Nicosia Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Nicosia, Cyprus)

Walking tours offer the perfect way to familiarise yourself with Nicosia, allowing you to learn a little more about its history and most prominent tourist attractions. Families holidaying in South Nicosia will enjoy the numerous multiple cinema attractions, horse racing, the tenpin bowling at the Kykko Bowling (next to the Hilton Hotel), the enjoyable Ostrich Wonderland Theme Park and the landscaped Municipal Gardens.

The best sightseeing tends to be concentrated within the Old City area of South Nicosia, such as beautiful mosques and churches and simply taking a stroll around this part of the city is always an interesting and memorable experience. Tourists should note that a number of the attractions within this Old City do tend to close fairly early, so do plan your visit accordingly.

Guided Walking Tours

Address: Plateia Eleftherias, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Walking tours begin at the Plateia Eleftherias and then head along the Ippokratous, passing the Leventis Municipal Museum and then the Omeriye Mosque on the Trikoupi. The tour proceeds onto the Plateia Tyllirias and the Patriarchou Grigoriou, reaching the House of Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios. Other attractions along the way include the Archbishop's Palace, the Makarios Cultural Foundation, the Agios Ioannis Church, the Ethnographic Museum, the Famagusta Gate and the Flatro (Sibeli) Bastion. Further guided walking tours are led by staff from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), with different routes each Monday, Thursday and Friday. In North Nicosia, popular walking tours start and finish at the Ledra Palace Hotel Crossing, passing along the Memduh Asar Sokak and the Zahra Sokak.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Arablar Mosque

Address: Plateia Okostiogdois Oktovriou, South Nicosia, Cyprus
The Arablar Mosque stands next to the Plateia Faneromenis and is a rather curious attraction, tucked away and no longer opening its doors to members of the general public. This small mosque was formerly named the Church of Stavros tou Misirikou during the Lusignan period and is known for its striking octagonal dome and arches.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Buyuk Hammam (Great Baths / Tarihi Buyuk Hamam)

Address: Irfan Bey Sokak 9, North Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +90 228 4462
Recently completely renovated and refurbished, the Buyuk Hammam is an acclaimed traditional Turkish bath, offering a variety of services to both locals and visitors alike. An elaborately decorated door marks the entrance of the hammam and stands beneath the level of the street. Steamy saunas and massages are the main draw cards here, together with the historical architecture.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 22:30
Admission: charge

Cyprus Turkish Shadow Theatre

Address: Buyuk Han (Great Inn), Arasta Sokak, North Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +90 0542 850 3514
A popular family magnet appealing to holiday makers with young children, the Cyprus Turkish Shadow Theatre is actual the only attraction of its kind on the whole island. Shadow theatre was once a mainstay of entertainment in Cyprus and these particular shows are staged at the Buyuk Han (Great Inn). Performance times at the Cyprus Turkish Shadow Theatre vary, and so you may need to plan ahead before being able to catch a show here.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Faneromeni Church

Address: Plateia Faneromenis, South Nicosia, Cyprus
The Plateia Faneromenis, close to Ledra Street, is today a relatively quiet public square, although it was actually the very heart of Nicosia prior to the events of 1974. Located in the centre of the square and dominating the area is the delightful Faneromeni Church, which stands on the site of an old Orthodox nunnery and is actually the biggest church in the whole city. The Faneromeni Church was completed in 1872 and features an appealing mix of Byzantine, Latin and Neoclassical architecture. There are a number of religious attractions here, although the Marble Mausoleum is a particular highlight.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Laiki Yitonia

Address: South Nicosia, Cyprus
Laiki Yitonia literally translates at 'popular neighbourhood' and this is exactly what this attraction is. The Laiki Yitonia area has been restored and cleaned up in recent years, and is the main tourist area in Nicosia, being located on the southerly side of the Old City. Due to its extreme popularity, the Laiki Yitonia is packed with restaurants, taverns, shops and similar attractions. An outlet of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) is located here and is a good place to obtain free maps and brochures.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Library of Sultan Mahmut II (Sultan II Mahmut Kutupanesi)

Address: Selimiye Meydani, North Nicosia, Cyprus
The Library of Sultan Mahmut II is located in North Nicosia and is to be found within a striking octagonal building, which was constructed just under 200 years ago. Attractions at the Library of Sultan Mahmut II include approximately 2,000 books, some of which are many centuries old. The inside is decorated in a colourful fashion, with ornate friezes and calligraphy.
Open hours: daily, June to mid-September - 09:00 to 14:00; mid-September to May - 09:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:45
Admission: free

Omeriye Mosque (Omeriye Camii)

Address: Corner Plateia Tyllirias and Trikoupi, South Nicosia, Cyprus
The Omeriye Mosque started its life as the Augustinian Church of St. Mary and is known to originate from the 14th century. However, the church suffered at the hands of the marauding Ottomans and was subsequently reconstructed as this very charming mosque, since it is believed by many that the Omar, an acclaimed Muslim prophet, was interred here during the 7th century. The minaret of the Omeriye Mosque is especially striking and makes a prominent appearance on the skyline. Visitors should note that shoes should always be left at the door when entering the mosque, and appropriate attire is also expected.
Open hours: daily - visit outside of prayer times
Admission: free

Omeriye Hammam (Omeriye Hamam)

Address: Plateia Tyllirias 8, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tourists holidaying in Nicosia often like to immerse themselves in the region's rich Turkish history and enjoying a relaxing, steamy Turkish bath at the Omeriye Hammam is certainly one way to learn more about the city's culture and heritage. The Omeriye Hammam is a stylish building, both inside and out, and was built in the 16th century. As well as offering traditionally steam baths, the hammam also provides a variety of beauty treatments, massages and aromatherapy.
Open hours: Monday guided tours - 11:00 to 17:00, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (men only) - 09:00 to 21:00; Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (women only) - 09:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge

Panagia Chrysaliniotissa

Address: Arhiepiskopou Filotheou, South Nicosia, Cyprus
The most historical Byzantine church in the city, the Panagia Chrysaliniotissa was built almost 600 years ago and is dedicated to none other than the Virgin Mary. Famed for its valuable religious paintings (icons) and artefacts, the Panagia Chrysaliniotissa is thought to have been commission at the request of Queen Helena Paleologos.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Ostrich Wonderland Theme Park

Address: Agios Ioannis Maloundas, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2299 1008
A very family friendly theme park highly suitable for children, the Ostrich Wonderland Theme Park is proud to call itself the largest ostrich farm and park in the whole of Europe. The park is located around a 25-minute drive from Nicosia and can be reached by using the Troodos Highway. Guided tours of the Ostrich Wonderland Theme Park allow you to learn more about these giant creatures, while children will always enjoy spending time in the playground. There are also often lots of cute baby ostriches to fawn over as well.
Open hours: daily, May to October - 09:00 to 19:00; November to April - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Municipal Gardens

Address: Leoforos Mousieou, South Nicosia, Cyprus
Since Nicosia is not a seaside resort, the attractions for children and families are a little limited, which is one reason that the Municipal Gardens has become such a popular place to hang out. The park is a very pleasant and green part of the city and features pathways, seating, seasonal flowers and a good playground area for younger visitors. Also in the Municipal Gardens are some aviaries housing vultures, and the Municipal Theatre, where Cypriot Greek and Turkish events are staged all through the year.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free