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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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Palmyra Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
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Suited for
Syria – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type L
Type C:
  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 Palmyra, Syria
Most governments advise against all travel to Syria; access to Palmyra depends on the security situation and local permits
Summer temperatures often exceed 40 °C (104 °F); the ruins offer almost no shade
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Walk the ancient colonnaded street of Palmyra
- ⛩️ Explore the majestic Temple of Bel ruins
- 🎭 Visit the partially restored Roman Theatre of Palmyra
- 🏰 Climb Qala'at ibn Maan fortress for panoramic views
- 🗿 See the Tetrapylon monument with its iconic four pillars
- 🏺 Tour the Palmyra Museum’s archaeological artifacts
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Palmyra?
Palmyra offers an unparalleled journey through time, with its remarkably preserved ruins spanning an impressive 6 square kilometers. The 1.6km-long colonnade with 1,500 Corinthian columns still standing is alone worth the trip. You'll walk the same paths as Queen Zenobia, who famously led a rebellion against Rome in the third century. The Temple of Bel, Arch of Triumph, amphitheater and numerous other structures reveal the grandeur of this once-prosperous oasis city. However, visiting Palmyra requires careful consideration. Following Syria's civil war and the site's occupation by ISIS, who destroyed several significant structures including the temples of Bel and Baalshamin, the area remains sensitive. A special permit is required to visit and tourists must be escorted by military personnel. The Russian army currently guards the site from Fakhr al-Din al-Ma'ani Castle, which overlooks the ruins. While the political situation has changed with the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, travelers should stay informed about current conditions and follow all security protocols.
Knowledge before you go
- Do not travel; extreme security risks persist.
- UNESCO site heavily damaged by ISIS destruction of temples and monuments.
- Government advisories warn against all travel due to ongoing instability.
- Archaeological ruins guarded by military; ISIS remnants active in desert areas.
How to travel to Palmyra
As of 2025, reaching Palmyra requires careful planning. Buses previously ran from Damascus (Harasta terminal) and Homs, taking approximately 3 hours from Damascus. Currently, visitors need a special permit arranged through a tour operator and most travelers visit as part of an organized tour. The road to Palmyra has had security concerns, so military escort is mandatory for tourists.
Access summary
- From Palmyra Airport (PMS): Currently no civilian flights; reach overland instead.
- From Damascus: Long desert highway drive or private transfer, about 3–4 hours.
- From Homs: Overland by car or arranged transport, typically around 2–3 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Palmyra
Accommodation options in Palmyra are currently limited due to the conflict's impact on infrastructure. Before the war, there was a hotel adjacent to the ruins, but current options may be restricted to basic facilities. Many visitors opt for day trips from Damascus or other major cities rather than overnight stays. Check with your tour operator for the latest accommodation possibilities.
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 Palmyra
The archaeological site is best explored on foot, as it was designed in an era when walking was the primary form of transportation. The ruins are spread out but manageable for a day visit. For those who prefer not to walk in the heat, camel rides are sometimes available. The site is most magical at sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a golden glow on the ancient stones.
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.
Daily expenses in the region are around 81% 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.
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 (Data for Homs, Syria - 143 km away)
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.
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.
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 | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Safety concerns persist in Palmyra. The area requires military escort for tourists and ISIS cells have been reported in the region. Always follow security guidelines, stay with your guide and check current travel advisories before planning your trip.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are extremely limited in Palmyra. Bring all necessary medications and a comprehensive first aid kit. The nearest hospitals are hours away. Heat-related illnesses are common, so stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Accessibility
The archaeological site has uneven terrain, sandy paths and few modern accessibility features. Those with mobility challenges will find it difficult to navigate. There are limited facilities for visitors and the site covers a large area requiring significant walking.
Tap water
Do not drink tap water in Palmyra. Bottled water is essential and should be carried in sufficient quantities, especially when exploring the ruins. The desert environment increases dehydration risk, so drink more than you normally would.
Packing recommendations for Palmyra
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🍫
Energy snacks
🧥
Light jacket
for evenings
👀
Binoculars
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
covering shoulders and knees
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
🛂
Visa and travel permits
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
🔋
Spare batteries
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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