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Syria✨ 10 best things to do in Syria

Things to do in Syria

1. Visit the Umayyad MosqueStand in the vast courtyard of one of the oldest and grandest mosques in the world.
2. Wander Damascus' souksBrowse spices, sweets and textiles in the covered Souq al-Hamidiyya.
3. Explore Krak des ChevaliersClimb the walls of one of the best-preserved Crusader castles anywhere.
4. See Palmyra's ruinsLearn about the great colonnades and temples of the ancient caravan city.
5. Visit Bosra's Roman theatreAdmire one of the best-preserved Roman theatres, built of black basalt.
6. Explore Aleppo's citadelDiscover the massive medieval fortress rising above the old city.
7. Walk among the Dead CitiesWander abandoned Byzantine villages in the northern hills.
8. See the norias of HamaWatch giant wooden water wheels on the Orontes River.
9. Taste Syrian sweetsTry baklava, ma'amoul and bouza ice cream.
10. Visit MaaloulaExplore a mountain village where Western Aramaic is still spoken.

Syria🗺️ Where to visit in Syria

Where to go in Syria

• 
  DamascusSouthwest · capitalOne of the oldest cities in the world with a UNESCO-listed old town.
• 
  AleppoNorth · historic cityA city famed for its citadel, souks and long history.
• 
  PalmyraDesert · ancient cityA UNESCO-listed caravan city in the Syrian desert.
• 
  Krak des ChevaliersWest · Crusader castleA huge Crusader fortress overlooking the Homs Gap.
• 
  BosraSouth · Roman cityA basalt city with a remarkable Roman theatre.
• 
  HamaCentre · water wheelsKnown for its historic norias on the Orontes River.
• 
  MaaloulaQalamoun Mountains · villageA historic Christian village carved into cliffs.
• 📍
  LatakiaCoast · MediterraneanA coastal city near the ancient site of Ugarit.

Syria🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Syria

Best time to visit Syria

Syria has a Mediterranean climate on the coast and a dry continental climate inland. Summers are hot, while winters can be cold with snow in the mountains.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Damascus (approximate averages).

Syria🎉 Festivals & events in Syria

• Varies (Islamic calendar)
  Eid al-FitrFamilies celebrate the end of Ramadan with sweets and visits.
• Varies (Islamic calendar)
  Eid al-AdhaThe Feast of Sacrifice is marked with shared meals.
• December and spring
  Christmas and EasterChristian communities celebrate with services and festivities, notably in Maaloula and Damascus.
• September
  Feast of the CrossBonfires are lit on the hills of Maaloula.

Syria🧭 Syria itinerary ideas

How many days in Syria?

Syria🎒 Backpacking Syria – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $25–40 a day

• Independent travel is very risky; use experienced local guides and check conditions daily.
• Local buses and shared taxis link major cities.
• Street food like falafel, shawarma and manakish is cheap and delicious.
• Carry cash, as international cards rarely work.
• Learn some Arabic phrases – locals are known for their warmth.

Syria🛡️ Safety & money in Syria

Emergency: 112 police · 110 ambulance · 113 fire

Syria🛬 Getting to Syria

Damascus International Airport is the main gateway, with limited regional flights. Land borders with Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq exist but openings change often.

✈️ Cheap flights to Syria: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Syria💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Syria

• Damascus is often cited as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• One of the earliest known alphabets was found at Ugarit.
• Damask fabric is named after Damascus.
• Western Aramaic, related to the language of Jesus, survives in Maaloula.
• The Umayyad Mosque is said to house a shrine of John the Baptist.

Syria❓ Syria travel FAQ

Syria travel questions