Home to the world’s oldest continuously habited cities, Syria is one of the most historically rich and diverse countries you can visit. Yes, it’s chaotic, regarding both the day to day life and political affairs, but it’s currently safe to visit, especially if done right. As a foreigner that lives in Syria and that works in tourism here, these are some of the best things to do in Syria. Of course, we know the country like the back of our hands, so if you’d like to experience it with the experts, book a tour with us!
10) Take part in a Sufi Hadra
Sufis are known to many as mystic Muslims, and they were quite romanticised by orientalists. However, experiencing one of their “Hadras” in Syria is truly unique. A Hadra is a gathering of people in a place known as a Zawiya (usually not in a mosque) where people perform “zikr”, literally translated to “mentioning God”. This is where they repeat Islamic phrases again and again in chants, sometimes moving in circles and almost becoming hypnotised by the energy in the room. In Syria, Hadras usually take place on a Friday, after Friday prayers. My favourite one to join is in Aleppo, where you really feel like you’ve just gone back in time, experiencing an energy that you’ve never felt before. The Zawiya is called “Al Zawiya Al Hilaliyya”. You can find it on Google Maps.
9) Have a traditional hamam experience in Damascus
Although mostly associated internationally with Türkiye, the hamam culture in Syria is, in my opinion, even more alive, and more authentic. Many of the hamams in Damascus date back more than 1000 years, with them being in use as a hamam since those times. And they are sooooo beautiful. The traditional hamam experience involves body washing, skin exfoliation, a massage, a steam room and more. And, when you’re done, you can have an optional tea and shisha. All of this costs around 5 to 10 USD in Syria, whereas in Türkiye you’ll be paying much more! Damascus has the best hamams in Syria. My favourite is hamam Al Malik Al Zahir, a local experience in one of the oldest hamams in the world!
8) Meet the Kurds.
There are million of Kurds in Syria, who have their own unique culture and language. The main Kurdish population centres are Afrin, Kobane and the far North East around Qamishli. If I had to pick one to visit, I’d choose Afrin, the beautiful land of the olives. Go to the villages and meet the locals, they will be more than happy to invite you into their homes. If you’re in Syria in March, make sure you don’t miss the Kurdish Nowruz festival, one of the most unique experiences you’ll find in the country and an explosion of Kurdish culture. The biggest festivities tend to be in Qamishli.
7) Spend the night in Mar Musa
Perched on top of a mountain in rural Damascus, visiting Mar Musa monastery is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in the country. It’s a bit of an adventure to get to – a drive into the desert and a hike up a mountain – but its sooo worth it. Aside from the fact that it’s just so old and beautiful, the monastic community here is truly unique. Following in the footsteps of Father Paulo, they seek to build relationships and harmony with their Muslim neighbours, and all other faiths and communities in Syria and elsewhere. They have a Muslim prayer mat and Islamic calligraphy inside the church, and Muslims can pray beside Christians. It’s truly unique. They host prayers and meditation sessions, and provide accommodation to guests for free, but I recommend that you give back.
6) Experience Idlib
While I wouldn’t recommend this for everyone, it’s certainly an interesting side-trip in Syria, to a place that almost feels like another country. Throughout years of the war, Idlib was isolated from the rest of Syria, controlled by Islamist rebel groups that eventually ended up toppling the Assad regime. Many internally displaced people lived in Idlib during the war, a safe haven for people wanted by the Assad regime. But it also attracted people to fight jihad against the regime, including many foreigners from central Asia, western China, Chechnya and even the West. Hence, the city has got a militant Islamic vibe about it, with many military tactical shops, bearded man from around the world and women wearing black niqabs. It’s quite the stark contrast to most other major Syrian cities, which have got bars, discos, and a religious mix of people from different communities. While this might make you sound uneasy, it’s perfectly safe if you follow the local rules and dress conservatively, and it’s better to go with a guide. I don’t recommend visiting Idlib if you are Chinese due to the presence of Uyghur militants, who may have a grudge against Chinese people.
5) Visit Syria’s historical ruins
This is probably what draws most of our tourists to Syria – an interest in history, of which Syria has so much of! Syria has got thousands of years of history, and yet some of the most dramatic events happened within the last two decades. The most impressive sites include Palmyra, Bosra Al Sham citadel, Krak Des Chevaliers castle, the “Dead Cities” of Idlib, Aleppo citadel, and more. If I had to choose only 2 historical sites to visit in Syria, I’d go for Palmyra and Krak Des Chevaliers, which are truly breath-taking. Unfortunately, just like it’s toll of civilian areas, the war has also taken its toll on the historical sites, especially Palmyra.
4) Taste the famous cuisine of Aleppo
Famously known as the culinary capital of Syria, Aleppo has got some meals that you must try! While food is amazing in all of Syria, in this city it is just next level. The dishes tend to mix sour or sweet flavours with salty and savoury. An example of this is the famous cherry kebab, that the city is known for. What I like even more, however, is a dish known as Kibbeh Safarjalia, which mixes an apple like fruit known as quince in English with something similar to meatballs. It’s just delicious! I recommend going to Cortoba restaurant for cherry kebab and “Dolmaji Sweets” to get Kibbeh Safarjalia.
3) Stay in a boutique old Damascus hotel
The old Damascene houses are truly world class. While Moroccan riads are more famous, I like the Syrian version more. An oasis of peace in a city of chaos. All Damascene houses have got a fountain in the middle of their courtyard, and many of them have got a tortoise wandering around – all of these factors give the house a sense of tranquillity, which can be further enjoyed with a shisha pipe in your hand. Some of my favourite Damascene houses to visit are Qasr Al Naasan, Beit Al Aqad (now the Danish institute) and Maktab Anbar. Many have been converted into hotels, the best of which being Beit Al Wali, Beit Al Mamlouka, Aram Hotel and the Talisman Hotel.
2) Experience a major Christian festival or event
Syria’s Christian community is large and important, and they take their religious events seriously! If you’re in Syria in September, make sure you attend the “Day of the cross” festival in Maaloula, a village where locals still speak Western Aramaic, the language of Jesus! People hike up to the top of the mountains here and set them on fire, in commemoration of when mountain tops were set alight to announce that Jesus’ crucifixion cross had been found in Jerusalem. People come from all over Syria to this village to attend the event, and it’s truly unique! Fire everywhere, fireworks, dancing, music and more. Good Friday events in Syria are also very big and interesting to attend, especially in Damascus or Qamishli. If you’d like something more obscure, you should take part in Akitu celebrations of the Assyrian community in Syria’s North East in March.
1) Visit the Ummayad mosque during Maghreb prayers
No matter what time of day you visit, there is a reason why the Ummayad mosque in Damascus is so famous. It is an architectural wonder, and you’re sure to be gobsmacked. But if you have to choose one time of day to visit, I recommend going just before Maghreb prayers (at sunset time every day). That is when the lighting is best, the birds are all flying in the air, and it truly feels spiritual. The muezzins (people who do the call to prayer) have a special way of doing it here, and you won’t hear it outside of Damascus. Whether you are Muslim or not, this place is sure to give you goosebumps down your spine.
