Nicosia: Last Divided City, Tour combining South & North

Key Points

• Explore both sides of Nicosia, Cyprus’s last divided capital, in a 3-hour guided walk
• Visit iconic landmarks like Ledra Palace Hotel, Buyuk Han, and the Venetian walls
• Cross the Green Line and experience the importance of the checkpoints firsthand
• Enjoy traditional Cypriot coffee and the sounds of the Call to Prayer during the tour
• Led by knowledgeable guides who share personal stories and historical insights
• Includes inside access to the Buffer Zone and the opportunity to learn about the city’s complex division

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Discover Nicosia’s Unique Divided Landscape

This guided tour of Nicosia offers a rare opportunity to see the city as it is today—divided yet connected. The 3-hour walk begins on the Greek side, specifically at Markou Drakou Avenue, and covers both the South and North neighborhoods. The tour provides a balanced view of Cyprus’s last divided capital, highlighting the contrasts between Greek and Turkish communities while explaining the historical context of the division.

The guided walk emphasizes the significance of the buffer zone and the checkpoint crossings, which have only recently reopened after decades of separation. This makes the experience particularly meaningful, offering insights into the ongoing process of reconciliation and coexistence. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and includes practical tips, making it suitable for most travelers seeking an authentic glimpse into Nicosia’s history.

Walking Through the Heart of Old Nicosia

The tour takes you along the walled city, a site scarred with bullet holes, abandoned buildings, barricades, and military outposts—testaments to the city’s turbulent past. The centerpiece is Ledra Street, a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare that marks the border between the Greek and Turkish sides. Crossing this street from the Greek Nicosia into Turkish Nicosia underscores the city’s division.

Walking through these historic streets, you encounter remnants of conflict and signs of renewal. The Venetian walls enclose the old town, serving as visual symbols of Nicosia’s layered history. The guide shares stories about the abandoned buildings reclaimed by nature and the ongoing changes in the cityscape, providing a vivid picture of life on both sides of the Green Line.

Exploring the Significance of the Ledra Palace Hotel

The Ledra Palace Hotel serves as a key landmark and a symbol of Nicosia’s divided past. Once the largest hotel in the city, it now stands as a poignant reminder of how the city’s landscape has evolved. The tour includes inside access to the Buffer Zone near the hotel, where travelers can observe the military presence and border controls.

This site encapsulates the complex history of the division, illustrating both conflict and cooperation. The hotel’s architecture and its role in the city’s social life make it a powerful stop that helps visitors understand the city’s layered history.

Crossing the Green Line and Visiting Checkpoints

One of the tour’s highlights is crossing the checkpoint at Ledra Street, an experience that was once impossible before recent agreements allowed for border opening. This crossing allows travelers to stand on both sides of Nicosia, witnessing firsthand the separation of Greek and Turkish communities.

The guide leads you through the checkpoint process, explaining the significance of the Green Line. This walk-through reveals the physical and emotional impact of the division, making it an educational and memorable moment in the tour.

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Visiting Buyuk Han and Ottoman Architecture

The Buyuk Han is a standout stop, recognized as Cyprus’s best-preserved Ottoman caravanserai. This historic inn dates back to the Ottoman period and exemplifies Ottoman architecture with its courtyard, arched passageways, and traditional design.

The tour includes a 20-minute break at Buyuk Han, where you can sit with a Turkish coffee and absorb the atmosphere. As the Call to Prayer echoes from nearby mosques, the scene captures the blending of old and new in this vibrant neighborhood.

Exploring the Arab Ahmet District and Armenian Heritage

The Arab Ahmet district offers a glimpse into Nicosia’s Ottoman and Armenian history. Originally one of the 12 quarters after the Ottoman conquest in 1570, this neighborhood is rich with history and character. The guide points out historic buildings and explains the area’s significance.

Visitors can also see the Armenian church, believed to date back to the 13th century. Originally called the Abbey of Our Lady of Tyre, this church became a focal point for the Armenian community in Cyprus. The guide shares stories about Armenian Cypriots, adding depth to the walk through this distinctive neighborhood.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Accessibility

The tour starts at Markou Drakou Avenue, near the Ledra Palace Checkpoint parking lot. Travelers arriving from Larnaca, Limassol, or Pafos can take the Intercity Bus to Dionysios Solomos Square, a short walk from the meeting point. The parking lot “LEDRA PALAS” is convenient for those driving, located just before the checkpoint.

The tour includes inside visits to landmarks, and crossing the checkpoint is conducted together with the guide. It is advisable to bring passport or ID card, wear comfortable shoes, and carry water and sun protection, as the walk involves outdoor exposure. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most visitors.

What’s Included in the Tour Package

The tour package features a guided walk of both the South and North sides of Nicosia, with inside access to the Buffer Zone near Ledra Palace Hotel. It includes the checkpoint crossing and visits to key landmarks like Buyuk Han and the Armenian church.

Participants enjoy traditional Cypriot coffee at a historic coffee shop, along with recommendations for local food and further sightseeing. The tour offers suggestions and tips to enhance your understanding of the city and its cultural landscape.

Optional Transportation and Additional Costs

Transportation for an extra fee can be arranged in advance, making the tour more flexible for those who prefer not to walk. There is a parking fee of 3 euros, payable at the parking lot, and food and snacks are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Expert Guides and Personal Stories

The guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling ability. The reviews highlight Eleni’s engaging explanations, filled with personal stories that make the history more tangible. Visitors appreciate guides who are easy to ask questions, making the experience more interactive and enriching.

Booking and Cancellation Flexibility

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, and you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for planning. Multiple starting times are available throughout the day, and the tour operates in English and Greek.

Navigating Nicosia’s Divided City with Confidence

This tour provides a comprehensive and engaging way to understand Nicosia’s complex history, its divided streets, and the ongoing efforts for peace and unity. With inside access to key areas, a balanced perspective, and expert guides, it’s an insightful experience.

While the 3-hour duration keeps the walk manageable, travelers should be prepared for outdoor walking and the emotional weight of the city’s history. The tour suits those interested in history, culture, and current affairs, and those eager to see how a city can be both divided and alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The guided walk lasts approximately 3 hours, with the option to start at different times during the day.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Markou Drakou Avenue, near the Ledra Palace Checkpoint parking lot.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
A passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and comfortable clothing are recommended.

Does the tour include inside visits?
Yes, it includes inside access to the Buffer Zone near Ledra Palace Hotel and visits to landmarks like Buyuk Han and the Armenian church.

Can I arrange transportation?
Yes, transportation can be arranged for an extra fee if booked in advance.

What is the significance of crossing the Green Line?
It marks the physical and symbolic division between the Greek and Turkish sides of Nicosia, a key part of this tour’s experience.

Are there any additional costs?
The parking fee is 3 euros, and food and snacks are not included in the tour price.

How do I book and cancel?
You can reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is available in English and Greek.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, as long as travelers are comfortable with outdoor walking and historical sights.

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