Where to stay in Nicosia

See

Nicosia's sights are concentrated in and around the Old City, surrounded by a picturesque star-shaped city wall whose moat has been converted into a pleasant park. Wandering around the Old City is an interesting experience in itself, although some buildings (esp. those near the Green Line) are derelict and crumbling. Many sights in the Old City close early, so try to get an early start - also a good idea for beating the heat in the summer.

• Cyprus Museum (Κυπριακό Μουσείο)
• Byzantine Museum
• National Struggle Museum
• Leventis Municipal Museum
• House of the Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios
• Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage
• Ledra Observatory Museum
• The Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum
• Cyprus Museum of Natural History
• Cyprus Police Museum
• Cyprus Postal Museum
• Cyprus Folk Art Museum

Do

Explore the smaller city streets, small enough to easily do this on foot. Visit a traditional Cypriot cafe, and sample a Cypriot coffee. Greet the locals. Make sure you visit the Green Line and view all of the city from the Watchtower, into North and South Nicosia.

• Hamam Omerye
• K. Cineplex
• Zena Palace Cinema
• Horse Racing
• Tennis

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 elsewhere, bringing their experiences back home with them. As such most international cuisines are well represented (but unfortunately so are McDonald's & 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.

Drink

The substantial student population supports a flourishing industry of bars, pubs and nightclubs which keep the old city alive. Cypriots are true socialites and spend most of their time out as opposed to at home. In line with other south European countries going out is unheard of before 22:00-23:00. There is no official nightlife reference point but Makarios avenue turns into a catwalk cum cruising strip for Porsche owner show-offs. If you are after a more traditional flavour (generally catering for an older population) you could try a bouzouki bar. Bars will stock the usual international brands of spirits.

Stay safe

Crime rates are generally low in Cyprus. Pickpockets and petty theft are a risk at touristed areas, and some scams may be prevalent in bars, though may be less of a problem than at the beach resorts. Don't stray into the buffer zone other than at designated crossing points, and don't feel tempted to photograph military and police installations.