Nicosia (also known by its Greek name, Lefkosia) is the capital of both the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cyprus) and Northern Cyprus (Turkish Cyprus). The city is famously divided into two by the Green Line, a United Nations–administered buffer zone between the two sections, and crossing over on foot is one of the most popular things to do in Nicosia. Each side has a distinct look and feel, with museums and historic churches on the southern side and Turkish markets and an Ottoman caravanserai to the north.
The best time of year to visit Nicosia is in the spring or fall, when the weather is pleasantly warm but not too hot, and there are fewer crowds on the island. If you’re just visiting on a day tour, consider coming on a weekday for a quieter experience. Note that the border between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus is open around the clock.
You can explore much of Nicosia on foot, and taxis are available for those traveling farther distances. If you rent a car in the Republic of Cyprus, you won’t be allowed (in most cases) to take it over the border, so it’s better to join a tour that includes transportation if you want to spend time in the northern parts of the island.
The easiest way to cross the border between the Greek and Turkish sides of Nicosia is to head to the Ledra Street crossing point, which is only open to pedestrians. You'll need your passport, which will be checked on both sides of the border, but the process usually only takes five or so minutes. Still, if you’re on a tour, it’s wise to give yourself plenty of time to cross back over, just in case of delays.
