Explore Nicosia (Lefkosia)​

Nicosia, known as Lefkosia in Greek and Lefkoşa in Turkish, stands as a city like no other. It is the only divided capital in the world – split between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and Northern Cyprus in the north

The World’s Last Divided Capital (Lefkosia)

This unique status might make some travelers wonder is Nicosia worth visiting, but any seasoned explorer will tell you it’s a resounding “yes.” In Nicosia, Cyprus, ancient history and modern life intertwine on every street. From massive 16th-century fortifications to bustling bazaars and trendy cafes, the city offers an array of things to do in nicosia that captivate first-time visitors and veterans alike.

Nicosia’s Many Faces: Don’t be surprised if you encounter different spellings or names for this city. International visitors may search for Nikosia Zypern (German for Nicosia, Cyprus) or Nicosia Cipro (Italian for Nicosia, Cyprus) when planning a trip. Others might refer to it as Nicosie (French) or use variations like Nikozija and Nikosija. No matter the name or language – Nikosia, Nicosia or Nikosia Kypros – it’s the same fascinating capital. Even common misspellings such as Nicossia, Nicosea, Niscosia or Nocosia refer to this place. (Some might jokingly type Nicosia cypress, but rest assured, that’s just a typo for Cyprus!) What’s important is that this city promises an experience rich in culture and history, transcending any spelling.

Essential Landmarks in Old Town Nicosia

The star-shaped Venetian walls of Nicosia encircle the Old City. These formidable 16th-century ramparts – with eleven heart-shaped bastions and three historic gates – are the city’s most distinctive feature.
Walking along the outside of these Venetian Walls (or through the dry moat that now hosts gardens and sports fields) is like strolling through history, making it one of the top places to visit in nicosia for any history enthusiast.

Ledra Street (Ledras): In the heart of old town nicosia, Ledra Street is a bustling pedestrian artery that truly embodies the city’s split personality. Lined with shops, cafes, and street vendors, it’s a lively area for shopping and people-watching.

Eleftheria Square: Just outside the old walls, Eleftheria (“Freedom”) Square is a striking modern plaza that connects the historic core with the newer nicosia city center.

Selimiye Camii (Selimiye Mosque): A short walk from Büyük Han brings you to another iconic monument of the walled city. Selimiye Mosque, with its soaring Gothic flying buttresses and twin minarets, is a living testament to Nicosia’s layered history.

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Hotels in Nicosia

Nicosia hotels and accommodation offer a wide range of options for travellers looking to stay in the heart of nicosia cyprus, from boutique guesthouses in old town nicosia to modern hotels in the nicosia city centre. Visitors planning things to do in nicosia often choose to stay centrally, making it easy to explore historic landmarks, cafés, and cultural sites on foot. Whether you prefer staying in north nicosia or close to the border in the south, accommodation across nicosia, cyprus is known for good value, friendly service, and convenient access to the city’s main attractions.

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Resturuants & Bars in Nicosia

Nicosia restaurants and bar reviews often reflect the city’s unique blend of cultures, where dining in nicosia cyprus feels both traditional and modern at the same time. From cosy tavernas in old town nicosia to stylish cafés in the nicosia city centre, visitors exploring things to do in nicosia regularly praise the relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and excellent value.

Groggy lounge

557 Reviews

Alesta Kebab

886 Reviews

5,171 Reviews

Nicosia Top Sights

Beyond its historical landmarks, Nicosia offers cultural treasures that can easily fill a day or two. Many travelers asking nicosia what to do are delighted to find a range of museums, galleries, and local experiences on both sides of the city.

Nicosia is a city that rewards curious travelers. It may not have beaches or resorts, but it offers something more profound: a chance to walk through living history and to experience two cultures side by side. This Nicosia city center pulsates with life.

With so many places to visit in nicosia and unique experiences (where else can you have coffee in one country and lunch in another, just by crossing a street?), it’s clear that Nicosia is much more than a checkpoint or a day trip.

Make sure to visit Nicosia. Wander the old town nicosia alleyways, chat with shopkeepers, savor the food, and take  view from the Shacolas Tower. You’ll leave with memories of a place that is undeniably Nicosia, Cyprus

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Based on 2,744 Reviews

Things to Do in Nicosia

Nicosia Map

exploring the iconic Kyrenia Harbour & Castle (home to the ancient Shipwreck Museum), visiting majestic ruins like St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Monastery, relaxing at Alagadi Turtle Beach, and enjoying boat trips, dining, and exploring charming backstreets filled with shops and cafes.

exploring the iconic Kyrenia Harbour & Castle (home to the ancient Shipwreck Museum), visiting majestic ruins like St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Monastery, relaxing at Alagadi Turtle Beach, and enjoying boat trips, dining, and exploring charming backstreets filled with shops and cafes

News & Inshigts

People Also Asked​

Police: 155
Fire: 199
Forest Fires: 177
Ambulance Emergencies: 112

General Hospitals

Nicosia/Lefkosa 0392 2285441
Kyrenia/Girne 0392 815 2226/8152254
Famagusta/Magusa 0392 3662876/3665328
Guzelyurt 0392 7142125

Dialling Codes

To call a phone in North Cyprus from elsewhere you need to dial 0090 followed by either the code for landline numbers: 392 or for mobiles 542 or 533.
There are two mobile service providers in North Cyprus; KKTC Telsim which uses the 542 prefix and Turkcell which uses 533.
Mobile numbers are usually supplied with the necessary code to facilitate access.

When dialling from North Cyprus to the UK enter 0044 followed by the number required with the deletion of the initial zero.

Nicosia is the largest city in Cyprus by population. It is also the island’s capital and the only divided capital city in the world.

Yes, Nicosia is well worth visiting for its history, culture, and unique experience of crossing between two sides of the same city. It offers museums, old town streets, and local life you won’t find elsewhere.

Nicosia Airport is closed and has been since 1974. Today, flights to the north use Ercan Airport (Turkish Cypriot side), while the south uses Larnaca and Paphos airports.

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