Experience in Nicosia, Cyprus by Evangelia

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

Nicosia is a great city to live in. There are great historic buildings, museums and other cultural elements to explore all over the city center.
You can find restaurants offering the best Cypriot food, in every corner and there are many more offering food from everywhere in the world, since Nicosia is a multicultural city!
People are quite friendly and willing to help with whatever you might need. The local bars, clubs and 'bouzoukia' -as we call them- are a great place for entertainment if you want to listen to Greek music, dance, drink and have the best time!
Concerning the weather, as they say in Cyprus we have 340 days of sunshine and the beach is only 40 minutes away. In addition Cyprus is full of scenic villages, where you can have long walks and of course delicious local food.
You will also have the chance to learn about our history, since half of the island is occupied by the Turks.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nicosia?

Students have easy access to the city center, where they can find anything, from restaurants to clubs. Cypriots like going out any time of the day and the restaurants are always open. Also, there are two big malls with many shops and restaurants as well as the cinema. Every neighborhood has a cafe, a kiosk and a pharmacy, so whatever students may need is available. Making friends will not be a problem, as we have many international students and also the Cypriots are quite friendly and they will help with whatever you need.

How much does it cost to live in Nicosia?

The rent is quite high in the city center, but there are many university dormitories. Each university has its own places where students may rent while studying. If you find a room there, rent is very low, €120-€160. To rent an apartment, prices vary starting from €500 and it is best to share it with others.

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

It can be difficult to find an accommodation near the universities if it is not a university residence. Try applying for a room in the dormitories and if not, search the area around the university very well.

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

If you love Mediterranean food, it is time to try the food in Cyprus! Go to a tavern downtown, to a Cypriot's house on a Sunday. You will love the food and it will be more than enough!
Try the souvlaki, seftalies, gyros, mezedes and many more!
My favorite one is 'makaronia tou fournou', which is pasta with minced meat and cream on top.
Don't worry if you are vegetarian or vegan, there are also many choices like koupepia with rice, halloumi with mushrooms and many mezedes to try.

What places would you recommend visiting in Nicosia?

If you are staying in Nicosia, you must visit the city center, where there are many historic places like the walls, museums and others. You should definitely walk through the 'laiki geitonia' which is a road where you can see, try and buy local goods, postcards etc. The flea market on Wednesdays is an interesting thing for a foreigner to experience. Go to Ermou street for a quiet place to have a drink.
Find a map and walk across the whole city center, you will find many things to see and places to eat. Better yet make Cypriot friends! They will offer you a tour and they will have a car!

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

Eating out is something very common in Cyprus, since the food is great! There are many places with great food downtown, like in Ledra street, Piatsa Gourounaki for souvlaki and gyros, Karvounomagiremata for mezedes and other local dishes, Giagia Viktoria for an evening coffee with a mpougatsa or a piece of cake and many more.

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

Nightlife is good in Nicosia, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays, when the clubs are open, bars have live music and people have free time to go out.
If you like clubs, go to State or Box. As for bars, it depends on what you prefer. Try the Neverland Rock Bar if you like rock music, or Elefsis where live music is a must and it depends on the event.

What advice would you give future students heading to Nicosia?

Meet local people to help you and take you everywhere, otherwise on your own it will be quite difficult to explore the city and the whole island.
Try as much food as you can, you won't regret it!
Have fun in any way you like and enjoy the whole experience!
Nicosia is a great place to live and be a student.