Aleppo

Ancient Markets and Resilient Spirit

Aleppo stands as a major city in northern Syria, known historically as one of the region’s oldest continuously inhabited places. Its location made it a key stop along ancient trade routes connecting Asia with Europe and Africa. The old town features markets filled with spices, textiles and crafts that reflect centuries of cultural exchange. After recent years of conflict, restoration work is underway to bring back its historic sites and revive daily life in the city’s bustling streets.

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City in Syria

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 3.5

General Safety:	3
Health & medical:	5
Accessibility:	3
Tap water:	3

Read details

2/5

English is spoken by some hotel staff and guides, but most locals speak only Arabic. Communication in shops and markets may require basic Arabic or a translation app. A local guide is very helpful.

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There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Aleppo Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
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Historic for ancient markets and architecture. Explore centuries-old souks, visit the massive citadel and experience traditional Middle Eastern culture.

Place score

5.7

Best at:

Architecture

Historic sites

Castles

Walkable

Local cuisine

Personal score

Suited for

👶 3

Families

🧓 3

Seniors

🥗 5

Vegetarian

❤️ 4

Couples

Syria – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type L Type C: Type L: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Syrian Pound (SYP) £1 ≈ SYP 147
Cashless info:	Rating 2/5 Cashless payments are not widely accepted in Syria, and cash is the preferred method of payment. Larger businesses in urban areas may accept credit cards. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card.

Tipping:	Tipping is common in Syria, usually around 5-10% in restaurants. Small tips are appreciated by taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally not allowed in Syria, and alcohol is typically consumed in private or in licensed venues.
Public smoking:	Smoking is common in Syria, and it is allowed in outdoor public spaces and designated indoor areas.

Independence Day (17 April)	Celebrates Syria’s independence from France
Eid al-Fitr (date varies)	Celebrates the end of Ramadan

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 112 (Police), 110 (Ambulance), 113 (Fire)
Taxi apps:
Other:	Syria has a rich cultural history, but the ongoing conflict makes travel dangerous. Travellers should be aware of the volatile security situation.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Aleppo, Syria

☁️

Jan

🌤️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

☀️

Apr

🔥

May

🔥

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

🔥

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

🌤️

Dec

High season:	April - May, Oct.
Shoulder season:	March, June, Sep., Nov.
Crowdedness:	8 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Security situation and entry rules can change at short notice; check official travel advisories before planning

Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset

Souks and many sights are closed on Fridays until the afternoon

Don't miss

🏰 Visit the historic Aleppo Citadel and enjoy panoramic city views
🛍️ Explore the lively Aleppo Souks and taste traditional Syrian delights
⛪ Discover the ancient Umayyad Mosque, a symbol of Aleppo’s history
🚶‍♂️ Walk through the reconstructed old city streets and enjoy local cafes
🧖‍♀️ Experience a traditional Syrian hammam for authentic relaxation
🧼 Sample Aleppo’s famous soap at a historic soap factory

You've been here?

Why travel to Aleppo?

Aleppo is a city for travelers who crave authenticity and a deep sense of place. The Citadel, perched above the city, offers sweeping views and a tangible sense of history, while the ancient souks – though scarred by conflict – are slowly coming back to life with the buzz of traders and the scent of spices and soap. The Great Mosque, caravanserais and traditional hammams evoke a time when Aleppo was a crossroads of civilizations. Local cuisine is a highlight, with specialties like Aleppo kebab, kibbeh and baklava. Travel here is not for everyone: the city still bears the scars of war and many historic sites are under restoration or partially ruined. Some areas remain off-limits or require caution and infrastructure can be basic. Security is tight, with frequent checkpoints and travel permits often required. English is not widely spoken and a local guide is strongly recommended. Still, for those who make the journey, Aleppo offers a moving and unforgettable window into Syria’s past and present.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Citadel of Aleppo
2 Central Synagogue of Aleppo
3 Ummayad Mosque of Aleppo

🎡Places for activities

1 Souq el Attarine

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Public Park

🎈Events

Aleppo International Fair (when held)
Religious festivals (Eid, Ramadan)
Cultural heritage days
Local food festivals
Traditional music performances
Public holiday celebrations
Art exhibitions
Restoration project tours
Spring flower markets
Occasional guided city walks

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Knowledge before you go

Check official travel advisories; many governments warn against travel.
Entry logistics can be complex; visas often require prearranged local support and itineraries.
Expect frequent checkpoints and changing rules; carry identification and stay flexible with timings.
If you go, keep a low profile and use trusted guides familiar with current local conditions.

How to travel to Aleppo

Aleppo can be reached by bus or shared taxi from Damascus and other Syrian cities. The main bus station is outside the city center, with taxis available for the final leg. Direct flights to Aleppo’s airport are limited and mostly used by locals. Entry into Syria requires a visa and, often, a travel permit. Expect security checks on major roads and at city entrances.

Access summary

From Aleppo International Airport (ALP): Taxi or transfer to city, about 20–30 minutes.
From Damascus: Domestic flight around 1 hour or long-distance bus 5–6 hours.
From Gaziantep (Turkey): Cross-border bus or car via frontier posts, typically 3–5 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Aleppo

Accommodation in Aleppo ranges from basic guesthouses and small hotels in the city center to a few restored boutique hotels in the Old City. Many historic hotels, like the Baron, are closed or under renovation. Book ahead and confirm all details, as options are limited and standards can vary.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.

How to get around Aleppo

Most of Aleppo’s key sights are within or near the Old City and can be explored on foot, though some areas are still under restoration. Taxis are the main form of transport for longer distances. Local buses and shared taxis connect neighborhoods, but signage is mostly in Arabic. Expect frequent military checkpoints and be prepared to show identification. A local guide is highly recommended for both navigation and safety.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-51 %

Daily expenses in Aleppo are around 51% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

+4620 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to SYP) is 4620% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot more expensive compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£31	£74	£222
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£19	£41	£90
🍝 Food per day	£11	£28	£107
🚕 Transportation per day	£1	£5	£24

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£5.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£2.10
🍟 Fast food combo	£1.80
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£4.10
☕ Cappuccino	£0.75
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£5.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.12
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£16
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£2.20
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£3.40
🤧 Cold medication	£2.40
💇 Basic haircut	£2.40

Safety information overview

General safety

Aleppo is generally safe in government-controlled areas, but security is tight with frequent checkpoints. Some zones remain off-limits or unstable. Always follow local advice, keep documentation handy and avoid travel after dark.

Health & Medical

Medical facilities are basic and some hospitals are still under repair. Bring all necessary medications and a first aid kit. Emergency care is limited and pharmacies may not have all supplies. Tap water is not recommended for drinking.

Accessibility

Historic sites often have uneven ground, rubble or steps and accessibility for those with mobility issues is limited. Some roads and sidewalks are damaged. Public transport is not wheelchair-friendly.

Tap water

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water, which is widely available in shops and hotels. Carry water with you, especially in summer heat.