The Locals’ Travel Guide to the Capital City of Cyprus: Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek)!

The Capital City of Nicosia is situated in the middle of the island…!!

That’s why, so many times you will hear Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek) described as the beating heart of Cyprus (along with the Troodos mountains).

Nicosia is the last partitioned and segregated capital city in the world, half is under the illegal occupation of Turkey (North East of the Green Line, the “TRNC” only recognized internationally by Turkey) and the original half that remained the Republic of Cyprus (South West of the Green Line, the “RoC” internationally recognized by all).

We’re going to talk about the South side of Nicosia today which comes under the control of the Republic of Cyprus.

So, let’s cut to the chase...

You are here because you are planning to visit Nicosia and you need a good guide to help you with the process? We’ve got your back there….

In this guide we’ve included everything you need to know about booking early, or in advance. A wonderful adventure awaits, in “the one and only last divided capital in the world”.

Urban explorers are having an absolute blast in the old airport and shopping malls, left in just the same way as “The Mary Celeste” this guide is written just for you by the two native locals that love it the most, that’s us (Maria & Chris) :-) – from an awesome get away to the peaceful tranquility of Troodos at the heart of the island. We don’t just cover the “odds and sods”, we do the whole kit-an-caboodle.

Why do we love Nicosia so much?

Not just because it’s the Capital City of Cyprus, and our home town (although that does help), but also because it has so much to offer its visitors!

What do we mean by that?

Stick with us and let’s find out...

We have divided our mini travel guide into 7 sections, in order to make it easier for you to find out exactly what you need to know.

Just click on the quick links below and we’ll whisk-you-off straight there.

These are the 7 Quick links to the sections of “The Locals’ Travel Guide to the Capital City of Cyprus: Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek)”…

About Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek)
Places to Visit
Accommodation
What to Do
Food & Drink
Nicosia Flights
Getting Around

Section 1: About The Capital City of Cyprus – Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek)

Firstly, we would recommend you check out our article on Nicosia Travel. You will get a broad overall view of Nicosia, something useful to read before you start compiling your “bucket list”.

Below, you will find FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for further information on this beautiful city, and the district that surrounds it.

Pictures of Nicosia

They say that a picture speaks a thousand words…click on the link above to take a look at our best pictures of Nicosia.

Enjoy :-)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is Nicosia in?

Nicosia is the Capital City of Cyprus, a beautiful island set in the deep blue, crystal clear, Far Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

For more information for first time visitors to our island, see The Island of Cyprus and Vacation in Cyprus.

Does this local guide cover both the city and the district of Nicosia?

Yes, absolutely…!! We’ve got it all…

We’ve reviewed not only the attractions in the city, but also the attractions in the whole district of Nicosia. That took some doing I can tell you….and lots of hang-overs with "Souvlaki and Gyros" haha :-).

Does this mini travel guide cover both the Northern and Southern sides of the Capital City?

No, it doesn’t. This particular travel guide only covers the Republic of Cyprus (the Greek-Cypriot side). The Turkish-Cypriot side, the North, will be covered in due course.

Does Nicosia have an airport?

Yes, although only by name – “Nicosia International Airport”. The original airport has been quarantined since its closure in 1974…Nicosia does not have a legal airport in the Republic of Cyprus.

So therefore, Ercan International Airport is an illegal airport in the “TRNC” (Only serving flights from Turkey, the only country to recognize the “TRNC”).

If you arrive through the “TRNC” and you wish to visit the Southern side of the island, or you wish to depart from one of our two legal airports in the Republic of Cyprus, it’s more than probable that you will encounter a problem at passport control.

The Greek-Cypriot border-police will point out to you, that you arrived through an illegal gateway on to the island (by arriving through the Ercan International Airport).

Therefore, they most probably won’t allow you to depart from the Republic of Cyprus side of the island, you will have to cross back to the North and depart from there.

So, if you wish to visit us on the right side, it’s wise if you book your air ticket to either Larnaca International Airport (LCA) or Paphos International Airport (PFO). These are the only two Internationally Recognized Legal airports on the whole island.

That way you will be avoiding any problems with passport control, border police, and so on…then you can enjoy a safe and legally free holiday on our beautiful island.

Note: The closest airport to Nicosia is Larnaca International Airport.

For more information on flights to the island, visit Flights to Cyprus.

How do I get from Larnaca International Airport to Nicosia?

For more information on taxi transfers from Larnaca International Airport to Nicosia, check out Larnaca Airport Transfers.

What’s the local time in Cyprus (Nicosia time)?

Cyprus has only one time-zone, governed by (EET = UTC +2 hrs). We also follow Summer Time daylight saving…(EEST = UTC +3 hrs). So, we’re always only two hours in front of the UK.

What currency is legal tender in Nicosia?

The accepted legal currency in Southern Cyprus is the Euro.

What language do they speak in Nicosia?

We speak Greek, and the Cypriot-Greek dialect. English is also widely spoken, as are a few of the other popular languages (like Italian, German, Spanish, etc).

Is Nicosia Safe?

Yes, absolutely! There are currently no wars being fought on the island, only division. Whether you are visiting the North side, or the South side, you will be safe here.

There is always a heavy police presence in and around all of the main tourist areas in both the North and South. So, apart from the usual pick-pockets you shouldn’t need to worry.

What’s the weather like in Nicosia, Cyprus?

Visit Weather in Cyprus for more information on the local weather on the island, even all-year-round.

Section 2: Places to Visit

Are you looking for places to visit in Nicosia city and the rest of Nicosia district?

We divided our answer into three sections...Just read on to find out which they are...

Note: Below you will find the best of our favorite places in Nicosia City, the rest of Nicosia District, and the Agrotourism Villages surrounding.

Nicosia City Centre

Our favorite places to visit in Nicosia City are…

Shopping Streets (Ledra, Onasagorou, Stasikratous, Themistokli Dervi, Arch. Makarios III)
Eleftheria Square
Farenomeni Square
Panayia (Virgin Mary) Faneromeni Church
The Archbishop’s Palace
Laiki Geitonia (Traditional Neighborhood)
Liberty Monument
Venetian (Medieval) Walls and Famagusta Gate
Cyprus Museum

Click on the following link “Nicosia City Centre (Attractions and Places)” to check them out! :-)

Nicosia District

Agrotourism villages (Please see below)
Wineries
Kato Pyrgos (A beautiful coastal village)
Fikardou (An amazing semi deserted village in the mountains)
Malls in Nicosia (Are you ready for a shopping spree? :-) )

Agrotourism Villages in the District of Nicosia

Kalopanayiotis
Kakopetria
Galata
Askas
Palaichori
Pedoulas
Lympia
Farmakas

Section 3: Accommodation

Are you looking for accommodation in Nicosia?

Whether you are visiting Nicosia for a holiday or on business, we have found the best of the top-rated hotels in this wonderful city.

Let’s take a look together at the places to stay in Nicosia – the Southern part of course.

Here we go!! :-)

Hotels

The Best of the Top-Rated Hotels in Nicosia (Cyprus): Our guide includes the best hotels located in the Nicosia district – not just the city.

Section 4: What to Do

Here are our recommendations for some things to do and see in the capital city of Cyprus, and also in the wider area.

So, are you ready? :-)

Let’s dive in to sightseeing, to warm-up with…

Nicosia City – The Capital City of Cyprus

The best way to explore the center of Nicosia City is on foot, using a Segway, a bus, bicycle, or taxi.

For the unique experience of a Segway tour, or walking a tour check out Cyprus Tours (Go to the section “Nicosia Tours” and check out some of the great deals there).

The District of Nicosia

The best way to explore the whole district of Nicosia is by using a vehicle. If a rental car is a good fit for you, go for it, you won’t regret it! :-)

Take a look at the articles below to find the perfect fit for you...

Sightseeing

No matter how many times we visit the attractions in Nicosia we never get bored! :-)

On the contrary, we love it!

To find out all the special places of Nicosia worth visiting, click on the article below.

All the Nicosia (Cyprus) Attractions Worth Visiting
Our Favorite Nicosia City Centre Attractions (Cyprus)

Swimming and Snorkelling

The City of Nicosia is not coastal. However, there’s a beautiful coastal village only a couple of hours drive away.

Built on the northern foothills of Troodos, this lovely little village uniquely combines coastal seafront with hillsides, and its surroundings of both beach and mountains – coupled with the fresh fish that comes from the fishing harbour daily – make this a popular holiday resort.

Kato Pyrgos is also home to the historic and significant Chapel of Panagia tis Galoktistis (Virgin Mary) which contains hagiographies dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries.

“Some Say”, that the chapel was built with milk (‘Galoktistis’ in Greek) after the Virgin Mary answered the prayers of the villagers to heal their diseased sheep.

Kato Pyrgos Village

More Things to Do

Are you looking for other things to do in Nicosia?

Check out the link below…

More Things to do in Nicosia
·Cyprus Routes - Road Trips (If you’re planning to rent a car, or just look at the great deals available, check out Car Rentals in Cyprus, and also Driving on the Island).
In Section 2 (“Places to Visit”) of this travel guide on Nicosia. You will be able to find all of the best, and highest-rated places to visit in this beautiful city and wider district.
Take a look at Cyprus Tours (The section on “Nicosia tours”) to check out the tours in Nicosia and the wider area.

Section 5: Food & Drink

Our favorite subject!! Haha :-)

We are foodies, remember?! :-)

Check out the articles below for more great insight...

Guide to Our Favorite Restaurants in Nicosia
Nicosia Nightlife: Our Favourite Bars, Lounges and Pubs

Section 6: Flights to Nicosia, Cyprus

There is no longer an Internationally Recognized legal airport in Nicosia to enter the Republic of Cyprus through!!

To enter the island legally, you must to arrive either through Larnaca International Airport (LCA), or Paphos International Airport (PFO).

Note: The closest legal airport to Nicosia is Larnaca International Airport (LCA).

Before you book your air tickets, you might want to read this...Flights to Cyprus.

How do you get from Larnaca International Airport (LCA) to Nicosia?

Check out our article on Larnaca Airport Transfers, isn’t that cool how we’ve got you covered all the way? :-)

Section 7: Getting Around

The only trains that used to run on the island of Cyprus used to run in the copper mines near the Kalavasos Dam.

The transport options that are widely used today are rental cars, taxis, buses, or your own private vehicles. So, the most common question that arises is…

…Which is the best way to explore the city and the district of Nicosia?

Here’s our answer...

Nicosia City – The Capital City of Cyprus

The best way to explore the City of Nicosia is on foot, on a Segway tour, by bus, a bicycle, or taxi.

Note: For the Segway or walking tours, check out Cyprus Tours (Go to the section “Nicosia Tours”, and look up all the tours there).

The District of Nicosia

The best way to explore the vast district of Nicosia is by vehicle. If you wish to rent a car you might find the following articles helpful...

...So, that lets the sun go down on another article, “The Locals’ Travel Guide to the Capital City of Cyprus: Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek)”.

We hope you had fun planning, or even just dreaming about your trip to this wonderful city and district…on the most beautiful island of Cyprus.

With our kindest regards, from Cyprus with Love

Maria & Chris :-)

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