# Going Out in Homs You're walking down Al Hamidiya Street as the sun dips toward the Orontes River—the air cools, and the city shifts into evening mode. Neon signs flicker on above doorways. Groups settle at outdoor tables with small glasses of arak, that clear spirit that turns milky when water meets it. This is where Homs comes alive after dark: not in one grand district, but in pockets of the city where locals know exactly where to find a proper drink and conversation that stretches into the night. ## Drinking on Al Hamidiya Street and Al Hadara Street The beating heart of Homs's evening drinking culture runs through Al Hamidiya Street, where the majority of the city's pubs and bars cluster. This is the street to know—you'll find venues scattered along its length, each with its own crowd and character. Al Hadara Street also draws drinkers, though with fewer establishments; both streets fill with the particular energy of a working city winding down. The drink of choice here is arak, the local Syrian spirit that arrivals should experience. Order it neat in a small glass, or with water and ice—watch how the clear liquid turns cloudy and silky, a transformation locals call "the lion's milk." The ritual matters as much as the taste. The evening typically unfolds slowly. You arrive, settle at a table or lean at a bar counter, and stay. There's no rush. Glasses empty and refill. Conversation deepens. People drift between venues as the night stretches on, though specific closing times depend on individual establishments—ask locals or your accommodation for current details on which bars are open and how late they run. ## Day Trips to Mountain Towns and Krak des Chevaliers If you want to break the rhythm of city evenings, the mountains 45 km from the city center offer a complete change of atmosphere. Mashta el Helou, Marmarita, and Jwykhat are mountain towns where you can escape the heat and find cooler air and expansive views. Some visitors bring tents and camp; if you plan to pitch one, you may need a camping permit—check locally before you go. The most significant destination in this direction is Krak des Chevaliers, a World Heritage Site castle that demands a full excursion. Make an afternoon of it, then return to the city for evening drinks on Al Hamidiya Street with the day's exploration fresh in your mind. ## Where to Time Your Visit Before planning dates, understand that current conditions in Homs are in flux following recent events. Verify safety and accessibility with your government's travel advisories and local contacts before booking. The city's nightlife and venues exist within a specific moment in time; gather the most current information from recent visitors and local guides about what's actually open and welcoming. If you do find yourself in Homs, the warmth of the city's drinking culture—the unhurried pace, the arak ritual, the conversation—is worth seeking out. Start with Al Hamidiya Street at dusk, and let the evening unfold at the pace locals keep.