Getting to know Nicosia
Located in the centre of the island of Cyprus, Nicosia is the capital and the city with the largest population in the country. Nicosia is also the world’s last divided capital, with the “Green Line” cutting the city in two capitals, one of the Northern Cyprus and the other of the Republic of Cyprus.
What you can do for free in Nicosia
- Visit the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia
This museum has free entry for everyone! It is located in the centre of the Old Town, and it is and experience worth trying. The exhibits cover the history of the area all the way from the Palaeolithic period, to the British occupation times. - Take a look at the Liberty Monument
Easily accessible and well maintained, this monument is a great place to visit while in Nicosia, and a place where one can take a closer look into the cypriot history. While in the area, you will also be very close to other great attractions, such as the Achiepiscopal palace, the Venetian walls and Famagusta Gate. - Go for a walk in the Athalassa National Park
If you want to book a day only for relaxation and unwinding, this is the place to go. This park is very large, and there are many things you can do here. Find some shade and admire the view, go for a bike ride or a jog, pack for a picnic and don’t forget to check out the two beautiful lakes in the park.
Top spots to visit
- Selimiye Mosque
The sight of this mosque is something different. The building started out as a Christian church, but it was transformed into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in the 1500s. You can still see gothic elements on the building, along with 2 tall minarets, which is not something you’ll see very often. - Cyprus Museum
Take a look into Cyprus’s rich history and admire the exhibits in the museum, beginning with the Stone Age and concluding with the Roman era. All of the pieces that are on display here have been recovered from the island. - Ledra Street
This is Nicosia’s main shopping artery. Also, the Shacolas Tower Street has a public observation deck on its 11th floor, with a wide-ranging view of the city.
Hidden spots to visit
- The Fairy Tale Museum
This fantastic museum aims to preserve and promote all sorts of fairy stories, legends, myths, and traditions from Cyprus, Greece, and other places around the world. - Machairas Monastery
High up in the Trodoos Mountains, this amazing site is a little further away from Nicosia, but worth the time. Is is a very relaxing, quiet place to be in. You can visit anytime, but keep in mind that sometimes services are held here, and you can’t wander around as much. - Pivo microbrewery
Try out some good craft beer and take your time to enjoy a good meal along with it. It is located close to the Ledra street, and the reviews from past visitors are extremely positive and very convincing!
Restaurants
If you visit Cyprus, you have to try the Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish cuisine. Some of the best restaurants where you can do that and be extremely pleased with your choices are: Piatsa Gourounaki, Zanettos, Kathodon, Syrian Arab Friendship Club and Pyxida. Check out other recommendations online, as Nicosia has plenty fantastic places to eat.
Recommended time for visiting
When it comes to pleasant weather, the best times to visit Nicosia are between the months of March and June, and the months of September and December. These are also good choices if we think about prices. July is the most crowded month in Nicosia, and prices are also higher. December is the least expensive month regarding hotel rates.
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Avg. temp. (°C) | 11 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 13 |