Destination guide
Aleppo
A great Silk Road trading city of covered souks, caravanserais and a hilltop citadel, famous for its food.
Stays in AleppoOverview
Discover Aleppo
For centuries Aleppo sat at the end of the Silk Road, and its old city grew around a fortified hill that has been occupied since ancient times. The Citadel still dominates the skyline, and the lanes around it hold mosques, madrasas, khans and some of the oldest covered markets in the Middle East.
Parts of the old city were heavily damaged during the conflict, and restoration has continued in phases. Visiting today is as much about seeing a city rebuild its heritage as about the monuments themselves, and about eating very well.
Why stay here
Reasons to stay in Aleppo
A food capital
Aleppo is renowned across the region for its cooking, from dozens of kebab varieties to muhammara and pistachio sweets.
Living heritage
Restored souk sections, khans and the area around the Citadel show the scale of the historic trading city.
Historic quarters
Al-Jdayde's stone houses, churches and courtyard restaurants make it one of the most atmospheric areas to stay near.
Things to see
Beautiful spots to visit
Citadel of Aleppo
HeritageA vast medieval fortress on a mound above the old city, entered across a monumental bridge and gateway. The walls look out over the souks and minarets below.
Al-Madina Souq
MarketsCovered market streets running west from the Citadel, traditionally organised by trade: soap, spices, textiles and gold. Sections have been restored and reopened in recent years.
Al-Jdayde
NeighbourhoodA historic quarter of narrow lanes, Armenian and Orthodox churches and grand Ottoman-era houses, several of them now restaurants and guesthouses.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
HeritageAlso known as the Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo. It was severely damaged, including the loss of its 11th-century minaret, and restoration work has been under way since.
Where to stay
Choosing your base
Every listing shows its approximate location. Compare it with the areas below before you request a booking.
Al-Jdayde and the old city edge
Closest to the historic sights and evening restaurants. Confirm road access and how the listing describes the street.
Aziziyeh and Sulaymaniyah
Central districts with shops, cafés and easier transport, popular for longer stays.
Published stays
Compare current stays in Aleppo
These are published listings, not a promise that a date is free. Open a property for its photos, capacity, amenities, and the total for your dates.
- four seasons hotelAleppo Governorate, Syria
- Aziziyeh Grand Hotel RoomsAziziyeh, Aleppo
- Citadel Heritage HotelAl-Jdayde, Aleppo
- Jdayde Arches GuesthouseAl-Jdayde, Aleppo
- Bab Qinnasrin Citadel HouseBab Qinnasrin, Aleppo
- Al-Furqan Cosy Private RoomAl-Furqan, Aleppo
Local flavours
Kebab karaz (kebab with sour cherries), muhammara, kibbeh in many forms and pistachio-rich sweets. Aleppo soap, made with olive and laurel oil, is the classic souvenir.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are ideal. Summers are hot; winters are colder than on the coast and can bring frost.
How long to stay
Two to three nights.