Syria left me with emotions I still can’t fully process. Standing in front of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, watching the sun glint off its golden minarets while the call to prayer echoed through the ancient streets, I felt transported through time. The resilience of this place and its people is absolutely incredible.
Let me show you the beautiful places in Syria that took my breath away. From wandering through the sprawling ancient ruins of Palmyra to exploring the winding alleyways of Aleppo’s old city, each site tells a powerful story. While parts of the country are slowly reopening to visitors, these 12 remarkable places showcase the enduring spirit and rich heritage that make Syria unforgettable.
Top Sights to See in Syria in 2025
Looking for the coolest things to do in Syria in 2025? Explore the fascinating Al-Dawayat Cave, visit the historic city of Aleppo, discover the ancient ruins of Amrit, and take a trip to the scenic Arwad Island. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or adventure, here are the top attractions to visit in Syria in 2025.
Disclosure: Currently, the US State Department and other countries advise against travel to Syria. This is due to security concerns, including armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Please refer to relevant government websites to learn more about the safety risks of traveling to Syria.
1. Al-Dawayat Cave
- 📍 Location: Near Damascus, 30 minutes from the city center
- 🏆 Best For: Cave enthusiasts 🕳️, nature lovers 🌿, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring unique limestone formations, discovering hidden chambers, admiring natural light effects
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant temperatures, summer for a cool retreat from the heat 🌡️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Beit Al Wadi – Charming traditional accommodations close to natural attractions
The moment you step into Al-Dawayat Cave, a mesmerizing world of ancient limestone formations transports you millions of years back in time. Spectacular stalactites hang from the ceiling while crystalline structures create an otherworldly atmosphere throughout the chambers. The cave’s illuminated pathways reveal new wonders around every corner.
I found the “Light Show” particularly magical when sunlight filters through specific openings, creating natural spotlights on the formations. The “Main Chamber Tour” gives an excellent introduction, while more adventurous visitors should try the “Deep Exploration” option. Bring a light jacket even in summer, as underground temperatures remain consistently cool and comfortable.
2. Aleppo
- 📍 Location: Northwestern Syria, 4.5 hours north of Damascus
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, architecture lovers 🏰, foodies 🍽️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the ancient citadel, wandering the historic souks, sampling famous Aleppan cuisine
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for mild temperatures, September-October for pleasant exploring conditions 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pullman Al Shahba Hotel – A four-star deluxe hotel situated in Aleppo’s university area, considered one of the city’s most prestigious quarters
Standing atop the magnificent Aleppo Citadel offers a journey through 8,000 years of human history in one sweeping vista. This massive medieval fortress dominates the city skyline and provides panoramic views that helped me understand why UNESCO treasures this ancient metropolis. The historic Old Souks below form a labyrinthine network of marketplaces where traditional crafts, spices, and the famous Aleppo soap await discovery.
Culinary adventures should begin in the Al-Jdeida quarter, where local specialties like cherry kebab and distinctive kibbeh varieties showcase why Aleppo’s cuisine ranks among Syria’s finest. The Great Umayyad Mosque and numerous caravanserais showcase architectural brilliance that has defined this crossroads of civilization for millennia.
3. Amrit
- 📍 Location: Mediterranean coast, 6 miles south of Tartus
- 🏆 Best For: Archaeology buffs 🏺, history lovers 🏛️, coastal explorers 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring ancient Phoenician ruins, visiting the temple complex, enjoying nearby beaches
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-June for pleasant temperatures and clear skies, September-November for fewer visitors 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Safir Homs Hotel – Comfortable accommodations within driving distance of the site
Walking among the ruins of Amrit connects you directly to the fascinating world of ancient Phoenicia along the Mediterranean coast. This former port city features remarkably preserved structures dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. The imposing Temple of Melqart stands as the site’s crown jewel, with its distinctive stone tower surrounded by a large basin that once created a sacred water sanctuary.
Nearby, the unique Stadium and Necropolis showcase sophisticated engineering amid serene olive groves with the sea as a backdrop. After exploring the ruins, the beautiful coastline just minutes away invites you to swim in the same waters that once welcomed Phoenician trading ships from across the ancient world.
4. Arwad Island
- 📍 Location: Mediterranean Sea, 3 km off the coast of Tartus
- 🏆 Best For: Island explorers 🏝️, history enthusiasts 🏰, seafood lovers 🦞
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Crusader castle, boat trips around the island, enjoying fresh seafood
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October for ideal sea conditions and warm weather ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Shahin Tower Hotel – Convenient lodging located in the heart of Homs near key attractions
Syria’s only inhabited island feels like stepping into a maritime fortress frozen in time. Arwad Island packs centuries of Phoenician and Crusader history into its compact shores, just a 15-minute ferry ride from Tartus. The narrow, winding streets lead inevitably to the imposing Crusader Castle that dominates the western shore.
Local fishermen offer boat tours around the island, providing unique perspectives of ancient fortifications and chances to spot dolphins in surrounding waters. The seafood here ranks among the freshest I’ve ever tasted—tiny seaside restaurants serve morning catches prepared according to traditional coastal recipes. Stay overnight to experience magical sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere after day-trippers depart.
5. Bosra and the Colosseum
- 📍 Location: Southern Syria, 140 km south of Damascus
- 🏆 Best For: Roman architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, theatre lovers 🎭, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending performances in the ancient theatre, exploring the old town, visiting the Al-Omari Mosque
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for pleasant temperatures, July-August for cultural performances 🎭
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Damascus – Luxury stay offering top-tier amenities in the center of the capital
The massive Roman Theatre of Bosra emerges from black basalt stones like a perfectly preserved time capsule from the 2nd century CE. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases one of the world’s most impressive ancient theaters, remarkably preserved thanks to a protective fortress built around it during the Islamic period. Its near-perfect acoustics mean it still hosts occasional performances, allowing visitors to experience the venue as Roman audiences did millennia ago.
Beyond the theater, ancient streets reveal layers of civilization from Roman baths to Byzantine churches. The striking Al-Omari Mosque, one of the oldest surviving mosques in Islamic history, stands as a testament to the site’s importance across multiple eras. Visit at sunset when golden light transforms the dark basalt stones into a photographer’s dream.
6. Damascus Hill
- 📍 Location: Northern outskirts of Damascus, 1,151 meters above the city
- 🏆 Best For: Panoramic views 🌄, nature walks 🥾, sunset watchers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Cave of Blood, climbing to panoramic viewpoints, watching city lights at dusk
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: One hour before sunset for perfect lighting, during Ramadan for illuminated cityscape 🌙
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Beit Al Wali Hotel – Boutique 5-star retreat in a restored 18th-century Damascene house
Mount Qasioun sits 1,151 meters above Damascus and gives you the best views of the city. You can take a taxi from Shamdeen Square most of the way up, then walk the final 600 concrete steps in about 15 minutes. At the top there’s the Cave of Blood and Shrine of the Forty Saints that locals say connects to the biblical story of Cain killing Abel.
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From up here you can see all of Damascus spread out below. The Umayyad Mosque’s golden dome sits right in the center of the old city, and you can pick out the Christian Quarter and Jewish Quarter. Go exactly one hour before sunset when the light hits the limestone buildings and you can see people walking in the narrow alleys below.
I recommend a visit to one of the small cafes on the mountainside. They serve proper mint tea and have tables facing west toward the city. Sit outside to watch the city lights switch on around 7 PM sharp. During Ramadan the mosques light up their minarets around 9:30 PM. The mountain’s quarries provided the pale limestone for most of Damascus’s walls and courtyards – you’re literally sitting on top of the city’s birthplace!
7. Krak des Chevaliers
- 📍 Location: Western Syria, 25 miles west of Homs in the Homs Governorate
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, architecture lovers 🏛️, photography buffs 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the massive fortress halls, climbing the towers for panoramic views, touring the chapel and inner courtyards
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June for mild weather and clear skies, September-October for comfortable temperatures 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Safir Homs Hotel – Classically elegant rooms with traditional Syrian hospitality, located near Homs’s business and shopping centers
Perched majestically atop a 650-meter hill, Krak des Chevaliers stands as one of the world’s most important preserved medieval castles. This UNESCO World Heritage site features massive defensive walls, seven guard towers, and intricate halls that transport visitors through centuries of history. The inner and outer walls create a formidable double defense system that once made it nearly impregnable.
The Gothic loggia in the northern section offers spectacular views where knights once gathered to survey the countryside. Walking these ancient stones, I could almost hear the echoes of medieval life within these walls. Allow 3-4 hours to explore the countless rooms and winding staircases throughout this remarkable fortress, with panoramic views stretching to the distant Lebanon mountains.
8. Marqab Castle
- 📍 Location: Near Baniyas, Syria, 6 km south of the city and 2 km from the Mediterranean coast
- 🏆 Best For: Medieval history lovers 🏰, off-the-beaten-path travelers 🗺️, coastal views 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the massive black basalt fortress, climbing the towers for sea views, visiting the Knights Hospitaller chapel
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June for mild weather and clear coastal views, September-October for comfortable temperatures 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Beit Al Wali Hotel – Boutique 5-star retreat in a restored 18th-century Damascene house, blending traditional charm with modern luxury in Old Damascus
Marqab Castle sits 360 meters above the Mediterranean on an extinct volcano and ranks among the most impressive Crusader fortresses in Syria. Built entirely from black basalt stone, this triangular fortress controlled the coastal road between Tripoli and Latakia for over 200 years. The Knights Hospitaller made it their Syrian headquarters with 14 massive towers that even Saladin couldn’t breach in 1188.
The castle’s location gives you incredible views over the Mediterranean while showcasing medieval military engineering at its finest. Two concentric walls protect the inner keep, and you can explore the great hall, climb towers for sea views, and visit the restored chapel. The black stone construction creates striking contrasts against the blue coastline below.
I recommend spending at least two hours here because the scale is enormous and every section is unique. In 1285, it took Mamluk sultan Qalawun 1,500 miners working 38 days to finally tunnel under the walls and force surrender. Unlike other Crusader castles, the Mamluks kept Marqab intact because of its strategic value. You can still see evidence of the final siege that ended 200 years of Crusader control.
9. Palmyra
- 📍 Location: Central Syria, 215 km northeast of Damascus in the Syrian Desert
- 🏆 Best For: Ancient history enthusiasts 🏛️, archaeology buffs 🏺, desert landscape lovers 🏜️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the colonnaded street, exploring the Temple of Bel complex, watching sunset from the Arab Castle
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May and September-November for moderate desert temperatures 🌄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Beit Al Wali Hotel – Five-star boutique hotel in a restored 18th-century Damascene house, offering traditional charm and modern luxury in Old Damascus
Rising from the Syrian desert like a mirage, Palmyra showcases humanity’s architectural brilliance, where Greco-Roman designs blend with Persian influences. This UNESCO site once thrived as a wealthy oasis caravan city and cultural crossroads between East and West. The sprawling ruins include the magnificent Temple of Bel, an imposing theater, and the stunning Valley of Tombs with elaborate funerary towers.
The site’s centerpiece, the Great Colonnade, stretches 1,100 meters with towering columns that connected major monuments. For the ultimate experience, climb Qalaat Ibn Maan, overlooking the site for sunset views that bathe the honey-colored ruins in golden light. Though parts suffered damage during conflict, Palmyra’s grandeur remains undeniable, deserving a full day to explore its vast archaeological park.
10. Safita
- 📍 Location: Western Syria, in the Tartus Governorate 35 km east of Tartus city
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural explorers 🏙️, history lovers 🏰, authentic Syrian experience seekers 🍽️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Templar Tower, exploring traditional neighborhoods, sampling local cuisine
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June for pleasant temperatures, September-October for harvest season celebrations 🍇
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Quartier Suisse Hotel – Boutique mountain retreat in Broummana with panoramic views and easy access to Beirut
Cascading down a hillside at 350 meters elevation, Safita offers the perfect blend of historical significance and authentic Syrian culture. The town’s crown jewel, the impressive Templar Tower, ranks among the best-preserved Crusader structures in the region. After exploring this landmark, wander through winding streets lined with traditional stone houses where time seems to move at a gentler pace.
Local restaurants serve authentic Syrian cuisine featuring generations-old recipes with fresh produce and aromatic spices from nearby gardens. The surrounding hillsides showcase excellent vineyards dotting the landscape, producing some of Syria’s finest wines. Most travelers combine Safita with nearby attractions like Krak des Chevaliers for a fulfilling day of cultural exploration through western Syria.
11. Tekkiye Mosque
- 📍 Location: Damascus, Syria’s capital, along the Barada River
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🕌, Islamic art lovers 🎨, photography buffs 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring the Ottoman architecture, exploring the madrasa complex, visiting the adjacent craft market
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June and September-October for pleasant urban temperatures 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Beit Al Wali – Traditional Damascene house converted to boutique accommodation in the Old City
Stunning alternating black and white stone patterns define Tekkiye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture along Damascus’s Barada River. Built in the 16th century by legendary architect Sinan, this elegant complex once served both as worship space and travelers’ lodge along the pilgrimage route to Mecca. The mosque features elegant domes and a graceful minaret exemplifying classical Ottoman design at its finest.
Today, the complex houses part of the National Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, while its courtyards often host craft markets selling traditional Syrian handicrafts. The peaceful gardens surrounding the mosque offer a tranquil retreat from bustling city life. Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring this architectural gem that showcases Syria’s Ottoman heritage through perfect proportions and elegant details.
12. Umayyad Mosque
- 📍 Location: Old City of Damascus, Syria’s capital
- 🏆 Best For: Religious history enthusiasts 🕌, architecture lovers 🏛️, cultural explorers 🌍
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring the vast courtyard, visiting the shrine of John the Baptist, seeing the stunning mosaics
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round for cultural visits, but spring (April-May) offers comfortable temperatures 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Beit Al Wali Hotel – Five-star boutique hotel in a restored 18th-century Damascene house, offering traditional charm and modern luxury in Old Damascus
Sacred for over 3,000 years, the Umayyad Mosque stands as one of the world’s oldest and largest mosques. This UNESCO site occupies ground that previously housed temples to Hadad and Jupiter, then a Christian church dedicated to John the Baptist. The massive courtyard gleams with white marble surrounded by elegant arcades, while the interior showcases lavish mosaics depicting Damascus landscapes.
The prayer hall contains the revered Shrine of John the Baptist, believed to house his head and venerated by both Muslims and Christians. Standing in this architectural marvel, I felt the weight of centuries of spiritual devotion from multiple faiths converging in one space. The Treasury Dome in the courtyard rests on eight Roman columns, highlighting the mosque’s role as the spiritual heart of Damascus for over 1,300 years.
