From North Cyprus: Nicosia city walking tour

Discover Nicosia’s Divided Heritage on a 5-Hour Walking Tour from North Cyprus

The From North Cyprus: Nicosia city walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s layered past, making it an ideal choice for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. With a duration of 5 hours, the tour begins with hotel pickup in North Cyprus and takes you through some of the most iconic sites in the capital, including the old walled city, Selimiye Mosque, and bustling markets. Led by a professional guide, this tour emphasizes the city’s complex history shaped by Venetians, Ottomans, and the British.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to explore the divided capital of Cyprus, with the optional crossing into South Nicosia via Ledra Street. While the tour covers North Nicosia’s key attractions, travelers should plan for a flexible schedule, allowing time to browse markets and enjoy local food. This experience suits those interested in architecture, history, and culture, offering both guided insights and free time for personal exploration.

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Key Points

• Duration: 5 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability
• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to all North Cyprus attractions
• Highlights: Old walled city, Selimiye Mosque, Büyük Han, covered market, jewelry shopping, and optional South cross
• Transport: Air-conditioned bus with a friendly driver
• Languages: Guides available in English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian
• Cost: Tour price covers all North Cyprus site entries, but lunch and drinks are not included

Starting Point at the Old Girne City Gate

The tour kicks off at the Old Girne city gate, marking the entrance to North Nicosia’s historic areas. From here, the guide leads the group through the city’s ancient walls, setting the scene with stories of past civilizations. The route offers plenty of opportunities for photography, especially along the way.

Travelers pass the Venetian Column in Ataturk Square, topped with a copper globe. This column originates from a Roman temple at Salamis on North Cyprus’s east coast, exemplifying the city’s continuous reuse of historical structures. The guide highlights how buildings have been repurposed across centuries, adding layers to the city’s visual story.

Exploring Büyük Han: Art and Craft in a Medieval Inn

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Büyük Han, once a medieval inn where travelers rested overnight. Today, this historic circular courtyard hosts vibrant arts and craft shops, making it a lively hub for browsing and purchasing unique souvenirs. Meeting local artisans and admiring their handmade items gives a sense of the city’s creative spirit.

The building’s architecture is a perfect example of North Cyprus’s historical layering, with features inherited from its Ottoman past. The atmosphere combines medieval charm with modern craftsmanship, making it a favorite stop for those wanting to see authentic local crafts.

Inside the Selimiye Mosque: A Fusion of Cultures

Next, the guide takes visitors inside the Selimiye Mosque, formerly the Gothic cathedral of St. Sophia. As one of North Cyprus’s most recognizable landmarks, it features medieval buttresses and minarets that blend Christian and Islamic architectural elements. The guide explains how the building reuses many original features, creating a fascinating fusion of traditions.

Inside, visitors can admire the impressive structure and observe how religious symbols have been adapted over time. The mosque’s history as a former cathedral and its current function as an active place of worship showcase North Cyprus’s cultural diversity.

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Bargain Hunting at the Covered Market

A short walk from the mosque leads to the Nicosia covered market, where cloth canopies shelter a lively scene of vendors. Here, shoppers can find clothing, textiles, and practical souvenirs perfect for remembering the trip. The market provides a vibrant atmosphere and a chance to haggle for good deals on local products.

This stop offers genuine local flavor, with stalls selling everything from traditional fabrics to everyday essentials. It’s an ideal place for souvenir shopping, especially if you’re on the lookout for authentic textiles or handcrafted items.

Jewelry Shopping: Sparkling Gems and Gold

After browsing the market, the tour includes a visit to a jewelry shop, featuring a wide array of gold, gems, and diamonds. Cypriots are known for their love of jewelry, and this shop showcases tanzanite, ruby, and other precious stones alongside elegant gold pieces.

The jewelry shop provides an opportunity to admire and perhaps purchase fine pieces as personal keepsakes. The selection reflects North Cyprus’s reputation for quality jewelry, making it a worthwhile stop for accessories lovers.

Free Time in Nicosia for Personal Exploration

Following the guided highlights, the tour allows free time in Nicosia—about an hour or two—to relax or explore at your own pace. Travelers can choose to enjoy a late lunch or a refreshing beer at a local restaurant (not included), or they may take this chance to wander through the city’s Ottoman-style streets.

This period offers flexibility and a chance to absorb the city’s atmosphere at your leisure, whether by revisiting favorite sites or discovering hidden corners.

Crossing into South Cyprus via Ledra Street

An optional part of the tour is crossing the border into South Cyprus through Ledra Street, a well-known pedestrian crossing. Travelers should bring their passport for this crossing, which offers a glimpse into the divided nature of the island.

For those who opt to cross, it’s a brief journey into the southern part of Nicosia, where they can explore Ottoman houses, with characteristic balconies and wooden doors. This optional experience provides additional insight into the contrast between the two sides of the city.

Return to North Cyprus and Hotel Drop-Off

The tour concludes with a scenic drive back, passing through the Five Finger Mountains, a notable natural feature in the region. The bus then drops travelers off at their hotel in North Cyprus, completing a comprehensive 5-hour exploration of Nicosia’s historic and cultural highlights.

The entire experience offers a balanced mix of guided touring, cultural insights, shopping opportunities, and free time—making it suitable for those wanting a thorough introduction to North Nicosia without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. It covers entry to all North Cyprus attractions, ensuring a smooth experience. However, lunch, drinks, and refreshments are not included, so travelers should plan to bring cash and perhaps enjoy local eateries during free time.

Guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian, and the tour operates as a private group, providing a personalized experience.

Travelers should remember to bring their passport, hat, camera, and some cash for shopping or small purchases. The tour is suitable for those comfortable walking and standing for periods, with many historic sites featuring uneven surfaces and steps.

Why Choose This Nicosia Tour

The From North Cyprus: Nicosia city walking tour offers an accessible way to explore the city’s layered history, from Roman relics to Ottoman architecture and British influences. The inclusion of major sites like Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque ensures a well-rounded experience, while the optional border crossing adds a unique dimension to the visit.

The tour’s combination of guided insights and free time allows for a flexible, engaging day. It’s particularly appealing for visitors who want to understand North Nicosia’s cultural fabric and see its distinctive landmarks without the hassle of organizing transportation or tickets independently.

This tour provides an informative, comfortable, and culturally rich introduction to one of Europe’s most intriguing capital cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Nicosia city walking tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, with starting times varying depending on availability.

Are meals included in the tour price?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but there is time during the free period for personal meals or refreshments.

Can I cross into South Cyprus during this tour?
Crossing to South Cyprus via Ledra Street is optional. Travelers need to bring their passport for this crossing.

What are the main sites visited during the tour?
Key sites include the old walled city, Venetian Column, Büyük Han, Selimiye Mosque, covered market, and a jewelry shop.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour involves walking and some uneven surfaces; it is best suited for those comfortable with moderate walking and standing.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, travelers should bring their passport, hat, camera, and cash for shopping or small purchases.

Is the tour private or group-based?
This experience is offered as a private group, providing a personalized touch.

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour price covers all North Cyprus attractions and entry fees, excluding lunch and beverages.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made in advance with Cyprus Fun Travel Ltd., with options to reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby