Greater Nicosia sprawls for kilometers on end, but the Old City is small enough to navigate on foot. Traditional Greek Cypriot shops line the streets of the Old City, and with very narrow footpaths/walkways, traffic must always be observed. GPS Satellite navigation systems see TomTom, Garmin and family have yet to hear that Cyprus exists, so don't go looking for the Cypriot version. A paper map can be picked up free of charge! from the Nicosia CTO Cyprus Tourism Organisation Information Office in Laiki Geitonia which should more than suffice.
Nicosia is developing a more extensive network of bus services (http://www.nicosiabuses.com.cy) that connect the ever expanding sprawl. Transport is inexpensive, however timetables remain unreliable and only a few buses are air conditioned.
Private taxis abound, they are usually diesel Mercedes cars, and always have a number plate starting with the letter T. Some even have a yellow TAXI or ΤÎÎÎ in Greek sign above. Unlike other world cities, they are not in a distinctive colour. Make sure the meter is turned on the second you enter, as tourist expoitation is as common here as everywhere else in the world!
A cheaper alternative to buses and taxis is to use the bike sharing system Bike in Action. Smart card needed.
