Nicosia (Lefkosia)

The following is some information about where to stay in Nicosia, nice places to eat and tips about what to do.

The wedding is taking place in Nicosia in the afternoon of the 1st of June (me to kalo). As Nicosia is not by the beach, I would imagine most of you will want to spend your time based somewhere else and make your way to Nicosia on the day. As explained before, distances are no big deal.

If you do want to stay in Nicosia, the follwing hotels are the best of the bunch. I am making enqueries into self-catering apartments too and will provide that information when I get hold of it. Nicosia does not have an enourmous range of accomodation. The city is not a tourist catchment area and so the hotels are much more businessman orientated and places for the well to do Cypriots to go and have a drink by the pool.

Prices and contact details are provided in through the following link as well.

http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/hotel/Cyprus-Lefkosia-Nicosia-R983.html

There are 2 hotels listed on the above website for Northern Lefkosia too. If you choose to stay in the Northern half, please take into consideration the information provided earlier.

A word of caution. You will no doubt find other hotels/pensions listed as being in Lefkosia (especially if you branch out to look at what is offered through the agrotourism scheme). This does not always mean the accomodation is in Lefkosia, rather that it is in the district of Lefkosia which stretches quite far (up to the mountains some 50 minutes journey time away). So watch out for places listed in Kakopetria and Lythrodontas which are not in Lefkosia but are in the Lefkosia district. The accomodation listed above is all in Lefkosia proper.

Where to eat in Nicosia

If you have some time, the tavernas, cafes, restaurants are well worth exploring in the capital. Far more competitively priced than say the beach towns of Protaras or Agia Napa.
I am only listing Greek-Cypriot places to go and check out! If you want sushi/pasta/chinese, you're going to the wrong country! Not that good international restaurants don't exist, it's just you're much better off focusing on the local produce. You should go for the mezze at most of these places, or just the mixed grill. The Cypriots chargrill food well! For drinking, try the frappe (ice coffee) and finish off any meal with the tasty sweet preserved fruits washed down with a glass of water and a Greek coffee.

In Old Nicosia try any of the tavernas along the Venetia Walls towards Famagusta gate particularly. Too many to name but all friendly and in the summer chairs and tables pour out into the street.
In Laiki Gitonia in the old part of the city, try "1900 Paei Keros". It is set among some tourist trap places, but this does a nice mezze and it is a nice walk through this little neighbourhood.
Near the old church of Phaneromeni in Old Nicosia, there is a taverna called "To Steki tis Loxandras". A great mezze place, with music at the weekend, chairs and tables out into the square.
For a drink and to relax, these are my 3 favourite: "Brew" in Laiki Gitonia as well. An old house converted into a cafe by day and bar by night. Lovely.
"Octana". A challenge to find but well worth it. It is a book shop upstairs and has a lovely courtyard downstairs. You will find it on Aristidou Street in Old Nicosia. if you get lost, ask a local!
There is also a place called "Platos" (not far from Octana) again in an old converted house. This is much more of a bar with dark corners and serves 3 dishes:burgers, souvlaki or lahmadjou. All tasty! But this spot may be more for the "young ones"!!

You won't be disappointed with food and drink especially in Nicosia.

I just want to add that I will of course be providing information about the rest of the main towns and placs to stay but it really is Nicosia (as I'm from there) the mountain region and Protaras and Agia Napa that I will be able to give the best information and help out with any further issues. What I will be doing which we hope is useful for everyone though, is providing "inside" tips and info that may not be so obvious for those who have not come to Cyprus before. And naturally, we want you to have the best possible time while you're here.

More to follow shortly!