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Nicosia North City Walk: Comprehensive Walking Tour for Complete Northern Nicosia Experience
5.0
74 Ratings
Nicosia
Experience the complete northern Nicosia with our comprehensive walking tour. Explore the other side of the Green Line and discover the hidden gems of the city. Book now!
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Ledra Street Crossing Point - This checkpoint, which opened in 2008, has significantly benefited the neighborhoods on both sides of the Green Line.
- The Arabahmet Mosque - Located in the Arabahmet Quarter, one of the historic and prestigious neighborhoods within the city walls, this mosque is in the western part of Nicosia. This area was a cultural and business hub during the Ottoman and British periods, with residential buildings that showcase the architecture and traditions of those times. Today, the quarter is known for its modern coffee houses, bars, and restaurants atop the city walls.
- Ledra Palace Hotel - Visible from the Venetian city walls, the Ledra Palace Hotel opened in 1949 and was once the most luxurious hotel in Nicosia. It now serves as the UN headquarters in the Buffer Zone.
- The Samanbahce Quarter - Located near the Kyrenia Gate, this small neighborhood consists of 72 tiny courtyard houses and was Cyprus’s first Social Housing Project. Built with traditional materials and following the traditional Nicosia-House plan, this charming area, with its narrow streets filled with flowers and sleepy cats, reflects early 20th-century Nicosia life.
- The Venetian Column - Situated in front of the North Nicosia High Courts, this column stands near a building that exemplifies British colonial architecture.
- Buyuk Han - The Büyük Han is the most impressive Ottoman-era monument in Cyprus. It’s a great spot for a drink or lunch at the end of the tour. While tours typically conclude here, we offer to walk guests back to the checkpoint, which is only a 5-minute walk away.
- Selimiye Mosque - Originally built in the 13th century as the Saint Sophia Cathedral, this mosque is located in the heart of Nicosia and was the coronation site for the Lusignan kings. Converted into a mosque in the late 16th century, it is one of the island’s finest examples of Gothic sacral architecture. Currently closed for renovation, we will view it from the outside.
- Bandabulya Municipal Market - Built in 1932 during the British Period, Bandabulya was the first covered market in the city. Located in the old core of the city on today’s Green Line, it is the local market in northern Nicosia where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of goods like books, records, traditional sweets, and souvenirs.
What's Included
- Guided tour of Nicosia with an enthusiastic local expert
- Insightful exploration of the city’s ancient and recent history
- Engaging stories about everyday life in Europe’s last divided capital
- Refreshments including tea and coffee during the tour
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
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.
- 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!
Location
Lokmaci Crossing meeting point
Ledras
In front of the restaurant THE GATE on the northern side (Turkish Cypriot) of the LEDRA STREET / LOKMACI checkpoint
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(74 Ratings)
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Sara
Aug 28, 2024
Very good experience - We were very lucky, we were the only ones who had booked the tour that day, so it was completely for us. The Guide explained in great detail and affection the whole history of Nicosia and Cyprus in general. I think it is very important to dedicate a day to know the history of the place you visit and what better than from the hand of a local!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_s
Aug 27, 2024
Amazing history brought to life! - We genuinely found this tour really interesting and informative. Our guide, Nelin, was very friendly and accommodating to the group. We got so much more than just seeking to explore the area on our own. So glad we did this and well worth the money.
Review provided by Viator
Mira_f
Aug 6, 2024
Wonderful and memorable - Wonderful history of Northern part of Nicosia. Nalene truly brings it to life: the full painful history, the arts and the culture and the hope for the future. You will see neighborhoods with lots of history and pass by the green zone with a soccer field! Loved the Buyuk Han and the market. North Nicosia is full of life! A must see when there!
Review provided by Viator
Dianne_qld_aust
Jul 14, 2024
Best walking tour in Nicosia - Unforgettable walking tour of Nicosia Old Town on turkish side. Our guide Nelin was exceptional, highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
112hakimj
Jun 30, 2024
Worth the time! - Very nice tour if you are in town for a quick visit and you want to see the northern side of Cyprus without a big hassle. Neilin is a kind guide very informative totally recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
174jeann
Jun 25, 2024
North Nicosia is fascinating! - This tour was very interesting, informative and fun. The tour guide was excellent. Even though it was really hot, I loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizaclgn
Jun 7, 2024
Highly reccomend this tour! Nice to get to know North Nicosia on an individual way! - The guide was highly professional and nice, he answered every question and gave a great overview about history, architecture and politics. Fully reccommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phyl_g
May 29, 2024
Excellent trip - The excellent knowledge of our guide and her pleasant personality.
The tour itself was very interesting. I would highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Excursion35756246455
May 28, 2024
One of the best - The guide was one of the best I have ever experienced. Very knowledgeable and helpful. The tour itself was very memorable, made more so by the guide. Excellent, would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Farah_s
Jul 4, 2024
Interesting day in the buffer zone - It was a very interesting day exploring north Nicosia and the UN buffer zone between north and south. Our guide Nelin was very knowledgeable about the history but also the area. She showed us some cool cafes, bars and restaurants in case we wanted to come back and explore by ourselves later
Review provided by Viator