Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world. On a single walk you can get to know the Greek south and the Turkish north – you just have to go through the crossing on Ledra Street.
Nicosia (in Greek Λευκωσία, in Turkish Lefkoşa), the beating heart of Cyprus, is a fascinating city full of contrasts. As the only divided capital in the world, it offers a unique view of two different parts – the Greek south and the Turkish north.
Crossing between the two parts is surprisingly easy. The main border crossing is the famous Ledra Street Crossing, where after a simple identity check you can walk freely from one side to the other and discover both worlds in one day. You will find more about the rules in the article Travelling between South and North Cyprus.
Passport
Euro in the south, Turkish lira in the north
Greek, Turkish, English
South Nicosia is a cosmopolitan and lively city where you feel the rich Greek culture at every step. The lanes of the old town are encircled by massive Venetian walls, and in the modern centre you can enjoy a busy nightlife.
A popular pedestrian street with cafés and shops – at its end you can glimpse across the border to the Turkish side.
Archaeological finds that show you the island’s history – great even in the heat.
North Nicosia is a busy and lively city with a rich Turkish culture. Visit the impressive Selimiye Mosque, formerly the Cathedral of St Sophia, walk through the courtyard of the Büyük Han caravanserai with its cafés and shops and enjoy traditional Turkish food in cosy restaurants.
The covered Bedesten market, originally a church, is worth a visit for its local specialities. And anyone who wants to relax can visit the historic Turkish baths, Hamam Omerye.
In the north you pay in Turkish lira – there is a bureau de change right after the crossing.
Nicosia is not just a city but an experience. A few tips to help you make the most of it:
Carry your passport – when crossing between the two parts of the city.
Respect for local culture – and suitable clothing in both parts of the city.
A few phrases – in Greek or Turkish will please the locals.
The food of both sides – try traditional dishes in the south and the north.
Turkish lira – in the north, with a bureau de change right after the crossing.
Mobile data – EU roaming does not apply in the north.
Trips I recommend as a tour rep. You book through GetYourGuide and the guides mostly speak English.
Nicosia is easy to reach on a day trip from the resorts in both the south and the north. If you want to get to know both parts of the island, you can set aside a separate holiday for each.
Yes, it is the only divided capital in the world – the south is Greek and the north Turkish.
The easiest way is the pedestrian crossing on Ledra Street in the centre. You need a valid travel document.
The euro in the south and the Turkish lira in the north. There is a bureau de change right after the crossing.
In the south, the Venetian walls, St John’s Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Cyprus Museum; in the north, the Selimiye Mosque, Büyük Han and the Bedesten market.
No, EU roaming does not apply there – it is worth turning off mobile data.
Nicosia, the heart of Cyprus, is not just a city but an experience – a place where two different worlds meet.
