Antakya-Aleppo
We did have some problems getting reliable information on buses from Antakya (Turkey) to Aleppo. People were telling us the bus would leave at 8 am or 10 am or 11 am or 13 am. When we arrived at the busstation, they told us it was 10 am.
We paid 600.000 TL for the ticket, and had to give our passports. Somebody took them away for about 30 minutes, but that seems to be the usual procedure.
Finally we left at 9.15' am, so it's best to stick around. You can actually have breakfast at the busstation.
The trip to the border should take about 45 minutes, but the bus didn't have enough fuel, so that took us another 30 minutes. The crossing of the border took 90 minutes for the whole bus, and there was no search through luggage for us (contrary to the Syrians on the bus).
They told us you can get a visa at the border.
Damascus-Aleppo
Very modern buses leaving every half hour from Harasta station, price is 150 S£ (10/2000), the ride takes 5 hours.
Accommodation
We had a hard time finding decent accommodation in Aleppo. The place is flooded by Russians trying to sell their stuff in Syria now that borders are open, and this means a lack of accommodation.
If you don't mind sleeping on a roof and sharing one bathroom with the 7 rooms underneath and all the people on the roof, then you won't have too much trouble. But if you want a nice middle class room with or without bathroom, then you should make reservations or arrive very early.
This was the case with the Tourist Hotel run by Madame Olga. I suppose it's in the guidebooks by now, because it's extremely good value for money at 800 to 900 S£ with breakfast. It was popular among French tourgroups and is usually full (10/2000).
An alternative is the Hanadi Hotel near to the clock tower. Rooms with bathroom are very clean and cost 900 S£ including breakfast. All rooms surround a nice courtyard and there's a roof terrace. Unfortunately, the courtyard is not so cosy with plastic chairs and tables, and rooms were painted in pink. Still a good place. (10/2000).
The Green Star Hotel or Najen Akhdar Hotel in Hammam Al-Tal was recommended at 450 S£ for a double room with hot shower.
Al-Jawaher Hotel is also recommended at 600 S£ a double with bathroom. It's spotlessly clean, quiet and staff is friendly and helpful. Latest reports (10/2000) said it had declined a little bit.
The Baron Hotel mostly gets bad reports of people saying "too expensive for what it is, they thrive on their reputation". But there are some who like the history of the place and are prepared to pay for it: 40 US$ for a double including bathroom and breakfast (9/97).
Hotel Almedinah around the corner of the Baron. Basic but clean, great roofterrace. 400 S£ for a double including bathroom, mainly Arab guests.
In front of the Baron is the Ramses Hotel costing 30 US$ for a triple room with AC including breakfast. The hotel looks a bit old but was clean (8/98).
Hotel Kwabab Al Salam is a bit too expensive at 475 S£ for a double with shower and toilet, but you can bargain a bit till 425 S£. The rooms are quite good and centrally located (8/98).
The Syria hotel is also recommended at 400 S£ for a double with clean private bathroom. It
is pretty noisy (8/98).
Restaurants
We had lunch at the roof restaurant next to the Baron Hotel. It was quite good and a lot of atmosphere, but check the bill thoroughly, because they tried to cheat us. This would not be the last time.
Ali Baba restaurant is very popular among the locals. Good food, not expensive.
Sissi House at Jedeidey Plaza: fancy restaurant in a restored house, reservation is necessary (tel. 219411 or 216798). Not cheap, but very good food. Count on 450 S£ for a good meal. (10/2000).
What to do
Citadel
Opening hours 9.00-18.00 (only 16.00 in winter). Closed on Tuesdays. Entrance fee 300 S£ (students 25 S£) (10/2000)..
The Citadel is of course the main sight: 300 S£, thank you sir. It's a real gem, not only from outside, but also inside (PS: in 10/2000, the place was a mess inside due to restoration work). Don't miss it. The museum inside is another 150 S£.
If you want a nice view, go to the Amir Palace Hotel. They have a panoramic restaurant at the top, but it was closed during the day. However, we took the elevator to the top floor were someone was cleaning a room. We paid him something and had a few shots.
Entrance of the citadel
Citadel as seen from Amir Palace
Souq and Ommayaden mosque 
The souq is quite nice. Don't hesitate to ask to take pictures, most of the people love to be photographed.
In the mosque, you need to cover up but they will provide you with clothes for a small fee.
Don't miss Mad's House and some Cerevanserai's in the Souq.
Closed on Fridays.
National museumSituated in Baron Street, opened from 9.00-14.00 and 16.00-18.00, closed on Tuesdays, entrance 300 S£ (students 25 S£).
Some nice pieces, exhibits by site where they were found.
Hammam Yalbougha an-Nasry
This is a very good hammam, especially for women (one of the few with regular hours for women). Price for a sauna, massage, washing etc... is 415 S£ (10/2000).
Qala'at Samaan (Sint Simeon basilica)It is situated North from Aleppo, but worth a visit. Entrance is another 300 S£.You can get there by taking a microbus till Daret Azze and then hitch hike on your own (taxi is 100 to 150 S£).
Getting to Lattakia
There are buses doing the 3h30min trip, charging 40 S£.
Go on to "Hama"
Article Comments:
| 07/16/2006 |
| chinchih (1) |
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Entrance of the citadel
This is local aleppo
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