Nicosia
Nicosia is in Cyprus. A mid-range day costs about €162 per person, and hotels near the centre start at €63 a night.
Most visitors come for Venetian Walls, Ledra Street Crossing, and Cyprus Museum.
What to see and do
The sights most visitors come for: Venetian Walls, Ledra Street Crossing, Cyprus Museum, Büyük Han, Selimiye Mosque (formerly Cathedral), and Laiki Geitonia Quarter.
Away from the crowds
- The Hamam Omerye: A beautifully restored 14th-century Ottoman bathhouse located just inside the Venetian walls in the south.
- The Dervish Pasha Mansion: A traditional Ottoman-era house museum in the Arabahmet neighborhood of North Nicosia.
- The Liberty Monument: A large, striking monument located just outside the walls near the Paphos Gate.
- The Faneromeni Church & School Complex: A 19th-century church and adjacent historic buildings in the old city, south of the Green Line.
Where to stay
Ledra Street & The Green Line is the most central area, 2.3 km from the centre. Laiki Geitonia & Old City has the lowest typical hotel price, about €128 a night.
- Laiki Geitonia & Old City: 2.5 km from the centre, hotels about €128 a night. Best for First-time visitors and History lovers.
- Ledra Street & The Green Line: 2.3 km from the centre, hotels about €128 a night. Best for Political history buffs and Urban explorers.
Delphi Hotel 2-star hotel
From €63 a night2.7 km from the centre.
Check prices on Traveloka for Delphi HotelGate Twenty Two Boutique Hotel 3-star hotel
From €138 a night2.3 km from the centre.
Check prices on Traveloka for Gate Twenty Two Boutique HotelMAP Boutique Hotel 4-star hotel
From €184 a night1.9 km from the centre.
Check prices on Traveloka for MAP Boutique HotelLowest prices found on 4 February 2026; they change with your dates.
Hotels are booked on Traveloka. Rates are the lowest we found; we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
What it costs
A mid-range day costs about €162 per person: €110 for a room, €32 for food and €20 for sights. These are averages for Cyprus as a whole.
Many of the best experiences (walking the walls, exploring neighborhoods) are free.
€45 for a room, €15 for food, €8 for sights
€110 for a room, €32 for food, €20 for sights
€180 for a room, €60 for food, €42 for sights
Per person, travelling alone.
What to eat
Experience a traditional 'kafeneio' (coffee shop) in the old town. Order a 'café tou ellinikou' (Greek coffee) and watch the world go by.
- Halloumi Cheese
- Souvlaki
- Kleftiko, slow-cooked lamb
- Sheftalia, grilled sausage
- Moussaka
- Lokma, Turkish sweet dough balls
Day trips
Troodos Mountains
1 hour 15 min by car or bus. Escape the city heat for pine-scented air, picturesque villages, and stunning Byzantine churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Troodos Mountains tours on Viator from €60Kyrenia (Girne)
45 min by car from North Nicosia (requires crossing). A beautiful harbor town on the north coast dominated by a dramatic medieval castle.
Kyrenia tours on Viator from €175Ancient City of Salamis
1 hour by car from North Nicosia (requires crossing). Explore one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, featuring vast Roman ruins including a gymnasium, theatre, and baths, near the modern city of Famagusta.
Ancient City of Salamis tours on Viator from €480Tours are booked on Viator. If you book through us we may earn a commission; it doesn't change the price.
Questions people ask
How much does a day in Nicosia cost?
About €68 a day on a budget, €162 mid-range and €282 in comfort, per person, for a room, food and sights.
Where should I stay in Nicosia?
Ledra Street & The Green Line is the most central area, 2.3 km from the centre. Laiki Geitonia & Old City has the lowest typical hotel price, about €128 a night.
Is it safe to visit Nicosia and cross the Green Line?
Yes, it is very safe for tourists. The Green Line is monitored by UN peacekeepers. Crossing at official checkpoints like Ledra Street is a straightforward process for most passport holders (EU, US, Canada, UK, etc.). Always carry your passport.
Do I need a visa to cross into North Nicosia?
For most tourists, no separate visa is required for a day visit. Upon crossing, you will receive a paper visa stamp at the checkpoint. Ensure your passport is valid. Stamps from the north may cause issues if you plan to visit Greece or the Republic of Cyprus later, so request the stamp on a separate piece of paper.
What currency should I use?
Use Euros (€) in the south and Turkish Lira (₺) in the north. Euros are widely accepted in the north, but you'll likely get change in Lira at a poor rate. It's best to withdraw a small amount of Lira from an ATM after crossing for smaller purchases.
What is the best way to get around the city?
The historic center is best explored on foot. For longer distances, use local buses or taxis. There is no integrated transport between the south and north; you must walk across the checkpoint and use separate transport systems on each side.
Can I use my mobile phone in both parts?
Yes, but roaming charges can be high when crossing. EU roaming rules apply in the south. In the north, which is not in the EU, different rates apply. It's advisable to turn off data roaming or buy a local SIM card if you plan extensive time in the north.
What should I wear in Nicosia?
Dress is generally casual but conservative for religious sites. Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets. In summer, light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are essential due to the intense heat.
