20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Syria
Syria is a land of profound history and legendary hospitality that remains surprisingly accessible for the intrepid budget traveler. This 20-day epic journey focuses on the 'ultra-lean' approach: navigating between ancient cities using local minibuses (servees), sleeping in traditional pensions, and dining on the world's best street food for just a few dollars a day.
By sticking to local habits—drinking tea with shopkeepers, using public transport, and visiting free historic sites—you can experience the true heart of the Levant. While the infrastructure is recovering, the warmth of the Syrian people and the depth of its archaeological heritage offer a travel experience unlike any other in the Middle East.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Arrival & First Steps
Beirut to Damascus Transfer
Cross the Masnaa border from Lebanon via a shared taxi, the most economical way to enter the country.
Bab Sharqi Entry
Enter the Old City through the Gate of the Sun, one of the oldest Roman structures in the city.
Straight Street Walk
Follow the biblical 'Street Called Straight' to get your bearings amidst ancient workshops and copper smiths.
Al-Nawfara Tea House
Listen to a traditional Hakawati (storyteller) while sipping tea for less than a dollar.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Umayyad Grandeur
Umayyad Mosque
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, famous for its golden mosaics and the shrine of John the Baptist.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq
Wander the iron-vaulted bazaar and grab a famous stretchy ice cream at Bakdash for a few cents.
Azem Palace
Explore this 18th-century Ottoman palace that showcases traditional Damascene architecture and courtyard life.
Street Food Dinner
Hunt for the best Falafel in the Sarouja district, a hub for budget travelers and students.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Modern Heights
National Museum of Damascus
View the Dura-Europos synagogue frescoes and thousands of years of Mesopotamian history.
Tekkiye Mosque Market
Browse local handicrafts in this Ottoman-era mosque complex designed by Mimar Sinan.
Mount Qasioun Hike
Walk up the slopes of the mountain that overlooks the entire city for a panoramic sunset view.
Salhiyah District
Explore this vibrant neighborhood known for affordable clothing and local snack shops.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - Spiritual Corners
Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque
Admire the stunning Iranian-style mirror work inside this significant Shia pilgrimage site.
Saint Ananias House
Descend into the underground chapel where it is said Saul of Tarsus was healed of his blindness.
Christian Quarter Wander
Explore the narrow alleys of Bab Tuma, known for its historic churches and quiet residential beauty.
Fatayer Tasting
Try various spinach and cheese pies from a local bakery, a staple for any budget backpacker.
Day 5: Maaloula, Syria - Ancient Tongues
Microbus to Maaloula
Take a local servee from the northern terminal for a scenic 1-hour ride into the mountains.
Monastery of Saint Tekla
Visit the cliff-side monastery and the narrow gorge (faj) where the saint is said to have escaped.
Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Hear the Lord's Prayer recited in Aramaic, the language of Jesus, still spoken in this village.
Return to Damascus
Catch the last minibus back to the capital to save on rural accommodation costs.
Day 6: Homs, Syria - The Central Hub
Intercity Bus to Homs
Board a large coach for the 2.5-hour journey north through the Syrian steppe.
Khaled Ibn al-Walid Mosque
Visit the newly restored mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman-Mamluk architecture with nine domes.
Homs Old Souq
Witness the reconstruction efforts and support local vendors in the city's historic market center.
Homsi Hummus Dinner
Enjoy the city's famous creamy hummus and local bread at a hole-in-the-wall eatery.
Day 7: Al-Hisn, Syria - Crusader Might
Minibus to Krak des Chevaliers
Take a local van to the village of Al-Hisn to see the world's best-preserved Crusader castle.
Explore Krak des Chevaliers
Spend hours getting lost in the tunnels, stables, and battlements of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
St. George Monastery
Walk down the hill to visit this historic Greek Orthodox monastery nearby.
Overnight in Al-Hisn
Stay in a basic local pension with a view of the castle lit up at night.
Day 8: Hama, Syria - The Giant Norias
Travel to Hama
A short 1-hour bus ride north takes you to the city of the water wheels.
Hama Norias Walk
Follow the Orontes River to see the massive wooden water wheels that have groaned for centuries.
Hama Museum
Located in an 18th-century palace, this museum houses artifacts from nearby Apamea.
Hama Sweets Tasting
Indulge in 'Halawet el-Jibn' (cheese rolls), a dessert Hama is famous for across the country.
Day 9: Aleppo, Syria - The Great Northern Trek
Bus to Aleppo
A 3-hour journey north to Syria's second city, once the terminus of the Silk Road.
Check into Al-Jadida
Find a budget-friendly hostel in the atmospheric Christian Quarter of Aleppo.
Saadallah al-Jabiri Square
Relax in the city's main public square and watch the local life unfold.
Aleppo Kebab Dinner
Eat world-famous Aleppo cherries-infused kebab at a local street stall.
Day 10: Aleppo, Syria - The Citadel
Aleppo Citadel
Ascend the massive limestone hill to explore the fortress that has withstood countless sieges.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
View the reconstruction of this historic site, including its famous (now destroyed) minaret area.
Ancient Hammam Visit
Bathe at a traditional public bathhouse for a local experience that costs less than $5.
Citadel Coffee
Drink bitter Arabic coffee at a cafe overlooking the Citadel's moat.
Day 11: Aleppo, Syria - The Souqs
Al-Madina Souq
Navigate the world's largest covered market, slowly being rebuilt after the war.
Soap Workshop Visit
See how the famous Aleppo laurel soap (Ghar) is made using traditional methods.
Baron Hotel Exterior
Pass by the legendary hotel where Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence once stayed.
Shawarma Street Meal
Grab a large wrap for a few dollars near the University of Aleppo district.
Day 12: Aleppo, Syria - Cultural Quarters
Jdeydeh Christian Quarter
Explore the courtyards and art galleries of this historic Armenian and Maronite neighborhood.
Mar Assia al-Hakim Church
Visit this ancient church that stands as a symbol of the city's diverse religious heritage.
Public Park (Al-Sabil)
Join local families for a stroll in one of Aleppo's largest and most beloved green spaces.
Aleppo Night Market
Sample seasonal fruits and cheap nuts from the vibrant evening vendors.
Day 13: Aleppo, Syria - Resilient Spirit
National Museum of Aleppo
Discover the Iron Age statues and Hittite artifacts recovered from northern Syrian sites.
Armenian Quarter Food
Try 'Lahmajoun' (thin dough with meat) from an Armenian bakery in the Midan area.
Bab al-Hadid
Visit the 'Iron Gate,' one of the nine historical gates of the city that remains well-preserved.
Rooftop Tea
Find a simple rooftop cafe for a final view of the Aleppo skyline.
Day 14: Tartus, Syria - To the Coast
Long Bus to Tartus
Board an early bus for the 4-hour cross-country journey to the Mediterranean coast.
Tartus Corniche
Walk along the sea wall and breathe in the salty air of Syria's second-largest port.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Tartus
Visit this former Crusader cathedral, now a museum housing local archaeological finds.
Fresh Fish Sandwich
Eat at a local harbor stall for the freshest and cheapest seafood in the country.
Day 15: Arwad Island, Syria - Phoenician Legacy
Boat to Arwad
Take a small motorboat ferry for a few cents to Syria's only inhabited island.
Arwad Fortress
Explore the small fort on the island and watch traditional wooden boats being built on the shore.
Island Perimeter Walk
Circle the entire island on foot in about 30 minutes, passing ancient Phoenician walls.
Sunset Ferry Return
Catch the last boat back to the mainland for a quiet evening in Tartus.
Day 16: Latakia, Syria - Mediterranean Vibes
Minibus to Latakia
A short 1.5-hour hop north takes you to Syria's premier coastal city.
Latakia Port Observation
Watch the massive shipping containers and local fishing boats from the public piers.
Tishreen Park
Enjoy the largest park in Latakia, a popular spot for university students and budget picnics.
Street Mezze
Enjoy a spread of Mutabal and Fattoush at a local beach-side snack bar.
Day 17: Ugarit, Syria - The First Alphabet
Excursion to Ugarit
Take a short taxi or bus to Ras Shamra to see where the world's first alphabet was discovered.
Royal Palace of Ugarit
Walk through the ruins of the Bronze Age city-state that once dominated Mediterranean trade.
Blue Coast (Shatti al-Azraq)
Take a public bus to the beach for a swim in the clear Mediterranean waters.
Latakia Night Market
Browse the cheap electronics and clothing markets in the city center.
Day 18: Damascus, Syria - The Return Leg
Highway Coach to Damascus
The long 5-hour journey back to the capital via the main north-south highway.
Late Lunch in Sarouja
Return to your favorite budget spots in Damascus for a familiar, cheap meal.
Hejaz Railway Station
Admire the beautiful stained glass and architecture of this historic, non-operational station.
Souq al-Khuja
A great place to find affordable leather goods and final souvenirs.
Day 19: Damascus, Syria - Final Farewells
Ottoman Khan Exploration
Visit Khan As'ad Pasha, a stunning 18th-century caravanserai with multiple domes.
Spice Market Shopping
Buy za'atar and sumac at local prices to take the flavors of Syria home with you.
Nour al-Din Bimaristan
Visit this medieval hospital and medical museum located in the heart of the Old City.
Farewell Mezze
Splurge slightly on a full table of appetizers at a traditional courtyard restaurant.
Day 20: Damascus, Syria - Departure
Last Damascene Breakfast
Enjoy 'Fatteh' (chickpeas with yogurt and tahini), the ultimate Syrian breakfast power meal.
Souvenir Hunt
Pick up some traditional Damascene marquetry or silk scarves at local market rates.
Shared Taxi to Border
Arrange your transport back to Beirut or the airport for your flight home.
Airport Transfer
Head to Damascus International Airport (DAM) for your departing flight.
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 exploring outdoor ruins and walking through city souqs without the intense heat of the summer or the occasional snow and rain of the winter. Spring is particularly beautiful as the Syrian steppe turns green and wildflowers bloom around sites like Krak des Chevaliers.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to economic fluctuations, the black market rate is significantly different from the official bank rate. It is essential to carry cash in USD or Euros, as international credit and debit cards do not work at ATMs or in shops due to sanctions. Tipping is appreciated in small amounts for good service, and haggling is a standard practice in the souqs, though it should always be done with a smile.
Getting Around Syria
Intercity travel in Syria is best done via 'servees' (shared minibuses) or larger commercial coaches. Servees are the most flexible and cheapest way to get between cities like Homs, Hama, and Damascus. For longer hauls, like Damascus to Aleppo, private bus companies offer comfortable, air-conditioned coaches for very low prices. Within cities, walking is the best way to see the historic centers, while cheap yellow taxis are available for longer urban distances—just ensure you agree on the price beforehand.
