Homs
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Syria. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Syria
- Region
- Homs Governorate
- Population
- 800,000
- Best time to go
- April to May, September to October
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Damascus International (DAM)
- Coordinates
- 34.73°N, 36.71°E
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Overview
Homs sits on the Orontes river in the fertile heart of western Syria, at the point where the road from the coast meets the desert route east to Palmyra. It has long been a city of mixed faiths, with old mosques and ancient churches side by side.
The city suffered heavily in the war and is still rebuilding. This guide is written for a time when travel is safe again, when Homs makes a natural base for the castles and valleys around it.
Things to see
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Photo: NouraRaslan, Public domain Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
An Ottoman-era mosque with slender twin minarets and silver domes, built around the tomb of the early Muslim general.
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Photo: Shaza Askar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Church of Saint Mary of the Holy Belt
An ancient church that, by tradition, holds a fragment of the Virgin Mary's girdle, in the old Hamidiyeh quarter.
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Old Hamidiyeh quarter
Narrow lanes of black basalt houses, churches and small workshops in the city's historic Christian quarter.
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Photo: Gianfranco Gazzetti, CC BY-SA 4.0 Krak des Chevaliers
The best-preserved Crusader castle anywhere, rising from a ridge about an hour west of the city.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Mahmood ALsalama, CC BY-SA 4.0 Try halawet el jibn
Homs and nearby Hama are known for these soft rolls of sweet cheese dough, filled with cream and syrup.
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Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0 Day trip to Hama
Watch the great wooden waterwheels, the norias, creak round on the Orontes in the neighbouring city.
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Photo: Anas Salloum, CC BY-SA 2.5 Explore Wadi al-Nasara
The green Valley of the Christians below Krak des Chevaliers, dotted with villages and old monasteries.
Where to stay
City centre
The practical choice, close to transport and the main mosque.
Hotels in City centreWadi al-Nasara
Cooler, greener and quieter, in the hills near Krak des Chevaliers.
Hotels in Wadi al-Nasara
Getting around
Taxis are the easiest way to move around the city. Hiring a driver for the day makes sense for the castle, the valley and Hama.
Homs lies on the main highway between Damascus and Aleppo, roughly two hours by road from the capital.
When to go
Spring brings wildflowers to the surrounding hills and mild temperatures. Summers are hot, and winters can be cold and wet, especially in the hills.
Plan your trip to Homs
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.