Homs

Introduction

You will find Homs situated in western Syria as the capital of the Homs Governorate. Historically known as Emesa during pre-Islamic times, the city sits along the Orontes River, serving as a vital central link between the interior cities and the Mediterranean coast.

Before you go

Before you visit Homs, be aware that the city is centrally located within Syria and was historically known as Emissa or Emizza. While it is referred to as Hims in standard Arabic, you will often hear it called Homs.

You should consult the travel warning for Syria to ensure your safety before planning your trip to this city, which serves as the birthplace of Syrian nationalist and former president Hashim al-Atassi.

Getting there

You can reach the city by taxi, private car, or bus from the airports in Damascus, Aleppo, or Latakia if you are arriving from outside of Syria. Local bus stations located in every city provide service to transport you to Homs.

There are no trains available to reach the city.

Getting around

Information regarding transportation and navigating the local area is currently unavailable.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations throughout the city to suit your preferences. For a high-end experience, you can stay at the Assafeer Hotel located in the Alinsha'at neighborhood or choose the Homs Grand Hotel.

Alternatively, you can find more affordable options situated near the city center and along the Damascus road.

Food & drink

Explore a variety of dining options located along Ghouta Street, Hamra Street, and other areas surrounding the city center. If you are traveling through the area quickly, stop at the large food stall inside the Homs bus station to sample labneh shawarma.

You can find numerous bars and pubs throughout the city, particularly along Al Hamidiya Street and Al Hadara Street. While there, try arak, a traditional local Syrian alcoholic drink.

What to see and do

You can explore the historical layers of the city by visiting the Citadel of Homs, which stands on an ancient tell and contains ruins dating back to Roman times. The site is also known as Osama castle due to its association with the medieval knight Usama ibn Munqidh. For a look at religious architecture, you can visit the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, noted for its Ottoman-Turkish style, or the Great Mosque of al-Nuri. The city's Christian heritage is reflected in several churches, including the Forty Martyrs Cathedral, the ancient Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt, and the Church of Saint Elian.

Travel beyond the city center to the mountains to experience cooler weather and scenic views. In these highlands, you can visit locations such as Mashta el Helou, Marmarita, Jwykhat, or Krak des Chevaliers. These areas provide opportunities for camping if you have a tent.

When to go

You can experience a hot-summer Mediterranean climate in Homs, which is influenced by the nearby sea and features distinct wet and dry seasons. During the cool and wet season, you will encounter more frequent rainfall and stronger winds blowing from the Mediterranean.

If you prefer the hot and dry season, you will experience high temperatures and aridity during the summer months. While these conditions are intense, the Mediterranean breezes provide some relief from the heat, making the atmosphere milder than in inland areas like Hama.

Three days in Homs

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the historical heart of Homs. You can walk through the local streets to experience the atmosphere of this Syrian city and discover its rich history.

Day two, you can explore the various streets that define the local area, including Ghouta Street, Hamra Street, Al Hamidiya Street, and Al Hadara Street.

Day three, you can spend your final day exploring more of the surroundings. You can take in the sights of the city as you conclude your time in the region.