If you are the type of traveler who loves to go beyond the headlines and discover destinations that few dare to visit, you’ve probably asked yourself: is it safe to travel to Aleppo today? My short answer is: yes, and you would be surprised by what you’d find.
Aleppo, in northern Syria, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, boasting over 12,000 years of human history. However, for most of us, the name “Aleppo” evokes images of civil war, bombings, and tragedy. But the Syria I found in December 2025—precisely one year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime—is a country in full ferment, attempting to reinvent itself as the “New Syria.”
In this article, I will share my real experience walking the streets of Aleppo, exploring the Citadel, eating the best shawarma of my life, and feeling the optimism of a people finally breathing freedom.
Or watch my video about Aleppo:
The Citadel of Aleppo: 5,000 Years of History and Recent Scars
Our exploration began at the symbolic heart of the city: the Citadel of Aleppo. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fortress is one of the largest and oldest in the world.
Entering it today is an experience of contrasts. While you admire the millennial architecture and the layers of defenses that repelled armies for centuries, the marks of the recent civil war are inescapable. We found sandbags that served as trenches for the rebels and, right next to them, massive bomb craters that destroyed historic buildings.
Geopolitics Tip: Today, tickets for foreigners cost about $4, while locals pay only 40 cents. It might seem like a big gap, but we paid it gladly. The country needs foreign currency from tourism to rebuild not just its monuments, but its basic infrastructure.
The Hall of Kings and Hidden Details
One of the highlights is the Hall of Kings, with its ceiling mosaics and magnificent chandeliers. We were lucky enough to have a local guide who took us to “secret” parts of the fortress, showing how the defenses worked—from arrow slits for archers to systems for pouring hot oil on invaders.
Is it Safe to Travel to Aleppo? The Reality of the Streets
The question I get most is about safety. During our stay, the atmosphere was one of total tranquility. We saw crowded cafes, families taking selfies, and a police presence that was visible but not intimidating.
With the lifting of U.S. sanctions and the influx of investment from countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, Aleppo is returning to its status as a commercial hub. You will see many solar panels on top of houses and shops. Why? Because the power grid is still intermittent, and Syrians, in their resilience, have learned to produce their own energy.
The New National Sentiment
Everywhere you look, you will see the “New Syrian Flag” (the one with green, instead of the red of the old regime). There is a latent patriotism. The Syrians we spoke with, such as our guide Lotus, express genuine happiness at being able—for the first time in decades—to criticize politicians online or make memes without the fear of ending up in a secret prison.
Gastronomy and Nightlife: The Other Side of Syria
If you think Aleppo is just ruins and sadness, you are very mistaken. The most modern area of the city looks like any upscale neighborhood in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.
Where to Eat and What to Try
We went to the Manolia neighborhood to try traditional chicken shawarma. For about $4 (roughly R$ 19.00), you get a full meal with cheese, mushrooms, and the famous garlic sauce fries (which are mandatory in this region).
For coffee lovers, Aleppo is paradise. Turkish coffee (or Arabic coffee) is served incredibly strong, unfiltered, and boiled with its own grounds. It’s exactly the energy you need to handle the long walks through the Citadel!
Nightlife and Coworking
We visited Etihad Street, the “it” spot for young people in Aleppo. We saw modern bars, people smoking shisha (hookah), and even coworking spaces where digital nomads and locals work side-by-side. We saw women with covered heads, others without, and an environment far more liberal than destinations like Afghanistan or Pakistan.
Aleppo Soap: The Perfect Gift
You cannot leave Aleppo without visiting the Bazaar and checking out the soap factories. Aleppo Laurel Soap is world-famous. In the shop we visited, we saw a giant bar of soap, weighing over 1,500 kg, considered the largest in the world! There are options in all scents, like pomegranate and citrus, and they make excellent (and very cheap) gifts.
Practical Tips for Your Trip to Syria
For those planning your own adventure, take note of these golden tips:
- Learn Basic Arabic (Levantine Dialect): The dialect spoken here is the same as in Lebanon and Jordan. Using sites like iTalki or Verbling to take lessons with locals before you go helps tremendously in connecting with the people.
- Bring US Dollars: Inflation is still a challenge. You will see locals carrying massive wads of cash to pay for simple things. The government is in the process of removing zeros from the currency, but for now, having cash in USD is fundamental.
- Respect Religion, but Critique Politics: Today it is permitted to protest and criticize the previous government, but avoid direct insults to religion. It’s a matter of respect and cultural common sense.
- Internet and Energy: Expect power outages. Many shops and hotels use loud, giant generators on the street. Check if your accommodation has Wi-Fi with a generator or use the coworking spaces on Etihad Street.
- Christmas in Aleppo: If you go in December, you will see the Christian neighborhood (20% of the population) fully decorated. Muslims and Christians celebrate the festive mood together, taking photos by giant Christmas trees.
Geopolitics: Why Visit Now?
Syria is in a historic moment of transition. The rebel groups that took power (such as the HTS, which originated in Idlib) are in a process of becoming more liberal and progressive to attract international recognition. The current president has sought dialogue with the West and rejected radical parts of his past.
Visiting Aleppo now is a way to support the local economy and bear witness to a reconstruction. Contrary to what big media often shows, Syrians want progress, they want peace, and they are welcoming tourists with open arms.
Conclusion: Is Aleppo Worth It?
Aleppo was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. It is a resilient, noisy, historic, and, above to all, vibrant city. If you want to see how life rises from the ashes and experience a level of hospitality that doesn’t exist in traditional tourist destinations, Aleppo is your place.
The “New Syria” is just beginning its story, and being part of that beginning as a traveler is a privilege. Step out of your comfort zone and come discover Aleppo!
