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Nicosia
Understand
Nicosia is the world's last divided capital. The barbed wire and guardtowers of the Green Line cut the town in two, with the northern side being the capital of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the southern half being the capital of the Republic of Cyprus.
Politics aside, Nicosia is a little short on both the archaeological treasure troves and beaches with pulsating nightlife that bring most visitors to Cyprus. But the Old City with its museums and churches is pleasant enough, and precisely due to the comparative lack of tourists, the city retains more of an authentically Cypriot air than the resorts of the southern coast. Fantastic little cafes are open to invite you in for a Cypriot coffee, so just walk around and see the many woodworking shops that are deep within the City, and take a walk down to the Green Line, the boundary that now divides North from South. Being the financial and administrative centre of the island, it is by far the best place for shopaholics.
Eat
Traditional Cypriot cuisine is a melting pot of south European, Balkan and Middle Eastern influences. You will find most Greek, Turkish and Arabic dishes often with a local name or twist. It is now decades since Cyprus has established itself as a tourist hotspot and as a consequence many of the local chefs have trained in Europe and beyond bringing their experiences back home with them. As such most international cuisines are well represented (but unfortunately so are McDonalds & gang). In summary good food is not difficult to come by and most westerners will find dining quite affordable.
The shopping district is dotted with local tavernas and the likes of KFC and Pizza Hut. Virtually all restaurants allow smoking, (and unfortunately some don't even have a non smoking area). Al fresco dining is a luxury that can be enjoyed for over 6 months of the year. It would be a crime not to try (at least once) a mixed pork kebab with a chilled local KEO or Carlsberg (which is brewed locally and tastes different to the same brand overseas) beer. Carnivores are spoilt for choice, whilst vegetarians might find it a tad difficult.
BudgetKebab houses. The epitomy of Cyprus fast food. There is no neighbourhood without its local (99% of these are family-run businesses) so follow the BBQ smoke or smell. Try a traditional mixed kebab (aka souvlakia/sheftalia) with a cold KEO beer. That should set you back CYP£6-7 at the most.Sandwich kiosks. Several line Regina Str in central Nicosia close to Eleftheria Square. Some also offer doner kebab (gyros). Should cost less than CYP£5 including a soft drink, but you might have to stand whilst eating.Goody's. Eleftheria Square, City Center. Tel. +357-22681888. The Balkan answer to McDonald's. Don't expect more, don't expect less. Safe fastfood option, some dishes have a local flavour. Less than CYP£5 for a meal.Toronto Pizza . The first local Pizza chain created by a Cypriot returning from Canada. Now has over...
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Hotels in Nicosia
 | Averof  |
Score 6.625 from 8 reviews | | 19 Averof St |  |
| Sheltered in a corner of Ayios Andreas, this value-for-money hotel combines the advantages of a quiet residential area with the convenience of proximity to the town centre.
From the moment you enter the Averof Hotel you will experience the true meaning of local hospitality. A delightful rustic decor replaces the gloss of impersonal tourist accommodation. Wood panelling and wrought iron, traditional furniture and rich colours are reminiscent of a country manor. The cultural attractions of Nicosia are just waiting to be discovered. The Cyprus Museum and the National Theatre are close by, while the municipal pool with its surrounding lawns offers recreation within walking distance. Meanwhile, downtown shopping, entertainment and transportation to the island's coastal resorts are only a short drive away. Clearly, the Averof Hotel is for those who favour a stay that will bring them closer to Cyprus, its people and their lifestyle. ... more | | |
 | The Classic Hotel  |
Score 7.175 from 48 reviews | | 94 Rigenis St | |
| The Classic Hotel Situated in Nicosia, Capital of Cyprus, the center of Business and trade within the old Medieval Walls near museums, galleries, theatres and Shops. Walking distance from all the goverment offices, embassies and offshore companies. ... more | | |
 | Hilton Park Nicosia  |
Score 7.1 from 5 reviews | | Griva Dhigeni Avenue | |
| Our 194 rooms, including 16 deluxe rooms and 13 suites that overlook the hotel gardens and swimming pool or the city. ... more | | |
 | Hilton Cyprus  |
Score 6.575 from 6 reviews | | Archibishop Makarios III, Avenue | |
| The Fontana restaurant offers traditional and international cuisine from a buffet or à la carte menu. If you're seeking a quick snack or a coffee, the Lobby Lounge serves fresh salads and snacks while the Paddock bar offers an enjoyable English pub atmosphere, where you can meet with friends after a hard day's work. ... more | | | | More hotels in Nicosia |
Cyprus Museum
Near the Pafos Gate (west of the old city), inside the city gardens, you will find the Cyprus Museum. Built in 1908, the Cyprus Museum is the most important archeological museum on the island, and it is highly recommended. It exhibits stone jars of the 6th millenium BC, a marble statue of Aphrodite (from Soli, 1st century BC) and a gold sceptre (11th century BC)
Address:
Stylianos Lenas Square, corner of Museum Street and Homer Ave.
Tel. 02 - 302 189
Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm and Sun 10am - 1pm.
Panagia Phaneromeni Church
Situated in Onasagoras Street this fine Orthodox Church will draw your attention. It was rebuild on ancient remains (1300 AD) at the end of the 19th century (1872/73). In 1938 a new bell tower was added and its bells were brought from England in 1940/41.
The church was named after a nunnery of the same name, which once stood on this spot. It belonged to Panayia (Virgin Mary) Phanoromeni and the nuns were silk weavers who were engaged in charitable works.
After the ottoman occupation of Cyprus in 1571, the turks attempted to turn the church into a mosque. They were unsuccessful. What today characterises the Panagia Phaneromeni Church is its interior. The iconostasis dates from 1659 and is adorned with old icons bearing rich illustrations. The ancient icon of the Holy Virgin, after which the church is named, is kept at the Byzantine Museum og the Archbishop Makarios Cultural Centre in Nicosia. A copy of this magnificent icon was painted bz the well-known Cypriot painter Adamantios Diamantis in 1924. The icon is covered in silver with a goldplated cover made in 1851.
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Flexible |
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WaterWorld is a great outdoor water park stretched across 80,000 square meters in the busy Mediterranean town of Ayia Napa, where 300 days a year of sunshine makes it a perfect place to splash around and relax. In the ancient Greek ambience you will find unmatched bathing fun and relaxation. WaterWorld boasts a range of exhilarating rides in a relaxing environment, providing fun and entertainment for everyone plus lots of outdoor activities, shopping, bars, restaurants and more. WaterWorld has something for everyone, for toddlers and small children there is the "Trojan Adventure" with their very own giant Trojan Horse, which is a play structure with multi-level platforms, slides, water guns and on top a huge tipping bucket which can soak the entire family in seconds! For the adventurous thrillseekers WaterWorld offers its most innovative ride - the "Fall of Icarus", a world first which shoots you and a friend up towards the sun before you hurtle back down to earth over humps and bumps then splash into the pool below. For the less adventurous there are a variety of gentle slides and rides including the "River Odyssey", a great place to relax and take it easy whilst taking in some of the scenery as you gently float around in a rubber ring. This is just a taste of what is to come in a great day out for all ages.
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| Divided City - Nicosia |
8 - 10 hours |
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Travel to the Cyprus Archaeological Museum containing priceless artifacts of the islands past, for an optional visit.
Alternatively you may prefer to spend time in the city's excellent shopping center and to explore Laiki Yitonia - "the people's neighborhood", which was built in the 19th century and recently restored with taverns and craft workshops.
After lunch, pass by the Green Line which divides the city in two, the 16th century Venetian Walls, the Gate of Famagusta and the monument of Freedom.
Afterwards, you will visit the Cathedral of St John decorated with outstanding frescoes and the Byzantine Museum, which houses the
largest collection of icons on the island.
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