Nicosia Hotels

Nicosia Nirvana
As much as we hate clichés, sometimes there’s a reason why a place will be described in sappy, gooey rhetoric. Nicosia (known to the rest of Cyprus as Lefkosia) is a case in point, because it is almost impossible to paint a picture of it without using terms like ‘picturesque coastline’ or ‘charming locals’. But if you insist on something more unique, try Nicosia’s grenade-shaped city centre, or the perplexingly hipster breed of electronica seeping out of nightclub doors. ... Read more »
Explore theOld Town and get lost in the labyrinth of winding streets lined with great restaurants, barsandtaverns. The stretch of Leoforos Arhiepiskopou Makariou III (Makarios Ave)is a glitterati’s Eden, with ritzy treats on offer for those who remembered to up their credit card limit. And finally, laze around on Nicosia’s picturesque coastline while chatting up some charming locals. Ah well, we tried…
NICOSIA’S TOP 10
10. Archbishop’s Palace Just like most people, this had to be made over after the 1980s. |
5. House of Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios This belonged to the Great Dragoman of Cyprus from 1779 to 1809. He was really just a liaison officer. |
9. Laïki Yitonia Have a stroll around this touristy part of town. It’s lovely if you don’t eat all your meals here. |
4. Makarios Cultural Foundation Here you’ll find the European Art Gallery, the Greek Independence War Gallery and the Byzantine Art Museum. |
8. Omeriye Mosque Once a church, it was rebuilt as a mosque because it is said to be the spot where Omer was buried in the seventh century. |
3. Ledra Palace Hotel Crossing The only place reserved for pedestrians to cross from the North to the South. Masses of tourists flock here during the day, but it is better late at night after a few ales. |
7. Omeriye Hamam Topless bathing is compulsory, although men and women are separated. |
2. Cyprus Museum This museum is the most interesting in the area and packed with archaeological finds. |
6. Roccas (Kaytazağa) Bastion The only place where Greek and Turkish Cypriots could get a look at each other during the 30 years they spent separated. |
1. Venetian Walls These bizarrely shaped walls form a border around the Old City. Ineffective, but cool. |
NICOSIA EVENTS
The Cyprus International Fair comes to Nicosia at the end of May. Hundreds of exhibitors display products from all over the world.
The Pharos International Chamber Music Festival swings into town each May, bringing international guests to perform across the city.
The Aglandjia Festival is a cultural celebration lasting over two weeks in June and July. Dancing, theatre and music performances are all on offer and all free of charge.
October brings the alliteration-friendly Cyprus Independence Day, with its public holiday, parades, parties and processions.
November celebrates multiculturalism with the Rainbow Festival. It’s a great excuse to gorge on cuisine from around the globe.
WHEN TO GO
- The Mediterranean is hottest – and most crowded – between July and October.
- Autumn and spring bring far less tourists, and walking around won’t leave you dripping with sweat.
- December to January are the wettest months, but you’ll only see a few showers and the temperature rarely drops below 5ºC (41ºF).
GETTING AROUND
- Walking is the best way to explore the Old City.
- Buses generally don’t obey timetables and are fairly expensive.
- Some taxis will have TAXI written on the side, others won’t. All, though, will have licence plates starting with T.
Castelli Hotel Nicosia
3 Stars$125
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Classic Hotel Nicosia
3 Stars$147
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Crown Inn Hotel Nicosia
3 Stars$134
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Europa Hotel Nicosia
3 Stars$198
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Hilton Park Nicosia
4 Stars$124
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$173
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Hilton Cyprus Hotel
5 Stars$151
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