Syria Shopping Tips by call_me_rhia Top 5 Page for this destination

shops and souqs: olive oil soaps

Several shops selling soaps... regular soaps like the ones in the picture, and other smaller ones in different shapes (hearts, camels, houses) sold in small trays of 9 soaps - perfect for small presents (or for guests). The best known ones are the one made in Aleppo: a real institution!

What to buy: natural olive oil soaps. Great for the skin and for washing clothes (tested!)

What to pay: a tray of 9 little soass of different shapes costs about 75 syrian pounds. Most are yellow-ish outside, but if you break them you can see their "deep" greel olive oil colour.

Directions: everywhere - especially in Aleppo

Theme: Bath and Beauty

in every souq: exotic spices

every souq has an area selling only spices - and maybe nuts and coffee. You'll find it by just snuffing around

What to buy: spices... all spices.. but especially those that in your country tend to be overpriced. In my case it was saffron and cloves

What to pay: about 100 syrian pounds (2 dollars) for a nice bag of my favourite spices

Address: inside any souq

Directions: follow ur nose and you'll find it

Theme: Food and Drink

souqs: ornated wooden boxes

Basically every souq, shop, and possibly hotel, sells these nice boxes. The most precious ones, with mother of pearl, are stunning - and prohibitively expensive

What to buy: boxes... but open and close them a few times to make sure they are made decently. Many won't close anymore after you open them - hence if you buy one you can be guaranteed of lousy quality.

What to pay: small ones (about 6x10 cms) cost about 150-200 syrian pounds.

Directions: they can easily be found in all souqs

Theme: Local Craft