The city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus
Are you dreaming of a trip to a region with good weather, rich culture and ancient history? So why not think about discovering the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus? A city that offers you a unique combination of natural, historical and modern attractions.
Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus, is the beating heart of this country. A city that dates back thousands of years and has gone through many ups and downs throughout history. But this city still welcomes tourists from all over the world with its strength and beauty.
Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is a city full of mystery. A city where you can see the traces of past empires in its back alleys, immerse yourself in local handicrafts in its glamorous markets and relax on its silver beaches under the gentle light of the Mediterranean sun.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for historical attractions or if you want to walk in the middle of green nature, the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus will fulfill all your wishes. In the continuation of this article, join us to take a virtual trip to this beautiful city and introduce you to a corner of its countless beauties.
Nicosia: a city with two different faces
One of the unique features of the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is that it is divided into two parts, the north and the south. The northern part, which is under the rule of Northern Cyprus, and the southern part, which belongs to the Republic of Cyprus. This dividing line, known as the “green line”, is a relic of past political conflicts.
However, the existence of this dividing line has not diminished the charms of the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus. On the contrary, by preserving its historical and cultural context, this city has been able to be an ideal destination for tourists interested in history and culture.
In the northern part of the city, you will see many historical monuments from different eras. From the magnificent gates of the city to the beautiful mosques and old churches, they all tell the story of the ups and downs of this region.
Along the green line, you can see the watchtower and the remaining gates from the medieval era, which are a reminder of the city’s past. Walking along this line and observing the southern part of the city will be an interesting and unique experience for every tourist.
A Journey into the Heart of History: Exploring the Historical Monuments of the City of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus
As we said, the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is a treasure of valuable historical monuments. Upon entering this city, it is as if you are entering a journey into the heart of history. In the old part of the city, you will encounter narrow cobbled streets and old houses with traditional architecture that will give you a nostalgic feeling.
Among this historical context, some of the most important tourist attractions of the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus are located, which are worth visiting. In the following, we introduce some of these historical places:
- Selimiye Mosque: This magnificent mosque, which was originally the Saint Sophia Cathedral, is one of the most important historical and religious symbols of the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus. The stunning architecture of this mosque with its tall columns, huge dome and beautiful minarets delights every tourist.
- Great Caravanserai (Büyük Han): This historic caravanserai built in the 16th century is an outstanding example of Ottoman architecture. In the past, this caravanserai was a resting place for merchants and travelers, and today it is used as a traditional bazaar.
- City Walls: The historical walls of the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus, which were built in the Middle Ages, are among the most important tourist attractions of this city. These walls, which have witnessed many battles and sieges throughout history, are today considered as a symbol of the strength and stability of this city. By walking along these walls, you can visit different city gates such as Famagusta Gate and Girne Gate and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.
- Lucia Museum (Lusignan Museum): This museum, which is located in the Lusignan Palace, deals with the history and culture of Cyprus during the rule of the Lusignan dynasty (1489-1192). In this museum, you can see a collection of ancient artifacts, coins, documents and historical documents that provide you with interesting information about this period of Cyprus history.
- Venetian House: This historic house built in the 16th century is an example of Venetian architecture in the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus. The house is currently used as a museum to display local arts and crafts.
A journey to the heart of nature: greenery and freshness in Nicosia
The city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is not only rich in history and culture, but also has a lot to say in terms of natural attractions. Around this city, you can find pristine and beautiful natural landscapes that fascinate every tourist.
- Akamas National Park: This national park, which is located in the west of the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus, is considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in Cyprus. In this park, you can enjoy watching rocky beaches, dense forests, deep valleys and various species of flora and fauna.
- Troodos mountain range: This mountain range, which is located in the south of the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus, is considered the highest mountain range in Cyprus. In this area, you can enjoy walking in the middle of nature, visiting traditional villages and mineral water springs.
- Kyrenia Beach: Located north of the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus, this beautiful beach is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. In this area, you can also use all kinds of restaurants, cafes and hotels.
The authentic taste of Cyprus: tasting the delicacies of Nicosia
The city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is a foodie’s paradise. In this city, you can try a variety of traditional Cypriot, Turkish and Mediterranean dishes prepared from fresh and high-quality ingredients.
- Kebab: Kebab is one of the most popular Cypriot dishes that is served in various restaurants and cafes in the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus. There are different types of kebabs in Cyprus, among them, we can mention the pounded kebab, skewered kebab and shishlik.
- Moussaka: Moussaka is a delicious and popular dish made from eggplant, minced meat, potatoes and béchamel sauce.
Loukoumades: Loukoumades is a traditional Cypriot sweet made from dough fried in oil and honey syrup.
A memorable trip with Kargar Consulting and Investment Group
The city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is an ideal destination for a memorable and adventurous trip. This city attracts every tourist with its many historical, cultural and natural attractions.
Kargar Consulting and Investment Group, with more than 14 years of brilliant experience in the field of consulting and investment in North Cyprus, is proud to be with you at all stages of your journey to Nicosia.
We provide a variety of services including:
- free consultation
- Tour and hotel reservations
- Visa
- Buying property in North Cyprus
- Property management
- Provide after-sales service
- We try to make a carefree and memorable trip for you.
The city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus
Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus, is a city with countless attractions that fascinates every tourist. This city, which has witnessed many ups and downs throughout history, is today considered an ideal destination for lovers of history, culture, nature and delicious food.
In the continuation of this article, we will discuss some interesting and readable points about the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus, knowing them can make your trip to this beautiful city more fruitful and enjoyable.
1.Nicosia, the only divided capital in the world:
As we mentioned in the previous parts of this article, the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is divided into two parts, North and South. This dividing line, known as the “green line”, is a relic of past political conflicts.
It is interesting to know that Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, and this in itself makes this city a unique and special place.
See more: Life in Northern Cyprus
2. Barbarism Museum:
The Museum of Barbarism, located in the northern part of the city of Nicosia, tells the story of the atrocities and destruction caused by the civil wars in Cyprus. This museum, built in a former church, displays a collection of photos, videos and objects related to these wars.
A visit to the Museum of Barbarism can be a moving and informative experience, helping you gain a deeper understanding of Cyprus’ tumultuous history.
3. Big Bazaar (Büyük Han):
Located in the heart of the old part of Nicosia, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest Ottoman caravanserais in the world. Built in the 16th century, this caravanserai is currently used as a traditional market where you can find a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs and local products.
A tour of the Grand Bazaar and watching its colorful and crowded shops will be an unforgettable experience of a trip to the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus.
4. Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque:
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, located in the northern part of Nicosia, is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Northern Cyprus. This mosque, which was built in the 16th century, is named after one of the Ottoman commanders who played an important role in the conquest of Cyprus.
The magnificent architecture of Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque with its tall minarets, large dome and tiled decorations delights every tourist.
5.Saint Sophia Cathedral (Selimiye Mosque):
Located in the northern part of the city of Nicosia, St. Sophia Cathedral was originally a Christian cathedral that later became a mosque. This building, which was built in the 6th century AD, is considered one of the most important historical buildings in Cyprus.
The stunning architecture of St. Sophia Cathedral with its tall columns, huge dome and beautiful minarets delights every tourist.
6. City gates:
The city of Nicosia has three main gates, among them Famagusta Gate, Kyrenia Gate and Paphos Gate. These gates, which were built in the Middle Ages, are a reminder of the turbulent history of this city.
By walking along these gates, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the city of Nicosia and immerse yourself in the history of this city.
7. Troodos National Park:
Troodos National Park, located south of Nicosia, is the largest national park in Cyprus. This park, with its pristine and beautiful natural scenery, is an ideal place for hiking, climbing, cycling and camping.
In Troodos National Park, you can enjoy watching dense forests, towering mountains, traditional villages, and various plant and animal species.
8. Kyrenia Beach:
Kyrenia beach, which is located in the north of Nicosia, is one of the most popular beaches in Northern Cyprus. With its golden sand, clear waters and various amenities, this beach is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
In Kyrenia beach, you can also use all kinds of restaurants, cafes and hotels and enjoy your free time by the Mediterranean Sea.
9.delicious foods:
The city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is a foodie’s paradise. In this city, you can try a variety of traditional Cypriot, Turkish and Mediterranean dishes prepared from fresh and high-quality ingredients.
Among the popular foods of Nicosia, we can mention kebabs, moussaka, cookies (Loukoumades) and all kinds of salads and appetizers.
10. Festivals and events:
The city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, each of which has its own charm. Among these festivals, we can mention music festival, food festival, film festival and traditional festivals.
Attending these festivals and events is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and customs of the people of Northern Cyprus.
11. Important tips for traveling to Nicosia:
- The best time to visit Nicosia in Northern Cyprus is spring and autumn. In these seasons, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, and it is more suitable for sightseeing in the city.
You need a visa to enter the city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus. You can go to the North Cyprus Embassy in your country to get a visa. - The currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish lira. You can change your money to Turkish lira at the exchange offices and banks of Nicosia.
- The official language in Northern Cyprus is Turkish. However, many people in this city also speak English.
Public transport in Nicosia is well developed. You can travel around the city by bus, taxi or subway.
There are different hotels and apartments in Nicosia city with different prices. You can choose your accommodation according to your budget and taste. - Be sure to use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when traveling to Nicosia.
- In the city of Nicosia, there are many restaurants with various cuisines. You can enjoy traditional Cypriot, Turkish or Mediterranean cuisine according to your taste.
- The people of North Cyprus are hospitable and warm people. By respecting the culture and customs of these people, you can enjoy your trip to Nicosia more.
12.The city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus at a glance:
Capital: Northern Cyprus- Population: About 250,000 people
- Area: about 46 square kilometers
- Official language: Turkish
- Currency: Turkish lira
- Tourist attractions: Selim II Grand Mosque, Grand Caravanserai, City Gates, Lucia Museum, Vanhezi House, Akamas National Park, Troodos Mountain Range, Kyrenia Beach, Grand Bazaar, Barbarism Museum
- Best time to travel: spring and autumn
See more: Cities of Northern Cyprus
City facilities and airport in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus, is a modern city with convenient amenities and services. In this part of the article, we will examine some of the urban facilities and the airport of this beautiful city.
Transportation:Bus:
- The bus system in Nicosia is one of the most economical and widely used means of public transportation. Bus
- lines cover almost all parts of the city and their ticket prices are reasonable.
- Taxi: Yellow taxis are available throughout the city of Nicosia and can be used for faster and point-to-point transportation. Taxis cost more than buses, but are still considered affordable.
- Metro: Nicosia’s metro line is currently under development and is expected to be operational in the near future. With the launch of the metro, public transportation in the city will become much smoother and faster.
- Car rental: For tourists and those looking for more independence in transportation, it is possible to rent a car in Nicosia. Various companies operate in the city for car rental.
shopping center:
- Modern shopping malls: There are many modern shopping malls in Nicosia where you can find a variety of international and local brands. Among these shopping centers, we can mention City Gate Mall, The Landmark Nicosia and Shacolas Nicosia.
- Traditional markets: Nicosia has numerous traditional markets where you can find a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, spices, carpets and local products. Büyük Han is one of the famous and most visited traditional markets in Nicosia.
- Chain Stores: There are many chain stores in Nicosia, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and home appliance stores, where you can get your daily necessities.
Hospitals and medical centers:
- Public Hospitals: There are several public hospitals in Nicosia that provide quality healthcare to citizens for free or at low cost. Nicosia General Hospital can be mentioned among these hospitals.
- Private hospitals: In addition to public hospitals, there are also numerous private hospitals and clinics in Nicosia that provide specialized and advanced medical services of the highest quality. Among these hospitals, we can mention Near East University Hospital and Burhan Nalbantoglu Hospital.
schools:
- Public Schools: The public education system in Nicosia is of good quality, and public schools provide free education to primary, middle and high school students.
- Private schools: In addition to public schools, there are also many private schools in Nicosia that provide education to students at various levels of education by using advanced educational facilities and experienced staff. Some of these schools are international and follow the educational system of other countries. Among these schools, we can mention the American Academy of Nicosia, Near East School and Nicosia Gymnasium.
Universities:
- State universities: In Nicosia, the State University of Northern Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean University) is considered one of the top universities in the country and accepts undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students in various fields.
- Private Universities: There are also several private universities in Nicosia that offer education to students in various fields. Among these universities, we can mention the Near East University and the European University of North Cyprus (European University of Lefke).
Green spaces:
- Nicosia has many parks and green spaces that are a good place for people to have fun and relax. Among these parks, Venizelos Park, Ataturk Park and Girne Park can be mentioned.
- Venizelos Park: Located in the center of Nicosia, this park is the largest park in the city and has a children’s playground, sports fields, walking and cycling paths, and an artificial lake.
- Ataturk Park: This park, which is located in the north of Nicosia, has a green and peaceful atmosphere and is a suitable place for a picnic and spending time with the family.
- Girne Park: This park, which is located near the Girne Castle, has a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea and is a suitable place for walking and watching natural scenery.
sport places:
- Nicosia has many sports facilities such as stadiums, gymnasiums and football fields that sports enthusiasts can use.
- GSP Stadium: This stadium, which is the largest stadium in Nicosia, is the venue for football, athletics and other sports events.
- Burhan Nalbantoglu Sports Hall: Located in the center of Nicosia, this sports hall is used for basketball, volleyball, handball and other indoor sports.
- Gizene Football Field: This football field, located near Girne Castle, is the venue for local and club football matches.
Cultural and recreational places:
- Museums: There are many museums in Nicosia with different subjects such as history, art, archeology and
- ethnography. Among these museums, we can mention the Lucia Museum, the Barbarism Museum and the North Cyprus Museum.
- Art Galleries: There are many art galleries in Nicosia where you can see the works of Cypriot and international artists.
- Theaters: There are many theaters in Nicosia where you can watch different shows.
- Cinemas: There are many cinemas in Nicosia where you can watch movies of the day.
Cafes and restaurants: In Nicosia, there are many cafes and restaurants with a variety of Cypriot, international and fast food that you can enjoy. - Bars and Nightclubs: In Nicosia there are many bars and nightclubs to spend leisure time and night out.
City Services:
- Banking services: In Nicosia there are many banks and financial institutions that you can use their services such as opening an account, getting a loan, paying bills, etc.
- Postal services: There are many post offices in Nicosia where you can use their services such as sending and receiving letters and packages, buying stamps, etc.
- Internet services: Internet is available in Nicosia with high speed and decent quality, and you can access the Internet through various Internet service companies.
- Mobile phone services: There are many mobile phone operators in Nicosia and you can get SIM cards and internet and call packages from them.Nicosia is a modern and dynamic city that has made life easy and enjoyable for its residents and tourists by providing convenient amenities and services.
Airport:
Ercan International Airport is the only active airport in Nicosia and Northern Cyprus. This airport is located 13 kilometers northwest of Nicosia and has flights to many important cities in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Facilities of Arjan International Airport:
- Passenger terminals: This airport has two passenger terminals, the new terminal of which was opened in 2019.
- Airlines: More than 20 airlines are active in Arjan International Airport and fly to different destinations.
- Services: Various services such as restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, duty-free shops and banking services are provided in this airport.
- Transportation: You can use a taxi, bus or shuttle to travel between Arjan International Airport and Nicosia.
Best time to travel to Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus, is a city with a Mediterranean climate that enjoys hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters throughout the year.
The best time to visit Nicosia depends on your taste and preferences. However, in general it can be said that:
- Spring season (March to May):
- Advantages: pleasant and pleasant weather, cool and sunny, green and flowery nature, less crowded, more reasonable prices
Disadvantages: Chance of rain in the early season, some tourist attractions may not be open yet in this season
Summer season (June to August): - Pros: The hottest and sunniest season of the year, good for swimming and sunbathing, many festivals and events.
Disadvantages: extreme heat, crowded, high prices
Autumn season (September to November): - Advantages: cool and pleasant weather, quieter city, colorful nature, reasonable prices
Disadvantages: possibility of rain at the end of the season, some tourist attractions may be closed during this season
Winter season (December to February): - Advantages: the coolest season of the year, the quietest season of the year, very reasonable prices
Disadvantages: rain, possibility of snow in high altitudes, some tourist attractions may be closed in this season
According to the above, it can be said that:
- If you are looking for pleasant weather and green nature, spring is the best time to visit Nicosia.
- If you are looking for beach fun and numerous festivals and events, summer is the perfect time to visit Nicosia.
- If you are looking for a quieter city and reasonable prices, autumn is the perfect time to travel to Nicosia.
- If you are looking for the lowest prices and you are not afraid of rain and snow, winter is the perfect time to travel to Nicosia.
Finally, it is you who should choose the best time to travel to Nicosia according to your taste and preferences.
Invest in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
As we mentioned, Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus, is an ideal destination for tourism and investment, with a unique combination of rich history, dynamic culture and modernity. Touring the ancient streets and visiting historical monuments such as Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and Saint Sophia Cathedral will fascinate every tourist. At the same time, Nicosia has all modern conveniences with modern shopping centers, international restaurants and luxury hotels.
In addition to tourist attractions, Nicosia, as the political and economic center of Northern Cyprus, offers investors from all over the world unique opportunities to invest in various fields, including real estate, business and industry. Political stability, tax exemptions and modern infrastructure are among the advantages of investing in this city.
Kargar Investment Group, with more than 14 years of brilliant experience in providing consulting and investment services in North Cyprus, is ready to accompany you in all stages of investment in this region. Our experienced experts will help you choose the best investment path by providing detailed information and specialized analysis.
last word
Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus, is a city with thousands of years of history and numerous historical and cultural attractions, an ideal destination for travel and tourism. In this article, we examined the various dimensions of this beautiful city, including history, culture, urban facilities, tourist attractions and the best time to travel.
important points:
- You need a visa to enter North Cyprus. You can go to the North Cyprus Embassy in your country to get a visa.
- The currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish lira. You can change your money to Turkish lira at the exchange offices and banks in Nicosia.
- The official language in Northern Cyprus is Turkish. However, many people in this city also speak English.
A trip to Nicosia will be an unforgettable and memorable experience. By exploring this beautiful city, you can get to know the history, culture, customs and natural attractions of North Cyprus and enjoy your trip.
We hope that this article has been useful to you and that you have gained the necessary information to plan your trip to Nicosia.
Have a good trip!
Kargar Consulting and Investment Group, with more than 14 years of brilliant experience in the field of consulting and investment in North Cyprus, is proud to accompany you in all stages of your journey to Nicosia.
We try to make a carefree and memorable trip for you by providing a variety of services including free consultation, tour and hotel booking, obtaining a visa, buying a property in North Cyprus, property management and providing after-sales services.
Make the dream of investing and living in North Cyprus a reality with Kargar Investment and Consulting Group.
We are waiting for you in Nicosia!
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Nicosia, Northern Cyprus:
1. When is the best time to travel to Nicosia?
The best time to visit Nicosia depends on your taste. If you’re looking for pleasant weather, spring and fall are good times. If you are looking for beach fun, choose summer. Winter is the quietest season and prices are lower, but it can rain and snow.
2. Do I need a visa to travel to Nicosia?
Yes, you need a visa to enter Northern Cyprus. You can go to the North Cyprus embassy in your country to get a visa or apply for a visa online.
3. What is the currency in Nicosia?
The currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish lira. You can change your money to Turkish lira at the exchange offices and banks in Nicosia.
4. What language do they speak in Nicosia?
The official language in Northern Cyprus is Turkish, but many people also know English.
5. How much does it cost to travel to Nicosia?
The cost of traveling to Nicosia depends on various factors such as the season of travel, the type of accommodation, the type of food and the activities you do. However, in general we can say that Nicosia is a relatively cheap city and you can enjoy your trip with moderate expenses.
6. What attractions are there in Nicosia?
Nicosia is a historical and cultural city and has many attractions to visit. Among these attractions, we can mention Selim II Grand Mosque, Grand Caravanserai, City Gates, Barbarism Museum, St. Sophia Cathedral, Venezia House, Troodos National Park, Kyrenia Beach and Green Wall.
7. How is the transportation in Nicosia?
The public transport system in Nicosia includes buses, taxis and the metro. Buses are the cheapest and most accessible means of transportation. Taxis are faster and more convenient, but also more expensive. The metro is still under development, but it will become a fast and efficient means of transportation in the future.
8. Are there good restaurants in Nicosia?
Yes, Nicosia has many good restaurants with a variety of Cypriot, international and fast food. You can try delicious food at reasonable prices in these restaurants.
9. How are the nights in Nicosia?
Nicosia is a lively and dynamic city and has lively and diverse nights. In this city you can enjoy many bars, night clubs, restaurants and cafes.
10. Is shopping in Nicosia affordable?
Yes, shopping in Nicosia is affordable, especially for local goods. In this city, you can find all kinds of souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, home appliances, etc. at reasonable prices.
