The venues
The 2026 URBACT City Festival will take place across two main locations in Nicosia:
- Royal Hall | Visit website | See map
- Eleftheria Square (under the bridge) | See map
In addition, the Nicosia After Dark Party on 1 April will be held at:
- Old GSP Square | See map
For the exact location of each URBACT City Festival session, consult the programme.
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.
Land to Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Important information on travelling to Cyprus!
The legally-recognised points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are:
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).
Get to Nicosia from the Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
The airport is located approximately 40.4 km from the city centre of Nicosia. It is well connected to the capital through several options:
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:
| Old GSP Square:
|
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:
| Old GSP Square:
|
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:
- CABCY Taxi App (or phone: +357 22 269806)
- nTaxi
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:
- info@nextbike.com.cy
- phone +357 99408094 or +357 77788323
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.
Book your accommodation in Nicosia
Please find below some suggestions of hotels located near the venues, or well connected with them by public transportation from Nicosia’s city centre.
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.
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!
Contact
For any questions related to your participation, please send an e-mail to: city.festival@urbact.eu.