Low – budget‑friendly basics
Medium – moderate mid‑range costs
High – pricey lodging, dining & transport
Syria
intro
A country of immense historical depth and beauty, Syria is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions on Earth. It is a land of legendary cities like Damascus and Aleppo, magnificent Crusader castles like Krak des Chevaliers, and the spectacular Greco-Roman ruins of Palmyra. NOTE: Due to a catastrophic and ongoing civil war, travel to all parts of Syria is extremely dangerous and strongly not recommended.
Additional Information
Syria is a country with an almost unparalleled wealth of historical treasures. Its capital, Damascus, is considered the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world, with a stunning Umayyad Mosque and a vibrant Old City. The ancient city of Aleppo boasts a magnificent citadel and a historic covered souq. The Roman desert city of Palmyra, with its grand colonnaded street, was one of the most beautiful and important archaeological sites in the world. The country is also home to Krak des Chevaliers, arguably the best-preserved Crusader castle in existence. The Syrian people are known for their incredible hospitality and rich culture.
However, since 2011, the country has been destroyed by a devastating civil war. Many of its most precious historical sites have been damaged or destroyed, and the humanitarian crisis is immense. The security situation remains extremely dangerous and volatile.
Reasons to Visit (in a future, stable context)
- Ancient Cities: Explore the history of Damascus and Aleppo, two of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the world.
- The Ruins of Palmyra: Witness the grandeur of the legendary Roman-era oasis city in the desert.
- Crusader Castles: Visit the magnificent and incredibly well-preserved Krak des Chevaliers.
Things to Avoid (Crucial Safety Warnings)
- Traveling to the Country: All major governments have "Do Not Travel" advisories for the entire country of Syria due to the ongoing war, terrorism, and kidnapping.
- Any and All Travel: The entire country is a conflict zone. There are no safe areas.
Local Transportation Tips
The country's infrastructure is destroyed. There is no safe transport.
Travel Etiquette
- Hospitality: Syrians are historically famous for their warmth and generosity.
- Modesty: Syria is a conservative country. Modest dress is important.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The Great Mosque of Damascus, or the Umayyad Mosque, is one of the oldest and most important mosques in the world. It is believed to house the head of John the Baptist.
Cool Syria Stats
- Oldest Capital: Damascus is widely believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited capital city in the world.
- A Castle's Strength: Krak des Chevaliers was so well-fortified that it was never taken by a direct siege during the Crusader period.
- UNESCO Sites: Before the war, Syria was home to six different UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo, and Palmyra.
Recommended Age Group
Due to the ongoing war and extreme security risks, travel to Syria is not recommended for any age group.
- Babies (0-2 years):Not recommended.
- Kids (3-12 years):Not recommended.
- Teens (13-19 years):Not recommended.
- Adults (20-64 years):Not recommended.
- Seniors (65+ years):Not recommended.
Accessibility Level: Low
- This is a country in conflict with no accessibility infrastructure.
- The infrastructure is heavily damaged or destroyed.
- There are no provisions for travelers with disabilities.
Address:
Syria, Middle East
Find Nearby Accommodations
Basic Info
COUNTRY & Region
Syria,
Middle East
ACCESSIBILITY LEVEL
Low
LOCAL CURRENCY
Syrian Pound (SYP)
Price Level
Low
SAFETY LEVEL
Recommended Duration
• More than a week
Electricity
Electricity
220-240V,
50Hz
Plug Type
• Type C (Round pin)
• Type E (Two round pins with earth pin)
• Type L (Three round pins in line)
• Type E (Two round pins with earth pin)
• Type L (Three round pins in line)
Activities To Do In Syria
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Syria, in a future stable security context, would be during the spring and autumn.
- Spring (March to May): This period offers mild and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the archaeological sites.
- Summer (June to August): The summer is very hot, especially in the desert regions like Palmyra.
- Autumn (September to November): Another good season with warm, sunny weather.
- Winter (December to February): The coast and cities can be cool and rainy.
Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.
SAFETY Level
Travel to Syria is extremely dangerous. The country is still an active and complex war zone. All major governments have a "Do Not Travel" advisory for the entire country due to the extreme risk of armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. There are no safe areas for tourists.
The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.
Spoken Languages
The official language is Arabic.
Learn The Language
- As-salamu alaykum (ah-sah-la-moo a-lay-koom): Hello
- Shukran (shook-ran): Thank you
- Na’am / La (nah-am / la): Yes / No
- Ma’a as-salama (mah-ah ah-sah-la-mah): Goodbye
- Min fadlik (min fad-lik): Please
- Bikam hadha? (bee-kam ha-tha): How much is this?
Money & Payments
Everything you need to know about money while traveling
LOCAL CURRENCY:
Syrian Pound (SYP)
Price Level:
Low
Cards Vs. Cash
How Much Cash to Carry (on you)
Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.
Local:
Syrian Pound (SYP)
≈ USD
Average Daily Costs (per person)
Full daily spend estimation (accomodation, food, transportation, attractions).
Travel Style | Syrian Pound (SYP) | ≈ USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
Budget | ||
Mid-range | ||
Comfort |
The Prices, Daily costs, and calculator results are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on season, booking timing, personal spending habits, and currency fluctuations. TravelingWiz cannot be held responsible for discrepancies between these estimates and your final trip expenses.
Best Value Tips
- Given the current security situation, there are no meaningful "value" tips. Travel is not recommended.
- In a future, stable context, using the extensive network of public buses and eating at street food stalls would make it an extremely affordable destination.
- The sheer number of world-class historical sites offers incredible value for any entrance fees.
Pre-Order Tickets
Avoid disappointment when tickets sell out — and skip the long lines by booking online in advance. You’ll often save up to 20% too.
Save up to 20%
Travel Discounts & Coupons
Save on hotels, attractions, transport, and gear — find verified discounts for smarter travel spending.
Verified Coupons
What To Pack
A high level of expert security advice, A robust emergency plan, A satellite phone
Related Travel Tips
We couldn't find tips for Syria.
If you got any, please share
If you got any, please share
Food & Drink Highlights
Local Food Overview
Syrian cuisine, particularly from Aleppo, is considered one of the finest in the Middle East. It is a rich and sophisticated culinary tradition that blends Mediterranean, Levantine, and Ottoman influences. Key ingredients include olive oil, lemon, pomegranate molasses, and a wide variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. 'Mezze' (a spread of small dishes) is central to any meal.
Must Try Dish
Muhammara: A star of the Syrian mezze table, Muhammara is a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy vegetarian dip. It is made from roasted red peppers that are ground into a paste with walnuts, breadcrumbs, and a tangy drizzle of pomegranate molasses. It has a complex, deep, and incredibly delicious flavor, and is typically served as a dip with fresh pita bread.
Food Experiences
No food experience found
Step 1: Find the Perfect Accommodation
Explore a wide range of hotels, boutique stays, and vacation rentals to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. From luxury options to cozy family stays, find the best place for your trip.
Step 2: Book Your Flights
Secure the best flight deals for your destination. With our trusted partners, booking flights is quick and hassle-free.
Step 3: Let a Tour Guide Help
Not sure where to start? A professional local tour guide can create a customized itinerary or assist you in planning your trip. Make your journey seamless and stress-free.
Step 4: Rent a Car
Travel at your own pace by renting a car. Whether you’re exploring cities or embarking on a road trip, find reliable and convenient car rental options.
Step 5: Get Travel Insurance
Protect yourself and your loved ones with comprehensive travel insurance. Our partners offer plans to cover every aspect of your journey.
Step 6: Need a Visa?
Check visa requirements for your destination and apply quickly with trusted services. Simplify the process and ensure you’re ready to travel without delays.
FAQs
* Is it safe to visit Syria?
No. As of late 2025, Syria is not safe for tourists. The country is still an active and complex war zone. All major governments have a “Do Not Travel” advisory for the entire country of Syria due to the extreme risk of armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping.
* What is Syria famous for?
Syria is famous for its incredible wealth of ancient historical sites. It is home to some of the oldest cities in the world, like Damascus and Aleppo, the spectacular Roman ruins of Palmyra, and the world’s best-preserved Crusader castle, Krak des Chevaliers.
* What happened to Palmyra in Syria?
The ancient city of Palmyra in Syria suffered deliberate and catastrophic destruction at the hands of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group, who twice occupied the UNESCO World Heritage site during the civil war. Many of its most famous monuments were destroyed.
*
*
No. As of late 2025, Syria is not safe for tourists. The country is still an active and complex war zone. All major governments have a “Do Not Travel” advisory for the entire country of Syria due to the extreme risk of armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping.
* What is Syria famous for?
Syria is famous for its incredible wealth of ancient historical sites. It is home to some of the oldest cities in the world, like Damascus and Aleppo, the spectacular Roman ruins of Palmyra, and the world’s best-preserved Crusader castle, Krak des Chevaliers.
* What happened to Palmyra in Syria?
The ancient city of Palmyra in Syria suffered deliberate and catastrophic destruction at the hands of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group, who twice occupied the UNESCO World Heritage site during the civil war. Many of its most famous monuments were destroyed.
*
*
What is the capital of Syria?
The capital of Syria is Damascus. It is widely considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited capital city in the world, with a history stretching back thousands of years.
Do I need a visa for Syria?
In a stable situation, yes, all foreign nationals need a visa to enter Syria. Currently, due to the war, tourist visa issuance is extremely restricted and complex, often requiring security clearance.
Help Us Improve
This will help us improve our guides for the entire travelers community.
Related Articles
Check out our related articles and blog posts to learn even more about the destination.
No related articles found
Don’t Travel Alone
Share with your friends and family
Buy a compatible power adapter for your trip