A typical first trip here runs about $350 to $475 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Kibbeh, ground lamb and bulgur wheat shaped into shells and stuffed with spiced meat and pine nuts; fried or baked; Syria's most iconic dish in dozens of regional variations
- Fattoush and tabbouleh, fresh herb salads with toasted pita; Syrian tabbouleh is parsley-heavy and brightly acidic with pomegranate molasses
- Aleppo pepper, the world-famous mildly spicy, fruity red pepper from northern Syria; essential to Syrian and global Middle Eastern cooking
- Shawarma, Syria's street food perfection; slow-rotisserie meat (chicken or lamb) served in bread with tahini, pickles, and garlic sauce
- Ancient heritage, Syria is home to some of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities; Damascus and Aleppo are among the oldest cities on earth
- Eid celebrations and Ramadan, Islamic holidays shape the national calendar; Syria was historically home to a significant Christian minority who also celebrate Easter and Christmas
- Silk Road legacy, Palmyra, Bosra, and the Crac des Chevaliers were extraordinary historic sites before the civil war caused devastating damage
Arabic (Syrian Levantine dialect) is the official language. English and French are spoken by educated Syrians, especially in Damascus and Aleppo.
Key phrase: "Marhaba" (Ω Ψ±ΨΨ¨Ψ§) means hello; "Shukran" (Ψ΄ΩΨ±Ψ§) means thank you. Syria has been devastated by a civil war since 2011, most Western governments advise against all travel.
The security situation varies by region and continues to evolve; consult current advisories from your government before considering any visit.
- Syrians are renowned for extraordinary hospitality, historically among the most welcoming people in the Arab world; this culture persists despite years of crisis
- Dress conservatively, Syria is predominantly Muslim and more conservative dress is expected especially outside of regime-controlled urban centers
- Do not photograph military positions, checkpoints, or anything sensitive, the consequences can be severe
- Be aware of the political complexity, there are multiple competing authorities in different parts of Syria; local knowledge and guidance are essential
Latest for Syria
Updates for Syria will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.