History & Architecture
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Homs's signature architectural landmark featuring nine white domes, twin slender minarets, and black-and-white ablaq stone masonry.
Syria
Homs
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Ss6sam6 assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 2.5
Destination details
- Coordinates
- 34.7333, 36.7167
- Time zone
- Not available
- Population
- 775,404
- Default country currency
- SYP
Live Weather & Forecast
Weather in Homs
Real-time temperature and 5-day forecast to help you plan your itinerary and sightseeing in Homs.
16°C
Partly cloudy
Feels like: 17°C
Humidity95%
Wind Speed5 km/h
UV Index4.8 (Moderate)
Traveler's Packing & Outfit Advice:
Crisp and cool — a light jacket or sweater is recommended, especially for morning walks and evenings.
5-Day Weather Forecast
TodayOvercast
23°15°
TomorrowOvercast
21°13°
💧 3%FriThunderstorm
19°13°
💧 65%SatOvercast
18°12°
💧 6%SunPartly cloudy
17°6°
💧 5%City Travel Guide
Visitor & Tourism Guide for Homs
Homs, Syria's historic central crossroads on the Orontes River, bridges ancient Roman and Islamic heritage with the world-renowned medieval fortress of Krak des Chevaliers in its western countryside.
Best Time to Visit
March through May and September through November provide mild, pleasant weather ideal for exploring historic mosques, covered souqs, and countryside castles.
Getting Around the City
- Local city taxis and microbuses connect the central clock square with neighborhoods across Homs.
- Intercity pullman coaches link Homs highway terminal directly with Damascus, Hama, Tartus, and Aleppo.
- Private car hire is recommended for day trips to Krak des Chevaliers and Wadi al-Nasara.
Local Tips & Recommendations
Try Homs Halawa al-Jibn
Homs is the birthplace of authentic Syrian sweet cheese rolls (Halawat al-Jibn) — enjoy it fresh from historic city-center pastry shops.
Excursion to Wadi al-Nasara
Combine your visit to Krak des Chevaliers with the scenic mountain villages of Marmarita and Kafroun.
Itinerary, Neighborhood & Daily Budget Guide for Homs
Choosing Where to Stay in Homs
In Homs (population ~775,404), central neighborhoods provide convenient access to markets and cultural sights, while outer districts suit travelers exploring by car.
Daily Budgeting & SYP Payments
All local pricing in Homs is denominated in SYP. While major hotels accept international cards, carry smaller SYP notes for local taxis, cafes, and neighborhood markets.
Urban Mobility & Regional Day Trips
Located at coordinates (34.73°, 36.72°) in the UTC time zone, Homs connects to surrounding attractions via municipal transit, taxis, and intercity highways.
Emergency Contacts & Safety in Homs
Emergency services across Homs and Syria can be reached at 112 (Police), 110 (Ambulance), 113 (Fire & Civil Defense). Keep your hotel's address saved in the local script for smooth taxi navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Homs
When is the best time of year to visit Homs, Syria?
March through May and September through November provide mild, pleasant weather ideal for exploring historic mosques, covered souqs, and countryside castles. You can also check the live weather card on this page for current temperature and wind observations in Homs.
What currency and emergency numbers are used in Homs?
The local currency in Homs is SYP, and official emergency dispatch numbers for Syria are: 112 (Police), 110 (Ambulance), 113 (Fire & Civil Defense).
How many days should I plan for an itinerary in Homs?
A 2-to-4-day stay allows ample time to explore Homs's historic core, cultural museums, local markets, and parks, with an extra day recommended if taking regional excursions.
Should I rent a car in Homs or rely on local transport?
Within central Homs, municipal transit, metered taxis, and ride-hailing apps avoid urban parking hassles, whereas renting a car is advantageous for multi-stop countryside or coastal day trips.
Sights & Tours
Top Attractions & Tours in Homs
Discover premier attractions, cultural landmarks, museums, and scenic destinations in and around Homs.
UNESCO World Heritage
Krak des Chevaliers (Qal'at al-Hosn)
One of the most remarkably preserved medieval Crusader and Mamluk castles in the world, perched high in the Homs gap.
Culture & Arts
Old Covered Souqs & Al-Zahrawi Palace
Traditional stone-vaulted markets alongside the historic Mamluk-era Al-Zahrawi Palace housing the folklore museum.
Scenic & Leisure
Orontes River (Al-Assi) & Al-Mimas Gardens
Riverside orchards, traditional waterwheels, and family promenades along the banks of the Orontes River.
Homs travel guide
Reviewed destination facts for Homs, Syria, including areas, airport context, and sourced transport when available.
About Homs
Homs, known in pre-Islamic times as Emesa, is a city in western Syria and the capital of the Homs Governorate. It is 501 m (1,644 ft) above sea level and is located 162 km (101 mi) north of Damascus. Located on the Orontes River, Homs is also the central link between the interior cities and the Mediterranean coast. Before the Syrian civil war, Homs was a major industrial hub with a population of at least 652,609 people in 2004, it was the third-largest city in Syria after Aleppo to the north and the capital Damascus to the south. Its population reflected Syria's general religious diversity, composed of Sunni and Alawite Muslims, and Christians.
Key facts
Coordinates: 34.7333, 36.7167. Country default currency: SYP.
City & Regional Transit
Arriving in Homs & Local Transit
There is no commercial airport located directly inside Homs. Air travelers generally arrive via the nearest regional airport, Damascus International Airport (DAM), and continue to Homs by road using intercity buses, express coaches, or private ground transfers.
Nearest Airport Serving Homs
There is no commercial airport located inside Homs. The nearest arrival airport is Damascus International Airport (DAM).
- Damascus International Airport · DAM · OSDI
Air Passenger Rights
Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation
Was your flight delayed by more than 3 hours, cancelled, or overbooked? You may be entitled to up to €600 in cash compensation per passenger under international passenger rights regulations. Check your claim eligibility below:
Flight Deals & Search
Flights & Airfare Deals to Homs (via Damascus International Airport)
As Homs does not have a direct airport, flights arrive via the nearest airport, Damascus International Airport (DAM). Compare live flight deals on the radar map.
Direct Flight Search to Homs (Damascus International Airport)
Compare live airfares with Damascus International Airport (DAM) as the closest arrival airport for Homs.
Accommodations & Stays
Hotels
Explore hotel stays and accommodations in Homs with competitive live rates.
Direct Hotel Search for Homs
Browse hotels, resorts, and vacation apartments with instant confirmation and flexible cancellation.
Car Rental & Road Trips
Rental cars
Compare and book car rentals in Homs or Damascus International Airport from trusted international and local rental brands.
Travel Connectivity & Internet
Instant Travel eSIM in Syria
Stay connected with high-speed instant mobile data in Syria the moment you land, without swapping physical SIM cards.
Instant 1-minute activation via QR
Keep your WhatsApp & home number active
Premium coverage on top national carriers