Nicosia Tourist Traps

1 more image

At the end of Ledra Street is the start of the green line, there is a big display about the invasion and some wholes in the wall to pick at the other side. Many tourists go there to take photos. Use your own judgement and take everything with a pinch of salt...

The alternative is to read, talk to people and visit both sides of the town to get the bigger picture...

In the Turk controlled Nicosia, you'll see the blue "Nicosia Trail" marked on the tourist map and the street. You won't get lost if you follow the blue line and in the end you'll get back to immigration control. But I wouldn't recommend you to follow the trail. Most of the time you'll find yourself in the narrow street of the residential area. In fact, there're not a lot of things to see here anyway. It's pretty run down compared to the south. But then again, you might just want to see the contrast. The turks are pretty humble people and things are cheaper there. Some people who live in the south just go there to buy cigarettes. So much so that the customs officer on the Greek controlled Nicosia would ask you how many cigarettes you have bought.

Fast food restaurants are everywhere in the central area of Nicosia.

Unique Suggestions: The best of all of the fast food establishments seems to be 'Big Boy' on Ledra Street at the end close to Plateia Eleftherias. They serve the more healthy option of jacket potatoes and salads.

Fun Alternatives: Try and find the authentic Cypriot eating establishments instead. In the centre along Ledra Street there are lots of places offering food but the best eating places are in the back streets. If you see a few of the locals eating in a taverna, head there yourself. It usually means that the food will be of an excellent quality.

The shopping streets are pretty tacky, but some of them have really good bargains and aren't too busy when you come early or late during the day.