Introduction

The ancient city of Aleppo, located in northern Syria, is truly a hidden gem worth discovering. With origins dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, Aleppo was once a vital trading hub along the famous Silk Road. This long and turbulent history has left an incredibly diverse cultural and architectural legacy that makes Aleppo an intriguing destination today. Despite over a decade of conflict in Syria, much of Aleppo’s Old City remains intact and the city is slowly reopening for tourism. For the adventurous traveler willing to visit this complex country, Aleppo offers an authentic cultural experience and a window into Syria’s layered past.

Getting to Aleppo

Reaching Aleppo has become more feasible in recent years, with a few options for entering the country:

• Flying into Aleppo International Airport: After years of closure, the airport reopened in early 2022 with flights from Damascus and a few regional cities. However, options are still limited.
• Traveling overland from Turkey: Many opt to fly into Istanbul then cross into Syria at the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, which reopened in 2022. From there, Aleppo is about a 3 hour drive.
• Arriving from Damascus: An 8 hour taxi or bus journey connects Damascus to Aleppo. The road was reopened a few years ago but still passes through unstable areas.

Visas are required for most nationalities but can be obtained through select travel agencies specializing in Syria.

Top attractions in Aleppo

The Old City

As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Aleppo’s walled Old City is the main highlight. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City contains:

• The majestic Citadel of Aleppo, an imposing medieval fortress overlooking the city. Parts have been damaged but it remains an impressive site.
• The beautiful Grand Mosque of Aleppo, founded in the early 8th century CE with elaborate architecture.
• Souqs (markets) like the spice, copper, and soap souqs, covered markets lined with stalls and full of character.

Wandering the narrow cobblestone streets gives a sense of the diverse cultures that left their mark. Each conquered empire added new architecture and diversity over millennia.

Baron Hotel

In the Aziziyeh neighborhood just outside the Old City sits the famous Baron Hotel, opened in 1911. Still operating, its grand architecture and ornate interior make it a marvelous historic site. Famous guests like Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence give it an air of intrigue. You can stop for coffee or a meal in the restaurant or old jazz bar.

Restaurants

Aleppo is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, considered among the best in the Middle East. Sweets like halawet el jibn (cheese pastry) and drinks like sahlab (hot orchid milk) are famous local treats. Savor delicious shawarma, kibbeh meatballs, or mezze platters at restaurants in the Old City like Beit Sissi and Shahba. Trendy modern spots like Yasmeen Dibs offer lighter takes on Syrian dishes.

Experiencing daily life

Beyond the main sights, just wandering Aleppo’s streets and neighborhoods gives insights into local life. The basics of Syrian culture involve strong family ties, rich traditions, and famed hospitality.

Interacting with locals in places like Aziziyeh Park gives a chance to meet welcoming residents eager to share their beloved home. Stroll through alternative quarters like Qamishly to find a vibrant youth scene.

Bustling souqs and shops show off handicrafts, fresh produce, and everyday activity. Practice your Arabic over cups of tea and nargileh waterpipes in traditional cafes and restaurants.

Day trips from Aleppo

Aleppo makes a great base to take day trips exploring more of northern Syria’s history, like:

The Dead Cities

Scattered around Aleppo are nearly 700 abandoned settlements dating from the 1st to 8th centuries CE. These atmospheric “Dead Cities” include remarkably intact early Christian Byzantine architecture like columns, churches, and monasteries. Highlights include the ruins of Serjilla and the Basilica of St. Simeon Stylites, one of the oldest surviving churches.

Krak des Chevaliers

The Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers is among the world’s best preserved medieval castles. Impressively intact, this imposing 11th century fortification sits on a hilltop about 60 miles west of Aleppo. The castle gives tangible insight into the medieval Crusader era that shaped the region.

Safety and travel tips

While safety concerns exist, visiting Aleppo is feasible by using common sense precautions:

• The situation has stabilized but avoiding demonstrations and checkpoints near unstable areas is wise.
• Dress modestly and be respectful when photographing locals.
• Explore with a reputable guide who can offer history and navigate sensitively.
• Use licensed taxis and don’t walk alone at night.
• Carry any required travel documents and photograph valuable items.

The tourism sector is rebuilding, though infrastructure lags. Prepare for power cuts, limited WiFi, and bring cash in Syrian Pounds. Nonetheless, intrepid travelers will find exploring Aleppo a rewarding and eye-opening experience!

Why you should visit

For travelers seeking distinctive destinations beyond the main tourist circuit, Aleppo offers the chance to discover the deep culture and complex history of a city shaped by numerous shifting powers over millennia. Supporting the fragile return of responsible tourism also aids locals rebuilding their lives. Aleppo emerges from years of hardship, ready to reclaim its place as the cosmopolitan “pearl of the orient” and share its diverse heritage with the world once more.

Conclusion

Aleppo rightfully deserves to regain its former prestige, with its wealth of cultural treasures, quintessential Middle Eastern character, and resilient people. The chance to engage with Syria’s rich mosaic of influences makes Aleppo an endlessly captivating gem for travelers with an adventurous spirit. While challenges exist, they are outweighed by the rewards of charting a new course and engaging with this storied city as it rises again. Visiting Aleppo provides a perspective found nowhere else, offering insight into Syria’s complex soul.

FAQs

Q: Is it safe for tourists to visit Aleppo right now?

A: While parts of Syria remain unstable, Aleppo has resecured large areas and reopened for tourism, but precautions like avoiding unrest and hiring guides are recommended.

Q: Do I need a visa and vaccinations to visit Syria?

A: Yes, travelers will need to secure a Syrian visa in advance, typically through a travel agency. Standard vaccinations plus typhoid and polio vaccines are advisable.

Q: What is the best way to get around Aleppo?

A: Licensed taxis and private drivers arranged through hotels are the most common options. Rental cars are not advisable. Much can be seen on foot in the Old City area.

Q: Where can I stay in Aleppo?

A: The Baron Hotel offers classic historic accommodations. Other options include the Carlton Citadel Hotel near the Citadel, and the Al-Shahba Hotel in the Old City.

Q: What is there to do in Aleppo besides sightseeing?

A: Savoring the food scene, shopping in souqs, visiting cafes, museums and parks, and attending cultural performances like music and folk dances offer more local experiences.