Aleppo

Aleppo is Syria's largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history spanning over 8,000 years. Situated in northwestern Syria, it was a crucial node on the Silk Road, connecting the Mediterranean to Mesopotamia and Persia. Its ancient Citadel, the vast covered souq (Al-Madina Souq), and the Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo are among the most important historical sites in the Islamic world. The city suffered catastrophic damage during the Syrian conflict, particularly the Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016), which devastated entire neighbourhoods. Reconstruction is underway, and the Old City is gradually being restored. Aleppo is also known for its distinctive cuisine, its soap (Aleppo soap), and its resilient, proud population.

The climate is Mediterranean with continental influences: hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit.

By Plane

Aleppo International Airport (ALP) is about 10 km east of the city centre, with domestic flights from Damascus operated by Syrian Air and Cham Wings. A taxi to the centre costs SYP 5,000–10,000.

By Train

Aleppo Railway Station is on the main northern line, with limited services to Damascus running on some days. The historic station building is a landmark in its own right. Check locally for current schedules.

By Car / Road

Aleppo is at the junction of the M5 (Damascus–Aleppo) and M4 (Aleppo–Latakia) highways. From Damascus it is 350 km north (4 hours). From Homs it is 190 km north (2 hours). Intercity buses connect Aleppo to all major Syrian cities from the main bus station.

Aleppo is a large, sprawling city. Shared taxis and microbuses are the main public transport. The Old City and the Citadel area are walkable. For longer trips, use the servees (shared taxis) that ply the main routes.

• Aleppo Citadel: A magnificent medieval fortress on a hill in the centre of the Old City, containing a mosque, palace, hammams, and a moat. Partially damaged but awe-inspiring.

• Al-Madina Souq: One of the largest covered markets in the Middle East, stretching for kilometres. Partially destroyed but many sections are operational.

• Great Mosque of Aleppo (Umayyad Mosque): A historic mosque with a distinctive 11th-century minaret (rebuilt after destruction).

• Aleppo National Museum: Houses artefacts from Tell Mardikh (Ebla), Mari, and the Euphrates region.

• Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower: A 19th-century Ottoman-era clock tower in the city centre.

• Al-Jdeideh Quarter: The historic Christian quarter, with narrow lanes, restored mansions, art galleries, and restaurants.

• Qinnasrin Gate: One of the remaining gates of the old walled city.

• Baron Hotel: A historic hotel founded in 1873, which once hosted Lawrence of Arabia and Agatha Christie.

• Old City walking tour: Explore the Citadel, the souq, and the Al-Jdeideh quarter in a single day.

• Aleppo soap workshop: Visit a traditional soap factory to see how the famous Aleppo soap (made from olive oil and laurel oil) is produced.

• Cooking class: Learn to make Aleppine dishes such as kibbeh, mujaddara, and baklava.

• Hammam experience: Visit a traditional hammam (bathhouse) for a steam bath and massage.

• Al-Jdeideh restaurants: The Christian quarter is full of excellent restaurants. Try Sissi Restaurant or Bait al-Agha for traditional Aleppine cuisine. A meal costs SYP 10,000–20,000.
• Kibbeh: Aleppo is the capital of kibbeh — try the many variations (fried, raw, baked).
• Shawarma and street food: Available everywhere in the city. Snacks from SYP 1,000–2,000.
• Aleppine breakfast: Ful, hummus, labneh, and fresh manakeesh (za'atar flatbread).
• Baklava and sweets: The Al-Sultan area has the best kunafa and baklava.

Aleppo is famous for its coffee culture. Traditional coffee houses (qahwa) in Al-Jdeideh serve Turkish coffee and sheesha. The local non-alcoholic drink is jallab (date molasses with rosewater). Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Al-Kindi Hotel offers basic rooms from SYP 15,000–25,000.
• Mid-range: Al-Sadeem Hotel near the city centre provides comfortable rooms from SYP 35,000–50,000.
• Upscale: The historic Baron Hotel, though faded, offers a unique stay from SYP 60,000–90,000. The newly restored Mansouri Palace (a traditional courtyard house) offers boutique accommodation at similar rates.

• Aleppo soap: The world-famous olive-oil-and-laurel soap. Available at dozens of stalls in the souq. Prices from SYP 5,000–20,000 per box.
• Textiles and brocade: Silk and cotton fabrics, including brocard (Damask brocade).
• Spices and dried fruit: Aleppo's souq is famous for its spice and dried fruit stalls.
• Handicrafts: Copperware, mother-of-pearl inlay, and traditional wooden products.

• Ebla (Tell Mardikh) (55 km southwest, 50 min) — The site of the ancient kingdom of Ebla, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
• Dead Cities (Jebel Barisha, Qalb Lawzeh) (60 km west, 1 hr) — Remarkable Byzantine-era ruins of abandoned settlements, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Azaz (45 km north, 45 min) — A historic town near the Turkish border.
• Manbij (90 km northeast, 1 hr 15 min) — A Euphrates-side city with Ottoman-era architecture.
• Idlib (75 km southwest, 1 hr) — The capital of the Idlib Governorate, with a historic museum.
• Latakia (180 km west, 2 hr) — Syria's main Mediterranean port city.