If you are a traveler who, like me, seeks destinations that challenge common sense and push you out of your comfort zone, Syria is certainly on your radar. But the question that won’t go away is: is it safe to travel to Aleppo today? After spending days exploring every corner of this historic city, I can affirm that Syrian hospitality is, without a doubt, one of the most transformative experiences I have ever had.
Aleppo is not just a place of war scars; it is a vibrant city celebrating its freedom. In December 2025, I had the privilege of witnessing the first anniversary of the country’s liberation, and the atmosphere felt like a World Cup final. In this guide, I will detail everything you need to know to plan your trip, from safety to culinary and cultural tips that only someone on the ground can provide.
Or watch my complete video about Aleppo:
The Spirit of a New Beginning: Year One of the New Syria
Arriving in Aleppo exactly one year after the fall of the Assad regime was an incredible historical coincidence. The city was draped in the country’s new flag—green, white, and black with three red stars. What impressed me most was the optimism. After 12 years of devastating civil war and decades of dictatorship, people finally feel they can build a future.
Walking through the streets, you notice that the infrastructure still suffers. Internet access is unstable and the power supply is precarious, but the people’s resilience is unshakable. Many use solar panels and batteries to keep their businesses running—a solution I also saw frequently in Afghanistan.
War Heroes: The White Helmets
During my walk through the center, I came across an emotional exhibition of the White Helmets. For those who don’t know, they are volunteer rescuers who risked their lives to save civilians from the rubble during bombings. I watched a rappelling and firefighting training session in the middle of a public square. Seeing these “real-life heroes” being celebrated by the population is enough to give you chills.
Syrian Hospitality: More Than a Tradition, a Life Lesson
If there is one thing that defines a trip to Syria, it is the people. Since there are almost no foreign tourists at the moment, locals are genuinely happy to see you. It’s not uncommon to be stopped on the street to be given a flag as a gift, invited for a coffee, or even for a family dinner.
The Case of Mohammed and the Fiber Optics
I had a serious problem uploading my videos to YouTube. The internet in hotels and cafes was almost non-existent. That’s when I met Mohammed, the owner of a fiber optic company called Fibergate. Without knowing me, he invited me to have breakfast and use the ultra-fast internet in his office.
While I was uploading the videos, he told me that he lost 40 members of his extended family in the war. His brother was killed by a sniper. Even with so much pain, he was there, smiling, celebrating his new business and helping me. This resilience is a life lesson that no university can teach.
Practical Tips for the Traveler in Aleppo
If you are planning to go there, here are some fundamental points for your logistics:
- Transportation: We came from Lebanon. The best way to get there is by talking to people in hostels or traveler groups. Sharing a private car with locals is common and often the safest and fastest option.
- Personal Safety: Honestly, I felt safer walking at night in Aleppo than in many Brazilian capitals. Common crime is extremely rare. Geopolitical risk exists, but the sense of security on the streets is surprising.
- Money: Carry new, unmarked US dollar bills. Inflation is high, and you will need to exchange money for large wads of local bills. Be prepared to carry “bricks” of cash to pay for simple dinners.
- Internet: Do not depend on hotel Wi-Fi. Look for coworking spaces or tech shops like the one I mentioned. Buying a local SIM card is essential, but speeds can fluctuate significantly.
- Communication: Learning basic Arabic makes all the difference. My partner, Nick, is learning the Levantine dialect, and the locals’ reaction to hearing her speak is priceless. It opens doors and smiles instantly.
Gastronomy in Aleppo: Pizzas, Shawarmas, and Sweets
Syrian cuisine is considered one of the best in the Middle East, and Aleppo is the culinary capital of the country.
- Local Pizzerias: We tried an excellent pizza in a neighborhood without many tourist restaurants. We were welcomed with “treats” (small gifts) by the owner, who was happy to see foreigners.
- Street Food: Chicken shawarma with garlic sauce and fries is the unbeatable classic. It’s cheap, filling, and delicious.
- Sahlab: I tried a typical drink called Sahlab. It is a hot mixture of milk, rose water, cinnamon, and sugar. Perfect for the cooler December nights.
- Family Dinner: If you have the chance to be invited into a Syrian home, accept it. We tasted homemade dishes and wonderful desserts, all accompanied by plenty of conversation about the country’s future.
Social Life and Culture: Aleppo’s “Main Drag”
At night, the more modern area of Aleppo buzzes. Young people go out in their cars, honking and celebrating (especially if there’s a FIFA Arab Cup match). There is a street called Etihad Street which is the place to see and be seen. There are modern cafes, coworking spaces, and many people smoking hookah (shisha).
Unlike in Afghanistan, life here is much more liberal. We saw many women without veils, gyms (though often separated by gender, there are specific gyms for women), and social interaction very close to what we see in the West.
Why visit Syria now?
Many ask me why visit a country that has just emerged from conflict. The answer is simple: contact with reality without the filter of mainstream media. Traditional media often focuses only on blood and tragedy but forgets to show the father who opened a shop, the young man who wants to be a designer, or the joy of a people who have returned to the public squares.
Visiting Syria now is having an “immediate contact” experience with history. It is seeing Japan and other countries investing in reconstruction and realizing that, despite the problems with minorities that still persist, a path of hope is being forged.
Conclusion: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Aleppo taught me that happiness can coexist with the memory of pain. Seeing people celebrating liberation, even after having lost almost everything, is a necessary reality check. Hospitality here is not commercial; it is human.
If you are looking for a trip that changes your perspective on the world and what truly matters, Syria is waiting for you. Go with an open heart, respect the local culture, and prepare to be received as a brother.
Did you enjoy this report? Do you have any questions about visas or logistics for Syria? Leave your comment below! I respond to everyone and love to exchange experiences with other fearless travelers.
And don’t forget: travel, explore, and step out of your comfort zone!
