Nicosia Cyprus Travel Guide: 20 BEST Things To Do In Nicosia (Lefkosia)

This Nicosia travel guide shares the best things to do in Nicosia.

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Recommended Tours in Nicosia:

Nicosia: Green Line and Buffer Zone Guided Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/nicosia-l415/nicosia-green-line-and-buffer-zone-guided-tour-t541215/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Nicosia

Nicosia: Private Walking Tour with a Local: https://www.getyourguide.com/nicosia-l415/nicosia-private-walking-tour-with-a-local-t80646/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Nicosia

From Paphos: Larnaca Highlights Tour with Lefkara & Nicosia: https://www.getyourguide.com/paphos-l426/from-paphos-larnaca-highlights-tour-with-lefkara-nicosia-t660317/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Nicosia

Nicosia: Last Divided City, Tour combining South & North: https://www.getyourguide.com/nicosia-l415/nicosia-last-divided-city-tour-combining-south-north-t735198/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Nicosia
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Welcome to Nicosia, Cyprus, the island’s capital and cultural center. Known for its unique blend of history, tradition, and modern life, Nicosia, Cyprus is the world’s last divided capital — a city where ancient walls, vibrant markets, and contemporary art coexist side by side.

Start your visit in the old town, surrounded by the Venetian Walls built in the 16th century. Inside these circular walls lies the historic heart of Nicosia, Cyprus — a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafés, and restored stone buildings. Ledra Street is the main pedestrian thoroughfare, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and landmarks. At the end of Ledra Street, you’ll find the UN buffer zone and checkpoint that separates the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parts of the city, offering a glimpse into the island’s complex history.

One of the most important cultural landmarks in Nicosia, Cyprus is the Cyprus Museum, home to the island’s most extensive collection of archaeological artifacts. Its exhibits trace Cyprus’s history from prehistoric times through the Roman and Byzantine eras. For more art and culture, visit the Leventis Municipal Museum or the A. G. Leventis Gallery, which display both local history and European masterpieces.

Religion and architecture also play a big role in the city’s identity. The Faneromeni Church, located in the heart of the old town, is one of the largest and most beautiful Orthodox churches in Nicosia, Cyprus. Nearby, you can also explore the Selimiye Mosque (formerly the Cathedral of St. Sophia) in the northern part of the city — a striking example of Gothic architecture adapted into an Ottoman mosque.

Strolling through the old quarter reveals traditional workshops, family-run taverns, and art studios. The area around Onasagorou Street is especially lively, offering cozy cafés, local cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Modern Nicosia, outside the city walls, features stylish restaurants, shopping centers, and government buildings that highlight the capital’s role as the political and economic heart of Cyprus.

Food in Nicosia, Cyprus reflects the island’s mix of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences. Enjoy meze — a selection of small dishes like grilled halloumi, olives, hummus, souvlaki, and fresh seafood. Local tavernas and wine bars serve authentic Cypriot flavors, often paired with wines from the island’s mountain vineyards.

For a bit of greenery, visit the Municipal Gardens or stroll along the Pedieos River Linear Park, a peaceful path that runs through the city and is popular for walking and cycling.

With its deep history, cultural diversity, and welcoming character, Nicosia, Cyprus is a city that tells the story of the island itself. Whether you’re exploring ancient streets, crossing the Green Line, or enjoying a meal under the Mediterranean sun, Nicosia offers a unique and memorable experience at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East.

Keep watching to see the top things to do in Nicosia, top attractions in Nicosia, places to visit in Nicosia and Cyprus travel guides.

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So you want to know what are the 
best things to do in Nicosia, Cyprus? Great, you’re in the right place.
In this video we’re gonna discuss the top things to do in Nicosia.
Number 20: Selimiye Mosque Selimiye Mosque in North Nicosia is the city’s 
largest and most striking historic building. It was first built in the 13th century as 
the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, where the Lusignan kings of Cyprus were crowned.
After the Ottoman conquest in 1570, it was turned into a mosque, and two tall 
minarets were added to its Gothic towers. Inside, you will see tall stone columns, 
arched windows, and carpets covering the floor where worshippers gather.
The mosque can hold up to 2,500 people, and you can enter if you dress 
modestly and remove your shoes. After your visit, you can walk through 
nearby streets lined with restaurants, shops, and places with live music at night. Number 19: Cyprus Museum
If you enjoy history, you will like spending time at the Cyprus Museum.
It is the largest and oldest archaeological museum in the country and holds 
artefacts found only on the island. As you walk through its 14 rooms, you will see 
items from the Stone Age to the Roman period, including coins, jewellery, and everyday objects.
You will also notice statues showing Egyptian and Assyrian styles and many beautiful 
clay pots from the Bronze Age. One of the most interesting parts is the 
collection from the royal tombs of Salamis, along with old stone and clay tablets that 
show how writing changed in Cyprus over time. Number 18: Büyük Han
Built in 1572 after the Ottoman takeover of Cyprus, Büyük Han 
served as an inn for merchants and travelers. The two-storey stone building surrounds 
a large courtyard with a small mosque and an ablution fountain at its center.
The lower rooms were once used for trade and storage, while the upper rooms provided lodging.
During British rule, it was turned into a prison and later used as housing for poor families.
Today, you can walk through its arcades to see art galleries, workshops, and 
small shops selling handmade crafts. The courtyard has cafés where you can relax and 
enjoy a meal in a peaceful Ottoman-era setting. Number 17: Byzantine Museum
At the Byzantine Museum, you will see one of the most important 
collections of Byzantine art in Cyprus. It is found in the grounds of St. John’s 
Cathedral and holds artwork made over 1,500 years. Inside, you will find more than 230 painted 
icons from the 9th to the 19th century, along with old books, church robes, and 
silver vessels once used in worship. The museum also has rare wall paintings 
and mosaic pieces that were taken from northern churches and later brought back.
Among them are 6th-century mosaics from the Church of Panagia Kanakaria and 
15th-century fresco fragments from the Church of Christ Antiphonitis in Kalogrea.
Number 16: Ledra Street Crossing Point This historic crossing connects the 
southern Greek Cypriot and northern Turkish Cypriot parts of Nicosia.
After being closed by a barricade following the 1974 Turkish invasion, it 
reopened to pedestrians in 2008, allowing people to move freely between both sides.
As you walk through the UN Buffer Zone, called the Green Line, you can still 
see signs of the city’s past division, with old buildings and guard posts along the way.
The streets nearby are busy with cafés, shops, and restaurants filled with daily life.
You need your passport to pass through, and the crossing is open around the clock.
Number 15: Venetian Walls of Nicosia The Venetian Walls of Nicosia surround 
the Old City in a striking circular shape that looks like a snowflake from above.
Built by the Venetians in 1567 to defend against the Ottomans, the walls stretch for 
about 3 miles (5 km) with three gates and eleven bastions named after noble Italian families.
You can walk along the wide moat, once 260 feet (80 m) across, and see the strong 
bastions and ramparts still standing. Some parts now serve as open spaces for 
events and walks, giving you a closer look at one of the best-preserved Renaissance 
fortifications in the Eastern Mediterranean. Number 14: Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory
Located on Ledras Street, Shacolas Tower rises 164 feet (50 m) and gives you one 
of the best views in the city. From the 11th-floor observatory, you can 
see across Nicosia, over the Green Line, and out to the Kyrenia Mountains.
Telescopes and information panels help you spot major landmarks, including 
the large mountain flag in Northern Cyprus. Inside, a small museum shows photos 
and videos of old Nicosia, giving you a glimpse of how the city looked in the past.
The lower floors have shops, restaurants, and cafés where you can relax or grab 
something to eat before heading up to enjoy the panoramic city view.
Number 13: St John’s Cathedral St John’s Cathedral is one of the most 
beautiful churches you will see in Nicosia. Built in 1662 on the site of a 14th-century 
monastery, St John’s Cathedral has a plain stone exterior shaped by Ottoman rules of the time.
Once inside, you will notice a sharp contrast with its bright interior, filled 
with gold-covered wood carvings, crystal chandeliers, and colourful frescoes.
The walls are covered with 18th-century paintings showing scenes from the Bible 
and the discovery of St Barnabas’s tomb. You will also find four large icons 
painted in 1795 and 1797 by the famous Cretan artist Ioannis Kornaros, adding 
to the church’s historical beauty. Number 12: Famagusta Gate
A visit to Nicosia is not complete without seeing Famagusta Gate, as it reflects the city’s 
strong Venetian defenses from the 16th century. It was one of three main entrances to the Old 
City and remains the best-preserved today. The Ottomans repaired it in 1821, 
and the British later used it for storage before its restoration in the 1980s.
The gate has thick stone walls and a long, vaulted passage with a domed room lit by a 
central circular opening, an architectural detail inspired by Rome’s Pantheon.
Today, the gate is the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, hosting art exhibitions, 
concerts, and other cultural events. Number 11: Archangel Michael Trypiotis Church
If you are a religious or history lover, you will find the Archangel Michael Trypiotis 
Church in Nicosia’s old town worth visiting. Built in 1695 under Ottoman rule, 
it stands on the site of older churches from the Lusignan and Venetian periods.
The church combines Gothic and Byzantine styles, with a square dome and stone walls 
that give it a fortress-like look. Inside, you will see a finely carved early 
19th-century wooden iconostasis and a 1634 icon of Archangel Michael in armor.
Other highlights include silver icons, frescoes from 1741, and a 15th-century icon 
of the Mother of God with Joachim and Anna, admired for its Italian influence.
By the way, check the links in the description for the ultimate guide 
on saving money while traveling, plus recommended tour operators in Nicosia.
Number 10: The House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios This is another historical site in Nicosia 
that shows life during the late Ottoman period. It was the home of a powerful 
dragoman, Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios, who acted as a key link between the Ottoman 
rulers and the local Greek population. Built in 1793 from sandstone, the two-storey 
house is shaped like the Greek letter Pi and surrounds a central garden with a 
fountain and a private bathhouse. The ground floor held the 
kitchen and servants’ quarters, while wooden stairs from the courtyard lead 
to the living areas and reception hall. In the reception room, you will 
notice carved and gilded wood, painted panels, and floral decorations 
that highlight the style of the period. Number 9: A. G. Leventis Gallery
Lovers of art will find the A. G. Leventis Gallery captivating.
Opened in 2014, the gallery displays the collection of businessman Anastasios George 
Leventis and is housed in a modern high-rise designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.
You will see 20th-century Greek art and Cypriot works from the 19th and 20th centuries, 
including pieces by George Polyviou Georghiou. The Paris Collection features European art from 
the 1600s to the 1900s, with works by Renoir, Fragonard, Signac, Canaletto, Chagall, and Corot.
The museum also hosts up to five major temporary exhibitions each year, showing 
paintings, watercolours, prints, drawings, objets d’art, and period furniture.
Number 8: Cyprus Folk Art Museum Also known as the Ethnographic Museum, 
the Cyprus Folk Art Museum is housed in the old episcopal palace, which combines 
Gothic and later architectural styles. The building dates back to the 15th century and 
was once a monastery used by the Benedictines. The museum displays 19th and early 20th-century 
Cypriot folk art, including wood-carved objects, pottery, embroidery, tapestries, folk 
costumes, and hand-woven materials. You will see historic agricultural and weaving 
tools and traditional crafts like basketry, lace, leatherwork, and Naïve painting.
A notable piece is the carved door of the Church of St. Mammas from Morphou, which inspired the 
poem “Little Things of Cyprus” by Giorgos Seferis. Number 7: Bedesten
Like the Selimiye Mosque that was once a cathedral, the Bedesten is 
another converted historical building in Nicosia. It began as a 6th-century Byzantine church 
and later became dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The Lusignans added Gothic features, and 
the Venetians added Renaissance touches. When the Ottomans took over in 1570, they 
turned it into a covered textile market and sometimes used it for grain storage.
After falling into disrepair, it was restored in the 2000s with traditional 
materials and a new wooden roof. Inside, you can see traces of frescoes 
and Gothic arches, while the exterior shows detailed carvings and statues.
You can also attend cultural events held here, including jazz festivals and dance performances.
Number 6: Sarayönü Square Sarayönü Square or Atatürk Square 
is at the center of North Nicosia and has been an important hub for centuries.
Around the square, you will find the Turkish Cypriot central Law Courts, the Nicosia 
Post Office, banks, and a police building. The fountain in front of the Law Courts dates back 
to the 18th century and reflects Ottoman design. Another highlight is the Sarayönü Mosque, 
which was adapted from a Gothic Carmelite Church and rebuilt in a Moorish style after an 
earthquake in 1900, keeping its Ottoman minaret. A Venetian column from ancient Salamis also stands 
in the square, once topped by the Lion of St Mark. Number 5: Ömeriye Mosque
Whether you are interested in history or architecture, Ömeriye Mosque in the south 
section of Nicosia offers a unique experience. The mosque was built in 1571 on the site of 
a 14th-century Augustinian Church of St Mary. Its tall minaret and Ottoman-style arches 
make it easy to spot from a distance. Inside, you will see the hallmarks of Ottoman 
religious architecture, while outside, a wall remains from the old monastery, 
showing Gothic and Renaissance details. The mosque serves Nicosia’s Muslim community, 
including Arabs, Africans, and Turkish Cypriots. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times, 
following clothing etiquette and removing shoes. Across the street is Ömeriye 
Hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. Number 4: Nicosia Aqueduct
Visiting Nicosia Aqueduct allows you to see a piece of the city’s 18th-century water system.
You will notice a series of stone arches facing Eleftheria Monument, part of the Silihtar 
Aqueduct built under an Ottoman governor. The structure once carried water from the 
Kyrenia Mountains to fountains across the inner city, running from Kyrenia Gate in 
the north to Famagusta Gate in the east. During the demolition of a nearby building, 
eleven of these arches were revealed, showing weathered stone and signs of age.
You can walk around the site, observe the craftsmanship of the arches, and imagine how 
water flowed through the city centuries ago, supplying homes and public fountains.
Number 3: Athalassa National Forest Park Located about 4 miles (7 km) southeast 
of Nicosia, Athalassa National Forest Park covers 2,076 acres (840 ha) of greenery 
with more than 300 trees, shrubs, and plants, including many native species.
You can walk, jog, cycle, or take your dog on designated paths 
along over 12 miles (20 km) of trails. The park features a lake that attracts water 
birds and offers a peaceful setting for picnics. Its botanical garden hosts over 
200 native and exotic plants. At the visitor centre, you can see a scale 
model of the park, dioramas of local animals, and exhibits of fossils and geological samples 
that explain the area’s natural features. Number 2: Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira
For more religious experience, visit the Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira, located 25 
miles (40 km) away in the Troodos Mountains. The monastery sits on terraced 
orchards above a steep valley and is home to around 30 Orthodox monks.
It houses the icon of the Virgin Mary, known as Panagia of Machairas, believed 
to have been painted by Luke the Evangelist and said to have miraculous powers.
According to tradition, two hermits discovered the hidden icon in 1145 after cutting through thick 
vegetation with a knife, giving the monastery its name from the Greek word for knife, “machairi.”
Inside, you will see chandeliers, frescoes, and a collection of old books, manuscripts, 
and religious artefacts in the vestry basement. Number 1: St. Hilarion Castle
St. Hilarion Castle sits 23 miles (37 km) from Nicosia, high above the road to Kyrenia.
Originally a hermitage, it was fortified by the Byzantines and Lusignans 
to guard the mountain pass. The castle has three main parts: the lower 
enceinte, the upper enceinte, and Prince John’s Tower, all connected by steep stairways.
You can see walls, ruined buildings, hidden rooms, tunnels, and towers 
blending into the rocky landscape. From the top, the northern coast and, on clear 
days, the Taurus Mountains in Turkey are visible. The site also includes royal apartments, 
a church, kitchens, barracks, and a cistern for water storage.
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