We’ve been living in Cyprus since 2021, and over the years, we’ve visited Nicosia quite a few times – mostly for official purposes like embassy visits, bank meetings, or meetings with entrepreneurs. But despite the city not always being a travel destination for us, I decided to write a post about it because it is the capital of Cyprus, and despite its business nature, it has a unique charm and many places worth discovering – from excellent coffee shops to green parks and kids’ play areas, including one of the best play areas on the island.
About Nicosia
Nicosia is the largest city in Cyprus and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. The city is divided into two parts: the southern part, controlled by Greek Cyprus, and the northern part, controlled by Turkish Cyprus. This division gives the city a unique character, blending various cultures and influences.
How to Get to Nicosia?
There is no active airport in Nicosia. The Nicosia International Airport was closed following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, and it is now located in the UN buffer zone.
Currently, the two main airports in Cyprus are:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – about 50 km from Nicosia
- Paphos International Airport (PFO) – in western Cyprus, further from Nicosia
The best way to reach Nicosia is by renting a car from either Larnaca or Paphos airports and driving there. Taxis are also available, but they are quite expensive, and you can also take a bus to Kapnos Station in Nicosia, from where you will need to take another taxi or bus to your hotel. However, if you are only visiting for a day trip, renting a car is the most convenient option. I recommend using the search engine Paapm Paapm to find a rental car. Personally, I like using it because it saves me time (instead of searching on multiple websites), and it also filters out rental companies with bad reviews. I’ve written an extended post on car rentals abroad, and I recommend reading it, especially if this is your first time renting a car.
Special offer for blog readers: I recommend checking the options through Paapm Paapm and the local Cosmos company. I received a 10% discount coupon for online reservations. For direct car rental from Cosmos (don’t forget to use the discount code TRVBOX). I also recommend reading my post on tips for driving and car rentals in Cyprus.
Another option for a Troodos Mountain trip is to do private day tours with a guide. I recommend contacting Roni Schwartz, who takes care of everything – private tours with a certified guide (the tour is in English/Russian), super professional and pleasant, who will take you on a perfect 8-9 hour day trip. Contact Roni for a guided tour in Cyprus.
Recommended Hotels in Nicosia
I haven’t stayed in Nicosia yet, but there are a few boutique hotels I’ve seen with great reviews, so I’m mentioning them here:
- MARTIN Nicosia City Suites
- Gate Twenty Two Boutique Hotel
- Almond Business Hotel
- The Sendal Boutique Hotel
Recommended Coffee Shops
I think Nicosia has some of the best coffee shops in Cyprus. Whenever we visit, we find a modern coffee shop with great coffee and a nice atmosphere. Perhaps it’s because the city has many students, so there is a demand for good coffee shops.
Deliyard
A coffee shop we’ve been to many times. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, with great breakfasts and tasty coffee, and a very pleasant atmosphere. I love their Cypriot breakfast of bread with avocado, tomato, halloumi cheese, and a fried egg. They also have delicious pancakes that we ordered when Maya came with us. Directions.
GT Health Food Shop
A small and intimate coffee shop with a variety of healthy desserts and baked goods, with vegan and gluten-free options. The coffee is excellent. We had a health ball and coffee, and it was fantastic. Directions.
Cito
A high-end deli coffee shop. You can find cheeses, cold cuts, and prepared salads and sandwiches. I had a quinoa salad with a side dressing, which was great, and the coffee was excellent. Directions.
Nom
Another excellent coffee shop for breakfast. I like that they offer a meal with both a savory open sandwich and a sweet one, so you get to enjoy both worlds in one dish. We had an amazing open sandwich with avocado and a hard-boiled egg and another with salami and balsamic vinegar. Directions.
Parks
Nicosia has many parks, which is a huge advantage for those with children who want a place to let off steam or for walking with a stroller. It’s also a great place to walk and just enjoy the peace in the city.
- Nicosia Municipal Park – A nice park with a kids’ area, a small lake, a fountain, green scenery, and a small cage for ducks. A perfect spot for families.
- Pedieos Linear Park – Ideal for walking and other sports activities, it has a basketball court, a bike path, and plenty of seating. Generally well-maintained.
- Engomi Park – This park is simply magical and beautiful, perfect for a calm and pleasant walk. The nature here is breathtaking, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. It features various animals, a small river, a pond, and a picturesque waterfall that adds to the pastoral atmosphere.
- Athalassa National Forest Park – There are many bike trails, and they’re also suitable for running. There are even challenging uphill sections. From the park, you can see views of the Turkish side, and there are picnic areas.
- Acropolis Park – A nice park in the center of Strovolos, opposite the Marks & Spencer store. It has playgrounds, a basketball court, and a nice restaurant.
Indoor playgrounds in Nicosia
For families with children, here are a few recommended play areas:
- ARC (Alternative Recreational Center) – An indoor trampoline park with other attractions.
- Extreme Park – A play area with a variety of games and activity zones. It also offers birthday party arrangements. There is ample parking nearby.
- Bubble Kids Club – A play area divided by age groups with a café-restaurant offering food and drinks.
The Old City
The Old City of Nicosia is full of narrow alleys, boutique shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. It’s a great place for a walking tour to experience the local history and culture.
Shopping
Ledra Street is the main shopping street in Nicosia, with a variety of stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Additionally, the street leads to the border crossing to the Turkish side of the city.
Shacolas Tower
This tower is located in the Old City and offers a panoramic view of Nicosia. On the 11th floor, there is a museum and a viewpoint with information about the city’s history. Directions.
Church of Archangelos Michail
A Venetian-era church (16th century) located in the historic center of Nicosia. The church features impressive architecture and a spiritual atmosphere. Directions.
Crossing the Border to Turkish Cyprus
As many of you may know, Cyprus is divided into two parts: Greek Cyprus (the Republic of Cyprus) in the south, and Turkish Cyprus (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) in the north. Nicosia is the only place on the island where you can cross between the two areas on foot through the Ledra Street border crossing.
The crossing is quite simple: you need a valid passport, pass through the border control on the Greek side, and then again on the Turkish side. The crossing is free, but it’s important to know that rental cars from the Greek side are not insured in the north. Anyone wishing to travel with a car should buy additional insurance at the crossing.
Crossing into the Turkish side of Nicosia gives the feeling of entering another country – the architectural style changes, the official language is Turkish, and the local currency is the Turkish lira (although the euro is accepted in many places). It’s worth visiting the local market, the Selimiye Mosque (formerly St. Sophia Cathedral), and the Buyuk Han area, an old Ottoman caravanserai with shops and authentic cafes.
Other Attractions in Nicosia
In addition to coffee and parks, Nicosia offers many historical and cultural attractions worth checking out:
- The Byzantine Museum – One of the most important museums in Cyprus, with a collection of stunning Byzantine icons.
- The Cyprus Archaeological Museum – Exhibits findings from various periods, from the Neolithic to the Roman era.
- Famagusta Gate – One of the three ancient gates of the Venetian city walls, which has become a cultural and arts center.
Conclusion, Nicosia may not be a typical tourist destination like Limassol or Paphos, but it offers a unique combination of history, culture, great food, and attractions for the whole family. The city is especially suitable for history enthusiasts, shopping lovers, and families with children who want to spend time in parks and play areas. If you’re looking for a different and interesting day trip during your vacation in Cyprus, Nicosia is worth a visit.
I hope my post was helpful. If so, I’d love it if you could comment below, and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask them in the comments or reach out to me on the blog’s social media pages: on Facebook and Instagram.
Looking for more information about Cyprus? I have other posts on Cyprus on the blog.
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