Syria-pyramids of ancient history, multi-colored cultural landscapes, and panoramas that take one’s breath away-was long a destination draped in mystery and uncertainty. It is without a doubt captivating for any backpacker to see this country on the cheapest budgets. From the driven souks of Damascus to the great ruins of Palmyra, Syria is just waiting for its rich heritage and hospitable people to be discovered.
This blog takes one through some uncharted territories of the backpacking scenes in Syria, where hidden treasures, budget tips, and experience await revelation. Follow us as we fight our battles and steal little victories while travelling across a country rebuilding and finding its feet.
How to get there:
From Turkey:
- Istanbul to Gaziantep: Take a bus or flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep ( approx. 10-12 hours)
- Gaziantep to Aleppo: Cross the border at Oncupinar and take a taxi or bus to Aleppo (approx. 4-6 hours)
From Lebanon:
- Beirut to Damascus: Take a bus from Beirut to Damascus (approx. 4-6 hours)
- Border Crossing: Stop at the Masnaa border crossing and proceed to Damascus
From Jordan:
- Amman to Daraa: Take a bus from Amman to Daraa (approx. 4-6 hours)
- Daraa to Damascus: Cross the border and take a taxi or bus to Damascus (approx. 2-4 hours)
From Iraq:
- Baghdad to Qamishli: Take a bus or flight from Baghdad to Qamishli (approx. 10-12 hours)
- Qamishli to Hasakah: Take a taxi or bus to Hasakah (approx. 2-4 hours)
- Hasakah to Damascus: Cross the border and take a bus or taxi to Damascus (approx. 6-8 hours)
When to go:
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Mild temperatures, occasional rain
- Pros:
- Comfortable hiking weather
- Lush landscapes and wildflowers
- Fewer tourists
- Cons:
- Some attractions might still be closed after winter
- Unpredictable weather
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Hot and dry, occasional sandstorms
- Pros:
- Warm weather for beach destinations like Latakia
- Festivals and cultural events
- Longer days for exploration
- Cons:
- Sweltering heat in inland areas
- Peak tourist season, higher prices
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Warm days, cooler nights, occasional rain
- Pros:
- Comfortable temperatures for city exploration
- Harvest season, local festivals
- Fewer tourists, lower prices
- Cons:
- Some attractions might be closed for maintenance
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Cool to cold, occasional snow
- Pros:
- Skiing and snowboarding in mountainous regions
- Cozy atmosphere, hot springs, and tea culture
- Lowest prices, fewest tourists
- Cons:
- Some attractions and roads might be closed
- Cold weather, potential snowstorms
Special Events and Holidays:
- Eid al-Fitr (dates vary): Celebrate the end of Ramadan with locals
- Eid al-Adha (dates vary): Experience the Festival of Sacrifice
- Damascus International Fair (September): Explore Syrian culture, food, and products
Best Itineraries:
1 Week:
- Day 1-2: Damascus (explore Old City, Umayyad Mosque, and souks)
- Day 3-4: Aleppo (visit Citadel, Old City, and Khan al-Wazir)
- Day 5: Homs (stopover, visit Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque)
- Day 6-7: Palmyra (explore ancient ruins, temples, and tombs)
2 Weeks:
- Day 1-3: Damascus (explore Old City, Umayyad Mosque, and souks)
- Day 4-6: Aleppo (visit Citadel, Old City, and Khan al-Wazir)
- Day 7-8: Homs (explore Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque and Krak des Chevaliers)
- Day 9-10: Palmyra (explore ancient ruins, temples, and tombs)
- Day 11-12: Latakia (relax on the beach, explore Old City)
- Day 13-14: Tartous (explore Old City and castle)
1 Month:
- Week 1: Damascus (explore Old City, Umayyad Mosque, and souks)
- Week 2: Aleppo (visit Citadel, Old City, and Khan al-Wazir)
- Week 3: Homs (explore Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque and Krak des Chevaliers)
- Week 4: Palmyra (explore ancient ruins, temples, and tombs), Latakia (relax on the beach)
3 Months:
- Month 1: Damascus (explore Old City, Umayyad Mosque, and souks), Aleppo (visit Citadel, Old City, and Khan al-Wazir)
- Month 2: Homs (explore Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque and Krak des Chevaliers), Palmyra (explore ancient ruins, temples, and tombs)
- Month 3: Latakia (relax on the beach), Tartous (explore Old City and castle), Deir ez-Zor (explore ancient ruins and Euphrates River)
Transportation:
Buses:
- Inter-city buses: Connect major cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs
- Local buses: Operate within cities, connecting neighborhoods and suburbs
- Microbuses: Small, shared buses for shorter distances
Minivans (Service Taxis):
- Shared rides: Operate on fixed routes, departing when full
- Private hires: Available for groups or individuals
Taxis:
- Yellow taxis: Metered, available in major cities
- Private taxis: Unmetered, negotiate prices beforehand
Trains:
- Syrian Railways: Connects major cities, with limited frequencies
Ferries:
- Coastal ferries: Connects coastal cities, like Latakia and Tartous
Tips and Reminders:
- Learn some Arabic: Help you communicate with drivers and locals
- Bargain and negotiate: Prices for taxis and private hires
- Be prepared for crowds: Buses and microbuses can be crowded
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly, remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
Top things to do:
Damascus:
- Explore the Old City, including the Umayyad Mosque and souks
- Visit the National Museum of Damascus
- Walk along the ancient city walls and gates
- Enjoy traditional Syrian cuisine and coffee in the Old City
- Visit the Al-Hamidiyah Souk
- Explore the Christian Quarter (Bab Touma)
- Visit the Damascus Citadel
- Explore the Al-Midan Quarter
Aleppo:
- Visit the Citadel and explore the Old City
- Explore the Khan al-Wazir and other ancient souks
- Visit the Great Mosque of Aleppo
- Try traditional Aleppine cuisine and sweets
- Visit the Aleppo Citadel Amphitheater
- Explore the Al-Jdeideh Quarter
- Visit the Al-Saffahiyah Madrasa
- Explore the Al-Farafira Quarter
Homs:
- Visit the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
- Explore the Old City and its ancient souks
- Visit the Krak des Chevaliers crusader castle
- Enjoy traditional Syrian cuisine and hospitality
- Visit the Homs National Museum
- Explore the Al-Hamidiyah Souk
- Visit the Al-Nuri Mosque
- Explore the Al-Waer Quarter
Palmyra:
- Explore the ancient ruins, including the Temple of Bel and Amphitheater
- Visit the Palmyra Museum
- Take a sunset hike in the nearby hills
- Camp overnight among the ruins (with permission)
- Visit the Valley of the Tombs
- Explore the Palmyra Castle
- Visit the Temple of Baalshamin
- Explore the Palmyra Theater
Latakia:
- Relax on the beach and enjoy the Mediterranean sea
- Explore the Old City and its ancient souks
- Visit the Latakia Museum
- Take a boat trip to the nearby islands
- Visit the Salibah Castle
- Explore the Al-Qanawat Quarter
- Visit the Latakia Waterfront
- Explore the Al-Fakhoura Quarter
Tartous:
- Explore the Old City and its ancient souks
- Visit the Tartous Castle and Museum
- Relax on the beach and enjoy the Mediterranean sea
- Take a boat trip to the nearby islands
- Visit the Arwad Island
- Explore the Al-Safsafeh Quarter
- Visit the Tartous Waterfront
- Explore the Al-Kasbah Quarter
Deir ez-Zor:
- Explore the ancient ruins and Euphrates River
- Visit the Deir ez-Zor Museum
- Take a boat trip on the Euphrates River
- Enjoy traditional Syrian cuisine and hospitality
- Visit the Al-Asharah Castle
- Explore the Al-Kasbah Quarter
- Visit the Deir ez-Zor Bridge
- Explore the Al-Joura Quarter
Other destinations:
- Bosra: Explore the ancient Roman theater and ruins
- Ma’loula: Visit the ancient Christian village and monastery
- Saidnaya: Explore the ancient Christian village and monastery
- Qalamoun: Visit the ancient Christian village and monastery
- Apamea: Explore the ancient ruins and theater
- Ebla: Visit the ancient ruins and museum
- Hama: Explore the ancient city and waterwheels
- Idlib: Visit the ancient city and museum
Food:
Syrian cuisine is extremely rich, varied, and truly representative of their rich cultural heritage, whereby its geographical positioning has been flung at the crossroads of the Middle East. But despite all challenges that the country faces, food in Syria is still a vibrant and flavorful part of daily life.
Traditional Syrian Dishes:
- Kibbeh: Ground meat mixed with bulgur and spices, often served raw or fried
- Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat served in a pita with vegetables and tahini sauce
- Fattoush: Toasted bread salad with mixed greens, vegetables, and feta cheese
- Dolmas: Stuffed grape leaves with rice, meat, and spices
- Baklawa: Sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo, nuts, and honey
Regional Specialties:
- Aleppo: Known for its rich and spicy dishes, like harissa and muhammara
- Damascus: Famous for its traditional sweets, like baklawa and ma’amoul
- Homs: Specializes in hearty dishes like kibbeh and shawarma
- Latakia: Offers fresh seafood and citrus-based dishes
Food Culture:
- Hospitality: Food plays a central role in Syrian hospitality, with guests often greeted with sweet tea and pastries
- Family gatherings: Mealtimes are sacred, with families coming together to share stories and enjoy traditional dishes
- Street food: Popular street foods like shawarma and falafel are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike
Culture:
Syrian culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of history, religion, and tradition. This ancient civilization has been shaped by its strategic location at the crossroads of the Middle East, making it a unique blend of East and West.
History and Heritage:
- Ancient Civilizations: Syria has been home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world, including the Ebla, Mari, and Ugarit kingdoms
- Islamic Golden Age: Syria played a significant role in the Islamic Golden Age, with cities like Damascus and Aleppo becoming centers of learning and culture
- Ottoman and French Rule: Syria was influenced by Ottoman and French rule, leaving a lasting impact on its architecture, cuisine, and language
- Ancient Ruins: Syria is home to numerous ancient ruins, including Palmyra, Bosra, and Apamea
Religion and Spirituality:
- Islam: The majority of Syrians are Muslim, with a significant Christian minority
- Sufism: Syria has a rich Sufi heritage, with many mystical orders and shrines throughout the country
- Interfaith Coexistence: Syrians have a long history of interfaith coexistence, with Muslims, Christians, and Jews living together in harmony
- Religious Festivals: Syrians celebrate various religious festivals, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Christmas
Traditions and Customs:
- Hospitality: Syrians are renowned for their warm hospitality, with guests often greeted with sweet tea and pastries
- Family: Family is highly valued in Syrian culture, with close-knit families and respect for elders
- Weddings and Celebrations: Syrian weddings and celebrations are known for their vibrant music, dance, and traditional clothing
- Traditional Clothing: Syrians take pride in their traditional clothing, including the abaya, kaftan, and keffiyeh
Arts and Architecture:
- Mosaics and Calligraphy: Syrian artisans are famous for their intricate mosaics and calligraphy
- Architecture: Syria’s architecture reflects its rich history, with ancient ruins, mosques, churches, and Ottoman-era buildings
- Music and Dance: Syrian music and dance are characterized by their lively rhythms and traditional instruments like the oud and qraqeb
- Folklore: Syrian folklore is rich in stories, legends, and myths, often passed down through generations
Cuisine:
- Flavors and Ingredients: Syrian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromas, and ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and sumac
- Traditional Dishes: Popular dishes include kibbeh, shawarma, fattoush, and dolmas
- Sweets and Pastries: Syrians have a sweet tooth, with traditional sweets like baklawa and ma’amoul
- Food Culture: Food plays a central role in Syrian culture, with mealtimes often seen as opportunities for socializing and bonding
Challenges and Opportunities:
- Preserving Heritage: Efforts are being made to preserve Syria’s cultural heritage amidst conflict and destruction
- Cultural Exchange: Syrians are eager to share their culture with the world, promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchange
- Revitalizing Traditional Crafts: Initiatives are underway to revitalize traditional Syrian crafts, such as textiles and pottery
Accommodations:
Damascus:
- Damascus Hostel: Starting from $10/night, this hostel offers dorms and private rooms in the heart of the city.
- Al-Rabie Hotel: From $20/night, this hotel provides simple but clean and comfortable rooms.
- Damascus Homestay: Experience local hospitality with a homestay, starting from $15/night.
- Safir Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $25/night.
- Al-Majed Hotel: Simple accommodations from $18/night.
Aleppo:
- Aleppo Hostel: Dorms and private rooms available from $12/night, with a rooftop view of the city.
- Al-Gawaher Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $25/night.
- Aleppo Homestay: Live with a local family and learn about their culture, starting from $18/night.
- Al-Shahba Hotel: Simple accommodations from $20/night.
- Youth Hostel Aleppo: Budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms from $15/night.
Homs:
- Homs Hostel: Simple but clean and comfortable accommodations from $10/night.
- Al-Wadi Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $20/night.
- Homs Homestay: Experience local hospitality with a homestay, starting from $15/night.
- Al-Furat Hotel: Simple accommodations from $18/night.
- Homs Guest House: Budget-friendly guest house with rooms from $25/night.
Palmyra:
- Palmyra Hostel: Basic accommodations from $8/night, with stunning views of the ancient ruins.
- Al-Zenobia Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $25/night.
- Palmyra Homestay: Live with a local family and learn about their culture, starting from $18/night.
- Palmyra Guest House: Simple accommodations from $20/night.
- Tadmur Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $30/night.
Latakia:
- Latakia Hostel: Beachfront hostel with dorms and private rooms from $15/night.
- Al-Assad Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $30/night.
- Latakia Homestay: Experience local hospitality with a homestay, starting from $20/night.
- Latakia Beach Hotel: Simple accommodations from $25/night.
- Al-Hurriyah Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $28/night.
Tartous:
- Tartous Hostel: Simple but clean and comfortable accommodations from $12/night.
- Al-Baath Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $25/night.
- Tartous Homestay: Live with a local family and learn about their culture, starting from $18/night.
- Tartous Guest House: Simple accommodations from $20/night.
- Safita Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $28/night.
Deir ez-Zor:
- Deir ez-Zor Hostel: Basic accommodations from $10/night, with stunning views of the Euphrates River.
- Al-Furat Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $20/night.
- Deir ez-Zor Homestay: Experience local hospitality with a homestay, starting from $15/night.
- Deir ez-Zor Guest House: Simple accommodations from $18/night.
- Al-Kasbah Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with rooms from $25/night.
Nightlife:
Damascus:
- Al-Rawda Cafe: A popular spot for shisha and drinks in the heart of the city.
- The Pub: A British-style pub serving a wide selection of beers and cocktails.
- Orient Club: A stylish club featuring live music and DJs.
- Kasbah Club: A vibrant club with themed parties and events.
- Damascus Jazz Club: A sophisticated spot for live jazz music.
- The View Bar: A rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
Aleppo:
- Al-Shami Cafe: A cozy spot for coffee and shisha in the historic Old City.
- Aleppo Bar: A modern bar serving a range of cocktails and beers.
- Layali Club: A lively club featuring live music and DJs.
- Sahar Club: A popular spot for parties and events.
- Aleppo Wine Bar: A sophisticated spot for wine tasting.
- The Cave Bar: A unique bar located in a historic cave.
Homs:
- Al-Wadi Cafe: A relaxed spot for shisha and drinks by the river.
- Homs Bar: A modern bar serving a range of cocktails and beers.
- Al-Furat Club: A lively club featuring live music and DJs.
- Jnaynet Al-Sham Club: A popular spot for parties and events.
- Homs Jazz Club: A sophisticated spot for live jazz music.
- The River View Bar: A rooftop bar with stunning views of the river.
Latakia:
- Latakia Beach Bar: A beachfront bar serving cocktails and beers.
- Al-Assad Bar: A modern bar with a wide selection of drinks.
- Layali Latakia Club: A lively club featuring live music and DJs.
- Sahar Latakia Club: A popular spot for parties and events.
- Latakia Wine Bar: A sophisticated spot for wine tasting.
- The Beach Club: A vibrant club with themed parties and events.
Tartous:
- Tartous Beach Bar: A beachfront bar serving cocktails and beers.
- Al-Baath Bar: A modern bar with a wide selection of drinks.
- Tartous Club: A lively club featuring live music and DJs.
- Jnaynet Tartous Club: A popular spot for parties and events.
- Tartous Jazz Club: A sophisticated spot for live jazz music.
- The Marina Bar: A rooftop bar with stunning views of the marina.
Deir ez-Zor:
- Deir ez-Zor Cafe: A relaxed spot for shisha and drinks by the river.
- Al-Furat Bar: A modern bar serving a range of cocktails and beers.
- Deir ez-Zor Club: A lively club featuring live music and DJs.
- Sahar Deir ez-Zor Club: A popular spot for parties and events.
- Deir ez-Zor Wine Bar: A sophisticated spot for wine tasting.
- The Euphrates Bar: A rooftop bar with stunning views of the river.
Backpacking costs:
Daily Budget:
- Accommodation: $5-10 (hostel or homestay)
- Food: $3-5 (street food or local restaurants)
- Transportation: $2-5 (public transportation or walking)
- Attractions: $2-5 (free or low-cost attractions)
- Total: $12-25 per day
Weekly Budget:
- Accommodation: $35-70 (hostel or homestay)
- Food: $21-35 (street food or local restaurants)
- Transportation: $14-35 (public transportation or walking)
- Attractions: $14-35 (free or low-cost attractions)
- Total: $84-175 per week
Syria is full of history, complete with culture that gives travelers a unique and unforgettable experience. From its bustling cities to the ruins of ancient ones, Syria has got something for every kind of traveler. Despite all the trials faced, Syria still sustained its friendly and hospitable reputation, with great community attachment and resilience.
Within this blog, we discussed the best of Syria’s nightlife, how to stay on a budget, and where to get meals at the cheapest possible rates. We have also discussed some main attractions that every tourist would love to see, from the ancient city of Palmyra to the busy streets in Damascus.
Whether a well-seasoned traveler or one just starting to contemplate the next move, Syria is definitely the place that should be on your list. With its warm hospitality, rich culture, and affordable prices, Syria is an ideal destination for both broke backpackers and travelers on a budget.
