Nicosia is a city that defies expectations. Cyprus’s capital may be the last divided capital in Europe, yet it stands today as one of the most creative and forward-looking cities in the Mediterranean. It combines the charm of history with the pulse of innovation — a place where culture feels alive.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Nicosia is easy to reach and even easier to love. Its compact centre invites exploration on foot, while its warm, welcoming atmosphere makes visitors feel instantly at home.

A must-see is the Walled City, encircled by the impressive Venetian walls that hold centuries of stories. Stroll through narrow streets where medieval churches meet contemporary art spaces, where old houses host design studios and concept cafés. Nicosia’s unique ability to blend past and present makes every corner worth discovering.

Green oases and sunny squares punctuate the urban landscape, offering a moment of calm amid the city’s lively rhythm. The nearby Troodos mountains and coastal towns make perfect day trips for travellers wishing to experience Cyprus in all its diversity.

Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. Cypriot cuisine is an irresistible mix of Mediterranean generosity and local creativity — from shared meze under citrus trees to the bold new flavours of modern chefs. Under the “Taste Nicosia” initiative, the city celebrates food as a cultural bridge, where tradition and innovation meet at every table.

Culturally, Nicosia shines bright. The city’s museums and galleries highlight both the island’s deep history and its emerging artistic scene. Events, festivals, and open-air concerts fill the calendar all year long, giving visitors a true taste of the Mediterranean spirit.

There are plenty of reasons not to wait before discovering Nicosia. Plan your trip now and explore a European capital where heritage meets imagination, and where the Mediterranean continues to think, feel, and create.

The history of the city of Nicosia, from antiquity to the present era, unfolds in a complex of traditional buildings on Hippocrates Street no.15-17. The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia is located in the old city within the walls, not very far from Eleftheria Square.

Situated in Lefkosia (Nicosia), this is the main archaeological Museum of Cyprus and traces the long history of civilization on the island from prehistoric times to the early Christian period. Extensive excavations throughout the island have enriched the collections of the museum considerably and brought Cypriot archaeology to the fore front of international archaeological research.

Lefkosia offers the best in shopping and Stassicratous Street is the place for the ultimate shopping experience. This small street, only about 500 metres long, is located in the city’s busy modern centre, parallel to its most commercial street, Makarios Avenue.

Famagusta Gate, the most significant of the gates of Venetian Lefkosia (Nicosia), opened onto the road that led to the most important harbour town of the island, hence its name.

The Monastery of Kykkos, the richest and most lavish of the monasteries of Cyprus, is found in the region of Marathasa. It is situated on a mountain peak, at an altitude of 1318 metres northwest of Troodos. Dedicated to Panagia, it possesses one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas the Evangelist.