscious
Buyuk Anadolu Hotel (North side) – Simple comfort and affordability

🛍️ What to Buy

Lefkara lace – A centuries-old embroidery tradition
Olive oil & carob products – Pure and artisanal
Handmade pottery & ceramics
Cyprus wines and Commandaria – One of the world’s oldest wines

📅 Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May): Ideal temperatures and blooming countryside
Autumn (September–November): Warm, sunny, and less crowded
Summer: Hot, often over 35°C, but lively with events and nightlife

🛡️ Travel Tips

Currency: Euro (€) in the south; Turkish Lira (₺) in the north
Languages: Greek, Turkish, and English widely spoken
Border Crossing: Easy but requires passport/ID
Safety: Very safe; both sides of the city are calm and walkable
Wi-Fi: Free in many cafes; reliable citywide coverage

📊 Nicosia Ratings

Category	Score	Notes
History & Culture	9.0	Rich with Byzantine, Ottoman, and colonial layers
Food & Cuisine	8.5	A delicious Mediterranean fusion
Affordability	7.8	Mid-range prices; more budget-friendly in the north
Accessibility	7.0	No airport in Nicosia; nearby Larnaca and Paphos airports
Unique Appeal	9.0	The only divided capital in the world—symbolic and surreal
Overall Travel Experience	8.2	A must-visit for cultural travelers and political observers

🧭 Final Word

Nicosia offers travelers a rare opportunity to walk through two cultures, two currencies, and two histories—all in one afternoon. It’s a city of contradiction and coexistence, where ancient and modern collide. Whether you come for the food, the political intrigue, or the cobbled lanes of the old town, Nicosia never fails to leave a mark on the soul.