18-Day Epic Budget Backpacking Odyssey in Syria
Syria is a land of profound history and incredible hospitality, making it a hidden gem for intrepid backpackers. On a budget of just over $10 a day, you will rely on the legendary Syrian street food scene—think fresh falafel and shawarma—and use the efficient network of 'servees' (microbuses) to navigate between ancient sites.
This itinerary takes you from the world's oldest continuously inhabited capital to the resilient spirit of Aleppo, through Crusader castles and along the Mediterranean coast. Traveling here requires an open mind and a love for spontaneous tea invitations, offering a travel experience that is as emotionally rewarding as it is affordable.
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - The Gate of History
Arrival at Damascus International
Touch down and navigate the entry procedures. Use a shared taxi or the airport bus to reach the city center efficiently.
Check into Al-Rabie Hotel
Located in a beautiful traditional house in the Sarouja district, this is a legendary hub for budget travelers.
Walk the Straight Street
Known as Via Recta, this ancient Roman road cuts through the heart of the Old City, lined with small shops and historical markers.
Street Food Dinner in Sarouja
Grab a huge falafel wrap from a local stall for less than a dollar, a staple for any budget traveler in Syria.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Spiritual Grandeur
Umayyad Mosque Exploration
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. Its gold mosaics and vast courtyard are free to admire (modest dress required).
Souk Al-Hamidiyah
Wander through the massive vaulted marketplace. Look up to see the bullet holes from the French Mandate era in the iron roof.
Azm Palace
A masterpiece of Damascene architecture. Entry is very cheap for students and budget-friendly for all.
Bakdash Ice Cream
Try the famous 'booza' (pounded ice cream) at Bakdash. It is a mandatory and affordable Damascus experience.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Panoramic Views
Sayyidah Zaynab Shrine
Take a microbus to the outskirts to see this stunning Iranian-style pilgrimage site, famous for its mirror-tiled interior.
Lunch near the Citadel
Find a local 'Fatteh' shop for a filling meal of chickpeas, yogurt, and toasted bread—cheap and nutritious.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Hike or take a cheap taxi halfway up the mountain for a panoramic view of the Damascus skyline as the lights flicker on.
Baramkeh Transit Hub
Visit the main bus hub to check schedules for your move tomorrow; local knowledge here is key for budget travel.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - Christian Quarter & Crafts
Bab Sharqi & Bab Tuma
Explore the Christian quarters, known for their narrow alleys, art galleries, and historic churches like the Chapel of Saint Paul.
Khan As'ad Pasha
Visit this incredibly preserved 18th-century caravansary, an architectural marvel that often has free entry.
Handicraft Market
Watch artisans work on damascene wood inlay and silk weaving near the National Museum.
Tea at Rawda Cafe
Join the locals at this historic intellectual cafe for a cheap glass of tea and some people-watching.
Day 5: Damascus to Maaloula - Ancient Aramaic
Microbus to Maaloula
Catch a 'servees' from the Zablatani station. It is a scenic and very cheap 1-hour ride into the mountains.
Monastery of Saint Sarkis
Visit this ancient site and listen to the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, the language of Jesus, still spoken here.
The Sacred Pass
Walk through the narrow rock split that legend says opened to save Saint Taqla from her persecutors.
Village Exploration
Wander the blue-painted houses of the village before settling into a local guesthouse for the night.
Day 6: Maaloula to Homs - The Central Hub
Morning in Sednaya
Take a short connection to Sednaya to visit the hilltop monastery before heading north.
Bus to Homs
Board a Pullman bus heading towards Homs, the geographic center of Syria.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Visit the newly restored mosque, famous for its nine domes and Ottoman architecture.
Homs Central Market
Check out the bustling market activity; Homs is known for having some of the cheapest food in the country.
Day 7: Homs - Krak des Chevaliers
Service to Al-Hosn
Take a local microbus to the village at the foot of the world's most famous Crusader castle.
Explore Krak des Chevaliers
Spend hours exploring the massive inner and outer walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Village Lunch
Eat at one of the small cafes overlooking the castle; prices are surprisingly reasonable for such a view.
Return to Homs
Catch the last microbus back to Homs to prepare for your journey further north.
Day 8: Homs to Hama - The Waterwheels
Short Bus to Hama
Hama is only a short distance away. Check into a budget hotel near the Orontes River.
The Norias of Hama
Walk the riverbanks to see the giant wooden waterwheels, some dating back to the 14th century. They are free to view.
Hama Museum
Housed in an old palace, this museum offers great insight into the region's ancient history for a small fee.
Dinner: Hama Sweets
Hama is famous for its 'Halawet el-Jibn' (cheese sweets). It’s a cheap and decadent dinner substitute!
Day 9: Hama to Aleppo - The Northern Capital
Pullman Bus to Aleppo
The journey north takes you through the Syrian countryside. These buses are comfortable and very affordable.
Aleppo Arrival
Check into a budget guesthouse in the Al-Jdeideh district, known for its historic courtyard houses.
Public Park (Al-Hadiqa al-Amma)
Relax in Aleppo's main green space and observe local life—a completely free afternoon activity.
Aleppo Street Food
Try the local Aleppine 'Zaatar' manakish, which is distinct from the Damascus version and very cheap.
Day 10: Aleppo, Syria - The Mighty Citadel
Aleppo Citadel
The crown jewel of the city. Spend the morning exploring this massive medieval fortified palace.
Lunch in the Old City
Find a small shop selling Kibbeh, an Aleppo specialty, for a few cents per piece.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
Observe the ongoing restoration of this historic site, which stands as a symbol of the city's resilience.
Citadel Coffee
Have a coffee at one of the cafes directly facing the Citadel entrance to watch the evening lights.
Day 11: Aleppo, Syria - The Eternal Souks
Souk Al-Madina
Wander through the miles of covered markets. Even though some are under repair, the atmosphere is unmatched.
Aleppo Soap Factory
Visit an traditional olive oil soap factory to see the 'green gold' being made and stacked into towers.
Baron Hotel (Exterior)
Walk past the historic hotel where Agatha Christie once stayed; a piece of living history.
Al-Jdeideh Evening Walk
The Christian quarter's narrow streets are perfect for a safe and atmospheric evening stroll.
Day 12: Aleppo, Syria - Hidden Gems
National Museum of Aleppo
View artifacts from Ugarit and Mari. It is one of the most important archaeological museums in the Middle East.
Bimaristan Arghun al-Kamili
An ancient psychiatric hospital and medical museum with stunning architecture and peaceful courtyards.
Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower
A landmark meeting spot in the city center. Perfect for watching the hustle of modern Aleppo.
Sample Aleppine Kebab
End your stay with a Kebab Karaz (cherry kebab), a unique and savory local delicacy.
Day 13: Aleppo to Latakia - Heading to the Coast
Bus to Latakia
Take the scenic route across the mountains to the Mediterranean coast. This is a longer but beautiful trip.
Latakia Arrival
Check into a budget hotel near the port. The air here is salty and the vibe is more relaxed.
Tishreen Park
A large public park where families gather. It's a great spot for a budget-friendly afternoon.
Seafood for Less
Head to the fish market area where you can find small shops frying fresh catch for very low prices.
Day 14: Latakia - The Ruins of Ugarit
Microbus to Ras Shamra
A 20-minute ride takes you to the archaeological site of Ugarit, where the first alphabet was discovered.
Explore the Royal Palace
Wander the foundations of this ancient Canaanite city-state overlooking the sea.
Picnic at Cote d'Azur
Buy bread and cheese in town and head to the public beach areas for a cheap lunch by the Mediterranean.
Latakia Corniche
Join the locals for a sunset walk along the Mediterranean. It’s the city’s favorite free activity.
Day 15: Latakia to Tartus - Island Vibes
Coastal Bus to Tartus
A short, 1.5-hour hop down the coast brings you to Syria's second-largest port city.
Tartus Old City
Explore the Crusader-era cathedral (now a museum) and the narrow residential streets of the Old Town.
Ferry to Arwad Island
Take a tiny wooden boat for a few cents to Syria's only inhabited island. The boat ride is a highlight.
Arwad Fort
Walk the perimeter of the island and see the small fort and boat-building workshops.
Day 16: Tartus to Damascus - The Return Leg
Morning at the Beach
Enjoy a final morning by the sea before boarding the long bus back to the capital.
Pullman Bus to Damascus
The return trip takes about 3-4 hours and follows the main highway through the central plains.
Damascus Return
Check back into your favorite budget haunt in Sarouja or Bab Tuma.
Farewell Shawarma
Visit a busy shawarma stand for a final taste of Syria’s most famous street food.
Day 17: Damascus - Final Souvenir Hunt
Souk al-Buzuriyah
This spice market is a sensory overload. Buy some Syrian spices or dried fruits to take home cheaply.
Tekkiyeh Suleimaniyeh
Visit this beautiful Ottoman mosque complex and its artisan market for high-quality, fair-priced crafts.
National Museum of Damascus
If you missed it earlier, spend your last afternoon here. The garden alone is worth the small entry fee.
Final Night Coffee
Sit in the courtyard of your hotel and swap stories with fellow backpackers—the essence of hostel life.
Day 18: Damascus - Departure
Last Damascene Breakfast
Enjoy fresh bread from a street bakery and some labneh before heading to the airport.
Airport Transfer
Arrange a shared taxi to the airport. Ensure you leave early to account for checkpoints.
Depart Syria
Head home with memories of a journey that defied expectations and a budget that stayed intact.
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 periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for walking through ancient ruins and city streets. Summers can be intensely hot, especially in the desert regions, while winters can be surprisingly cold and rainy, particularly in Damascus and Aleppo.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to the economic situation, there is a significant difference between the official exchange rate and the market rate. Cash is king in Syria; international credit and debit cards generally do not work at ATMs or in shops due to sanctions. Carry USD or Euros in crisp, new bills to exchange locally. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in small budget eateries.
Getting Around Syria
Getting around Syria is remarkably affordable. For travel between cities, the 'Pullman' buses are large, air-conditioned, and connect all major hubs like Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia. For shorter distances and rural areas, 'servees' (microbuses) are the standard; they depart when full and cost very little. Within cities, walking is the best way to see the historic centers, while microbuses cover the modern districts.
