Nicosia is the largest city on the island of Cyprus and, as such, it offers visitors a level of diversity that many miss out on by just visiting beach resorts. Indeed, Nicosia’s tourism board itself claims that it is a city that will reward those in search of ‘something different’. With no shortage of stunning architecture as a result of the islands diverse history, the old town offers numerous picture-postcard scenes and historic churches to explore. However, Nicosia also features a modern and bustling centre, which offers numerous bars, galleries and parks. All in all, Nicosia has a wealth of museums, theatres, musical events and galleries to both inspire and fascinate any visitor.
Where to stay in Nicosia
Cyprus is a hugely popular tourist destination and has plenty of options for accommodation. However, if you are planning an extended stay in Nicosia, perhaps visiting the city on business, then you may find that serviced apartments are the best solution for you. Ranging from small, luxury studios to large scale corporate housing, The Squa.re offer plenty of options - each complete with the conveniences of room cleaning, a reception and seamless booking services, whilst also offering a home-from-home, affording you complete privacy and full kitchen and bathroom facilities.
What to do in Nicosia
As a major tourism hotspot, Cyprus has plenty of attractions for those visiting the island to unwind and enjoy themselves - and Nicosia is no exception. The whole city is teeming with trendy bars, cafes and vibrant markets. Simply walking round is a great way to get a feel for the culture and most people find that the best experiences to be had are those that are unplanned.
Walking tours are a great way to get a feel for the city, as Nicosia has such a diverse range of cultural influences and those are reflected in its beautiful architecture. From converted mosques to ancient monasteries, the city streets are steeped in history and exploring them is a great way to learn about the cultural heritage of the island.
Of course, there are also plenty of more familiar tourist activities. Nicosia has plenty of lively bars and clubs for those looking for after-hours entertainment - though Nicosia has more of a relaxed atmosphere than many of the party resorts along the coast. There are also plenty of more reserved places to enjoy - including restaurants serving international cuisine and various traditional and modern cafes.
Tips for staying in Nicosia
Places to eat
Piatsa Gourounaki is one of the city’s popular restaurants offering traditional Cypriot cuisine that is also family friendly. Those looking for something a little more intimate will find that Vino Cultura offers a relaxed setting to enjoy contemporary international dishes. Alternatively, for a quick bite to eat Il Forno Restaurant has quick and easy menus for lunch and dinner.
Shopping
The Mall of Cyprus is the premier place for shopping in Nicosia, housing hundreds of retailers as well as a cinema and eatieries. City Plaza is also a great place for retail therapy, with several fashion houses and high-end brands. Ledra street is noted for its markets and independent stalls, but the city streets are also full with small shops and stalls offering everything from local handicrafts to the usual selection of souvenirs.
Attractions
The Cyprus museum is a great place to head to if you want to get an overview of the islands history and explore the reasons behind its diverse culture. Likewise, Byzantine Museum gives an insight into the ‘other’ side of the Roman empire. The Archbishop's Palace is also worth a visit, with its stunning statues and multi-arched facade. Of course, many will prefer to simply enjoy the host of bars than can be found all over the city.
Transport
Cyprus has no railway system, so if you are looking to use public transport to get around in Nicosia then you will need to rely on buses, which offer a regular and reliable service to most neighbourhoods. There are also plenty of taxis that can be booked at a reasonable price - often providing a more comfortable alternative to buses. Of course, the city centre is highly pedestrianised and great to explore on foot.
Local Business
Aside from tourism, which is obviously a huge contributor to the Cypriot economy, Nicosia features a broad spectrum of local organisations. Many communications firms, including the Cyprus Internet Exchange and CYTA are based in the city, as well as financial institutions including the Cyprus Development bank and Pevex Management.
