The City

Old Town
​Cyprus’ diminutive size is greatly disproportionate to the wealth of treasures that you will discover during your visit to its capital. Dating back to the Bronze Age, Nicosia is perhaps the only area of Cyprus that has been continuously inhabited since the Chalcolithic Era (3000 B.C until present day), with its first inhabitants settling in the fertile Mesaoria Valley. Nicosia’s illustrious history and geographical uniqueness have made it a crossroads for some of history’s most important civilizations. Imold-town.jpgprints left by greats such as the Ptolemies, Romans and the Byzantines, the Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and finally the British may be encountered in one’s travails through the Old Town area of Nicosia.
It may surprise some to discover that Niold-town.jpgcosia was not always the impressive capital that one encounters today. Historians believe that that it was built over the ancient city of Ledra, a small town that existed around 7th – 8th century B.C.

It was only when the monarchical institutions fell at the end of the 4th century that Nicosia was able to take advantage of its natural resources and geographical position at the centre of the island. Cyprus’ last days as a monarchy ended with the Franks when Catherine Cornaro, the last queen of Cyprus, was forced to give the island to Venetians. Old Nicosia is surrounded by the Venetian Walls, behind which one may discover the city’s historic past unfold into a magical labyrinth of museums, old churches and medieval buildings. The Nicosia Walls were built by the Franks in the 16th century after the Lusignan kings arrived on the island. The Venetians realized that the walls did not offer adequate protection from invaders and tore them down, replacing them with the walls that remain until present day. The Ottomans repaired the Walls and covered them with stones during their occupation of Nicosia. Until today, the Walls are the most well – preserved construction in the city.
Do not forget to take a walk through Laiki Geitonia, where you have the opportunity to see some remarkable examples of traditional urban architecture as well as other small art workshops. In the same area, one will also encounter the LeventioMuseum with its collections of architectural findings, medieval armours and other documentation of Nicosia’s evolution. Seek out Trypiotis Church that dates back to 1695, Phaneromeni Church and the Cross of Missirikos, an old Byzantine church with gothic Italian elements that was converted into Araplar Mosque in 1571. Also noteworthy is the Armenian Church and Monastery (Notre Dame de Tyre) that was originally a nunnery during the 13th century. This particular church also has architectural elements from the 14th century, since renovations taking place were never completed the Ottoman siege. The Church only took on its present form after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The Omerie Area lies at the heart of the inner wall city and includes important examples of urban architecture, including the notable landmarks Omerie Mosque and Baths. While you are in Laiki Geitonia, stop by the Nicosia Local Market which is located next to the Arts Centre and the old inns. This area once made up the socioeconomic centre of the inner – wall city and continues to be a meeting point for Nicosia’s multi-cultural citizens.

Modern City
Nicosia is a city that will reward visitors in search of ‘something different’. As a result of the various architectural influences that are visible throughout the city, one cannot help but be charmed by the manner in which past and present, traditional and contemporary have seamlessly fused together. The modern city centre will capture your imagination from the start, with its melting pot of influences that give the city a unique image. The city’s landmarks, museums, theatres, musical events and galleries both inspire and fascinate.

​The streets of Makariou, Ledras, Onasagorou, Stassikratous and Mnasiadou offer shopping options that are comparable to many European countries. Nicosia also offers Cypriot and international culinary temptations in the many luxury restaurants that line its streets.

What to Do

GASTRONOMY
Expect generous portions, full-flavoured food, local wine and homemade desserts 
Cypriot cuisine is a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tastes, an amalgamation of textures and flavours that offers a gastronomic experience unlike anything you’ve ever had. From traditional family-run tavernas in the villages up in the mountains to modern, gourmet restaurants serving fusion cuisine, visitors are sure to get their fill of delicious recipes in the capital. 
Local cuisine, prepared with the finest Mediterranean ingredients and served in portions bigger than average, is full of flavour and so we suggest you give all local delicacies at least one try.  In Nicosia, there are numerous local tavernas in the old town- you’ll find some on the cobbled Onasagorou Street and some tucked in nearby alleys that serve the local fare with traditional live music – to give you an authentic Cypriot experience. Dining at a traditional taverna in Cyprus will have you wondering how many more plates will land on your table when you order the Cyprus meze. A local staple, the Cyprus Meze is much like having a private buffet on your table- it involves a series of plates (usually more than 10) that include a range of appetizers, dips and salads, main meat-based dishes and a homemade dessert served with locally brewed Cypriot coffee. Some of the appetizers arrive in the form of dips and include the Tzatziki (yoghurt with garlic, cucumber and olive oil), Tahini (crushed sesame seeds with olive oil, lemon and garlic), Taramosalata (fish roe, pureed potatoes with olive oil, parsley, lemon juice and onion) and Hummus (chickpeas and tahini). The main dishes consist of mostly souvla and souvlaki which is lamb, pork or chicken cooked on a skewer and garnished with oregano. The Cyprus Meze comes in two varieties, the Meat meze (recommendation: order when in the city or in the villages) and the Fish meze (recommendation: order if you are by the seaside). One might think that this style of dining is similar to tapas, but the portions here are much larger and the food is not exactly in the form of nibbles. 
It is also recommended that you try the island’s local food in one of the capital’s villages up in the mountains, such as Palechori, Kakopetria or Kalopanayiotis, for an authentic culinary experience in a serene environment with food prepared with locally sourced fresh ingredients. In the villages you will also find local homemade sweets in the local cafes (kafeneia) such as the sweet-spoon glika tou koutaliou which are made of preserves of almond, date, apricot, cherry, grapes and many more and loukoumades, very sweet pastries made of deep fried dough soaked in honey syrup. Accompany your dessert with the local homemade lemonade – it’s very refreshing. Small shops will sell the traditional Cypriot sweet pasteli made of carob syrup and soutzoukos, made of grape juice and nuts on a string.
In the city centre, you will also find a range of restaurants serving Italian cuisine, with pizza and pasta dishes – many of which have an open kitchen where pizzas are freshly made in the large wood fire ovens. They also serve Mediterranean style pizzas that include local flavours and ingredients. Another big chapter in the capital’s gastronomy is Japanese cuisine and the culinary trend that goes by the name of sushi. Many locals are fans of the Japanese fusion cuisine, which is why you will find many restaurants serving sushi mainly in the city centre. 
If you are on the go, grab a souvlaki or gyros, which the Cyprus version of a kebab - meat (usually pork or chicken) wrapped in pitta bread with salad. Or you can visit any of the local bakeries, there’s one almost around every corner in Nicosia and get one of the local pies, to include the famous halloumi cheese pie, round tahini pie or sausage pie. One of the town’s oldest bakeries is in the old city - open since 1948. Other typical snacks such as sandwiches are offered here in their king-size edition (compared to the range on offer at Europe’s delis), especially if you order the local “triara special” sandwich. 
If you are lucky you’ll be in the capital when the Fork Food Market is taking place at the municipal park, a mobile food market regularly organised with approximately eight vendors offering enticing options with food from cuisines from all over the world such as the Caribbean. Food from their stalls comes at affordable prices.

WINE ROUTES
Whilst in the villages make sure you take at least one of the wine routes to visit some of the capital’s wineries. The wine route that passes through both Larnaca and Nicosia’s mountainous area goes through 10 villages and includes three wineries with vineyards with the white wine varieties of Assyrtiko, Malvasia Aromatica, Chardonnay Xynisteri and Sauvignon blanc, and the red varieties of Maratheftiko, Cabernet and Merlot. The route passes through Nicosia, Skarinou, Lefkara, Kato Drys, Vavla, Ora, Odou, Farmakas, Gourri, Fikardou and Kalo Chorio. The Anama Concept, a winery situated in Lythrodontas village is also worth visiting. Operated by an oenologist and a jewellery designer they specialise in the making of both traditional and innovative products that are authentically Cypriot including the produce of Commandaria, the world's oldest wine produced on the island of Cyprus for more than five thousand years. Commandaria Anama is being exported to many countries around the world including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany and Greece. At Santa Irene Winery in the village of Farmakas, you will come across the cultivation of two local varieties- the red variety Mavro Ambelisimo with four labels, and the white Xynisteri variety which has been internationally awarded in Thessaloniki, Vienna and London. The vines in Farmakas are being cultivated for more than 100 years. Book your wine tasting and vineyard tour and enjoy picturesque views as you explore the vineyards high up in the Nicosia mountains while your guide provides you with all the information about the viticulture and history of the region. Enjoy a culinary tour of fusion Cyprus cuisine at the winery’s fusion restaurant Ierambelos, including a gourmet lunch or dinner on the picturesque balconies of the Santa Irene winery. Aes Ambelis Winery in the village of Kato Chorio is open for public visits and tastings all year round. Guests can taste wines in the hall overlooking the barrel aging cellar on one side and the beautiful Pitsilia mountains on the other, and also enjoy the winery tour that follows the winemaking process from grape to glass. Accompany your tasting with artisanal premium cheese and charcuterie selections from local traditional producers.

SHOPPING
There’s something exhilarating about shopping on vacation. One-of-a-kind finds from local artisans at local flea markets, designer purchases from flagship storefronts, special pieces from local designers in boutique shops and markets teeming with local flavour. And like all modern European capitals, Nicosia is a city that has it all, including a varied shopping scene. 
Ledras and Onasagorou streets in the old city are full of shops – a mix of international chains and local shops. In the cobbled alleys of Ermou Street and the nearby streets you will find the work of local artists including ceramics, arts and crafts, books, handmade dolls, paintings in art galleries, lighting fixtures and other. Polyergastiriakon Centre of Chrysalliniotissa is also located in the area (2 Demonaktos Street, historic area of Thaht-El-Kale), hosting Arts and Crafts exhibitions. The Centre hosts craftsmen and artists who create both traditional and contemporary, innovative art. You will find ceramics, paintings, sculptures, digital art paintings and creations made of glass, wood and fabric. Laiki Geitonia in the old town is full of souvenir shops and stores with traditional Cypriot goods.  
Fashion designer boutiques can be found in the city centre selling the work of local or international designers with some selling vintage clothes. Archibishop MakariouAvenue, Themistokli Dervi Avenue and Stasikratous street in the new city feature name-brand stores for high-class shopping. Especially on Stasikratous Street you’ll find mostly high end fashion stores. 
Outside the city limits, on the outskirts, you will find The Mall of Cyprus, the first shopping centre of its kind in Cyprus that first opened in 2007. The Mall of Cyprus, located on Verginas Street in Strovolos, merges the world’s most desirable brands, shopping convenience and leisure in a moder setting with an attractive mix of retail stores and international and local brands. It is located close to Limassol and Larnaca motorways with easy access from all cities and the airport. With an estimated 5.5 million visitors per year, The Mall of Cyprus is currently among the top retail and entertainment destinations in Cyprus. There is another mall in Nicosia, much smaller, The Mall of Engomi, which is located on 28th October Avenue in Engomi.  The mall is very close to the Cyprus International Exhibition Fair, Makarios Stadium and a number of private universities. It features a number of clothes shops with options for the whole family, a cosmetics section with beauty products and products for your home. There is also a café on the ground floor, a large DIY store and a supermarket. There is a large shopping mall currently under development set to open in November 2018, Nicosia Mall in Lakatamia area featuring a unique shopping space of 82,000 m².  Nicosia Mall is considered to be the island’s new fashion centre, hosting a wide variety of brands and the largest selection of the world’s leading retailers under one roof.

MARKETS
If you are a collector or fan of vintage items, pay a visit to the Nicosia Flea Market, an indoor space in Kaimakli with over 50 exhibitors offering mostly vintage items (including clothes) up for sale. Here you’ll find vintage typewriters, old sewing machines, rare books and many more treasures. The Flea Market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm, year-round.
The city also has a range of vintage furniture shops selling second hand furniture and decorations. Also, an array of colourful fresh fruits and vegetables –the produce of local farmers - are on sale at the OXI Open Market every Saturday and Wednesday at Constanza Bastion. 
The Cyprus Handicraft Centre in Strovolos is an outlet for producing and selling traditional folk art and crafts. Visitors experience the artists engaged in traditional crafts at the workshops, such as embroidery and lace making, tapestry, weaving, basketry, woodcarving, pottery, metalwork (copperware and silver), leather and garment making. An exhibition displays the various handicrafts, along with other items such as ceramic tiles and ancient figures, whilst a wide range of the authentic Cypriot handmade goods can also be purchased at the shop.
 
NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife in the capital is rather unique in that being a small city compared to other European cities, there are fewer options and so how you spend your night heavily depends on where you choose to go. There are numerous clubs filled with mostly a youthful crowd if you are in the mood for dancing and regular dj sets taking place mostly at local bars or small concerts. If you want to go out for drinks, there are bars in the old town offering a relaxed atmosphere in their courtyards (especially during the summer) where you can enjoy locally brewed beer (at some bars/breweries) or locally sourced wine - there are some wineries in the old town and city centre producing their own in house wine. Accompany your wine with nibbles, they all serve nuts or platters with drinks. Many of these places regularly host live music gigs. If you are a fan of cocktails, there are some bars or “drinkeries” dedicated to the artistry of making taste bud tantalising signature cocktails. There’s even one in the city centre that has been listed in the world’s best 50 bars for three consecutive years -in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
If you want to experience the authentic going out experience in the capital, perch at one of the local coffee shops or kafeneia in the old town or in Kaimakli area. While there, you’ll be served the national drink zivania (a strong white spirit) with nibbles such as cucumber, olives, carrots and cold meat cuts such as lountza (dried smoked pork tenderloin), pastourmas (Cyprus spicy sausage) and chiromeri (smoked ham from a whole pork leg that matures in red wine).

ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS
The island’s love for festivals is obvious as there are numerous happening on an annual basis. The capital is brimming with art exhibitions, music, theatre, and cinema events and there is something going on every night to suit all tastes and moods. 

MUSIC 
Since 2001, the Pharos Arts Foundation has been organising the International Pharos Chamber Music Festival, which takes place every May of each year and brings numerous internationally acclaimed classical musicians to Cyprus who hold concerts at the Shoe Factory in the old town.  The foundation also organises piano, viola and cello recitals year-round and also literary poetry evenings. They also organise the International Pharos Contemporary Music Festival which also takes place every year in October and is a festival of new music that features numerous well-established masterpieces of the 20th century as well as works by the younger generation of leading composers from all over the world.  The Festival is rooted in the Pharos Arts Foundation’s deep commitment to music creativity and innovation (www.pharosartsfoundation.org/). Anglanjazz is a festival dedicated to jazz music with the participation of internationally acclaimed music ensembles from Cyprus, Greece, France, Spain and Slovakia among other that takes place at the Aglandjia Old Square in Nicosia every June with a free entrance (www.aglanjazz.com).
The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra (CySO) has a strong presence in the musical life on the island - it also a national symbol representing Cyprus in Europe and beyond. The Orchestra presents around 30 different programmes of regular evening concerts, community outreach concerts, educational and family concerts as well as a chamber music concerts, which amount to 80-90 concerts annually, in all cities of the island. The Orchestra performs a variety of musical genres ranging from the great classical masterpieces of all periods, operatic and ballet music to light orchestral music, orchestrated art and folk songs, film music, musicals, jazz, and other. There are also performances promoting local young musical talent by the Cyprus Symphony Youth Orchestra.

CINEMA
Cyprus Film Days IFF is the official competition feature fiction film festival that takes place every year in Cyprus. The festival includes both national films and award-winninginternational films. Special tributes, parallel screenings, master classes, workshops and musical events, complete the program of the official International Film Festival of Cyprus.  It also includes screenings of international awarded films for young audiences as well as short films produced by children in Cyprus and Greece. All films are presented in their original language with Greek and English subtitles. Usually takes place in April (www.cyprusfilmdays.com). Constantia Open-Air Cinema launches its Summer Movie Marathon every year from June to September in Pallouriotissa with screenings of local and international films under the stars from Wednesday to Sunday. Artos Foundation in Ayioi Omoloyites also hosts film festivals such as the Short Matters! with screenings of awarded European short films. There are two large cinemas with six screens, K-Cineplex in the Nicosia Mall and K-Cineplex in Engomi where you can watch blockbuster films. 
Every year, during the Francophonie month, the French Institute of Cyprus in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus and the French speaking embassies organise numerous events including the Francophonie Film Festival. The Festival is organised in collaboration with the Association a Friends of Cinema and the Embassies of Switzerland, Bulgaria, Romania and Lebanon. It takes place at Cine Studio Cinema at the University of Nicosia in Engomi. Cine studio also regularly hosts international film screenings organised by the Friends of Cinema association (www.ofk.org.cy/), founded in 1991.  There are screenings almost every week of the year with dedications to directors, cinematic schools but also screenings of films from Asia, Japan and Iran. It also hosts European, French, Spanish and German Film Festivals with screenings of the best films awarded at international film festivals. 

FESTIVALS, EXHIBITIONS, THEATRE
The annual Nicosia Festival consists of a series of cultural events organised by Nicosia Municipality in squares and neighbourhoods from July to September. Attend and enjoy music, singing, dance shows, poetry, theatre and much more. The Faneromeni Arts Festival also takes place from June to September in the city’s largest courtyard, that of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, that opens its gates and welcomes everyone to enjoy feature films, live music gigs and theatre performances. It is a multidimensional festival propagating art and contemporary artistic creation with local and international performances at the foundation’s open-air amphitheatre. Events are suitable for all ages and the festival entry is with free admission. The Nicosia Beer Festival takes place every September at the Famagusta Gate moat with a free entrance. Small wooden houses host beers from around the world, food and desserts which you can enjoy in the Beer Garden with live music from popular local bands. Many theatre productions also take place at the National Theatre of THOC (Cyprus Theatre Organisation) and other independent theatres. Galleries also organize openings of new art exhibitions, almost every week, featuring local artists and launching new talent.  The Medieval Nicosia Festival is a five-day festival celebrating medieval Nicosia featuring guided tours, parade, music performances, theatre, and interesting lectures and presentations taking place at various locations around Nicosia.

ATTRACTIONS: CULTURE/HISTORY/ART
Nicosia’s rich history and cultural importance is evidenced by the large number of museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks that can be found all over the city. The old city features the most historic sites around the famous Faneromeni Church. Artisan shops continue to produce outstanding traditional instruments and art works, while avant-garde galleries showcase modern cultural creations of a lively, culturally-rich city. Nicosia has more than 50 museums and cultural attractions to explore. 
Visit the www.visitnicosia.com.cy/museums website to find out more.

ACTIVITIES
Horse Riding 
If you love horse riding, there’s two places you can enjoy the sport in Nicosia, Cavalier Riding Club and Lapatsa Riding School. Cavalier Riding Club is set in the countryside between the villages of Ayii Trimithias and Ayios Yiannis and was created in 1997. The Club has 45 horses, two arenas, 40 block stables and five paddock stables. Visitors can also enjoy views of the surrounding countryside and see the ducks and donkeys. The Club also runs a riding programme for children with special abilities (Tel: 99611398). Lapatsa Riding School is also located in the outskirts of Nicosia between Tseri and Kato Deftera and is the biggest riding establishment in Cyprus with a large outdoor arena and an indoor arena, horse walker, lunging pen and race track (Tel: 22455194). The Lythrodontas Riding School- P.Tsaktiris (Olive Grove Farm, Tel: 96317091) founded in 2015 by horse riding instructor Panayiotis Tsaktiris currently has more than 35 horses and over 200 students. The school offers visitors horse riding excursions of an hour or more in the Lythrodontas forest suitable for both beginners and experienced riders
 
Hamam 
If you are a fan of spa treatments, look no further than Hamam Omeriye in the old town. Hamam Omerye, set within the heart of Nicosia’s old town, is a historical spa. Since 1570 and until today, the Hamam is a popular attraction  offering a traditional ritual called “the bath”, which is performed in a warm space with an impressive dome, a polygonal marble bench and running waters descending from traditional fountains, promising a truly rewarding experience. It has been awarded with the Europa Nostra prize for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage in 2006. 
 
Mind Body and Spirit Cyprus 
If you are embarking on a spiritual journey, or seeking a more conscious way of living, the Mind Body and Spirit festival which takes place every year in autumn in Nicosia is the place to go. The festival brings together energy healers and yoga teachers from Cyprus and all over the world, to spread their secrets and knowledge. Other creative experiences include dancing, spiritual art, crystals and jewellery, and enjoying healthy organic food cooked on site. Kids are welcome with activities specially tailored to their needs such as kids yoga, healthy cooking, dancing with capoeira rhythms and teaching kids mindful meditation from a young age.

Farms
Relax in nature at the following farms and handmade product workshops situated at about a 40-minute drive away from the capital with educational activities for the whole family. Riverland Bio Farm in the village of Kampia is an organic farm where animals feed on organic food produced in certified organic fields. They also produce free range eggs, goat milk, goat cheese, halloumi, kefir (fermented milk drink), airani (yoghurt-based drink) and other related products which they sell in their shop. Here, you can enjoy a day full of activities with your family, including hiking, riding a pony, walking in nature, providing care for the animals and much more. At Petrides Farm Park in Marki village you can get hands-on experience providing care for animals through various activities and learning about them. You can also take long walks in nature on the 2.5km trails or engage in indoor and outdoor activities with some taking place in the huge soft play zone for kids filled with games. You can also perch for coffee and snacks at the Farm Park cafe. In the mountainous village of Gourri, you will find a unique workshop called CyprusFisika, a family owned business that created a local brand that produces 100% handmade natural skin products. The products are all made with natural ingredients sourced from nature which is where they take their inspiration from and include olive oil soaps (bars and liquid), lip balms, bath salts and other cosmetics. Chrystalla and Avgoustinos (the owners behind this venture), use Cypriot olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, herbs and essential oils to create all products. 
 
Bike tours 
There are numerous cycling routes in the capital to exercise and admire the scenery while on holiday. The Athalassa National Forest Park Cycling Route spans a distance of 16km and is a bicycle path created by the Forestry Department. It’s popular among locals for exercise and recreation. There is also a route that starts from Tseri village, goes through the villages of Tseri, Analiondas and Lythrodontas and ends up in Finikoudes beach in Larnaca through the villages of Mathiatis, Sia, Mosfiloti, Psevdas and Agia Anna. 

Nicosia Historical Tour by Bike
The tour takes place every Tuesday in Nicosia and can accommodate up to 10 persons.
> Starting point is Solomos Square - Central Bus station.
> Starting time 10:00 (All clients must be there by 09:30 for bike adjustments)
The bike tour lasts for 3,5 to 4 hours. The comprehensive tours are specially designed to include all major sites in the last divided capital of the world. Starting from Solomos square we will head into the cosmopolitan and culturally diversified Ledras and Faneromenis Streets. 
Then, we will bike towards the Old Municipality and Marketplace through the narrow streets heading towards the historic and oldest school of secondary education in the city, the Pancyprian Gymnasium, established in 1812. The school is situated opposite the Ayios Ioannis Cathedral and Archbishopric. From there, we continue riding around Taktakalas area with its narrow streets and graphic beauty reaching Zemenides residence, Ayios Kassianos church and Aksiotheas street to admire the distinctive traditional architecture of the old “archontika” or manor houses. 
Our journey into history continues with our visit to Kaimakli Cultural Centre and the Old Railway Station, constructed in 1905 by the British and operated until 1951. From there, we head back towards the old city walls and the impressive Famagusta Gate, the hallmark of the old walled city, and its interesting history since it was built in 1567 by the Venetians. Towards the end of our tour we will cycle along the old city walls so you can enjoy more features of the historic city from the saddle of your bike. Our tour and bike experience concludes with our visit to the Liberty Monument which depicts an important element of the island’s history!

Nicosia Free Guided Tours 
Nicosia, a town with more than 6000 years of history has lots to offer to the visitors. Walking in the city, the visitor gets to know the city’s history throughout the many centuries and its tradition, but also gains an understanding of the constant cultural activity and development. The walks in Nicosia are based upon this philosophy. 
The walks are offered free of charge. A qualified tourist guide welcomes the visitors and escorts them in the walk. They are organised throughout the year and are conducted in English.
• The Past restored: Pallouriotissa and Kaimakli (bus and walking tour)*
Monday. 10:00-13:00 (Starting point: CTO Information Office)
For bookings: 22674264
• Discover the old Nicosia and its walls *
Thursday/10:00-13:00 (Starting point: CTO Information Office)
* OFFERED BY THE NICOSIA MUNICIPALITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION AND THE CYPRUS TOURIST GUIDES ASSOCIATION
The tours are conducted by CTO Licensed Tourist Guides
Guided Tours are free of charge
Every walk lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 30 minute break. It is advised that all the participants wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Furthermore, a hat or a cap is essential for the summer months.
Further information:
Nicosia Tourism Board
Tel: +357 22889600
Cyprus Tourism Organisation Information Office - Laiki Geitonia
Tel: +357 22674264
Cyprus Museum
Tel: +357 22865854

OLD TOWN
To get the most out of your venture through one of Europe’s most intriguing capitals, being the last divided city in the world that dates back to the Bronze Age, you should take a walk in its old town and discover this true gem of an old city. The old city centre, surrounded by Venetian Walls dating from 1567, is full of art, culture and architecture, with museums, galleries, shops, bars and restaurants nestled in narrow alleys. The city’s historic past unfolds into a unique labyrinth of old churches and medieval buildings.
One of Nicosia’s most popular areas is Ledra Street. This cobbled area is a high street full of tradition with shops, local cafés and bars. Most of the buildings here still carry their 18th century charm. Parallel to the bustling Ledra Street, runs Onasagorou Street, offering a more authentic experience of the city. Don’t miss the “People of Cyprus” street art on Pythonos Street, off Onasogarou. The street leads to Phaneromeni Church Square; perch for coffee here. At Laiki Geitonia, you’ll get your souvenirs and free maps from the tourist office. You’ll find numerous old ladies selling their embroidery here. At Ermou Street, you’ll walk over Nicosia’s old river (it used to be a river during Venetian rule). You’ll find numerous craftsmen here, working in small work spaces. While here, visit the Centre of Visual Arts & Research, a platform to explore the cultural heritage of Cyprus through art, books and photographs. The view from its roof garden, especially during sunset is mesmerising- you can see the tiled roofs, mosques and monuments of old Nicosia. Chrysaliniotissa area, centred around the Panayia Chrysaliniotissa Church is also worth the visit. It’s a picturesque neighbourhood worth the stroll if only to admire the colourful flower pots outside houses and the 20th century Cypriot urban architecture. Spot the construction year of each building on their façade and smell the jasmine.

Museums
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the island and visit the old Archbishop’s Palace (1 Archibishop Kyprianou Square) that hosts the Byzantine Museum and the Archbishopric’s Library. Close by, you can find the Museum of Folk Art and the Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion (20 Patriarchou Grigoriou) that operates as an Ethonological Museum.  The Leventis Municipal Museum (15-17 Ippokratous Street, Laiki Geitonia, 22661475), has a permanent exhibition recording the history of the capital from 3900 BC. The Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage (86-90 Phaneromenis, 22128157) found in the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation offers a presentation of more than 500 coins, divided in nine chronological periods tracing Cyprus’ tumultuous history, from the first coins minted on the island in the 6th century BC to the present day. Visit the www.visitnicosia.com.cy/museums website to find out more about all the museums in the city. 

Art Galleries
Nicosia is bursting at the seams with great contemporary art galleries and innovative exhibition spaces. Based in a space located at a nodal point between the old city of Nicosia and its declining modern commercial centre, Point Centre for Contemporary Art is a non-profit organisation involved in the creative support and promotion of various fields of contemporary cultural production, including the arts, architecture, film, music and sound, performance, discourse and thought. Thkio Ppalies in Pallouriotissa (close by to the old city) is a project space based in Nicosia founded by photographer Stelios Kallinikou and Peter Eramian. As a creative hub, Thkio Ppalies aspires to build and evolve active networks between artists, art spaces and organisations, both within Cyprus and internationally. Many visual arts projects and exhibitions take place here. is not gallery is an artist-run space that celebrates fine and applied arts, and promotes new and innovative works of young Cypriot and European artists, located in old Nicosia. It promotes “du jour” tendencies in art, such as the alternating art market through the thematic group exhibitions Cheap Art and A.I.P. (Artists in Print).  NiMAC (Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, Associated with the Pierides Foundation) is the oldest and largest Contemporary Art Centre of the island, inaugurated 1994. The Centre has organised more than 80 exhibitions of modern and contemporary art with the participation of well-known artists from Cyprus and abroad. ΓΚΑΡΑΖ  - Garage Art Space was founded in 2016 in a 1950s building renovated to a modern multicultural art space on Ammochostou street in old Nicosia. It aims to host art and theatre projects by young artists.   
 
Churches
Churches in the old town carry a huge historical and architectural precedence and are worth the visit. Head to Trypiotis Church that dates back to 1695, Faneromeni Church, the Cross of Missirikos - an old Byzantine church with gothic Italian elements that was converted into Araplar Mosque in 1571. Also noteworthy is the Armenian Church and Monastery (Notre Dame de Tyre) that was originally a nunnery during the 13th century. This particular church has architectural elements from the 14th century. At the Omerie Area you will find the notable landmarks Omerie Mosque and the Baths. The only part of the Mosque that belongs to the original 14th century building, the building was originally the Augustinian Church of St Mary, is the door of the main entrance. If you want to enter, you must take off your shoes. Visit the www.visitnicosia.com.cy/Churcheswebsite for more.

Source: www.visitnicosia.com.cy