North Nicosia (Lefkoşa) — Arabahmet & the Büyük Han

Nicosia, Cyprus

The Turkish Cypriot old town, atmospheric and less polished, centred on the beautiful Ottoman caravanserai Büyük Han and the Selimiye Mosque. A different…

Explore Nicosia

Nicosia — current status

Open. (Status checked 2026-08-30.)

Nicosia — TL;DR

Nicosia is unlike any other capital in Europe: the last divided city in the world, its star-shaped Venetian walls enclosing an old town split between the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north by a UN buffer zone you cross on foot at Ledra Street.

Nicosia at a glance

What are the best things to do in Nicosia? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Nicosia trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Nicosia? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Nicosia — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
When is the best time to visit Nicosia? March to May and October to November for warm, comfortable days.
Where should I stay in Nicosia for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Nicosia? The walled old town is small and walkable; cross between south and north on foot at the Ledra Street checkpoint (bring your passport).

Nicosia overview

March to May and October to November for warm, comfortable days. Summer is very hot inland; winters are mild. Spring brings the surrounding countryside into bloom.
The walled old town is small and walkable; cross between south and north on foot at the Ledra Street checkpoint (bring your passport). Buses cover the wider city; taxis are cheap. A car helps for the Troodos mountains and coast.
Euro (€) south; Turkish Lira (₺) north
Greek and Turkish. English is widely spoken.
EET (UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer)
A young café-and-craft scene reviving the old town on both sides; modern takes on Cypriot meze and halloumi; a growing wine culture from the island's indigenous grapes; and cross-border walking tours drawing curious visitors.

Where to eat, drink & do in Nicosia

Nicosia neighborhoods

Old Town (South) — Laiki Geitonia & Ledra The restored heart of the southern old town, with pedestrian shopping streets, craft workshops and tavernas within the Venetian walls. The city's walkable core.
North Nicosia (Lefkoşa) — Arabahmet & the Büyük Han The Turkish Cypriot old town, atmospheric and less polished, centred on the beautiful Ottoman caravanserai Büyük Han and the Selimiye Mosque. A different world minutes across the line.
Faneromeni & the buffer-zone edge The bohemian streets around Faneromeni Square, with student bars, indie cafés and murals up to the dividing line. The city's creative, youthful side.
Makarios Avenue & the modern centre The commercial heart south of the walls, with international shops, malls and business hotels. The everyday, modern city.

Practical info for Nicosia

Getting around in Nicosia? The walled old town is small and walkable; cross between south and north on foot at the Ledra Street checkpoint (bring your passport). Buses cover the wider city; taxis are cheap. A car helps for the Troodos mountains and coast.
When to go in Nicosia? March to May and October to November for warm, comfortable days. Summer is very hot inland; winters are mild. Spring brings the surrounding countryside into bloom.
What's changing now in Nicosia? A young café-and-craft scene reviving the old town on both sides; modern takes on Cypriot meze and halloumi; a growing wine culture from the island's indigenous grapes; and cross-border walking tours drawing curious visitors.
Seek out The Venetian walls & Famagusta Gate in Nicosia? The star-shaped 16th-century walls ringing the old town, with the restored Famagusta Gate now a cultural venue. A quiet walk around the city's edge.
Base yourself in Old Town (South) — Laiki Geitonia & Ledra in Nicosia? The restored heart of the southern old town, with pedestrian shopping streets, craft workshops and tavernas within the Venetian walls. The city's walkable core. Known for crafts, shopping, tavernas.

Frequently asked questions about Nicosia

What are the best things to do in Nicosia? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Nicosia trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Nicosia tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Nicosia? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Nicosia — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Nicosia? March to May and October to November for warm, comfortable days. Summer is very hot inland; winters are mild. Spring brings the surrounding countryside into bloom.
Where should I stay in Nicosia for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Nicosia? The walled old town is small and walkable; cross between south and north on foot at the Ledra Street checkpoint (bring your passport). Buses cover the wider city; taxis are cheap. A car helps for the Troodos mountains and coast.

Practical notes for Nicosia

Best time to visit: March to May and October to November for warm, comfortable days. Summer is very hot inland; winters are mild. Spring brings the surrounding countryside into bloom.
Getting around: The walled old town is small and walkable; cross between south and north on foot at the Ledra Street checkpoint (bring your passport). Buses cover the wider city; taxis are cheap. A car helps for the Troodos mountains and coast.
Currency: Euro (€) south; Turkish Lira (₺) north
Language: Greek and Turkish. English is widely spoken.
Timezone: EET (UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer)
Current trends: A young café-and-craft scene reviving the old town on both sides; modern takes on Cypriot meze and halloumi; a growing wine culture from the island's indigenous grapes; and cross-border walking tours drawing curious visitors.

Other neighborhoods in Nicosia

Old Town (South) — Laiki Geitonia & Ledra — The restored heart of the southern old town, with pedestrian shopping streets, craft workshops and tavernas within the Venetian walls. The city's walkable core.
Faneromeni & the buffer-zone edge — The bohemian streets around Faneromeni Square, with student bars, indie cafés and murals up to the dividing line. The city's creative, youthful side.
Makarios Avenue & the modern centre — The commercial heart south of the walls, with international shops, malls and business hotels. The everyday, modern city.

Read the full Nicosia guide