Experience in Nicosia, Cyprus by Ekaterini

What is it like to live in Nicosia? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's my natal city and it is also the capital of Cyprus. There are many cafes, restaurants and places to spend the evening. ALso you can visit museums ( archeological, byzantin, national struggle, levention). It is also easy to visit villages and other towns which have also beaches. So i would recommend Nicosia to live because even if its a capital and has a lot of things to do, it is also calm because its NOT a chaotic big town with a high population. One of the problems though is trasport, as the only public transport are buses for which you may wait 30- 45 minutes. Here is the official page of intercity buses http://www.osel.com.cy/?wp=index_en and the site of intercity buses : http://www.intercity-buses.com/index.php

What is the student lifestyle like in Nicosia?

The student lifestyle in Nicosia its good as we go out often and there are student parties organised. The lessons at the university are not so easy for the natives but for the Erasmus students i think its very good, as the teachers show understanding and most of the times as the Erasmus students dont know the language in which most of the courses are taught (greek), the only have to do projects.

How much does it cost to live in Nicosia?

Rents are affordable in Nicosia, but prices at supermarkets, of beverages at bars are a bit expensive, in comparison to other european cities. But food at traditional restaurants is at a good price as the portions are quite big.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Nicosia? Is there any advice you can give?

To find accommodation in Nicosia throught the internet can be a solution but a risky one.. The best option is from a real estate office, or after coming by yourself to look also the house. You can also search from offers at newspapers. Pay attention not to find something in a village unless you have a car. Also pay attention not to find in the northen occupied part, which is not recognised and its illegal.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is great. Its the mediterranean, greek and cypriot cuisine. The most typical dish is "Souvlakia" and "Gyros". The price of this dishes its low if its from a take away restaurant ( kebab house) as is from 2.50 to 6 euros. You should also try at a tavern "Mezedes". Other great dishes are "moussakas", "afelia|, "gemista", "soutzoukakia" and a lot more!

What places would you recommend visiting in Nicosia?

A must see is the archeological museum. You should also visit the old town, dragomans house ( Hadjigeorgaki Kornesiou house) Leventis museum, Faneromenis church, Shacolas tower to see Nicosia, National struggle museum, Metohi park, Athalassas park. Also places that are not in city center are asinou church, milomeri waterfalls at troodos mountaints of nicosia district, kakopetria village, ancient idalion, ancient tamassos.

Is it good to eat out in Nicosia? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes its good to eat out. You can try " Elladites tavern", " Avo" , "Hronoperpatimata", "to tavernaki tou pampou", " salonikios" " Louis tavern", "zannettos", " orfeas". Also "Marzano" and "il forno" for italian cuisine. You can also just go down town and find there many traditional and international cuisine restaurants and fast foods.

Is the nightlife good in Nicosia? Where is good to go?

Nightlife is good. There are numerous cafes and glaceries in the old town (ledras street) and in engkimi and stavrou street. There are many cafes in the city. You can also find nice bars as "ithaki venue"," "Plato's" "Chateau status", "Blinkers", "Occhio Air", "Sabai', "Havana" and other smaller bars. Some clubs are : "Occhio", "Zoo club", " Vivendi", " Momo", "Noblesse".

What advice would you give future students headed to Nicosia?

It would be better to find a house close to the old town, so that you can walk to go out, as in the evening there are very very FEW buses. To university you can go with the daily buses. Transport is difficult but the weather is so good that you will forget everything! except in the very hot days of summer which may be difficult for people not used to the hot weather but the sea and the beautiful beaches and life in the cities by the sea will make you forget all the difficulties! Its a chance to live in a city which is near to both the sea and the mountaints!