Nicosia has been named one of the most affordable travel destinations in Europe. According to a study by the insurance company InsureandGo, a typical day for a tourist in the Cypriot capital costs 62.83 euros—significantly less than the standard daily budget of 100 euros often used for travel planning.
In the ranking of the 15 cheapest cities, Nicosia took 14th place, ahead of Porto, Portugal, where a similar set of expenses was estimated at 63.31 euros.
The ranking took into account the cost of lunch at an inexpensive restaurant, a three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant, coffee, water, a soft drink, and local beer. The calculation also included public transportation fares and an admission ticket to each city’s most popular attraction.
Why Nicosia Is Attractive to Tourists
Although Cyprus is often considered an expensive destination due to the cost of airfare, daily expenses for tourists in the capital remain relatively low.
Christiana Yakovidou, chair of the Nicosia district committee of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association (PASYXE) and owner of the Cleopatra Hotel, noted that this recognition is particularly important given the additional costs of airfare and transportation from the airport to the capital.
According to her, Nicosia offers tourists a wide range of entertainment and activities to suit various budgets: from restaurants, cafes, and nightlife to museums and cultural events.
PASYXE continues to promote the capital abroad and organize events in Cyprus to enhance Nicosia’s appeal as a tourist destination. Yakovidou emphasized that the results of such studies are important for promoting the city among European travelers: Nicosia can offer a high-quality vacation at an affordable price, whether for a weekend or a longer stay.
A New Hotel and Plans for Tourism Development
Nicosia’s tourism infrastructure continues to develop. On October 21, 2026, the new Leonardo Boutique Hotel Venetian Nicosia opened in the capital, becoming the first property of the Leonardo Hotels & Resorts Mediterranean chain in Nicosia. The hotel is located on Arnaldas Street and features 71 rooms and suites.
Earlier, Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Pruntsos announced that plans are in place to establish the capital’s tourism brand in 2027. The city’s goal is to double Nicosia’s share of Cyprus’s tourism sector by 2029.
According to the mayor, the number of hotel rooms in the city has already doubled compared to 2024. The development of the hotel sector has been driven by the opening of Landmark, investments by the Fattal Hotels Group on Makarios Avenue, and the opening of a new boutique hotel on Arnaldas Street. The new Archaeological Museum is expected to attract additional tourist interest.
The Cheapest Cities in Europe for Travel
According to a study by InsureandGo, the three most budget-friendly destinations in Europe based on the cost of a typical day for a tourist are:
Skopje, North Macedonia — 33.98 euros.
Chisinau, Moldova — 41.91 euros.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina — 45.45 euros.
Nicosia, with a daily cost of 62.83 euros, also made the list of the 15 most affordable European cities and turned out to be slightly cheaper than Porto, where similar expenses amount to 63.31 euros.
It is important to note, however, that the study compares daily expenses incurred directly within the city. The cost of airfare and lodging is not included in the specified daily budget, so the total cost of a trip to Cyprus may be higher.