Location: Nicosia
Top Things to do in Nicosia
The 10 Best Things to Do in Nicosia, Cyprus
Nicosia, the capital of the island of Cyprus, has incorporated elements of the many empires and kingdoms that have claimed it over centuries stretching back to the Bronze Age. Narrow winding streets lead visitors from the Cyprus Museum, with its collection of Neolithic and Roman artifacts, to the thick city wall. Built in the 1600s by the Venetians, the wall now divides the ancient part of the city from the modern. Step through the stone gates and enter a place where the past is still alive.
Restaurants in Nicosia
1. Machairas Monastery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Gail O - Madison, Wisconsin
This was on our way from one town to another and it was worth the drive. The church is beautiful in itself. The monastery is well kept as you might expect. They make their own wine and olive oil which is for sale in their shop along with icons. There is also a museum of historical pieces which are pretty amazing.
2. Pivo microbrewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
A microbrewery/brewhouse in the heart of Nicosia's old town. πιβο is a family owned microbrewery that was co-founded by four brothers who share their passion for beer, knowledge, experience, innovation and creativity. Come along and enjoy our fresh brewed beers in a traditional house of 1910 in the heart of Nicosia’s old town. Watch how we brew in action, have a chat with the brewers and enjoy
Reviewed By ABEONAS - Folkestone, United Kingdom
Spotted this before we travelled to Cyprus. From the surrounding area I was mot expecting too much ... Well how mistaken was I . This place right on the edge of the buffer zone is a shining light. Great work mixing old and new , great decor! Coppers on site good choice of ales , try the four tasting crate! Soon there will be Graham on using KENT hops !! Excellent service from knowledgeable waiting staff . It dies get busy so book. Oh they do food as well!!
3. A. G. Leventis Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By YKoutsolambro - Paphos, Cyprus
The building is nice, visitor friendly and elegant. The collections are amazing, really improbable for the size of the island. Alongside many world class master like Manet, Chagal et al you find the most amazing presentation of Cypriot artists crowned with the magnificent "World of Cyprus" at Ground floor. A magical afternoon spent there. Not to be missed.
4. Sacred Temple Of Virgin Mary Faneromenis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
5. Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Christakis C
Leventis museum is located in the old city of Nicosia within walking distance from Ledra street(central shopping str in old Nicosia).
The old building was the house and medical practise of Themistoklis Dervis 1894-1968.He served as a mayor of Nicosia twice.1929-1946 and 1949-1959.
He donated his house to the municipality and converted into a museum with his private collection of antiquities and other historical excibits.
In 1989 , Leventis fountation took over the museum , restored it , upgreated it and added more excibitis from other private collectors.
Excibits cover the whole history of Cyprus from pre-historic years until today.Well displayed and explained through posters, photos etc.
Entrance is free and close only on Mondays.
6. Cyprus Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 522 reviews
Reviewed By brucestalker1 - Reading,
An excellent museum full of fascinating exhibits from the Hellenistic, Roman and Greek eras. Very modern, well laid out museum where exhibits are displayed to maximum effect. Highlights include their very own "terracotta army", artefacts showing the links with and influence of Ptolemy and a fascinating bust of Caligula. Limited gift shop but facilities include good toilets and free lockers for back packs/bags etc.
I do think this museum is under publicised and under rated which is reflected by the very cheap entrance fee. Highlight of the Greek side of Nicosia for us.
7. Buyuk Han
8. Shacolas Tower Museum & Observatory
Overall Ratings
4 based on 353 reviews
Reviewed By Phileas_Flogg - Oxford, UK
I have no idea why this 'attraction' gets positive feedback. The tower is not sited particularly close to the Green Line and so trying to make out even significant buildings on the Northern side takes a lot of effort.
In short, there is very little to see of the division of the city and you are better off tracing the course of the Green Line on the ground which, with a little persistence, provides an extremely rewarding insight. Nicosia isn't a particularly interesting city from above so, for me, the most I got out of it was a free toilet on the floor below.
True, there is a film with commentary on the history of Nicosia but it reveals nothing that you won't get from a good quality guidebook.
What I particularly didnt like was that you only find out that there is a fee once you exit the elevator.
My advice: avoid.
9. Panagia Asinou Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By Nicole B - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Of all the painted churches and monasteries, this was our favorite. It's just a simple squat building, but inside the entire interior is decked in vibrant frescoes. The setting is beautiful and the whole experience tranquil.
10. Selimiye Mosque
Overall Ratings
4 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By TonnaSteve - Neath, United Kingdom
This ex-Catholic Cathedral was long ago converted into a mosque, and the locals are very happy to welcome you to have a look around. You leave your shoes outside and there’s a rack of headscarves and modest coverings for visitors showing more flesh than Muslim dress codes are able to accept. There’s also a set of very clean attended toilets in the courtyard with a €0.50 fee. Recommended - see the dervishes dance on the hour next door too.
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