13-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Syria
Syria is a land where history breathes through every stone, offering an unparalleled experience for the intrepid budget traveler. Despite the challenges of recent years, the core tourist circuit—stretching from the jasmine-scented alleys of Damascus to the resilient spirit of Aleppo—remains accessible and incredibly affordable for those willing to travel like a local.
This 13-day itinerary focuses on 'ultra-lean' spending, prioritizing the famous 'servees' (microbuses) for transport and local street food staples like falafel and fateh. You will stay in budget-friendly hostels or traditional guesthouses, immersing yourself in a culture known for its deep-rooted hospitality and ancient heritage.
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Arrival & Old City Immersion
Arrival at Damascus International
Clear customs and take the airport shuttle bus to the Baramkeh station in the city center, the most cost-effective way to reach the heart of the capital.
Souk Al-Hamidiyah
Walk through this massive covered market. It’s free to explore and the best place to find cheap street snacks like Booza (Syrian ice cream) at Bakdash.
Umayyad Mosque
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The entrance fee for foreigners is minimal, and the courtyard is a peaceful place to observe local life.
Bab Sharqi Dinner
Head to the Christian Quarter for a budget-friendly dinner of Manakish (Syrian flatbread) from a local street bakery.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Legends and Landmarks
Azm Palace
Explore this 18th-century Ottoman palace. It offers a stunning look at Damascene architecture with its distinctive ablaq (alternating light and dark stone) masonry.
Straight Street (Via Recta)
Walk the Roman road mentioned in the Bible. It is lined with small shops and historical markers that cost nothing to view from the outside.
Chapel of Saint Ananias
Descend into this ancient underground structure, believed to be the remains of the home where Saul of Tarsus was healed of his blindness.
Mount Qasioun Viewpoint
Take a shared taxi (servees) up the mountain for a panoramic view of the city lights. It is a popular local spot for a cheap evening tea.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Museums and Gardens
National Museum of Damascus
Explore the vast collection of artifacts spanning millennia, including the reconstructed facade of Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi.
Tekkiye Mosque & Handicraft Market
Visit the stunning Ottoman-style mosque and browse the adjacent market where local artisans work on glass and wood. Entrance is free.
Tishreen Park
Join local families in this large public park for a picnic. Buying fresh fruit and bread from a nearby market keeps costs under $2.
Sarouja Street Food
Dine in the 'Little Istanbul' of Damascus, known for its affordable and delicious Shawarma stalls.
Day 4: Maaloula to Homs, Syria - Ancient Echoes
Microbus to Maaloula
Catch a servees from the Zablatani station. This village is one of the last places on earth where Western Aramaic is still spoken.
Monastery of Saint Thecla
Walk through the narrow mountain gorge to visit this Greek Orthodox monastery built into the side of the cliffs.
Transit to Homs
Return to the highway and flag down a Pullman bus heading north to Homs, a strategic hub for visiting nearby castles.
Homs City Center
Explore the area around the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque. The surrounding markets offer very cheap local meals like Hummus and Ful.
Day 5: Homs, Syria - The Knight's Fortress
Krak des Chevaliers
Take a morning microbus to the most famous Crusader castle in the world. Spend several hours exploring the towers, stables, and massive walls.
Lunch in Al-Husn Village
Eat at a local family-run eatery near the castle gates. The prices are surprisingly low for such a major tourist site.
Return to Homs
Catch the afternoon return microbus. Enjoy the sunset views over the Orontes River valley during the drive.
Homs Street Markets
Spend your evening browsing the street stalls for cheap textiles and tasting Halawet el-Jibn, a famous Homsi sweet cheese dessert.
Day 6: Tartus, Syria - The Coastal Gateway
Homs to Tartus Pullman
Take a comfortable intercity bus to the coastal city of Tartus. The journey takes about 1.5 hours through green hilly landscapes.
Old City of Tartus
Wander through the Crusader-era Old City. Most of the residential buildings are built directly into the ancient fortress walls.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa
Visit this former cathedral, now a museum, which remains one of the best-preserved examples of Crusader religious architecture.
Tartus Corniche Walk
Walk along the Mediterranean sea wall. Street vendors sell cheap corn-on-the-cob and coffee for cents.
Day 7: Tartus, Syria - Island Life
Boat to Arwad Island
Take a small local ferry from the Tartus port to Arwad, Syria's only inhabited island. The boat ride is a very cheap and scenic experience.
Exploring Arwad
Walk the perimeter of the island. Watch local boat builders at work and explore the small Phoenician-era wall remains.
Seafood Snack
While seafood can be pricey, the small shops in Arwad sell affordable fried fish sandwiches that are fresh and local.
Return Ferry
Head back to the mainland. The return trip offers a great view of the Tartus skyline as the sun begins to set.
Day 8: Latakia, Syria - Mediterranean Vibes
Bus to Latakia
Take a microbus north along the coast to Latakia, Syria's primary port city and a popular summer destination.
Tishreen Park Latakia
A beautiful green space in the city center perfect for a budget rest and people-watching after the bus ride.
Latakia Archeological Museum
A modest but interesting collection of local finds from the surrounding coastal plains and the site of Ugarit.
Dine at the Port
Latakia is known for its vibrant street life. Grab some Falafel from a busy stand and enjoy it by the water.
Day 9: Latakia, Syria - The First Alphabet
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Take a short taxi or bus ride to these ruins. This is where the world's first alphabet was discovered. The site is open and budget-friendly.
Blue Beach (Shat al-Azraq)
Head to the public beach areas. While some resorts are private, there are many public spots where you can swim in the Mediterranean for free.
Cote d'Azur Walkway
A long stretch of coastal path perfect for a sunset walk. It’s a great place to meet local students and practice your Arabic.
City Center Falafel
Finish the day with the most budget-friendly meal in Syria: a giant falafel wrap with pickles and tahini.
Day 10: Aleppo, Syria - The Resilient North
Latakia to Aleppo Pullman
Board an early bus for the scenic journey through the mountains toward Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city.
Arrival and Check-in
Drop your bags at a budget hotel in the city center. Aleppo is very walkable, which helps save on transport costs.
Al-Jdeideh Quarter
Walk through this historic Christian neighborhood known for its beautiful narrow streets and stone carvings.
Aleppo Street Food
Try the famous Aleppine Kibbeh from a local street vendor. It is considered the best in the country.
Day 11: Aleppo, Syria - The Citadel
Aleppo Citadel
Spend the morning at this massive medieval fortified palace. It is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world.
Baron Hotel Exterior
Pass by the historic hotel where Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence once stayed. You can see the facade for free.
Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower
A landmark of the city. The surrounding area is a bustling commercial zone where you can find very cheap clothing and essentials.
Public Garden (Al-Hadiqa al-Amma)
One of the largest parks in Aleppo. It's a great spot to relax with a 50-cent cup of coffee from a mobile vendor.
Day 12: Aleppo, Syria - Souks and History
Souk al-Madina
Explore the parts of the UNESCO-listed bazaar that have been restored. It is a sensory experience of spices, soaps, and textiles.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
Visit the exterior and courtyard of the Zakariya Mosque. While undergoing restoration, it remains a powerful symbol of the city.
Aleppo Soap Workshop
Visit a small traditional soap-making factory in the old city. Many allow you to watch the process for free; buying a bar of Ghar soap is a cheap souvenir.
Farewell Aleppo Dinner
Find a small local restaurant serving 'Sujuk' (spicy sausage) sandwiches, a local favorite for budget eaters.
Day 13: Damascus, Syria - Final Farewells
Return to Damascus
Take the final Pullman bus journey back to the capital. Use this time to organize your photos and travel notes.
Final Souk Shopping
Spend your remaining Syrian Pounds on spices, dried fruits, or Damascene sweets in the Al-Buzuriyah Souq.
Beit al-Aqqad
Visit this Danish Institute in an old house if it's open for visitors; it’s a hidden gem of architecture and often free to enter.
Airport Shuttle
Head back to Baramkeh to catch the final shuttle to the airport for your flight home, concluding your 13-day Syrian adventure.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The ideal times to visit Syria are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these windows, the weather is mild and pleasant for walking through ancient ruins and city streets. Summers can be intensely hot, particularly in the desert and inland cities like Aleppo, while winters can be surprisingly cold and rainy, especially along the Mediterranean coast.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). The economy is almost entirely cash-based, and international credit or debit cards generally do not work at ATMs due to sanctions. Travelers must bring enough USD or EUR cash to last the entire trip and exchange it at official exchange offices or banks. Tipping is appreciated in small amounts; rounding up the bill at a local eatery or giving a small tip to a helpful guide is standard practice.
Getting Around Syria
Intercity travel in Syria is best done via 'Pullman' buses, which are large, comfortable coaches connecting major cities like Damascus, Homs, Tartus, and Aleppo. For shorter distances or more frequent departures, 'servees' (microbuses) are the backbone of local transport; they are extremely cheap and leave as soon as they are full. Taxis are available in all cities but should have the fare negotiated in advance if they do not use a meter. There is currently limited passenger rail service, so buses remain the most reliable budget option.
