Nicosia – Top Things To Do in Nicosia
The capital of Cyprus has many amazing locations to visit, especially due to the fact that its the only divided city left in Europe. In this post I have compiled some of the best spots to visit to see the history in person and some other popular spots too.
Famagusta gate
Built in the 16th century by the Venetians in order to defend the city against the Ottoman Turks. Famagusta Gate is the most important of the three gates of the Venetian Walls of Nicosia in the eastern part of the walls in Old Nicosia.
Faneromeni square
Faneromeni Square, is an important historical site located within the historical Venetian walls of Nicosia. It hosts a number of historical buildings and monuments.
Makarios Avenue, Stassicratous, Onasagorou & Ledras street
During the day the streets are filled with cute little cafes and restaurants, for you to enjoy. While at night the same streets are bustling, a favorite place of the locals to enjoy their evenings. Walk along these streets to get your shopping needs filled with clothing shops and jewellery stores.
Ikea and Mall of Cyprus
Pass by Ikea to shop for cheap furniture to furnish and decorate your place, here you can also enjoy the famous food court and try their Swedish meatballs. When you finish your shopping you can stop next door at the Mall of Cyprus, where you can find all kinds of stores that you need, from clothes, to electronics and more. You can meet up with your friends at the food court or meet up to enjoy a movie at the cinema.
Laiki Geitonia
Laiki Geitonia is a zone in the old area of Nicosia between the east of Ledras Street and north of the D’Avila Bastion. Its narrow cobbled streets are chock-full of traditional Cyprus architecture and churches and the neighbourhood contains many restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
A.G Leventis Gallery
For the Art enthusiasts, Leventis Gallery is ideal for you. Here you can enjoy exhibitions from both local and international artists.
For more information on the gallery and exhibitions check their website: https://www.leventisgallery.org/home
Venetian walls
Walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century surround the city. Though they still stand today the moat around the walls now has many different uses, serving as sports fields, public gardens, an open – air sculpture exhibition, car parks etc.
Green Line
Nicosia being the last city divided in Europe is separated by the green line. The green line is a buffer zone between the southern and the northern parts of Cyprus controlled by the UN. It is considered a dead zone therefore nobody is allowed to enter that zone. There are specific areas that were opened where people can cross from one side to the other, one of such areas is on Ledras Street. You also have the option of walking along the green line and seeing the inside of the zone, however, you have to be careful of the no photography zones. There is also the option of taking paid guided walking tours, where the tour guide will explain to you the history while showing you around the green line.
Athalassa National Forest Park
Athalassa Park photos by me
The perfect place to walk, run, cycle or walk your dog. Athalassa has a network of trails covering 20km, making it perfect for your athletic needs. The park has a total area of 840 hectares, covered in an oasis of greenery. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy the views and animals that find refuge there. Visitors can enjoy picnics, the lake that is home to ducks, swans and other animals and also visit the botanical gardens that are open everyday and free of charge.