Syria: Tourist & Vacation Guide

Country's codes

International phone code for Syria: +963

Standard ISO 3166-1:

3 letters: SYR

2 letters (internet domain): .SY

Digital country code: 760

Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): 621

Olympic country code: SYR

FIFA code: SYR

Online Travel Visa Check.

Find Visa information for your destination.

Syria Travel Guide

Syria is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited regions, home to ancient cities, rich cultural heritage, and remarkable historical monuments. From the old souks of Damascus to the Roman ruins of Palmyra and the Mediterranean charm of Latakia, Syria offers a deep connection to human civilization and history. Despite modern challenges, its cultural legacy remains extraordinary.

RegionMiddle East (Levant)

Famous forAncient history, archaeological sites, cultural heritage

Best time to visitMarch – May, September – November

CurrencySyrian Pound (SYP)

Why visit Syria?

Syria is home to some of the world’s most significant historical treasures. Visitors can explore ancient cities, traditional markets, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and centuries-old mosques and castles that reflect the deep cultural and historical richness of the region. The warmth and hospitality of the Syrian people add to the experience.

Top Attractions in Syria

Umayyad Mosque, Damascus

One of the world’s most important Islamic landmarks, known for its stunning architecture, serene courtyards, and deep historical significance.

Palmyra

An ancient caravan city with Roman‑era temples, colonnades, and archaeological remains that reflect Syria’s Silk Road history.

Aleppo Citadel

One of the oldest and largest castles in the world, offering panoramic views and centuries of architectural heritage.

Krak des Chevaliers

A remarkably preserved medieval Crusader castle and a UNESCO World Heritage site, admired for its massive fortifications.

Best Places to Visit

Damascus – One of the oldest cities on Earth, known for its old souk, historic mosques, and traditional neighborhoods.
Aleppo – Famous for its ancient citadel, historic architecture, and long-standing culinary traditions.
Latakia – A Mediterranean coastal city with beaches and relaxed seaside culture.
Homs – Historically significant with landmarks and cultural sites.
Tartus – A peaceful coastal town with access to ancient Arwad Island.

Travel Tip: Syria has diverse climates—coastal areas are mild, while inland regions are warmer and drier. Historical sites often require comfortable walking shoes due to large open areas and stone pathways.

Things to Do in Syria

Explore the historic Old City of Damascus and its traditional markets.
Visit castles such as Krak des Chevaliers and Aleppo Citadel.
Walk through the ancient ruins of Palmyra.
Enjoy Mediterranean beaches in Latakia and Tartus.
Experience authentic Syrian cuisine, from shawarma to baklava.

Local Experience: Syrian cuisine is rich, flavorful, and diverse. Popular dishes include kibbeh, hummus, tabbouleh, grilled meats, and sweets like knafeh. Traditional cafés and bakeries are a cultural highlight.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Spring and autumn offer the best weather conditions.
Respect cultural norms when visiting mosques and traditional areas.
Local markets (souks) are excellent places to buy spices, crafts, and handmade products.
Cash is more commonly used than cards, especially in smaller towns.

Useful Country Information

Useful country information

Total area: 71,498 sq mi (185,180 sq km)

Population (2023 est.): about 22 million

Capital and largest city: Damascus, approximately 2.6 million

Damascus: Capital City Profile

Other large cities: Aleppo, 3.164 million; Hims, 1.369 million; Hamah, 933,000

Monetary unit: Syrian pound

CurrencyRate

National name: Al-Jumhuriyah al-'Arabiyah as-Suriyah

Current government officials

Languages: Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood

Ethnicity/race: Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Religions: Muslim 87% (official; includes Sunni 74% and Alawi, Ismaili, and Shia 13%), Christian (includes Orthodox, Uniate, and Nestorian) 10% (includes Orthodox, Uniate, and Nestorian), Druze 3%, Jewish (few remaining in Damascus and Aleppo)

Get Travel Insurance Quote

Find the best travel insurance plan for you and your trip.

National Holiday: April 17, Evacuation Day.

Background:

Syria was the site of various early civilizations, most notably that of the Phoenicians. Falling successively within the empires of Persia, Macedon, and Rome, it became a center of Islamic power and civilization from the 7th century and a province of the Ottoman Empire in 1516.

Following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, Syria was administered by the French until independence in 1946.

From 1958 to 1961, Syria was united with Egypt as the United Arab Republic, a Syrian coup in 1961 dissolved the union.

In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel. Since 1976, Syrian troops have been stationed in Lebanon, ostensibly in a peacekeeping capacity.

President of the Syrian Arab Republic is Bashar al-Assad, he is also Regional Secretary of the Ba'ath Party. Ba'athism calls for unification of the Arab world into a single state.

Bashar al-Assad became president after the death of his father Hafez al-Assad, who held office from 1970 until his death in 2000.

Influenced by major uprisings that began in Tunisia, antigovernment protests broke out first in the southern province of Dar'a in March 2011. Protesters calling for the repeal of the restrictive Emergency Law allowing arrests without charge, the legalization of political parties, and the removal of corrupt local officials. Demonstrations and violent unrest spread across Syria and led ultimately to a full-scale civil war, involving regional and international powers.