Homs

Homs (حمص) is the third largest city in Syria. Much of the city was destroyed or damaged during the ongoing Syrian Civil War, particularly during the Siege of Homs (2011—14). Rebuilding began in 2018.

Understand
With a population of 1.6 million, Homs is the third large city in Syria after the capital Damascus and Aleppo. It is centrally positioned in Syria and is home to Al-Baath University among other institutes. There are many restaurants and hotels. The old name for the city of Homs is "Emissa" or "Emizza" but in standard Arabic it is called "Hims" and "Homs" is its informal name.

Homs is the birthplace of Hashim al-Atassi, the Syrian nationalist and former president of Syria.

Get in
There is no airport in Homs; however, you can reach the city by taxi, private car, or bus from the airports at Damascus, Aleppo, or Lattakia, or other ports of you are arriving from outside of Syria. There are bus stations in every city which provide service to reach Homs.

There are no trains to Homs, however services from Damascus are expected to return during 2020 or 2021.

Do
Go to the mountains, 45 km from the city center:
 * Mashta el Helou
 * Marmarita
 * Jwykhat
 * Crack des Chevalier

There you can enjoy the cool weather, the beautiful view, or camp if you have a tent. A camping permit might be needed.

Eat
There are many restaurants in Homs in Ghouta street and Hamra street and others near city center.

If you are just passing though the city, definitely try the labneh shawarma at the big food stall inside the Homs bus station.

Drink
You can find many pubs and bars to have a drink, specially in Al Hamidiya street, and some in Al hadara Street.

Try Arak the local Syrian drink

Sleep
There are many hotels in Homs
 * Assafeer Hotel in Alinsha'at is the most popular (5 stars)
 * Homs Grand Hotel (HGH)
 * other cheaper hotels near the city center and the Damascus road (in Arabic:طريق الشام)

Stay safe
See the travel warning at Syria.