Syria: Why you should Travel to Aleppo in 2026
Known as one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, the troubled city of Aleppo in Syria, offers a rich combination of history, culture, and an enduring spirit.
This guide will lead you through the history, the must-visit sites, and other essential insights that will ensure a beautiful journey when you travel to Aleppo, Syria in 2026.
If you want more to be persuaded, you can read my guide with 25+ compelling reasons to Visit Syria in 2026.
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A Little Bit of History
Contrary to what you might think, Aleppo is actually older than Damascus. The city was once the heart of the prosperous kingdom of Yamhad around the 18th century BC. It later flourished under the rule of Hittites, Assyrians, Akkadians, Greeks, Romans, and many other civilizations, combining their cultural and architectural influences.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, Aleppo gained importance for its strategic position within the Silk Road. It was an essential trading center, thus achieving rich cultural and economic growth.
However, the city’s recent history is somewhat shadowed by war and destruction. During the Syrian Crisis, Aleppo became a major theater of conflict between the former Syrian Government, numerous rebel groups, and ISIS. The war had severe consequences on the city, causing devastating damage.
In 2023, Aleppo was once again tried by fate, struck by a massive earthquake that shook its foundations. This natural disaster only added to the challenges faced by the city and its people, causing further devastation and delaying the progress of restorative efforts.
Despite the numerous setbacks, Aleppo and its people continue their journey of recovery and rebuilding. While much of it remains threatened, the spirit of the people of Aleppo continues to inspire.
A Map of Aleppo, Syria
Understanding the geography of your destination is an important step. As such, I’ve sourced a map of Aleppo with all the most important attractions for you. This is a great tool to use when planning your trip routes and daily itineraries.
Is it possible to Travel to Aleppo in 2026?
Yes, it is very possible. In the past few years, Syria has opened its borders to foreign visitors. In fact, in 2023, more than 1 million foreign visitors and 1.2 million Syrians from abroad chose the Middle Eastern country for their vacation. This was also the first year the country welcomed American tourists.
Americans had been banned from traveling to Syria for the past years years, but that’s no more the case. US citizens can now visit the country as tourists.
For more information about traveling to Syria in 2026, read my comprehensive guide to the country.
Between 2018 and 2025, it was mandatory to organize your trip with a local tour operator. I believe that this changed after the new government took over, and you can now travel without a local agency. However, I would still suggest hiring one, due to the many changes that Syria has been through lately.
We chose to organize our trip with Golden Team Syria. They have one of the most reputable travel agencies in the country. They took care of everything for us before we arrived. They were excellent professionals and tried their best to fulfill every request that we had.
Let’s talk about the latest developments, mainly what happened in late 2024. Basically, a rapid, widespread offensive by opposition forces swept through major cities, ending in the takeover of Damascus on 8 December 2024. This is considered to have brought an official end in the decade-long civil war. In the aftermath, a transitional government was established under a provisional administration.
Despite these changes, after speaking with a few people, I have been told that the situation for tourists has not changed from when I was in Syria myself.
Is it safe to travel to Aleppo, Syria?
I can say that I felt very safe in Syria. However, this is still one of the most common questions I get asked about traveling to Syria, so I’ll get more into detail. Basically, my biggest concern before the trip was what I could do myself to ensure my safety.
Finding travel insurance for Syria was far harder than I expected. Most insurers either flat-out refused to cover the destination or excluded anything meaningful once you mentioned it. I spent hours comparing policies, reading fine print, and hitting dead ends. It was frustrating to plan a trip while constantly worrying about whether I’d actually be insured if something went wrong.
That’s when I came across IATI Travel Insurance. Unlike many providers, IATI offers coverage for travel to higher-risk destinations like Syria. Their policy covered my trip and gave me real peace of mind, not just paperwork, but genuine protection I could rely on. Knowing I wasn’t traveling uninsured made a huge difference in how confident I felt about travelling to Syria.
Another reason I chose IATI is how affordable they are compared to other insurers that offer similar coverage. Their plans include 24/7 emergency assistance in your own language (Can you imagine the struggle speaking in another language when something goes wrong?), medical coverage without any deductibles, and repatriation.
On top of that, you can get 5% off your policy when you book through my link, which makes an already reasonable price even better. If you’re struggling to find insurance for destinations others won’t touch, IATI is absolutely worth checking out.
Did I feel safe in Syria? – My personal experience
Despite what I heard in the news, I felt in Syria as safe as anywhere else I’ve been. For me, it was no different from any other Middle Eastern country.
As long as you are with your guide and listen to what they advise you, you‘ll be alright. You will pass many checkpoints and see a lot of soldiers, but they are there to protect you. You’ll always be greeted with a smile and a warm “Welcome.”
Obviously, I cannot guarantee anyone’s safety when traveling to Syria, and you always travel at your own risk. However, I can say that there was no place in the country where I felt insecure, even a tiny bit. I felt insecure, even a tiny bit.
How to get to Aleppo from Damascus
The road trip from Damascus to Aleppo is approximately 355 kilometers, or about 220 miles. Nowadays, the trip to Aleppo typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Is Aleppo Expensive?
Traveling to Aleppo is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to many other destinations in the Middle East and beyond. In fact, Syria is one of the cheapest countries I have visited so far.
Dining out is extremely reasonable: a full traditional meal for three to four people at a mid- to high-end restaurant will typically cost around $15-$20 in total. For something lighter, a simple sandwich will set you back only $1–$2, and a soda rarely costs more than a dollar.
Shopping for small souvenirs is equally budget-friendly. Items like keychains, magnets, or small trinkets usually cost around $0.50 each, making it easy to collect keepsakes without spending much.
Do I need VPN for Syria?
Yes, you need a VPN in Syria.
Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, and internet activity was monitored under the previous government. A VPN protects your data, like passwords and emails.
I personally use and trust NordVPN. It offers thousands of servers, meaning that there are always fast servers to choose from. It is also a five-times audited service to ensure that your online activities remain confidential, your activities will be private and your devices risk-free.
Lastly, there’s a 24/7 chat, which is very helpful if you need assistance. Visit their website to learn more.
What is the best time of year to travel to Aleppo, Syria?
When planning your visit to Aleppo, you should always take the climate into account.
Like many parts of the Middle East, summers in Aleppo can be very hot, while winters tend to be mild to chilly.
This makes autumn and spring the most enjoyable seasons to visit when temperatures usually range between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F).
No matter what time you decide to visit, there’s always something interesting and unique happening in Aleppo. Just be sure to check your travel agency’s advice before setting off.
The Best Things to do in Aleppo in 2026
1. Visit the Aleppo Citadel
The Aleppo Citadel is a massive medieval fortress rising in the old city. Sitting atop a 50-meter hill, it has watched over Aleppo for centuries.
Seeing it in person immediately made me stop and take it in – its size is impossible to capture in photos or descriptions.
Passing through the massive entrance gate, you’ll find yourself in a large courtyard surrounded by historic buildings: the Throne Hall, the Small Mosque, and the Ayyubid Palace.
From the walls of the Citadel, you can see the entire city. It’s only when you stand there that the scale of the place truly hits you. Our guide described it perfectly: it’s like a city inside a city.
Despite significant damage during the Syrian Civil War and the recent earthquake, efforts are underway to restore the Citadel. The citadel had been closed to the public for some time due to the damages the latter caused. However, as of 2026, the Citadel is again open to visitors and locals.
Around the Citadel, the streets are alive with cafés and small bars where locals gather. Watching families play, friends laugh, and people go about their day, even with the scars of war and earthquake still visible, left a deep impression on me. It showed the resilience of the people and the quiet strength of life continuing despite everything.
2. See the Rebuilding of the Great Mosque
Another must-see when you travel to Aleppo used to be the Great Mosque, also known as the Umayyad Mosque (does that name ring a bell?).
This was one of the largest and oldest mosques in the city. It used to house the remains of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, making it a significant site for both Muslims and Christians.
However, the it was heavily damaged during the war. Efforts to reconstruct it while keeping the original style are still ongoing.
3. Walk around the Bab Al Faraj Square
Bab Al Faraj Square, whose name translates to “Gate of Deliverance”, is a central spot of activity and another popular meeting point for locals.
The square is named after one of the main gates of the ancient city of Aleppo, the Bab Al Faraj, which was part of the city’s defensive walls. The gate no longer exists, but the square retains its historical significance.
The square is home to a Clock Tower, a structure that has become a city symbol. It was inaugurated in 1900 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Sultan’s accession to the throne. The clock itself was imported from Britain.
Another significant landmark is the National Library which houses of thousands of books, manuscripts, and other important documents. It currently contains a collection of 100,000 books. The building has also a small theatre hall with 300 seats.
4. Wander around the Al-Madina Souk
The Aleppo Souk, also known as the Al-Madina Souk, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with an estimated 13 kilometers of alleyways filled with shops and stalls.
Within the souk, you can find a wide range of goods, from spices, textiles, and handmade crafts to jewelry and antiques. Each section of the market specializes in a particular type of merchandise.
Unfortunately, the souk was severely damaged during the Syrian Crisis, with many of its historic buildings and shops destroyed. However, efforts are underway to restore and rebuild this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the hope of reviving its former glory.
The contrast between walking in the destroyed old part and the new one is stark. However, it is very pleasing to see that locals are starting to get their lives back. Buying souvenirs from local businesses will massively help the people. Keep this in mind when you travel to Aleppo.
5. See the Abandoned Baron Hotel
The Baron Hotel has been standing proud since the early 20th century. It was founded by the Armenian Mazloumian family in 1909, making it one of the oldest hotels in the country.
It has been a place where many famous figures have stayed throughout the years. These include for example writers like Agatha Christie, who is said to have written parts of her novel “Murder on the Orient Express” while staying at the hotel, and Lawrence of Arabia.
In 1958, Syria and Egypt came together to form a union called the United Arab Republic (UAR). Egypt’s President, Gamal Abdel Nasser, had a vision of uniting Arab countries to stand against foreign influences. The union was announced from the balcony of this very hotel. However, it didn’t last long, mainly because of differences in culture, politics, and money. The union ended in 1961.
Despite the damages it suffered during the Syrian Crisis, it is still possible to visit the Baron Hotel. Our amazing guide from Gloden Team Syria, Sally, arranged a small private tour with the person responsible for maintaining the building. It felt like we were VIPs.
6. Learn About the History of Aleppo Soap
No trip to Aleppo is complete without trying its world-famous soap.
Made from olive oil and bay leaf oil, Aleppo Soap carries a distinctive scent. The process of creating this soap is an art in itself. Traditionally, craftspeople cook the soap in large cauldrons, after that, they pour the mixture on flat surfaces to cool and harden. It’s then cut into blocks and stacked to dry, an age-old process that carries forward to today.
Besides its lovely fragrance, Aleppo Soap is known for its strong antibacterial properties.
When you visit Aleppo, make sure to stop by a local market to buy some soap as a souvenir. Don’t be afraid to ask your guide or locals for recommendations – They always know better.
7. Have a Traditional Feast at a Local Restaurant
You cannot travel to Aleppo without trying the amazing local cuisine. The Al Kimma restaurant, owned by a Kurdish family, is really famous. It is surely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever dined in, located on a rooftop and offering incredible nightime views of the city.
8. Enjoy a Drink in an Underground Bar
We found an underground bar in a quiet street in Aleppo. The low lights and stone walls made it feel warm and cozy, a hidden spot to relax and forget the busy city outside. It wasn’t easy to notice from the street, but once inside, it felt like a different world.
Our driver joined us, and we started talking about life – family, dreams, and the changes Aleppo had gone through. It was a simple conversation, but it felt meaningful.
Sitting there, I felt both amazed and thankful. Outside, the city moved on, but in that little bar we shared laughs, stories, and quiet moments. The drinks, the stone walls, and the company made me realize that the best memories of travel often come from experiences like this, not just from sightseeing.
Essential Travel tips for visiting Aleppo, Syria?
- Check the situation: Stay updated on Aleppo’s current safety conditions. Some areas may still be unsafe.
- Listen to your guide: All guides are licensed and know the safest routes. Respect their advice.
- Learn basic Arabic: Phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” go a long way. Carry a phrasebook or translation app.
- Try local food: Stick to clean, reputable street food.
- Carry cash: The Syrian pound is the main currency. Most places don’t take credit cards.
- Get travel insurance: Healthcare may be limited, especially outside big cities. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation. Get 5% off your IATI plan.
- Support locals: Buying from small businesses helps the community.
- Respect laws and customs: Ask before taking photos of people or private property. Some areas have photography restrictions.
Final Thoughts – Why you should travel to Aleppo
Visiting Aleppo is more about experiencing a city that has survived so much and still carries a living culture. Being there in person gives a sense of the city’s resilience and spirit that you simply cannot capture in photos or history books.
What impressed me most was the warmth and strength of the people. Despite years of conflict and challenges, families gather, friends laugh, and life continues in the markets and streets. I guess life always goes on. I got a lot to think about from this trip, that’s for sure.
