Palmyra

This Muslim Friendly Travel Guide is part of eHalal.io Travel Group {{warningbox|Palmyra is in an war zone safety|active war zone. The UNESCO legacy sites have been mined, heavily damaged, or destroyed. Do not travel to Palmyra at this time. See the Syria

Travel Guide for more details.

Palmyra was the only oasis in Syria and perhaps the only truly tourist town.

Palmyra (the Roman name) was known as Tadmor to the Syrians. Both meant the same thing - date palm. The name came from the lush oasis adjacent to the city which was home to some million date palms.

Palmyra is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site; all six Syrian UNESCO-listed legacy sites are 'endangered'] as of 2013.

Palmyra Halal Explorer

Diocletian's camp and Qasr Ibn Maʿan - Palmyra's Roman Arches were overshadowed by the Arab Castle

Palmyra sat on the standard tourist trek around Syria. Intense competition for business amongst local outfits made the experience somewhat overwhelming to the traveller who had come from the North and had enjoyed a relatively 'quiet' trip thus far. The major tourist attraction of the area was the stunning ruins - the most famous and excellently maintained of which were the Temple of Bel and the colonnade and the funerary towers and the hypogeum of 3 brothers, and the Arab castle.All were within a few kilometers of each other.

Not all but at least most of this irreplaceable legacy was deliberately blown up by ISIS during armed conflict in 2015. Although Syria's directorate of antiquities and museums makes hopeful statements about rebuilding at least part of the lost legacy using the original pieces, Palmyra is currently landmine-infested and no longer a tourist destination.

Travel to Palmyra

• Palmyra was easily accessible from Damascus by bus departing the Harasta bus terminal. Fare on a luxury bus was about S£200 - S£250 per person and buses ran nearly hourly in both directions during the hours of daylight. Buses also ran from Homs (150km) and Deir-az-Zur.
• For bike tourists, Palmyra was about a three-day trip from either Damascus or Deir-az-Zur. One needed to bring plenty of food as shops were few and far between; water was available at semi-regular intervals from police stations, military installations and at private houses on request.

How to get around in Palmyra

{{mapshape

• The best method was to walk. The town was not large and the historic site was built in a time when walking was the main form of transportation, so it was not too spread out. Bear in mind that the heat can be truly scorching; plan to visit at dusk and early morning to see magnificent sunrise and sunsets.
• Camel rides were offered.
• Tour buses abounded; local residents did offer rides if you were willing to negotiate.

What to see in Palmyra

Much of the historic sites has been destroyed or severely damaged. Mines were removed by Russian forces in 2016-17, but the whole area is as of late 2017 still off limits to visitors. It is unclear when any attempt will be made to rebuild what has been severely damaged.

• Great Colonnade at Palmyra 34.5505, 38.2687 - Great Colonnade at Palmyra Palmyra, Syria - 2
• Temple of Bel 34.553270, 38.269981 - Temple of Bel The Temple of Bel Founded in 32 AD and dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel. While severely damaged in 2015 and the main building destroyed, its exterior walls and gate still stood.

• Palmyra Castle - قلعة فخر الدين المعني | 34.562635, 38.257146 - A castle build by the Mamluks in the 13th century. While damaged in the conflict and the castle is still structurally intact.

• Roman Theatre at Palmyra 34.550583, 38.268796
• Funerary Towers
• Hypogeum of Three Brothers -

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Palmyra

• Camel ride
• Camel race | If you visited Palmyra around October/November time you might have been lucky enough to be there for the week of camel racing. This was an exciting day out, especially if you had gotten a lift in one of the many vehicles travelling round the track, alongside the camels. There was a camel beauty competition and racing with and without riders - although it was recommended to go with someone who could explain what was going on.

• Evening in the desert | Spend an evening in the desert, in a Bedouin tent with traditional music, food and wonderful hospitality - just ask at your hotel or your tour group leader.After the ruins, this was definitely the highlight of any trip to Palmyra. A drive away from the ruins is a natural sulphuric water lake (take care as at certain times of the year it is pretty dried up!) and a camp site was nearby.

• Sunrise and sunset view | Just outside of Palmyra, go for a walk up to the top of the sandstone cliffs at sunrise or sunset - truly stunning! You could have taken a taxi to Palmyra historic castle or walked there.

• Hike and trail run - 34.5556680, 38.2743300 - See the external link for the GPS track of the route. This loop ran from the middle of town up to Palmyra historic castle to view the sunrise or sunset. The first half of this loop was on sidewalk and paved road. The second half, descending from the castle, was on a trail going through the Great Colonnade.

• Run laps - 34.55569, 38.27371 - See the external link for the GPS track of the route. The route was relatively short, so could be run several times to get more distance in. It was on a wide and well lit sidewalk. It was suitable even for a night run in December as it got dark early.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Palmyra

There were no ATM's (that accepted international cards - there was one for Syrian cards) in Palmyra or even a full-service bank. Hotel Bel (on the main street) offered advances on both VISA and MasterCard for a 20% commission. There was a local exchange office by the museum which changed foreign currency but did not change traveller's cheques. You would have needed to bring sufficient cash, Syrian Pounds, US Dollars, or Euros for your time in Palmyra.

As usual and the Syrian Commercial Bank offered terrible rates and added commission. You'd have gotten a better deal by checking the rates online then changing with the shop owners in the Souq.

Souvenir shops abounded on the main street with all kinds of jewellery, handicrafts and other wares typical to the Bedouin places. Shopkeepers (in a town with few sources of income other than tourism) were masters in the art of making you part with as much money as feasible, so it would have been wise to only carry as much money with you as you were willing to spend on souvenirs (and food - see below) to avoid being talked into spending all or most of the money you had for the rest of your trip in Syria. Typically souvenir shopping would happen around dinner, as many of the restaurants and retail outlets were in the same main street and you would have happened to walk past them on your way to or from the hotels and restaurants.

Halal Restaurants in Palmyra

• Traditional Palymra Restaurant -- very bad reputation, with several differently priced but identical menus, tendency to recycle uneaten food, etc.
• New Palmyra Restaurant / Pancake House on the main street for most Muslim visitors, al-Quwatli. This was a traditional Palmyra restaurant - catering for the tourist hordes. The owner was well connected with an army of scouts corralling tourists into the restaurant. For the adventurous traveller, fake ISIC student cards were available for purchase for 7.50 Euro, although they are of poor quality and little use in the Middle East.

On the same street, several stands sold roast Chicken (half Chicken for take away was 100 SP, hummus 25 SP, salad 25 SP), although you would have been lucky to get those prices.

On any of the primary streets running north you would have found find falafel stands and small restaurants selling the typical range of Syrian fast food, bakeries selling sweet treats and plenty of convenience stores with drinks and Snacks. The only bars in Palmyra were inside the hotels, such as the Cave Bar in the basement of the Ishtar Hotel. The bar carried a good selection of local soft drinks and soft drinks and one could drink on the terrace of the hotel.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Palmyra

Palmyra - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Palmyra, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Palmyra. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Palmyra and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Palmyra. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Palmyra. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPalmyra: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Palmyra.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Palmyra: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Palmyra, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Palmyra.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Palmyra, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Palmyra, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Palmyra and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Palmyra, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Palmyra, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Palmyra without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Palmyra is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Palmyra.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Palmyra is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Palmyra, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Palmyra Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Due to the recent conflict which, if any, of these hotels are in business cannot be guaranteed.

• Al Faris Hotel | ☎ +963 (955)865-545 - By the entrance to the village, on the left. Very nice and clean place with big rooms and a nice owner. A single room was 300 SYP and double room was 600 SYP (August 2009). The owner (who spoke English) welcomed visitors with a watermelon and a tea and could provide a lift anywhere around with his vehicle affordablely.

• The Sunday Hotel | sunhotel-@ ☎ +963 (31)591-1133 - SY£1,000 Just around the junction on the main street near the ruins end, this quiet backpacker joint had a great dorm on the roof and friendly, relaxed owners. Home cooking for all meals of the day (extra cost), very tasty. Double and Triple rooms were available with average bathrooms for 1000 SP in April 2010.

• New Afqa Hotel | - SY£1200 A good budget bet, was just around the junction from the tourist office. Staff were friendly and spoke English well. Rooms were clean with en suite bathrooms, heating / air conditioning and satellite TV. A double room with breakfast included was 1200 SP for two people in March 2022.

• Baal Shamen Hotel - Another backpacker favourite. Accommodation was more basic than at the New Afqa Hotel but the rooms were still clean and staff were friendly.

• Ishtar Hotel | The first one on the left side when you enter the main street coming from the ruins ☎ +963 (31)591-3073 (main), +963 (944)318-068 (mobile) +963 (31)591-3260 US$20 Was one of the best hotels in Palmyra with very reasonable prices - USD70 for a double room , USD20 for a single room including tax and breakfast. It had a nice cave bar in the basement where you could enjoy the local soft drinks and the tasty red soft drinks. Clean comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and AC in every room. The friendly owner Naim spoke fluent English and French, and was happy to help you about anything you needed in Palmyra.

• Bel Hotel - @l.com Jamal Abd Alnaseer Street ☎ +963 31 5912096 +963 31 5912099 Had a friendly family atmosphere; clean rooms with en-suite bathroom, satellite, fridge, air-con and heating. 24-hr hot water, wi-fi, and on-site restaurant were available.

• Al Nakheel Hotel | - ☎ +963 (31)591-0744 +963 (31)591-6744 Was a clean and very friendly hotel with comfortable beds and private bathrooms only a few minutes from the ruins. Run by Mohammed and his brother Ahmed, Mohammed helped you in anyway he can to ensure you had a great time in Palmyra.

• Orient Hotel - ☎ +963 (31)591-0131 +963 (31)591-0700 US$50 double occupancy Was located in downtown, clean, with friendly staff and generous breakfast included.

• Heliopolis Hotel | PO Box 75 Main Street near Customs Plaza ☎ +963 (31)591-3921 +963 (31)591-3923 US$100 double occupancy Had unobstructed views of the ruins, Internet service, traditional breakfast.

Telecommunications in Palmyra

In the main tourist area and the Hani Internet Café inside the Traditional Palmyra Restaurant was conveniently located but charged a pricey 50 SP for a half hour. This may have been negotiable in low season. An Internet café slightly north of the centre charged 20 SP an hour but had irregular hours.

Travel Next

Buses departed frequently for Damascus, Homs, and Deir-az-Zur.The bus station was a little under a kilometre away from the main street, so a taxi with luggage should not have cost any more than 50 Syrian Pounds. Other destinations may have needed a private car.

If hiring a private car, you might have wanted to consider side trips to Qasr al-Heir ash-Sharki - a partially excavated Ummayad palace quite literally in the middle of nowhere - and Rasafa, originally a Roman city with heavy Byzantine influence, also used by the Ummayads before being destroyed in the Abbasid era. Rasafa was also of interest as the stone it's built out of, more a quartz-like crystal instead of the usual granite or sandstone, made for a unique appearance. This route led quite close to the Euphrates, where you could have been dropped off in Raqqa, Aleppo, or Hama. Car hire was often pricey and the driver still had to get back to Palmyra. Private tours were the real money maker in the Syrian tourism industry, so expect to pay as much as S5000 (US$100) if you were heading for Aleppo or Hama or a bit less to Raqqa.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.