Top Things to Do in Syrian Arab Republic | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Syria is a Middle Eastern crossroads country that has as the oldest continuously inhabited cities, Damascus. From different mosques to ancient ruined cities, to natural wonders, this UNESCO-rich country offers unique culture and history, and is an ideal country for history lovers.

Modern Syria has a mix of ancient Roman architecture to modern urban styles, colonnades, palaces, etc. The chaos in the bazaar, and calm in the river bodies, such unique contrasts make Syria a must-visit place.

With this guide, you can create a “things to do in Syria” itinerary. This article talks about Syria's 12 best places for tourists and best activities to do there, their cultural significance, local tips, foods etc.

With our SimCorner's Syrian regional eSIMs/SIMs, we will provide secure data, translation apps etc. without roaming fees. Check our Syria SIM guideline for more details and keep reading this article to know more.

Syria's Historical & Cultural Influence

Syria's crossroads location and 12000 years of civilization have shaped the country's culture with modernity yet preserving old heritage. You will see ancient style markets and also chaotic city life. Roman architecture, Byzantine churches which later became mosques, and Ottoman multiculturalism along with Arab, Kurdish, Armenian crafts in their life has made the contemporary Syria.

Best Syrian Foods

As a Muslim country, you'll find halal and tasty foods everywhere. Kibbeh is their national dish which is made of lamb and Bulgur wheat. They eat Fatoush as salads, Shawarma, Muhammara, and other dishes. Finally as dessert, you can have Knafeh. Don't forget to sip the famous Arabian coffee.

Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

We will now discuss in detail about Syria's top 12 most popular and visited spots where over 95% of what history lovers, travelers, and culture explorers explore across the country. You will then understand what makes each of the places special, how to explore it by doing the best activities, and know some tips for your trip in those places.

Damascus Old City

Damascus is the heart and soul of the country. It is widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. Its old city is popular for having a dense maze of alleys, churches, and mosques surrounded by ancient walls.

In the capital city, you can walk and explore various things to do in Syria.

Walk around the famous Al-Hamidiyah and Midhat Pasha markets, find their smells of spices and perfumes, and shop for traditional clothes. Then visit the Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in islam, perform prayer and chill at the marble courtyard. This must be in your Syria bucket list destinations if you are Muslim. Finally, you can visit the shrine of John the Baptist if you are Christian. You can take guided walking tours there.

The best time to visit Damascus is in spring and autumn when temperatures are comfortable. You’ll need to wear modest dress for entering the mosque. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and beat the sun. Bring sun protections and water bottles.

Aleppo Citadel

It is a palace situated in northern Syria. The palace was built on top of natural limestones, rising about 100 m above surroundings. It is a UNESCO preserved site. Such a natural wonder is one of the must see in Syria.

Come here to see the palace rooms, chapels, and escape tunnels. Then explore the souks (markets), Museums, and attend different local festivals or shows. In one palace only, you can find various things to do in Syria.

Visit here during April to June and in October for suitable temperature. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

The famous Muslim explorer Ibn Battuta described this place as,

"Aleppo is Syria's eye, its citadel unblinking."

Palmyra Ruins

Palmyra is an old city that is situated 200km northeast of Damascus. It is a Syrian desert oasis. Here you will find ruins of the city, a colonnade, temple, and tombs. There is an old 12000 seat theater. It is an UNESCO protected site, as the city is termed as "Bride of Desert". That is why this is one of the top spots in Syria to the enthusiast travellers.

Walk here to explore the colonnade at sunset. You can have a paid tour of Temple Bel, and even do paid camel rides in Valley Tombs. You can even stargaze at the Milky Way, and this is one of the coolest things to do in Syria.

March to May and October and November are the best months to visit here. Then you can avoid the hot 45°C summer. Keep water bottles, and sun protections like sunscreen, hats etc..

Agatha Christie., a renowned British writer, complimented this place as,

"Palmyra witnesses forgotten empires."

Krak des Chevaliers

This is a castle that is situated 120km from north of Damascus. This was built in the 12th century with 3km battlements, 13 towers, and a Gothic chapel. It is a UNESCO protected site. So this is also another one of the Syria tourism places.

Come here and walk to explore the 3km walls through 1000 arrow slits, also see the Crusader or Mamluk graffiti chapel, and you can have little picnics too.

Spring and autumn seasons are best for visiting there. Be careful of steep stairs. But usually people do not come here much, as there are other better things to do in Syria. Still visiting here will not be really waste of time.

Apamea Roman Colonnade

It is a palace that is located in western Syria, on a high ridge overlooking the Ghab Valley. This is famous for having 1.5 miles (2.5km) of tall Roman columns with 372 two-story Corinthian pillars standing 20m high. This was built in the 2nd century as a main street. When people wonder in Syria what to see, this can be a good option.

Walk and explore here to see the endless column row of the palace, with its unique design. You can also visit agora market foundations and enjoy the fountains at base. You will also be able to watch eagles nesting on tops. You can take photographs from the valley, and that is one of the must things to do in Syria as you will have a stunning photography session.

The best time to visit here is in April to June or in October. Wear sunscreens and other sun protections during summer and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Bosra Roman Theater

It is an old theater located in southern Syria, near Jordan’s border. This was built in the 2nd century from black basalt stone, and that is why this is a UNESCO recognized site. The theater can seat 15000 people across 37 tiers inside Ayyubid fortress. This makes one of the top spots in Syria, as it can give you a unique and interesting feel.

This theater visit must be in your ‘things to do in Syria’ itinerary. You can have various fun activities here.

Sit on such ancient seats and test the amazing sound echoing. You can walk and explore the inside of the theater like its stage, trapdoors, and scenery pits. You can even climb up the fortress walls for a panoramic bird's eye theater view and see the surroundings and Nabatean water channels. You will have to pay for both of these.

Spring time is the best time to come here to avoid summer heat. But still wear sun protection. Come during the July opera festival to experience local things.

Maalula Aramaic-Speaking Village

This village is situated at the mountainside, 55km north of Damascus. The villagers are renowned for being among the few thousands preserving Christ's Aramaic speakers. You can also see a cave chapel here.

Visit here to explore their markets and hear Aramaic language. It is a UNESCO biblical language. You can also find some 4th-century niches. Christians usually come here when they are looking for Syria tourist spots for them.

Come here during September to November as that is their harvesting time. You will also then enjoy paid spring festivals.

St. Simeon Stylites Monastery (Qalaat Semaan)

This monastery is located 30km north of Aleppo. It was built in the 5th century where Simeon lived 37 years atop an 18m pillar. The monastery is an octagonal church. From here, you will also see desert views for 50km. When you are running out of ‘things to do in Syria’ ideas, you can come here to enjoy some calm, spiritual things in this place.

You can do a little hiking here by climbing the smooth pillar base. You can enjoy the beautiful church mosaics, hear the Aramaic chants. This is a must see in Syria for Christians and for those who think there are no non Islamic things in Syria. Spring and autumn times are good to visit here for mild temperatures.

Deir ez-Zor Euphrates Riverfront

This is located 400km northeast of Damascus, on the eastern border. It has ancient Mesopotamia Bronze Age tells, Roman bridges, and Ottoman caravanserais. It usually has less crowds but still this is a good place to visit among Syria tourist attractions.

You can do river cruises here, but there are other better places for cruising when you are looking for things to do in Syria in terms of enjoying water activities.

Spring is the peak season here. So come here during October for calm and less crowd.

Hama Water Wheels (Norias)

It is a big big 20m wheel built during the 13th century that could lift 200 litres per minute of the Roman aqueducts. This is not among Syria tourism places as there are other better things to do in Syria than this, but still you can come here to see that huge wheel.

You can just see the Wheel tunnels and take pictures inside the garden or have a picnic in the garden. But avoid moving the wheels.

Ebla Archaeological Site

It is an old site, located 50km south of Aleppo. It has some old temples, palaces, etc.. This site shows one of Syria's most pivotal ancient civilizations. After you are done with exploring other fun things to do in Syria, you can come and visit this site or you might get bored seeing the site.

This is a UNESCO tentative site, and so might become another popular place among Syria tourist attractions. Basically this old city has over 17,000 cuneiform tablets, and a palace that has ruins with big courtyards. There are also temples, city walls, and stone gates. All these things you can just walk to see and explore.

Latakia Coastal Corniche & Ugarit Ruins

You can just enjoy the corniche and see the ruins of the city, situated at the northern side. If you have time and are thinking about what more things to do in Syria, after completing exploring other popular Syria tourism places, then you can come here

Latakia corniche is situated along the Mediterranean shoreline, and so it has features of other typical beaches like cafes, and sand and palm-lined walking paths.

At the Ugarit Ruins, you will find royal palaces, temples, and Mycenaean pottery. All these were used in the ancient trade networks of Syria.

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Things to do in Syria: FAQs

Is it safe in Syria tourism places?

Syria's heritage zones are safe, as there will be guided tours with security. There is low crime in big cities like Damascus and Aleppo. Locals are welcoming. But still be careful of petty crimes in crowded places. Also, keep alert about their political stability. Respect their culture, and dress modestly. Avoid travelling to unguided remote spots, especially at night.

Can I manage with only English in Syria bucket list destinations?

It is mainly an Arabic dominant country, but you can manage with some Russian or French in the big cities. Basic English works too with guides and in city hotels. You can use translator apps using our SimCorner eSIM. You can learn some basic Arabic phrases for interactions in markets and with locals.

What are the best places to visit and top things to do in Syria?

Among various activities, you can opt for going to Damascus Umayyad Mosque for souk walks, Palmyra ruins for camel rides, Aleppo Citadel for light shows, Krak des Chevaliers for wall climbing, Bosra Theater for doing acoustics tests. Other best “Syria activities to do” include heritage tours,walking in the Arabic markets, Roman site explorations, and Aramaic village hikes.

What should I pack for top spots in Syria?

Modest and long sleeves clothes and headscarves are needed for both men and women when entering mosques. Besides these, bring sturdy shoes for walking, and keep sunscreens and water bottles in the desert sites. Bring binoculars for some panoramic views of the surroundings. Women are required to wear abaya for visiting the holy sites.

How to stay connected traveling in Syria tourist spots?

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