Nicosia Insider Walk: Discover Hidden Gems

Uncover the secrets and rarely discovered streets inside the Buffer Zone of Nicosia. Join our recreational walks to experience an insider’s perspective of the city.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Famagusta Gate - The Famagusta Gate is the most significant of the gates of Venetian Lefkosia, built in the 16th century, It is the Gate that once opened on the road leading to the most important Port of Cyprus in Famagusta.
What's Included
  • Guided walk
  • Entrance fees
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

I take great pleasure in revealing the hidden treasures and unique experiences found in out-of-the-way spots and seldom-explored streets. For years, I’ve guided leisure walks, driven by my deep love and enthusiasm for my city. My joy lies in engaging with individuals and introducing them to the wonders of this magnificent city, a connection best formed…

Location
Ledra Palace Hotel
Markou Drakou
The parking lot where we will meet is situated to the west of the Nicosia. It is located near the Green Line, just before the Ledra Palace Check point on the right side. Further down is the Goethe Institute. Make sure to enter "Markou Drakou Avenue" and enter the postal code number 1102
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(133 Ratings)
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Ann_l
Oct 8, 2025
Local and personal Stories - This was an exceptional walking tour. Longer than anticipated but very interesting and with a nice coffee break in the middle. We had the opportunity to hear lots of personal stories and meet some lovely local residents. A truly memorable experience.
Review provided by Viator
Helene_h
Sep 7, 2025
Exciting! - Eleni introduced us to the little story in the great history that Cyprus lived and still lives since 1974, when the Turks invaded the north of the island. Now a buffer zone divides the island in two, between Turkish Cypriots in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south... The visit of the various neighbourhoods bordering the Nicosia buffer zone is a measure of the tragedy that took place 51 years ago, causing the Greek Cypriots to leave their homes, neighbours, shops, schools and places of worship in just a few hours, without ever being able to return to them, while the Turkish Cypriots did the same in the other direction... It is now only the ruins of beautiful houses, sumptuous hotels and deserted streets that once flourished, that Eleni tells through a thousand little details and that makes us understand what these families have lived and are still living. We can only recommend this exciting tour by a passionate guide!
Review provided by Viator
Bjørn
Sep 3, 2025
Get to learn the history of the green line first hand - This is a absolute must for all history buffs and those who want to learn more about the oddity in modern times which is a divided capitol in Europa. Our guide Eleni gave us a wonderful tour and shared her personal history from both Nicosia and Verosha, on the 1974 invasion and the unfortunatly partition of the island. She gives you a behind the scenes look in the UN buffer zone, and show how life is close up to the green line. If you are in doubt, don't be, book a tour! You wont regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phillip_h
Jul 20, 2025
Our tour of the UN Buffer... - Our tour of the UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus was both eye-opening and deeply moving. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, providing rich historical context and personal stories that brought the divided landscape to life. Walking along the Green Line and seeing the abandoned buildings and hearing about the ongoing efforts in this struggle made this experience unforgettable. It's a must-do for anyone interested in the island’s complex history.
Review provided by Viator
Cara_m
Jul 10, 2025
Incredible Tour - far surpassed expectations!! - I can't say enough about Eleni, our tour guide for this fantastic journey through the buffer zone. She provided so much personal and general country history and perspective to our tour. We left not only seeing where history unfolded on both the Greek and Turkish sides of the green line, but also left with a perspective on why things unfolded as they did and where things stand today.. She was also kind enough to provide recommendations for restaurants and additional places to see on our trek back too Limassol. Our experience of Cypress was 100% enhanced by this experience. If you're a history buff and wanna know what really has transpired through the years, this is the tour for you. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Rafaeldz7845nx
Jun 20, 2025
Knowledgeable, fascinating, engaging, articulated and charming - Knowledgeable, fascinating, engaging, articulated and charming. I’m running out of adjectives to describe Eleni’s Buffer Zone tour. However, the thing that struck me the most was how objective Eleni is. She manages to present facts and touching personal stories that affected equally both communities, Greek and Turkish. Eleni does that even though her family and herself were personally impacted by the trauma and random injustice of the island’s partition. Her tour not only explains the background and history of Cyprus, it also highlights the human side of it. Eleni also reads her audience to cater and pace the tour accordingly to ensure everyone is happy with it. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Collinson_a
Jun 9, 2025
Very interesting.very knowledgeable guide. A must for all visitors to Cyprus! - The guide eleni has lived experience and speaks with love and great knowledge of Cyprus. The tour was excellent, insightful and a great experience! Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Adam_s
Jun 4, 2025
A simply "must do" tour in Nicosia! - Absolutely incredible experience - Eleni was the most wonderful guide, and gave us an incredibly detailed tour, indulging all of our questions about Cyprus and the division between North and South. The route was fascinating and varied, and she gave the best recommendations for both North and South Nicosia at the conclusion of the tour, and also gave us a coffee as a treat during the tour! I cannot praise Eleni highly enough for all her efforts and for providing such an incredibly insightful (and unbiased) tour. Every traveller to Nicosia must do this!!!
Review provided by Viator
Trail17951054086
May 6, 2025
Exploring the Green Line with Eleni was an unforgettable experience! - Her vivid storytelling made the complex history of Nicosia come alive – we could truly feel the tension and beauty of this divided city. The tour was perfect for adults and kids alike: engaging, insightful, and full of local perspectives you wouldn’t find in any guidebook. Eleni’s warm, open-hearted Cypriot hospitality made us feel instantly welcome. Special thanks for the amazing restaurant tips for the evening – a perfect ending to a perfect day! Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cyprus!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J_rgr45
Apr 26, 2025
The most authentic guide we ever had - Dear Eleni, thank very much for your time. It was very interesting listening to you and talking with you. You are a very kind and wonderful hostess and the best representative of your country. We learned a lot about the way it is to live in a divided country, especially in a divided city. You could tell it from the heart, because it is your live. We recommend you 100%, Joerg & Dina from Hamburg
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $80
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).