10-Day Essential Budget Backpacking Route in Syria
Syria is a land where history isn't just in museums; it's the air you breathe and the stones you walk upon. This 10-day itinerary is designed for the intrepid backpacker who wants to see the authentic Syria—moving through the legendary cities of Damascus, Hama, and Aleppo—while keeping costs strictly under control by utilizing local microbuses, staying in traditional budget lokandas, and eating the best street food in the Middle East.
Traveling on a budget here means embracing the local way of life. You'll swap luxury hotels for the courtyard hospitality of old-city hostels and trade private cars for the 'Pullman' bus network. Prepare for incredible warmth from locals, world-class historical sites like Krak des Chevaliers, and a culinary scene where a few dollars buys a feast fit for a king.
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Ancient Arrivals
Arrival & Old City Entry
Arrive in Damascus and drop your bags at a budget hostel near Bab Touma. Begin your journey by entering the Old City through the historic gates, soaking in the immediate transition from modern chaos to ancient narrow alleys.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq
Walk through this massive covered market. It is free to explore and offers the best people-watching in the city. Don't forget to grab a world-famous ice cream at Bakdash for just a couple of dollars.
Umayyad Mosque
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The entry fee is minimal for foreigners, and the glittering mosaics in the courtyard are a masterpiece of Islamic art.
Street Food in Sarouja
Head to the Sarouja district, often called 'Little Istanbul,' for cheap falafel sandwiches and mana'eesh (Syrian pizza) that cost less than a dollar.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Palaces & Panoramic Views
Azem Palace
Explore this 18th-century Ottoman palace. It’s a stunning example of Damascene architecture with beautiful courtyards and traditional fountain systems.
Straight Street Walk
Follow the biblical 'Street Called Straight' from the Roman Arch to Bab Sharqi. This walk is entirely free and takes you past dozens of historic churches and hidden workshops.
Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque
Visit this breathtaking mosque known for its intricate mirror work and Iranian-style architecture, located just behind the Umayyad Mosque.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a shared microbus to the slopes of Mount Qasioun. Watching the city lights flicker on across Damascus is a free and unforgettable experience.
Day 3: Maaloula, Syria - The Language of Christ
Microbus to Maaloula
Head to the Zablatani bus station and catch a local van to Maaloula. This picturesque mountain village is one of the last places where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken.
Monastery of Saint Thecla
Walk through the narrow mountain gorge to reach this Greek Orthodox monastery built into the cliffs. Entry is free, though donations are welcome.
Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Visit this hilltop monastery to see some of the oldest icons in the world and hear the Lord's Prayer recited in Aramaic.
Return to Damascus
Catch the afternoon microbus back to the city. Spend the evening enjoying cheap tea and Shisha in a local cafe near the Christian Quarter.
Day 4: Homs, Syria - The Crusader Fortress
Travel to Homs
Take a Pullman bus from Damascus to Homs. It’s a 2-3 hour journey through the Syrian desert landscapes.
Krak des Chevaliers
From Homs, take a local van to the village of Al-Hosn. Explore the Krak des Chevaliers, the world's best-preserved Crusader castle and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Homs City Center
Return to Homs. Visit the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, famous for its impressive Ottoman architecture and multiple domes.
Dinner at a 'Homsi' Eatery
Homs is known for its unique cuisine. Try the local 'Homsi' kibbeh at a small family-run diner for a fraction of the cost in Damascus.
Day 5: Hama, Syria - The Giant Norias
Homs to Hama
A short 45-minute microbus ride north brings you to Hama, a city famous for its massive wooden waterwheels (Norias) along the Orontes River.
The Norias of Hama
Walk along the riverbank to see the largest Norias, some over 20 meters in diameter. Listening to their rhythmic creaking is a free and meditative experience.
Hama Old Town
Wander through the narrow streets of the Al-Hadher district. The architecture here is distinct, and the area is less touristy, offering a more raw look at Syrian life.
Riverfront Relaxation
Join the locals for a walk in the public parks along the Orontes. It's the perfect place to grab a cheap juice and rest your feet.
Day 6: Hama to Aleppo, Syria - The Road North
Public Bus to Aleppo
Board a Pullman bus for the journey to Aleppo. This city was once the economic heart of the Silk Road and remains one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Aleppo Arrival & Check-in
Drop your gear at a budget hotel near the Baron Street area, which serves as a great base for exploring both the old and new parts of the city.
Baron Hotel Exterior
Walk past the legendary Baron Hotel. While currently quiet, its history—hosting Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence—is palpable from the street.
Aleppo Street Shawarma
Aleppo is the culinary capital. Find a busy street stall and order a 'Toshka' or a classic Aleppine Shawarma. The quality-to-price ratio here is unbeatable.
Day 7: Aleppo, Syria - The Mighty Citadel
Citadel of Aleppo
Spend your morning exploring the massive medieval palace-fortress. It stands on a mound overlooking the city and offers incredible views of the reconstruction efforts below.
Al-Madina Souq
Enter the labyrinthine covered markets. Many parts are being restored, and you can watch traditional artisans like soap makers and weavers at work.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
Visit the remains of the Great Mosque nearby. Though it suffered during the conflict, its spiritual significance and the ongoing restoration work are powerful to witness.
Dinner at Al-Hatab Square
Located in the Jdeideh Christian Quarter, this square is a great spot for affordable Syrian appetizers (Mezze) and local atmosphere.
Day 8: Aleppo, Syria - Hidden Gems & Local Life
Public Park (Al-Beit Al-Baladi)
Relax in the city's largest public park. It’s a green oasis where families gather, and it's a great place to interact with friendly Aleppines.
Aleppo National Museum
Visit the museum to see artifacts from nearby archaeological sites like Mari and Ugarit. It’s an essential stop for history buffs on a budget.
Bimaristan Arghun al-Kamili
Explore this ancient mental asylum from the 14th century, now a museum of medicine and science. It’s a quiet, beautiful spot away from the crowds.
Sunset at the Citadel Moat
Walk around the perimeter of the Citadel moat. It’s a popular evening hangout for locals and offers a great perspective on the fortress's scale.
Day 9: Tartus, Syria - The Mediterranean Coast
Aleppo to Tartus
Take a long-distance bus from Aleppo to the coastal city of Tartus. The change in scenery from desert and ancient ruins to the blue Mediterranean is refreshing.
Tartus Old City
Explore the compact Old City of Tartus, which was built within the walls of a Crusader fortress. It’s free to wander and has a unique seaside vibe.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Tartus
Visit this former cathedral, now a museum. It is one of the best examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture in the Middle East.
Corniche Walk
End your day with a walk along the Mediterranean Corniche. Grab some fresh grilled fish or corn on the cob from a street vendor.
Day 10: Tartus, Syria - Arwad Island & Departure
Boat to Arwad Island
Take a cheap local ferry (small wooden boat) to Arwad, the only inhabited island in Syria. It’s a short 15-minute ride and very affordable.
Exploring Arwad
Walk the entire perimeter of the island. Visit the small fort and watch the famous boat-builders who still use traditional Phoenician methods.
Final Coastal Feast
Have a final budget-friendly seafood lunch on the island before taking the ferry back to the mainland.
Bus to Damascus/Departure
Board the evening Pullman bus back to Damascus to complete your loop and prepare for your departure from Syria.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best time to visit Syria is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these windows, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for walking through ancient sites and cities without the scorching heat of the summer or the surprisingly cold and rainy winters. Spring also brings green landscapes to the desert areas, while autumn is ideal for the harvest season in the coastal and agricultural regions.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to economic sanctions and fluctuating exchange rates, Syria is a cash-only economy for tourists; international credit and debit cards will not work at ATMs. You must bring all the cash you need in USD or Euros and exchange it at official exchange offices or banks. Tipping is common but modest—rounding up the bill at a street food stall or leaving a small amount for a museum guide is highly appreciated.
Getting Around Syria
The most cost-effective way to get around Syria is the network of 'Pullman' buses and 'Microbuses' (vans). Pullman buses are large, comfortable coaches that connect major cities like Damascus, Homs, Hama, Aleppo, and Tartus for very low prices. For shorter distances or to reach specific villages like Maaloula or Al-Hosn, microbuses are the standard. They don't have a fixed schedule but depart as soon as they are full. Trains are currently limited, making the road network the primary mode of transport for budget travelers.
