The venues

The 2026 URBACT City Festival will take place across two main locations in Nicosia: 

In addition, the Nicosia After Dark Party on 1 April will be held at:

For the exact location of each URBACT City Festival session, consult the programme

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Plan your trip
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Pack your bag

Sunny skies are expected at the 2026 URBACT City Festival in Nicosia. By late March, the weather is usually mild and temperatures can go up to 20° for the day and down to 8-9° for the night. Rain is rare, but possible. 

 

When packing your bag, please don’t forget:

  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Sun screen
  • A water bottle
  • Comfortable shoes
  • A raincoat and an umbrella in the event of bad weather
  • Your passport 
    EU citizens don’t need a passport to travel to Cyprus. However, carrying one is recommended, since it often makes airport check-in and flight connections faster and easier. 
  • A plug convertor 
    Electric plugs in Cyprus follow the British three-pin format (Type G). Make sure to bring a suitable adapter to charge your electric devices.

    British three-pin format (Type G)

 

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Land to Larnaca International Airport (LCA)

Important information on travelling to Cyprus!

 

The legally-recognised points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are:

  • the international airports of Larnaca and Paphos, and
  • the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi and Paphos

These are situated in the area under the actual control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. Entering the country through any other ports or airports located in the Turkish occupied area is considered illegal. 

 
 
Participants of the 2026 URBACT City Festival are strongly recommended to land to Larnaca International Airport (LCA). 

 

This is the closest major airport to Nicosia, located in the Republic of Cyprus. Direct flights connect Larnaca with most major European cities (London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, Warsaw, Athens, etc.).

 

When planning your trip, please double-check the airport code to make sure not to use airports located in the northern part of the island, which are not legally recognized as points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus.

 

Typical flight times:

  • London → LCA: 4.5–5 hrs
  • Berlin → LCA: 4.5 hrs
  • Frankfurt → LCA: 3.5–4 hrs
  • Paris → LCA: 4 hrs 15 min
  • Athens → LCA: 1.5 hrs
  • Warsaw → LCA: 3.5 hrs

 

You can also travel to Cyprus by boat. 

 

During the spring and summer season, ferries connect Piraeus (Athens) and sometimes Thessaloniki with the Limassol or Larnaca ports. Crossing time is 30–40 hours depending on route and operator.


From the Limassol or Larnaca ports, travelers can reach Nicosia by Intercity bus (approx. 1 hour from Limassol, 45 minutes from Larnaca).

 

 

 

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Get to (and around) the venues

Nicosia is a compact and walkable city, especially in the Old Town (within the Venetian Walls), where the two main venues of the 2026 URBACT City Festival are located. For longer distances—like getting to the Former GSP Stadium—there are multiple transport options.

 


On foot

 

Walking is often the fastest way. Streets in Old Nicosia are narrow and pedestrian-friendly, lined with cafés, shops, and cultural sites.

 

 

Royal Hall and Eleftheria Square:

  • around 10 minutes (700m) apart on foot from one another.
  • less than 15 minutes (1 km) from the central bus station located in
    Solomou Square (Πλ. Σολωμού), the main public transportation hub.

Old GSP Square:

  • 20 minutes (1.4 km) from the Royal Hall
  • 8 minutes (550m) from the central bus station in Solomou Sq.

 


By bus


Municipal buses


Buses typically run from 06:30 to 23:00, with limited service at night. Tickets can be purchased on board from the driver (cash only). The main bus hub is Solomou Square (Πλ. Σολωμού) in the city centre.

 

Royal Hall and Eleftheria Square:

  • Closest bus stop: Platia Tillyrias (Πλατεία Τηλλυρίας), around 3 minutes (165m) away, served by bus lines L1 and 2
  • Alternatively, take any bus stopping in Solomon Square, then walk around 15 min.

Old GSP Square:

  • Served by buses heading towards Strovolos and other southern districts (approx. 10 min ride from Solomou Square)
  • Closest bus stops:  Stadium GSP (Στάδιο Γ.Σ.Π.) or Stadium GSP 1 (Στάδιο Γ.Σ.Π. 1), served by bus lines 2, 29 and 48

 

 
Intercity Buses (if arriving from outside Nicosia)


Daily services connect Nicosia with Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and Ayia Napa/Protaras. They usually stop at the Central Bus Station (Solomou Square), making transfers easy.

 

 


By taxi or rideshare

 

Taxis in Nicosia are plentiful, especially around Eleftheria Square, Ledra Street, and major hotels. Fares are metered, though it’s common to agree on a price before starting.

 

Several reputable taxi companies operate in the city. Here are a few options:

  • Finlandia taxi office, +357 22 666000
  • Pallas taxi office, +357 22 316400
  • New Royal taxi office, +357 22 676063
  • Euro taxi, +357 22 513000
     

If you prefer booking via smartphone apps, these are two reliable platforms commonly used in Nicosia:

Ridesharing companies operating in Nicosia (get the apps to use them):

  • Bolt
  • Electra
     

By bicycle

 

Nicosia is cycling-friendly, especially in the Old Town and along dedicated cycle paths that connect central areas.

 

A public bike-sharing system called “Nextbike” operates across the city:


Both standard and electric bikes can be rented via the app, with pickup/drop-off stations near Solomou Square, Ledra Street, and close to the Old Town.

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Accessibility

All venues are wheelchair accessible. If you need special assistance, please mention that in the dedicated section of your application form.

About Nicosia

First time in Nicosia? Keen to explore the city? Here are some great resources. These sites include general information on attractions, events, and guided tours, along with suggestions for dining, shopping and entertainment.

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Languages

The official language of the event is English.

For your daily communication with the locals, the following Greek words can be handy:

  • Yassou (pronounced "ya-SSOU") for a person that you know, or Yassass (pronounced "ya-SSASS") for one or more people you do not know - Hello! These words can be used for goodbye too.
  • Kaliméra (pronounced "ka-lee-ME-ra") - Good morning
  • Adío (pronounced "a-DEE-o") - Goodbye
  • Parakaló (pronounced "pa-ra-ka-LO") - Please
  • Efcharistó (pronounced "ef-cha-ris-TO") - Thank you
  • Stin ygeiá mas! (pronounced "stin ee-YA mas") - Cheers!
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Contact

For any questions related to your participation, please send an e-mail to: city.festival@urbact.eu