Nicosia at a glance
Nicosia is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus. The old town is enclosed by a Venetian wall with 11 bastions, and the Green Line, which separates the administrative areas of the island, runs through the city. The Republic of Cyprus belongs to the EU but does not exercise effective control in the north, so the city has a southern and a northern half.
You can visit both halves, but only through designated crossing points. For most visitors the easiest plan is a half day in the south: walk along the walls, spend an hour or two in the Cyprus Museum, and decide on the spot whether to cross the line on foot.
The walls and the old town
The walls are the best starting point because they give the old town its shape. The ring has 11 bastions and several gates, such as the Famagusta Gate. A gate in the wall is not the same thing as a border crossing. Not every gate leads through the Green Line, so do not expect to cross just because you are standing at one.
Inside the walls, plan to explore on foot. Lanes and cafés are close together, so a short loop covers a lot. Midday heat in summer makes a long walk tiring, so check the weather and seasons page before you pick a month.
The Selimiye Mosque stands in the northern half of the city, with cafés nearby. You only get there through a crossing, so keep your documents with you.
Cyprus tours and day trips
Guided city visits, boat trips and day trips across the island, with live prices and availability.
The Cyprus Museum
The Cyprus Museum at Mouseiou 1 is an archaeological museum. Entry is free on the current museum listing. An older printed handbook from 2015 quotes a fee of €4.50, which is out of date. Opening hours are below. The museum itself warns that hours can change, so check the current times before you go.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday to Friday | 08:00–18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00–13:00 |
| Monday | Closed |
| First Wednesday of the month | 08:00–20:00 |
| Public holidays | Usually 10:30–13:00 |
| Christmas, New Year, Orthodox Easter Sunday | Closed |
Crossing the Green Line
Only designated crossings are open. Use them and nothing else.
Ledra Street
This is a pedestrian crossing inside the city. Expect an ID check. It is a pedestrian zone, so do not plan a drive through it.
Ledra Palace
A second pedestrian crossing, separate from Ledra Street. Check which one is closer to your starting point before you set out.
Documents
German citizens can cross with a valid passport or national ID card, in both directions. Carry the document at all times near the line. The rule applies to German citizens, not to every nationality, so check your own government's current travel advice.
Rental cars
Cars rented in the south often have no insurance for the north. Some crossings, including Agios Dometios, sell north insurance. That does not replace the rental company's own consent, so ask before you book.
Photos and restricted areas
Do not photograph military installations. Do not walk into closed-off areas between the two sides.
Going further north
Kyrenia (Girne), Famagusta (Gazimağusa) and the rest of the north have their own page: visiting north Cyprus.
A simple day in Nicosia
Built around the museum hours above.
Morning
Start at the walls while it is still cool. If you want the Cyprus Museum, go early: it opens at 08:00 from Tuesday to Friday, but only at 10:00 on Sunday and not at all on Monday.
Midday
Walk the old town lanes and take a break in a café. On a hot day the shade matters more than the distance you cover.
Afternoon
If you cross at Ledra Street, carry your passport or ID card and leave time for the checks. Decide where you will end the day before you cross.
Evening
On the first Wednesday of the month the museum stays open until 20:00. On other days, plan to be done by closing time.
Getting to Nicosia by bus
Intercity adult fares, valid since 1 April 2025.
| Route | Single | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Larnaca-Nicosia | €5 | €9 |
| Nicosia-Limassol | €6 | €11 |
| Nicosia-Paphos | €8 | €15 |
An adult paper single is paid in cash on the bus. Return tickets and passes are sold at sales points and through the Motion system. The 50 % reduction in the fare table applies only with a matching Motion card, so do not count on a student discount by age alone. Check the current timetable before you go.
If you drive, remember that traffic keeps left in Cyprus. The motorway maximum is 100 km/h.
Plan the rest of your trip
Nicosia pairs well with a coastal base.
Visiting north Cyprus
Crossing points, documents, rental car insurance, Famagusta and Kyrenia.
Larnaca
The Salt Lake, the Church of Lazarus and the Finikoudes promenade, with a direct bus to Nicosia.
Things to do in Cyprus
Fifteen experiences across the island, from mosaics to the Troodos churches.
Nicosia: frequently asked questions
Is the Cyprus Museum free?
The current museum listing shows free entry. An older handbook from 2015 mentions €4.50, which is out of date. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Can I walk from the south to the north of Nicosia?
Yes, at designated crossings. Ledra Street and Ledra Palace are both pedestrian crossings. Bring your passport or ID card, as there are checks.
Can I take a rental car across?
Ask the rental company first. Cars rented in the south often lack insurance for the north, and some crossings, including Agios Dometios, sell it. The Ledra Street zone is for pedestrians only.
How do I get to Nicosia from Larnaca?
By Intercity bus. The adult fare is €5 single and €9 return since April 2025. Check the current timetable before you travel.
Does every gate in the walls lead to the other side?
No. The walls have 11 bastions, but not every gate is a crossing point. Use Ledra Street or Ledra Palace on foot.