Beyond Your Travel

Walking City Tour Nicosia North

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Duration

2.5 hours

Group Size

1 to 4 people

Ages

0 - 99 yrs

Languages

English

Tour Overview

Join us on this unique walking tour through the northern part of Nicosia, Europe's last divided capital. Since the end of 1963, the GREENLINE has separated the northern and southern parts of the city. This tour is the perfect addition for travelers spending their main holiday in the southern part of Cyprus, offering a glimpse into the life, stories, and hidden gems on the other side. Nicosia is a rich tapestry woven from Byzantine, Crusader, Venetian, Ottoman, Armenian, British, Greek, and Turkish influences. The history of the 20th century must be viewed against the backdrop of Cold War conspiracies, which shaped the island’s modern fate. Our guides are excited to share their city and its stories with you in a relaxed and entertaining way, while presenting its complex and tragic history in the most neutral manner.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In case you have to cross the Ledra Street checkpoint to reach the starting point, please make sure you bring your travel document for entering Northern Cyprus!

Pickup

In front of the restaurant THE GATE on the northern side (Turkish Cypriot) of the LEDRA STREET / LOKMACI checkpoint - Time zone: Asia/Nicosia

If you must cross the checkpoint from the South (Republic of Cyprus) to the North (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) to reach the starting point of this tour, please make sure you have a valid travel document and let yourself know about the crossing requirements.

What's included

This tour with an enthusiastic local guide covers both the ancient and recent history of Nicosia

You will learn a lot about the everyday life in the last divided capital of Europe

We invite our guests for a Cypriot coffee in Büyük Han

Gratuities

Itinerary

Stop 1: 0.2 hours

This checkpoint opened in 2008, with a huge positive impact on the quarters on both side of the Green Line.

Stop 2: 0.5 hours

The Arabahmet Mosque is situated in the Arabahmet Quarter, one of the historic and prestigious neighbourhoods within the walls. This quarter in the western part of the city of Nicosia used to be the centre of culture and business during the Ottoman and British eras. The residential buildings here reflect the architecture and tradition of those times. Apart from the mosque, this quarter is now famous for its modern coffee houses, bars and restaurants on top of the city walls.

Stop 3: 0.3 hours

From the Venetian city walls we see the Ledra Palace Hotel. It opened in 1949, used to be the most luxurious hotel in Nicosia and is now the UN headquarter in the Buffer Zone.

Stop 4: 0.5 hours

Situated not far from the Kyrenia Gate, this small neighbourhood consisted of 72 tiny courtyard houses and was the first Social Housing Project in Cyprus. All houses were built using traditional building materials according to the traditional Nicosia-House plan. This charming neighbourhood, with its long narrow streets full of flowers and sleepy cats today, reflects Nicosia's way of life at the beginning of the 20th century.

Stop 5: 0.2 hours

The Venetian Column is situated right in front of the North Nicosia High Courts. The court building is a typical example for British colonial architecture.

Stop 6: 0.3 hours

The Büyük Han is the most impressive monument from Ottoman times in Cyprus. At the end of the tour this is a good place for a drink or a lunch. Normally we end our tours here, but for guests who want we offer to walk them back to the checkpoint - its only 5 minutes away

Stop 7: 0.2 hours

Selimiye Mosque, built in the 13th century as the Saint Sophia Cathedral, lay in the heart of Nicosia and was once the coronation cathedral of the Lusignan kings. This cathedral, converted into a mosque in the late 16 th century, is considered one of the island’s most beautiful examples of Gothic sacral architecture. The cathedral/mosque is closed for renovation at the moment. We will see it from outside.

Stop 8: 0.3 hours

Bandabulia was the first covered market built in 1932 during the British Period. Located right in the city’s old core, on today’s Green Line, Bandabuliya is the local market in the north part of Nicosia where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables and a wide range of goods, such as books, records, traditional sweets and souvenirs.

FAQ

Can I get the refund?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Min 1 days: 100%
From 0 to 1 days: 0%

Tickets

Adult (18 - 99 years)

Minimum: 1, Maximum: 4

Youth (12 - 17 years)

Minimum: 0, Maximum: 4

Children (6 - 11 years)

Minimum: 0, Maximum: 4

Infant (0 - 5 years)

Minimum: 0, Maximum: 4