Hama, Syria: 207.7 km waterwheel city route
Explore Hama, Syria's ancient city of waterwheels, through a 207.7 km route connecting key landmarks including the Assi River, Aspasia Cafe, and local hospitality experiences. This 21-minute route showcases the historic architecture and community life in this 4,000-year-old city.
- Distance
- 207.7 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- حماة, سوريا
- End
- حماة, سوريا
- Stops
- 1
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- حماة, سوريا — Ancient city famous for its iconic norias—massive wooden water wheels—that have irrigated the Orontes River valley for over two millennia.
Useful for your trip
- Food
- Try halwa (sesame-based sweet) and pancakes with curds, popular local treats sold in the old city markets.
- Food
- Sample fava bean street food (ful) seasoned with cumin, salt, and lemon—a popular winter meal and street food.
- Food
- Visit Aspasia cafe in the old city for chai and sweet treats like chocolate and banana pancakes.
- Tip
- Explore handcrafted items: visit local workshops in caravanserai structures where artisans make handmade cotton towels (4 hours per 2-meter towel).
- Tip
- Browse the covered souk (market) selling gold, clothing, textiles, nuts, and traditional Syrian coats and boots.
- Tip
- Visit the city of Hama to see ancient waterwheels and the Assi River; it's a 4,000-year-old city with significant historical monuments.
- Tip
- Hama's shisha cafes are popular indoors among both men and women, unlike some other regions where it's more restricted.
- Timing
- Visit on weekends when local markets are busy with residents; Saturday appears to be a day off with many people out.
- Tip
- Use Syrian Guides (@Syrianguides on Instagram) for local tour arrangements and recommendations.
- Tip
- Visit Aleppo for shopping—described as Syria's industrial capital with textiles, clothes, and goods at good prices.
Video on this route
This is the SYRIA the MEDIA won't show.. and it's INCREDIBLE! 🇸🇾