Syria: Traveling to Homs, the Capital of the Revolution
Homs sits at the middle of Syria and has long been a stop for travelers moving between north and south. Also known as “The Capital of the Revolution”, it is the place to see daily Syrian life up close. The city’s history is visible everywhere, but it’s the easy conversations and familiar routines that leave the strongest impression.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what you need to know when traveling to Homs, from basic planning and local context to practical advice and ethical considerations.
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
Homs has been inhabited since ancient times, first by the Amorites, a Semitic people who shaped early cities across Syria and Mesopotamia. After Alexander the Great’s conquests, it became known as Emesa and gained importance during the Hellenistic period, particularly for the worship of the sun god Elagabalus.
Under Roman rule, the city flourished. Emesa produced the emperor Elagabalus (Yes, the same name) and became known for its school of Latin rhetoric, drawing students from across the empire. In the Byzantine era, Homs emerged as a Christian center. That is why there is still a big Christian population in the city.
Following the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, Homs became part of successive caliphates and later played a key role in resisting the Crusaders. In modern times, the city earned the nickname “Capital of the Revolution” for its early and central role in the Syrian Civil War.
Today, Homs is slowly rebuilding. While the marks of conflict remain, everyday life has returned, and you can clearly see a city shaped by the resilience of its people.
Is it possible to travel to Homs?
Traveling to Syria is now possible, as the country has gradually reopened to international visitors in recent years.
Travelers planning a visit in 2026 can find detailed and updated information in my complete travel guide to Syria.
Between 2018 and 2025, all trips to Syria had to be arranged through an approved local tour operator. While this requirement appears to have changed following the formation of a new government, I still recommend using a local agency. Given the country’s recent transitions, professional guidance can make travel smoother and more secure.
During our trip, we worked with Golden Team Syria, one of the most established travel agencies in the country. They managed all logistics in advance and provided reliable, professional support throughout our stay, always aiming to accommodate our requests.
In late 2024, major political changes occurred when opposition forces launched a rapid offensive across several key cities, ultimately taking control of Damascus on 8 December 2024. This event is widely viewed as marking the end of the civil war, followed by the establishment of a transitional government.
Despite these developments, my contacts in the country have indicated that the experience for tourists has remained largely the same.
Is it safe to Travel to Homs, 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. 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.
Do I need VPN for Syria?
Short answer – Yes.
Internet connections in Syria are unsecured, especially on public Wi-Fi, and online surveillance was widely reported under the previous government. A VPN protects sensitive data like passwords, emails, and bookings.
I personally use and trust NordVPN, which offers thousands of servers worldwide, strong encryption, and 24/7 customer support.
Visit their website to learn more.
Why you should consider Traveling to Homs
When traveling around Syria, you’ll most likely use Homs as your base. It can, indeed, serve as a perfect station between trips to Palmyra, Aleppo, and Krak des Chevaliers.
Palmyra, also known as “Venice of the Sands”, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an ancient Semitic city in the middle of the Syrian desert. The journey from Homs takes approximately two hours by road. You’ll find everything you need in my ultimate guide to visiting Palmyra.
From Homs, you can also easily reach Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The journey from Homs to Aleppo is around 3 hours by car. Again, you’ll find everything you need in my guide to the city.
How to get to Homs from Damascus
Traveling from Damascus to Homs can be easily done by car. Homs is approximately 162 kilometers north of Damascus, making it a relatively short journey of about 2-3 hours. Your travel agency will organise everything for you, so you have nothing to worry about.
Where to stay in Homs
The New Basman Hotel is the place we stayed during our entire time in Homs. It’s centrally located and a convenient base for exploring the city. The hotel offered air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and generators that provided electricity 24/7 (Power cuts are a common problem in Syria). The staff was excellent as well. I don’t have anything bad to say about our experience there.
The Best Places to Eat in Homs
Beyti Restaurant, with it’s rather extravagant look, had an excellent variety of traditional Syrian dishes. Trust your guides, they sure know their thing.
Following your meal, you should visit famous Aboullaban sweet shop. They offer a variety of traditional sweets, from baklava (a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and syrup), to maamoul (a shortbread pastry filled with dates, pistachios or walnuts) and many more.
I am not kidding when I say that I tried some of the best sweets of my life! You HAVE to ask your guide to take you, you’ll not regret it.
What are the Best Things to do in Homs?
1. See the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
The Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque is one of Homs’ most iconic buildings, dedicated to the famous 7th-century Muslim commander.
The interior of the mosque is spacious, beautifully maintained, and has a peaceful atmosphere. The prayer hall features high ceilings, geometric designs, and simple decoration that reflect classical Islamic art without overwhelming the space.
The mosque is truly a symbol of Homs’ cultural and historical identity. It hosts major religious events and is a gathering place for the local community.
2. Visit the St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt
St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt is one of the oldest and most significant Christian sites in Syria. It is named after the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary, a relic that is believed to have been left by the Virgin Mary before her Assumption. It is believed to have miraculous properties and is kept in a special shrine within the church.
The architecture of the church is a combination of both ancient and modern styles. The interior is decorated with mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
It is surely a beautiful building. We were lucky enough to visit while a baptism was taking place and we saw part of the ceremony. It was a fascinating experience and reminded me a lot of the greek ceremonies. We’re all connected after all.
3. Live like a local at a local square – Theme park
Well, it might sound weird but I’ll explain. In the evening, squares in Homs (and Syria in general) become places for entertainment. You’ll find locals gathering to enjoy performances by street musicians. You’ll also find Luna park rides installed. I was trully impressed with the fact that they can set them up in just a few hours.
At the squares you’ll also find a variety of food stalls selling local delicacies. Don’t miss out on trying some local tea or shisha.
I will be completely honest. Seeing those families gathering, the kids smiling, laughing, and playing, filled my heart with joy. Those kids are the future, and their faces were full of hope. Homs is indeed a great place for people-watching.
4. Enjoy a half-day trip to Krak des Chevaliers
Krak des Chevaliers is one of the best preserved medieval military castles in the world. Located approximately 40 kilometers west of the city of Homs, it is a significant stop for anyone visiting the region.
Constructed by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem during the period of the Crusades, the castle was a central figure in the defense of the Holy Land. It was built on the site of an earlier castle erected by the Emir of Aleppo.
The castle’s strategic location on a 650-meter-high hill between Homs and Tartus allowed the Hospitallers to control the gap between the mountains and the sea. From here, they could monitor and control the route from Antioch to Beirut, which was vital for trade and military movements.
The castle fell to the Mamluk Sultan Baibars in 1271 after a siege, marking the end of Crusader presence in the region. It remained in use until the 19th century, after which it became an archaeological site and a tourist attraction.
Despite damages during recent conflicts, Krak des Chevaliers remains largely intact and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006. The castle is, indeed, magnificent and I could spend many hours exploring it.
Final Thoughts
Homs is a city of layers. Ancient history, resilient communities, and everyday life. It offers travelers a chance to see Syria beyond the headlines.
Visiting Homs is less about ticking off sights and more about experiencing the rhythms, flavors, and stories that make it uniquely alive. Though it carries the marks of the past, it is slowly rebuilding, welcoming those willing to explore its streets and meet its people with curiosity and respect.
