The main shopping areas in Nicosia are Arch. Makarios Avenue, the parallel street behind it, Stasikratous Street., and Ledra Street with the narrow streets around the old city, including the well know Laiki Yitonia (Folk Neighbourhood). In addition to shopping for handicrafts, embroidery, pottery and other local made items, visitors to Nicosia might like to take advantage of the capital's modern commercial centers to buy such items as the latest design fashions, prescription eye wear, perfumes and liqueurs, many of which are less costly here than in Europe. Spend a day window shopping at Marks & Spencer, Woolworth, D. Tsaousis 1.000.000 Items or visit one of the local shopping centers such as Galaxias, City Plaza and Capital.
Stasikratous Street, is known for its attractive and rather expensive boutiques, selling high quality clothes and shoes as well as silverware, fine porcelain and imported oriental clothes.
If you follow Makarios Avenue until the end and then turn right, you will get to Eleftheria Square which leads to the central part of the town.
Most of the shopping area in the old part of Nicosia is now pedestrianised so it is easy to ramble through the zigzag streets of the town especially Laiki Yitonia which is of particular interest to travelers who want a taste of Cypriot culture. Laiki Yitonia is a renovated eighteenth century enclave where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares along coblestone lanes. Here too bougainvillea laced restaurants beckon with the aroma of roast lamb and Greek coffee.
If you go back to Eleftheria Square and follow the walls past the Town Hall and Post Office you will arrive at Eleftherios Venizelos Square, otherwise known as "OHI" square. There, an open market takes place every Wednesday. It is partcularly colorful and worth a visit.
It is a good idea to shop around before buying and once you begin you will realise just how much there is to see. Take your time and relax while shopping. From shoes to spectacles to clothes, you are bound to find something to suit your taste and pocket and at the same time you will discover a little of the daily life in the capital.
Before shopping remember that in winter, shops open from 8.30-13.00 hrs and from 14.30-17.30 hrs. They are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. In the summer, shops open from 8.30-13.00 hrs and 16.00-19.00 hrs; again no shops in the afternoon of Wednesday and Saturday, except sometimes in Laiki Yitonia.
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