12 Best Things To Do in Nicosia, Cyprus

Are you looking for the best things to do in Nicosia, Cyprus? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Nicosia might not be known for its sandy shorelines and inviting waters, but it has many fascinating attractions.

Imagine admiring the breathtaking city views from the Shacolas Tower or learning more about Cypriot history at the Cyprus Museum. Alternatively, you could enjoy a scenic walk around the Athalassa National Forest Park. To show you what you’re missing, here are 12 must-see attractions in Cyprus.

We curated this list using traveler reviews and expert recommendations. Whether you’re looking for historic landmarks, outdoor adventures, or child-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone.

Table of Contents

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If you found yourself in Nicosia for a day (no beach, no problem), what’s your first move? Choose wisely.

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Best Things To Do in Nicosia, Cyprus Visit Eleftheria Square

Visit Eleftheria Square 1/5

Best Things To Do in Nicosia, Cyprus Stop By Famagusta Gate

Stop by Famagusta Gate 2/5

Best Things To Do in Nicosia, Cyprus Learn About Cypriot History at the Cyprus Museum

Explore Cyprus Museum 3/5

Best Things To Do in Nicosia, Cyprus Admire the Views From the Shacolas Tower Observatory

Shacolas Tower views 4/5

Best Things To Do in Nicosia, Cyprus Walk Along the Venetian Walls Fortification of Nicosia

Walk the Venetian Walls 5/5

Results

Visit Eleftheria Square

10 4

Stop by Famagusta Gate

13 1

Explore Cyprus Museum

11 3

Shacolas Tower views

10 4

Walk the Venetian Walls

10 4

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Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Nicosia: Madama Residence is a 5-star hotel in Nicosia with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, a restaurant, and easy access to nearby museums and government buildings.
Mid-Range Hotel in Nicosia: 16 Executive Suites offers air-conditioned apartments with kitchenettes, free WiFi, private parking, and balconies, near government offices and museums.
Budget Hotel in Nicosia: The Central Suites offers air-conditioned apartments with kitchenettes, free WiFi, private parking, and balconies, just 500 meters from Cyprus Museum.

Walk Along the Venetian Walls – The Venetian Walls are one of the most historic landmarks in the capital.
Visit Eleftheria Square – Zaha Hadid designed this unique square.
Admire the views from Shacolas Tower Observatory – Shacolas Tower offers impressive city views.

Walk Along the Venetian Walls

Walking along the Venetian Walls, also known as the Walls of Nicosia, is one of the most popular things to do in Nicosia. The Venetian Walls are a series of 16th-century defensive walls surrounding the capital.

They were initially built in the Middle Ages but were completely rebuilt during the war between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire.

As such, the walls are one of the most historic landmarks in Nicosia. They are approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) in circumference and feature eleven pentagonal bastions with rounded orillons.

Unfortunately, you can’t walk the entire walls, but some sections are open to visitors. You can walk along the top of the walls on the eastern side of the Ravelin Bastion to the Canbulat Bastion.

Famagusta Gate Exhibition Space: This former city gate now serves as a cultural venue with art exhibitions and events. If you’re visiting the Venetian Walls, check their schedule—entry is usually free.
Ledra Street Access: The best way to explore the walls and nearby landmarks is to start from Ledra Street. It’s a short walk to the Paphos Gate section, and you’ll pass cafes and shops along the way.

Visit Eleftheria Square

Eleftheria Square is one of the most unique things to see in Nicosia. Designed by the famed architect Zaha Hadid, this popular gathering place has a modern design that features an upper-level bridge, fountains, seating areas, and trees. It’s the largest civic plaza in Nicosia and was designed to host events and festivals.

Unsurprisingly, the square is a popular place for locals to gather. It’s an excellent place to people-watch and take photographs.

If you visit the square at Christmas, you can enjoy the festive celebrations. You can expect beautiful Christmas scenes, live music, and stalls selling handcrafted goods and festive treats.

Sunset Views from the Bridge: The upper-level bridge offers one of the best sunset views in Nicosia. The soft evening light highlights the contrast between the modern square and the historic Venetian Walls.
Underground Gallery Walkway: Don’t miss the underground passage beneath the square. It connects to the old city and often has art installations or temporary exhibitions.

Admire the Views From the Shacolas Tower Observatory

Shacolas Tower Observatory is one of the best places to visit in Nicosia if you’re seeking spectacular city views. Also known as Ledras Tower, Shacolas Tower was constructed in 1959. Interestingly, it was the tallest building in Nicosia until 1978.

The observation deck is on the 11th floor and houses a museum. The museum contains photographs and descriptions of Old Nicosia. Meanwhile, the observation deck is equipped with telescopes and binoculars so you can get a better view of the city.

Make sure you bring a camera to take epic landscape photographs. Opening hours vary, but the observatory is usually open daily from 10:00 until 17:00. Entry tickets cost roughly €2.50 ($2.60).

Best Time for Views: Visit in the late afternoon for softer light and longer shadows, making for better photos of the cityscape.
Cash Only for Tickets: The entry fee is small, but they often don’t accept cards. Bring some cash to avoid issues at the entrance.
Tickets and Hours: Entry to the Shacolas Tower Observatory costs approximately €2.50 ($2.60). It’s typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but check the hours in advance as they can vary seasonally.

Stop by Famagusta Gate

Famagusta Gate is a historic attraction to visit in Nicosia. Constructed in the 16th century, this beautiful structure is part of the city walls. It’s the best-preserved of the three original gates that once led to the Old City.

The structure is relatively big, featuring a tall stone wall and a domed roof. However, the passageways were only large enough to allow two vehicles to pass. In 1821, the Ottomans restored the gate and added a lookout in anticipation of a Greek revolt.

Admittedly, there isn’t much else to see at the gate. Still, it’s an excellent place to soak up local history and take photographs.

Cultural Events & Exhibitions: Famagusta Gate often hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events inside its vaulted hall. Check the schedule in advance—many events are free.
Cool Off at Aigaia Café: A short walk from the gate, Aigaia Café offers refreshing homemade lemonade and Cypriot sweets.

Learn About Cypriot History at the Cyprus Museum

Learning about Cypriot history at the Cyprus Museum is one of the most fascinating things to do in Cyprus. The Cyprus Museum is the oldest and largest archaeological museum on the island. It’s recognized for containing the most comprehensive collection of Cypriot antiquities worldwide.

Brilliantly, many artifacts within the museum were found during numerous excavations across the island.

The museum contains over 40,000 objects from various historical periods, including pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. Noteworthy highlights include the Early Bronze Age pottery from Vouni, the Aphrodite of Soloi statue, and the Idol of Pomos.

The Cyprus Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 to 18:00, Saturdays between 9:00 and 17:00, and Sundays between 10:00 and 13:00.

Admission and Hours: Entry to the Cyprus Museum is free. The museum is open Tuesday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Nearby Coffee Spot – Kafeneo 18: Just a short walk away, Kafeneo 18 serves traditional Cypriot coffee in a cozy courtyard.

Watch Apoel FC in Action

Watching Apoel FC in action is one of the best things for sports enthusiasts to do in Nicosia. Apoel FC is the most successful soccer team in Cyprus. They’ve won the Cypriot First Division 29 times and the domestic cup 21 times.

Furthermore, Apoel is the only Cypriot club to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. They play their matches at the 22,859-seat GSP Stadium in southern Nicosia. You can buy tickets to watch Apoel in action through their official website.

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However, you’ll have to create an account to complete your purchase. Apoel typically plays on Saturdays, Sundays, and Thursdays, but check the fixture list before you plan your trip.

Matchday Tickets & ID Requirement: You’ll need a Cyprus Fan Card to enter the stadium, even if you have a ticket. Register online or at designated kiosks before match day.
Best Seats for Atmosphere: If you want to experience the passionate Apoel fan base, sit in the East Stand near Gate 3. For a quieter experience, choose the West Stand, which has better views.

Athalassa National Forest Park

Outdoorsy travelers looking for a picturesque place to walk should visit the Athalassa National Forest Park. Located on the city’s outskirts, this enormous 2,075-acre (840-hectare) park is an oasis of lush greenery, scenic lakes, and charming tree-lined walkways.

It’s an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy a romantic stroll, and keep your children entertained.

The best way to explore the park is on the 3.8-mile (6.1-kilometer) Athalassa National Forest Park Trail. This circular route, passing lakes and forests, covers the park’s southwestern part.

There are plenty of play areas throughout the park for children. Your children will also enjoy looking out for ducks, fish, and turtles.

Free Entry & Best Access Point: The park is open year-round with no entrance fee. The most straightforward access point is near the Environmental Information Center, which has maps and exhibits on local wildlife.
Family-Friendly Features: Bring your kids to the designated play areas, where they can have fun while you relax. Watch for ducks, turtles, and fish in the lakes, which are bound to delight younger visitors.
Best Way to Explore: Follow the 3.8-mile (6.1-kilometer) circular Athalassa National Forest Park Trail for a scenic walk past lakes, forests, and picnic areas. The path is easy and suitable for walkers of all fitness levels.

Go Shopping at the Mall of Cyprus

The Mall of Cyprus is one of the best places to go shopping in Nicosia. This large shopping center in southern Nicosia has a huge directory of designer brands, including Adidas, Calvin Klein, and Swarovski. Therefore, you could easily spend three or four hours walking around all the shops.

Shops aren’t the only thing the Mall of Cyprus offers either. The mall also offers a variety of entertainment options, including a movie theater, arcade, and children’s rides. There are also plenty of places to grab a quick bite, such as McDonald’s, Cafe Nero, and KFC.

The mall is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 until 20:00 and Sunday between 11:00 and 19:00.

Parking & Best Time to Visit: The mall offers free underground parking, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds.
Opening Hours: The Mall of Cyprus operates Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Enjoy the Sights and Smells at Central Municipal Market

If you want a more authentic shopping experience in Nicosia, head to the Central Municipal Market. This bustling fruit and vegetable market is also known as the Market of the Old Town Hall. It takes place where the offices of the Town Hall used to be.

It’s a fantastic place to experience local life and try some of the city’s best fruits. The market is open daily, but it’s particularly busy on Saturdays when more farmers and local producers sell their goods. Aside from fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, cheeses, meats, and herbal teas are also sold at the market.

Honestly, you don’t even have to buy anything. Simply experiencing the market is an explosion of the senses.

Best Day to Visit – Saturday: While the market is open daily, Saturday mornings have the widest selection of fresh produce and traditional Cypriot goods. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Try the Halloumi & Olives: Many stalls offer fresh halloumi cheese and marinated olives, perfect for a quick snack or souvenir. Vendors often let you sample before buying.

Explore the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum

The Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum is one of Nicosia’s most interesting tourist attractions. This exciting museum in northern Nicosia has a vast collection of over 450 motorcycles.

The museum is dedicated to the history of motorcycles between 1914 and 1983, so you can expect to find many vintage and historic vehicles. Among the collection are military motorcycles used during the Second World War and motorcycles used by Archbishop Makarios’s Presidential Guard.

One of the best things about the museum is how well-maintained the motorcycles are. Every bike in the collection is lovingly cared for by a man named Andreas, who entertains guests with his vast knowledge of motorcycle history.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30 and 10:00 to 13:00.

Hidden Location – Look for the Sign: The museum is tucked away in a side street. Look for a small sign on Granikou Street to find the entrance more easily.
Opening Hours and Admission: The Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It’s closed on Sundays and public holidays. Tickets cost €5 ($5.30) for adults.

Learn About the Green Line On a Guided Tour

Learning about the Green Line is a must during your time in Nicosia, and a guided tour offers you the most insight. For those who don’t know, the Green Line is a demilitarized zone that separates Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities.

It stretches 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Paralimni in the east to Kato Pyrgos in the west.

On this Green Line and buffer zone guided tour, you’ll learn all about the demilitarized zone from an expert guide. You’ll visit abandoned buildings and military checkpoints, explore 16th-century fortifications, and even sample local coffee.

The tour also includes a visit to Ledra Palace Hotel, a symbol of the divided city’s past and present.

Passport Required for Crossing: If your tour includes crossing into northern Nicosia, bring your passport or national ID. Border checks are quick but mandatory.
Best Tour for History Buffs: The Cyprus Buffer Zone Tour offers the most in-depth look at the Green Line, including access to restricted areas.

Relax at Hamam Omerye

A visit to Hamam Omerye is one of the most relaxing things to do in Nicosia. Hamam Omerye is a historic Ottoman hammam. If you didn’t already know, a hammam is a traditional bathhouse featuring rooms with hot and cold water treatments, plus steam.

This hammam was built in the 16th century after the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus. To ensure travelers can enjoy Hamam Omerye for centuries to come, the bathhouse has been lavishly restored to its former glory. As such, the public can now use the luxurious facilities to relax.

At Hamam Omerye, you can enjoy a traditional hammam bath experience, massages, and hacamat. What’s not to like?

Reservation Required: Hamam Omerye is often fully booked, especially on weekends. Reserve your session online or by phone to secure a spot.
Best Time for a Quiet Experience: Book a session before noon on weekdays when it’s less crowded.
What to Expect: Experience the traditional Ottoman hammam with hot and cold water treatments, steam baths, and calming massages. The beautifully restored, 16th-century bathhouse combines history with relaxation, offering a serene escape from the city.