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Syria Tours

Group & private syria tours.

We organise both private and group tours to Syria. Whether you’re looking for a one day trip to Damascus or a 15 day bespoke whole Syria tour – we’ve got you covered.

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Our Syria tours start and finish in either Beirut, Amman or Damascus airport. Our team of guides and drivers will pick you up and escort you from wherever you wish to start and finish.

All scheduled group tours start and finish in Beirut. Transfers from Beirut to and from Damascus are included in the tour price.

We constantly monitor the situation on the ground with our partners in Syria. Tour itineraries are subject to last minute changes depending on the security situation.

Entry will be refused to those with Israeli stamps in their passport.

Check out our full list of group trips below – all our groups are capped at only 12 people .

Prefer a private trip? We can arrange a tour for any number of people on any dates – just get in touch and let us know when you want to travel.

Covid - 19 Update

The Syrian borders are open to international tourism with zero covid requirements. 

Damascus – Maaloula – Krak des Chevalier – Homs – Aleppo – Lattakia – Tartous – Hama – Palmyra – Bosra.

Unsure of where to go? Check out our Map & Sample Itinerary below

You can travel to Syria on any dates but the summers can get quite hot and the winters are cold and snowy. All places we visit and include on our itineraries are regarded as safe.

All museums are closed on Tuesdays.

Damascus, SY

The Syrian visa on arrival takes approx 2 weeks to process and is open to most nationalities worldwide.

Get in touch and we will let you know if you qualify for a tourist visa.

We will inform you when your security clearance is approved, then you are free to collect the visa on arrival at the border.

Group   Tours

Itinerary Summer 2024

It’s our most comprehensive Syria tour – covering the essentials plus the Mediterranean coast, Bosra and one hell of a festival!

• August 11 - 19th, 2024

Itinerary Autumn 2024

Our classic 7 day Syria tour taking in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Maaloula and Palmyra!

• September 16 - 22nd, 2024

Itinerary December 2024

No better place to ring in the new year than Damascus Old Town!

• December 27 - Jan 2nd, 2025

Itinerary March 2025

See Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Palmyra & much more on this tour of Syria from Beirut return!

• February 28 - March 6th, 2025

Itinerary Easter 2025

What better place to spend your hard-earned Easter break! Spring time is also the perfect time to visit Syria.

• April 18 - 24th, 2025

Sample Itinerary

Beirut – Damascus – Krak de Chavaliers – Homs – Aleppo – Damascus – Beirut.

Day 1 - Beirut / Damascus

• Early pick up from Beirut, Lebanon .
• Transfer to the Syrian border for exit/entry formalities.
• Continue onto Damascus by private car.
• Check into your incredible Old Damascene hotel. Take a short rest before starting a walking tour of the old town.
• In the afternoon we’ll explore the Al-Hamidiyah Souq .
• Free time in the evening to enjoy Damascus’ vibrant night-life along “Straight Street”.
• Optional visit to a Hamam for an evening scrub! There’s no better way to end your first day in Damascus than relaxing in one of it’s ancient bath houses.
• Overnight in Old Damascus .

Day 2 - Damascus

• After breakfast, we’ll start our full day Damascus city tour .
• Visit the National Museum of Syria.
• Explore the Handicraft market  for some of the best handmade goods in the Middle East.
• Azem Palace (a perfect example of a traditional Damascene house turned museum of the Ottoman times)
• Umayyad mosque (a place of worship since the first millennium B.C. It was once a church and now one of the most unique and important mosques in the world).
• Visit The church of St. Ananias , the window of St.Paul .
• Dinner and and overnight in Damascus.

Day 3 - Malloula, Krak des Chevaliers & Homs

• Drive onto Maaloula , a small Christian town that was almost completely decimated by ISIS in 2014. It’s one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is the only place in the world where Aramaic; the language spoken by Christ is still used as a living language
• We’ll visit a Catholic church which was destroyed but has already  been largely rebuilt.
• Continue driving to Krak Des Chevaliers – “The most wholly admirable castle in the world.” – According to Lawrence of Arabia – and one of the most important preserved medieval crusader castles in the world.
• After touring the castle, we continue onto Homs . Witness some of the rebuilding efforts underway and visit Khaled Ibn Al-Walid shrine .
• Dinner and overnight in the Homs countryside.

Day 4 - Homs & Aleppo

• Homs tour including a visit to the St. Mary’s Church of the Holy Bel t – the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
• Depart for the 2 hour drive north to Aleppo.
• Arrive in the early evening.
• Explore some of the old town around the citadel by night.
• Dinner at a famous Armenian family run Syrian restaurant.
• Overnight in Aleppo .

Day 5 - Aleppo

• Aleppo was arguably one of the worst affected cities during the Syrian war. Here you’ll get the chance to see some of the terrible destruction as well as the opportunity to witness the early stages of the massive rebuilding projects that Syrians are now undertaking.
• Our first stop in the morning will be the famous Aleppo Castle . 
• We’ll also be able to see the destroyed souk and see the fully restored parts.
• Visit the Aleppo Museum and walk through the adjoining markets.
• Visit the Baron Hotel – one of Aleppo’s most famous landmarks. It’s the oldest still functioning Hotel in Syria which once welcomed the likes of Charles De Gaulle, Yuri Gagarin, Lawrence of Arabia, Agatha Christie and Theodore Roosevelt. Stay here if you dare but you will have to do without heating, electricity or hot water.
• Dinner & overnight in Aleppo

Day 6 - Hama & Damascus

• Departure after breakfast to Hama . We’ll visit the famous waterwheels here which once provided vital water ways to the land.
• Drive back to Damascus , with some scenic stops along the way.
• Arrive in Damascus in the late afternoon. Check back into our hotel.
• Free time to explore for the rest of the day.
• Overnight in Damascus.

Day 7 - Damascus & Beirut

• Final sightseeing around the places you might have missed before!
• Last chance for souvenirs at the craft market.
• After lunch begin the drive back to Beirut by private transfer.
• End of tour.

Most frequent questions and answers for our tours to Syria.

Following the war, Syria has recently become safe again for travel. All the places we visit on our Itineraries are safe and we do not venture to places which are not deemed safe for foreigners.

Travel insurance is a must. We have teamed up with IATI Travel Insurance because they provide cover for all our destinations. You’ll also automatically receive a 5% discount with them as a Rocky Road Travel customer.

Syria enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate. Spring and early Autumn are perfect. It gets pretty cold in the winter and hot in the summer. We can arrange travel for any dates of your choice.

The easiest way is overland from Beirut where most of our tours start. It’s also possible to start from Amman, Jordan.

USD is the main currency for exchange into the Syrian pound. Make sure to bring cash as ATM’s are unreliable.

Our scheduled group tours have a maximum of 12 participants only.

When you sign up for one of our tours we will apply for a Syrian security clearance on your behalf. This will then allow you to travel to Syria and pay for your visa on arrival at the border. To apply for the security clearance we require the following info:

-a scan of your passport

-your address

-a proof of current or previous employment

The restaurants we visit cater for vegetarians, vegans and other unique dietary requirements out there. We do recommend bringing in some snacks from home just in case you get the munchies on the road and can’t find anything suitable at the time.

YES! We strongly recommend giving a tip to your local guide and driver at the end of the tour.

For men, regular clothing is fine. Women should cover shoulders and knees in holy places. Hair only needs to be covered in one or two mosques. Abaya’s will be provided when needed.

syria tours

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Available 365 days a year.

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Further   Reading

How to spend 24 hours in Beirut

All those about to embark on, or just returning from one of our Syria tours will find themselves in Lebanon’s high-octane capital, Beirut. Beirut is

Is It Difficult To Travel To Syria?

How to get into Syria travelling to Syria is not totally foolproof, and there are certain instances where entry will be denied. Depending on your

Top 5 Syrian Foods You Should Try

The best of Syrian Food Put simply, the food in Syria is outstanding. Mediterranean ingredients combined with ancient techniques and Arabic flavours; those into their

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Top Things to Do in Damascus, Syria

Places to visit in damascus.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Damascus Umayyad Mosque

2. Al Azem Palace (Palace of As'ad, Pasha al-'Azm)

3. The National Museum of Damascus

4. Omayad Mosque

5. Takiyya Suleimaniah Souq

6. Saladin (Selahedîn) Mausoleum

7. Damascus Center

8. Damascus Opera House

9. Mount Qassioun (Jebal Kasioun)

10. Khan Asaad Basha

11. Tekiyeh Al-Suleimaniyeh

12. Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum

13. The Citadel

14. St.George Syrian Orthodox Church

15. St Ananias Chapel

16. Souq al-Bizuriyyah (Sweet Souq)

17. Saladin (Selahedîn) Statue

18. The Arc Gate

19. Souq Saroujah

20. Army Museum

21. Archaeological Park

22. Fortress Wall

23. Bimaristan an-Nuri

24. Commonwealth War Cemetery

25. The Barada River

26. Franciscan Church

27. National Center for Visual Arts

28. Parliament

29. The Environmental Garden

30. Marrota Travel & Tourism

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The Conflict with the Israeli Zionist regime and its international network is an ongoing struggle that has produced numerous wars in recent history, both direct and through proxies. The conflict was instigated by Israeli aggression and occupation ever since the British government had facilitated the establishment of the Zionist state in Palestine. Notwithstanding, Syria has confirmed its willingness to make peace based on the implementation of international law and UN resolutions regarding the Golan and other occupied territories. ...

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The outer wall of jupiter’s temple, mount kaseyoun, the old city wall between bab kissa and bab al-saghir ..., tishreen war memorial, al-bimaristan al-qaimari, damascus life, sculpture exhibition by walid murad, a classical concert by mezzo youth rchestra ..., a chamber concert by the string ama a quartet ..., a concert by the students of the pi no class ..., art exhibition by afif agha.

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Ghaidaa Ayoub

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.1 By foot
• 3.4 By taxi
• 4.1 Old Damascus
• 4.2 Other sights
• 5.1 Hammams
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe
• 13.1 Embassies
• 13.2 Consulates

Damascus (دمشق Dimaşk ) is the capital of Syria and its second largest city after Aleppo . Damascus was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate during the Islamic Golden Age . It is entitled the City of Jasmine and is a major cultural centre in the Levant and the Arab world. The city is home to about 2.5 million people (2022), and the metropolitan area to 5 million.

Understand [ edit ]

Established between 10,000 to 8,000 BCE, Damascus is credited with being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The world heritage listed old-walled city, in particular, feels very ancient and largely consists of a maze of narrow alleys, punctuated by enigmatic doors that lead into pleasing, verdant courtyards and blank-faced houses. The old city still has an authentic medieval feel to it, although this was quickly vanishing due to the increasing tourist traffic as the city continued to be highlighted as an attraction. Life, however, goes on in the old-walled city, which is still the religious and social centre of the city.

Due to the Syrian Civil War which began in 2011, many services in the city, including transportation, accommodation and consular services, have been severely disrupted. Power interruptions are frequent, the Syrian pound currency has been subject to hyperinflation (to the point where prices listed here are meaningless) and the war is not far from mind even during the brief moments when life goes on normally. Many have left the country, been drafted into military service or killed in action.

Large parts of the article describes the situation before the war. Travel to most of Damascus is still considered very unsafe.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

As of 2024, flights to Damascus are very limited. SyrianAir and FlyBaghdad offers flights from Abu Dhabi , Amman , Baghdad , Dubai , Doha and Kuwait City several times per week, and some flights from Moscow , Yerevan and Tehran . There are domestic flights from Al-Qamishli as well.

Only taxi companies are allowed to pickup customers from the airport. Taxi fares may vary depending on your bargaining skills. There are also buses departing to and from Baramkeh bus station in the centre of town (airport buses are the only ones which serve this bus station now - all other services have moved to the new out of town Soumaria bus station). There are departures every half an hour, 24 hours a day. At the airport, come out of the terminal and turn right - you will find the bus at the end of the building. There is a small ticket office. The bus will drop you a bit far from the Old City, but there many taxis around to get you there. Make sure to ask for the meter.

By train [ edit ]

As of early 2024, all long-distance train services to Damascus are still suspended, including the once-weekly sleeper trains from Istanbul and Tehran . The historic Hejaz station in the city centre remains closed and future services will depart and arrive at from Al-Qadam railway station south of the city centre.

• 33.4765 36.2905 2 Al-Qadam railway station . ( updated Jun 2021 )

By car [ edit ]

Service Taxis are available to Amman and Irbid in Jordan. Depending on the political situation, these also service Beirut and other points in Lebanon, as well as points in Iraq. Since the closure of the more central Baramkeh Station, these service taxis leave from Soumaria (pronounced like the girls' names "Sue Maria"), which is a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride from central Damascus, along Autostrade Mezzeh. The bus number 15 and 21 will take you to Soumaria station from the bus stop next to Matry's place.

By bus [ edit ]

Damascus is well served by buses internally in the country. There are two bus stations: the western bus station serves destinations west and south (including Amman and Beirut ), while the northern bus station serves destinations north (including Aleppo ).

Regular buses to Damascus leave Amman , Jordan , the trip including crossing the border takes about 4 hours and cost approximately 6-9 Jordanian dinars .

Hatay Turizm from Antakya, Turkey, has regular buses to the city. You can board on these in Istanbul as well. Normally, you will have to reserve a seat one day or more in advance, and although prices may vary, you can get a bus ticket for 80 Turkish lira .

When arriving into Damascus by bus, make sure to move away from the bus terminal to find a taxi to the city centre. Otherwise, you run the risk of paying several times the going rate, as cars posing as taxis operate next to the terminal. This is normally a two-man operation, with one person trying to distract you, while the driver puts your bags into the boot (trunk) of the "taxi" and locks it.

Upon arrival at the western bus station, city bus #15 will take you to Al-Marjeh Square in Souq Sarouja\Old Town (where you can find many hotels).

Get around [ edit ]

At rush hours (10:00-16:00), the best way of transport is on foot. Smoking is absolutely forbidden on all public transport.

By foot [ edit ]

A very good idea is to go on foot especially for a sightseeing, and it's the only way to get around in Old Damascus. Walking in the new city however, should be reserved to the nicer areas of Maliki and Abu-Rumaneh, as the new city tends to be pollution clogged. The driving culture in Damascus is not the safest, so beware as a pedestrian, especially in the new city. Cars will not hesitate to come extremely close to pedestrians or other cars in order to pass.

It isn't a very good idea to rent a car in Damascus. There is almost always a traffic jam, especially in summer, and parking tends to be difficult too; although that isn't the situation in suburbs.

Micro buses, also known as servees , are one of the main sources of transportation in Damascus. You can go from one place to another in Damascus with one or at most two journeys. When on the bus, give any passenger a coin and they will pass it to the driver and return the change. Remember to tell that passenger how many people you are paying for, whether you are in a group, or that you are paying "for one" ("waahid") if you are alone. The route is written (in Arabic only) on the roof sign. Micro buses do not generally have fixed stops except at very busy points, just beckon to the driver and they will stop near you (Al yameen, andak iza samaht).

There are also many city buses. One useful bus is #15, which runs from Al-Marjeh Square (Souq Sarouja\Old Town) to the Western Bus Station, which serves Beirut and Amman .

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are plentiful in Damascus, making them a great mode of transportation. The taxis of Star Taxi , a private company, are more expensive than normal taxis, but they are also more comfortable and safer. You can call their headquarters and they will send the nearest taxi to your door. Taxis with the Damascus Governorate logo on the side and a number on the roof sign are normally equipped with a meter, and it is best to use only these when hailing a taxi on the street. You should normally leave a tip as well as the fare on the meter. At night, taxi drivers do not usually use the meter, so you may be best off negotiating the price before you get in. A service taxi to Amman or Beirut takes around 4 hours and run 24 hours. Do not hesitate to take them; they are clean vehicles with air conditioning.

See [ edit ]

The Souq al-Hamidiyya , a broad street packed with tiny shops, is entered through columns from a Roman temple built on a site that had been occupied by an even older temple. The souqs themselves smell of cumin and other distinctive spices and you can find passages dedicated to everything from leather and copper goods to inlaid boxes and silk scarves.

At the end of Souq al-Hamidiyya stands the great Umayyad mosque ; this building with three minarets is an architectural wonder. It was an Assyrian temple, then a Roman temple to Jupiter, a church when Rome converted to Christianity, then a mosque and a church together, and finally a mosque until now. All the symbols are still pretty much there and some Christian drawings can still be very clearly seen on the walls inside. The mosque contains the grave of John the Baptist (prophet Yahya to Muslims) inside the main lounge. Muslims also believe that this is the site where Jesus will descent back to Earth on his Second Coming. Women are asked to be to cover their hair, arms and legs. Abayas (full-body covers) are provided with the entrance ticket. It is one of the most sacred sites of Islam, and it welcomes foreign tourists, who are allowed to walk around the prayer area.

At the other end of Souq al-Hamidiyya is a fort-like section of the extant city wall that is the Citadel (but make sure to visit Aleppo 's Citadel for a truly amazing experience).

Nearby, you can visit the Mausoleum of Salah al-Din , known in the west as Saladin, the chief anti-crusader. There's a great statue of him on horseback right next to the citadel, which will make you gasp. If you walk all the way around it, there are two dejected Frankish knights underneath the horse's slightly lifted tail. These two knights are identified by inscriptions as Guy de Lusignan, King of Jerusalem, and Reynald de Chatillon, lord of Kerak, an important fortress in the Holy Land. Both were captured during Salah al-Din's definitive victory at Hattin; Guy was imprisoned in Damascus and eventually released, but Reynald was executed as punishment for his many atrocities.

Old Damascus [ edit ]

The ancient city of Damascus had seven city gates, of which four remains to be seen. Most of the walls surrounding the old town have however disappeared.

Other sights [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• View the city from Mount Qasioun is a must-do activity in Damascus as it offers a panoramic view. The peak is accessible at any time, although the view is perhaps most spectacular at night when the whole city is lit up and the minarets of mosques are bathed in green light. The Umayyad Mosque in the old town is particularly impressive when viewed from the mountain. There is a wide range of food and refreshment available on the peak from stalls to fancy restaurants that serve good local cuisine and alcohol. Check the price before you get too comfortable though as it is a well-known scam for taxi drivers to take you to their 'favorite' cafe, where you'll end up paying a fortune for a cup of tea.
• Visit a restaurant in old Damascus . There are many restaurants in the old quarter each with their own unique character, but perhaps the most famous (and touristy) is "Beit Jabri", although "Al-Khawali" is considered by many to be the best dining experience in the old city. Another restaurant in the old city, Narcissus Palace , located close to Maktab Anbar, would offer an enlightening experience. Every night, a singer and band play old Arabic music and create an amazing atmosphere in the restaurant. A good idea, when considering these restaurants, is to go for breakfast, and then go sightseeing. The breakfast is very cheap.
• Relax at a Hooka cafe "Narjelah" Hooka cafes are popular in Damascus and are easy to find. When visiting the old city, you'll get a more cultural or traditional experience. You'll probably find a crowd of tea-drinking, backgammon-playing men all smoking hooka. In the modern city, most cafes cater to a younger crowd and are a big part of the night life offering a huge variety of flavored tobacco ranging from double apple which is the most common, to cappuccino. In almost every major restaurant, hookas are available, including the restaurants in the old city.

Hammams [ edit ]

Bathing in a hammam , i.e., a Turkish bath, is a great way of both soaking up the atmosphere of Old Damascus and to be rejuvenated after a long day. Two baths that are familiar with Western tourists are Nur-al-Din Bath and Bakri Bath. A visit to either includes towels, soap, scrub, a massage and a tea. The price is typically composed of bath entry, scrub, sauna, massage, and extras such as tea or soap. Nur-al-Din is for men only, Bakri might be able to accommodate women or mixed groups upon prior arrangement. Bakri Bath: for women each day except Friday 10:00-17:00.

• Nur-al-Din Bath ( between the Azem Palace and Straight Street ). ( updated Jul 2021 )
• Bakri Bath ( first street on the right after entering the Old City at Bab Touma ). ( updated Jul 2021 )

Learn [ edit ]

Arabic [ edit ].

There are several institutions in Damascus that teach Arabic:

• Language Institute at Damascus University [dead link] - The Language Institute fully immerse their students in Arabic; the course materials and all interaction between students and teachers are done in Arabic. Students are placed in beginning, intermediate or advanced courses based on a placement test.
• Ma'had [dead link] - This state-run language academy is in the Mezze district of Damascus. It is the cheapest option, although the courses are not as good as those at Damascus University.
• The British Council - While the classes may be expensive, they are mainly aimed toward diplomats and businessmen.
• DSA - Damascus Language School for Standard Arabic [dead link] - The school provides basic courses for beginners and advanced courses also on certain topics as for journalists, physicians, diplomats, engineers, etc. Normal classes have maximum 4 students. Lessons with private teachers are even possible. Twice a year, there are certain courses for students available at half price. Teachers are well experienced in teaching foreigners. Basic courses start every Saturday.
• Arabesk Studies in Damascus [formerly dead link] - The institute offers extensive classes in Arabic. Aide with living arrangement provided.
• TikaTrip - Travels and Studies in Syria [dead link] - Providing private Arabic tutors as well as professional language teachers and all important services: starting with the pickup service at the airport, arranging accommodation and advices on how to tackle the bureaucratic procedures.

Tour Guide : You can get an English speaking guide by emailing : [email protected].

Buy [ edit ]

Damascus offers some of the best shopping in the Middle East. Prices are cheap, and since very few stores depend on tourists for their income, most will leave you alone to browse until you are ready to buy. Small stores are found throughout the old city, although the Souq al-Hamidiyya , located along the Roman straight street, offers the highest density of shops. The souq is a fantastic experience, but be prepared for the crowds.

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

The famous vegetarian falafel sandwich, chicken shawarma, and manakeesh, bread filled with zatar, spinach, meat, pizza-style tomato and cheese or other fillings are widely available and cheap. Less common but still widely spread are places which sell foul (boiled fava beans with sauce) and hummus.

A typical Damascene dish is fatteh , made up of soaked bread, chickpeas and yogurt. Delicious and extremely filling, it is excellent on a cold winter's day. Try it with lamb or sheep's tongue, or plain with the typical garnish of a little pickle and nuts.

There is a foul restaurant on Souq Saroujah, the same street as hotel Al-Haramein and one at the bab touma square. Also in this "backpacker district" on Souq Sarouja is Mr Pizza serving good pizzas, sandwiches, burgers and fries.

Shawarma is, of course, popular in Damascus. It comes in different varieties, including chicken and beef. Station One (near the Noura Supermarket in Abu Rumaneh) is one of many restaurants that serve shawarma throughout the city.

In order to really experience local Syrian cuisine, be sure to visit a section of Damascus called Midan . It lies south of the old city and can easily be reached by walking south from the western entrance to Souq al-Hamadiyya or from Bab Saghir. There is a main street there called Jazmatiya which offers an unlimited amount of shawerma & falafel stands, butcher shops/restaurants and plenty of Syrian pastry shops which are clearly marked by 2.5-metre-high towers of sweets stacked on top of each other. Be sure to try Shawarma from "Anas," which makes some of the best sandwiches in Damascus. This main street is best to visit at night and doesn't close till around 03:00. The street is very safe and is always very busy.

Another unusual treat is a camel kebab , available tasty and fresh from the camel butchers outside Bab Saghir. As they typically advertise their wares by hanging a camel head and neck outside the premises, you're unlikely to miss them.

Fresh juice stalls are available all over the city. Orange juice (aasir beerdan) and other fruits are available. Many fruit stalls also have a range of dishes like hot dog, sojouq (Armenian sausage), liver (soda) and meat (kebab etc.). These may not always be the safest to eat.

Fruits and vegetables which are not peeled might cause infections, but are still very good. Select places that have a steady stream of customers.

The area around Martyr's square is polluted with pastry shops selling sweet, tasty and cheap baklava.

Do not try to eat in empty places, only crowded restaurants and food places are safe otherwise you may get food poisoning from Shawerma sandwiches or any other product (especially in summer) so beware!

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Al-Sehhi Restaurant , Sharia al-Abed, Central Damascus , ☏ +963 11 221-1555 . This restaurant offers the basics in Middle Eastern cooking, including mezze and a variety of grilled meats. There is a separate family section for diners and women. Alcohol is not served, and credit cards are not accepted.  
• Il Forno Pizzeria , Najmeh Square ( after Dar Salam School, First to the left, 3rd shop ), ☏ +963113331427 . This is a very cozy restaurant that serves pizza baked in wood-fired oven. The interior decoration is very charming and warm. The restaurant speciality is wood fired authentic Italian pizza, and serves salads, appetizers, pasta dishes and deserts as well. No alcohol. Also delivers. US$6–15 .  
• Pizza Pasta , sharia medhat pasha, at the turn to Bab Kisan. This place serves descent pasta and good pizza, and also antipasto and alcohol. The service is often less than good, but it's worth for the food. No menu, just ask for whatever Italian dish you fancy and chances are they will have it.
• Nadil , a little closer to bab sharqi than pizza pasta, this place serves typical Arabic meat dishes and very good broasted, and does it well and cheaply. Takeaway.
• Beit Sitti , close to Beit Jabri in the old city (the street that runs parallel to the street of Al-Noufara down from the Ommayad mosque). Diverse range of food. Superb lemon and mint juice and it’s OK just to drink.
• Inhouse Coffee , at the airport, in the bab touma shopping street on the way to Sahet Abbasin and in the shopping street of abu romanih (souq al-kheir, close to Benetton shopping centre). Has great coffee. Heavy with smart looking people and bluetooth in the air (in Syria, it’s an acceptable way to flirt).
• Cafe Vienna , close to cham palace, follow the street towards Jisr-al-rais, turn right in the alley opposite of the Adidas store. Offer sandwiches on brown bread and apple strudel.
• Vino Rosso , in bab touma walk up the stairs beside the police station and ask your way. You can have food fried at the table and they have French cheeses. Rather cheap, very cosy. Alcohol is served.
• Chinese Restaurant , opposite of Cafe Narcissius close to Beit Jabri. Small restaurant serving Americanized Chinese food. Reasonably priced and good Chinese food, usually full of foreigners or Chinese students. The sweet and sour chicken and beef "hot pan" are highly recommended. Alcohol is served.
• Fish place, bourj el-roos. This place is more or less male only, a little rough and does very good fish. Not cheap, but it’s Damascus, it’s fish and it’s good. The same place runs a good place for foul and hommous next by. Alcohol is served.
• Spicy , at the abu-roumanih side of jisr al-abiad, first street to the left if your back is faced to the bridge. Daily dishes, "home-made" style Arabic food. Excellent. No alcohol.
• Caffe Latte , a small, warmhearted cafe serving great coffee, muffins and pancakes. An escape from the hustle and bustle of Damascus. Located near the Italian hospital.

Splurge [ edit ]

• Scoozi . It’s close to Noura Supermarket in Abu Rumanneh, if you walk from jisr al-rais towards jebel qasioun it is on your right. Best pizza in Damascus, the rest of the dishes are excellent too. No alcohol.
• Haretna (bab touma area, take the stairs beside the police station and follow the sign) serves excellent mezze. No alcohol during Ramadan.
• Nadi al Sharq , close to hotel Four seasons, this is the best Indian in Damascus. They do an excellent set meal
• Rotana Cafe , a theme cafe built at the end of Damascus Boulevard by the Four Seasons. It is part of the Rotana Audio Visuals company which is probably the most famous music records company in the Arabic world. The head of Rotana is Prince Walid bin Talal. The food is good, as well as the hookah The view from this cafe is great, Mount Kassyoun is visible and the rest of Beirut Street. There is also a souvenir shop and a music store located on the first level.
• Cafe Trattoria is right by the United Colors of Benneton in Abu Rummaneh. It is a beautiful pavement cafe that offers Italian food, hookas, and western coffees, as well as the traditional Turkish Coffee.
• Leila's Restaurant and Terrace , Souq al-Abbabiyya, Central Old City , ☏ +963 11 544-5900 . Leila's Restaurant and Terrace has rooftop seating with a gorgeous view of Umayyad Mosque. The restaurant serves traditional Arabic cuisine. Alcohol is served, although noted listed on the menu so ask the waiter for availability.  
• 33.510452 36.30851 2 Beit Jabri Restaurant , 14 Sharia as-Sawwaf, Central Old City , ☏ +963 11 544-3200 . A favorite with locals and tourists, and offers the Syrian classics. It is located in the courtyard of a beautiful Damascene house. ( updated Jan 2018 )
• Arabesque Restaurant , Sharia al-Kineesa, Central Damascus , ☏ +963 11 543-3999 . The restaurant offers a combination of Syrian and French classics. While alcohol is served, credit cards are not accepted. Arabesque is on the more elegant side, so semi-formal dress may be more appropriate.  
• Downtown , Sharia al-Amar Izzedin al-Jazzari, Central Damascus , ☏ +963 11 332-2321 . This contemporary restaurant offers a wide array of sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit juices. French is more likely to be spoken than Arabic. The interior is filled with Scandinavian decor.  

Drink [ edit ]

The coffee houses of Old Damascus were something to experience. Hours could dissolve over a cup of shay (tea) or ahwa (coffee) among the smoke of a nargileh (water pipe) . An-Naufara (which means 'The Fountain') was a wonderful place to do this, just east of the Umayyad Mosque. There was even a Hakawati (a traditional story teller) present at 19:00 most nights.

If you were craving a European coffee, you could have headed for Abu Rommeneh street and looked for the Bennetton clothing store. There were a number of fancy cafés in the area, including the Middle Eastern chain Inhouse Coffee , which is similar to Starbucks in its prices and atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi was offered at each location throughout the city.

Apart from that, many bars and nightclubs had been set up in Damascus. These were usually busy at night time, but they still provided nice alcoholic beverages and dances.

Clubs in Damascus that weren't all prostitutes (around Bab Sharqi): La Serai, La Vida Loca.

Many establishments have closed because of the war; as of mid-2016 there have been reports of businesses gradually returning to the Old City or Old Quarter of Damascus.

Old Town establishments which have reopened include:

• La Marionnette Pub , الشهبندر مقابل وزارة التربية , ☏ +963 958 741 013 . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 33.5096 36.316216 1 Pub Sharqi ( شرقي ), Al Qashla Avenue , ☏ +963 965 992 200 . ( updated Sep 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Souq-Al-Saroujah is where you find the cluster of backpacker hotels. Martyr's Square or "Merjeh" in Arabic is the other place worth considering if you're on a tight budget, though many of the places double as brothels. However, at least the hotels below can be recommended. Women alone should avoid hotels at Merjeh Square, because it's the red light district of Damascus.

Most hotels in Damascus claiming to be 5 stars are actually closer to what Western travellers know as 2 stars. The Syrian government runs its own accreditation agency that gives highly suspect inflated ratings to hotels owned by Syrian chains and those that have paid "baksheesh" (bribes) to the authorities. Due to the American sanctions of Syria, credit cards linked to US banks will not be accepted (this is pretty much every credit card in the world).

• Al-Rabie Hotel , Sharia bahsa, Souq saroujah ( on an attractive side street about a 5-10 minute walk from the citadel ), ☏ +963 11 231-8374 , [email protected] . It has an attractive courtyard, and clean rooms. Breakfast is included in the price. Some of the rooms that share a bath are a bit of a hike from the bath and shower rooms. No alcohol allowed on the premises. The design of the hotel is beautiful but staff can be very rude and don't expect to be made to feel welcome.  
• Hotel Al-Ghazal , Sharia souq saroujah ( in souq Saroujah, at the street turning out towards Jisr-Al-Thawra, the revolution bridge ), ☏ +963 11 231-3736 , [email protected] . Also known as Ghazal Hotel, this hotel is a newcomer in the Saroujah budget hotels. It has a very attractive, typical Damascus courtyard. For breakfast, they serve the usual range of teas and coffeea and good water pipe free of charge. You can bring alcohol to drink in the courtyard. Rooms and facilities are new. Several new, clean bathrooms with hot water and also a hostel portion in the same structure. There is safe for valuables. Owners are helpful and service-minded, but they speak less English than their competitors and don't arrange tours or otherwise on a regular basis (but could still probably help out if you ask). English spoken enough to arrange rooms, get/give directions and special circumstances. For foreign students of Arabic, the hotel staff are very accommodating and surprisingly insightful with the limited English they speak. If you are a light sleeper, you should avoid rooms close to the kitchen, bathrooms and reception area. The rooms facing onto the courtyard are peaceful. 9 . ( updated Nov 2020 )
• Al-Haramain Hotel , Sharia bahsa, Souq saroujah ( next to the Al-Rabie Hotel ), ☏ +963 11 231-9489 . Some of the rooms on the upper floors lack heaters and can be very cold in the winter unless the door to the common space is left open. The courtyard is smaller than in Al-Rabie, but the staff is nice and friendly. Showers are in the basement. Helpful staff that can arrange tours and otherwise cater to tourist needs. No alcohol allowed on the premises. Reservations needed. Scam warning: their email has been hacked. If someone responds to your email asking for money up front,do not send it! Al Haramain is not a low budget hotel, so check prices before booking. Prices are more expensive than nearby hostels. Breakfast is always included in the price .  
• Sultan Hotel ( almost opposite Hejaz Train Station ). Check-out: 12:00 . In a good location, 10–15 minutes' walk from the Old Town in one direction and the National Museum in the other. US$55 per night for a double room including breakfast, but most currencies are accepted. .  

• 33.513065 36.294109 1 Al-Madinah City Hotel , ☏ +963 963 11 2219375 , fax : +963 112453817 , [email protected] . ( updated Oct 2018 )
• [dead link] Al Majed Hotel , 29th May Street ( above Yusef Al-'Azmeh Square, behind the Assufara (Ambassadors') Cinema ), ☏ +963 11 232-3300 , fax : +963 11 232-3304 , [email protected] . This family-run 60-room hotel remains a very popular, secure and central place to stay for travellers of all sorts, from businessmen to backpackers. The Al Majed Restaurant, open 24 hours, is on the top floor of the Hotel with a variety of dishes, from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to Continental cuisine.  
• [formerly dead link] Damascus Hostel ( Al Abbara Street from Straight Street, or rope ladder on city walls 100 m from Bab Sharqi ), ☏ +963 11 541-4115 . This hostel has a unique location, with some rooms in a tower on the city wall. While the location is excellent and the rooms are decent. Laundry service with an automatic washer is available. Satellite television is available in the common area but there is no on-site Internet access. The website has both a printable map with directions and GPS coordinates.  
• [formerly dead link] Dana Residence , Qudssaya Suburb ( around 10 km from Damascus centre ), ☏ +963 11 323 56 61 . Offers various-sized apartments, suitable for all numbers of persons. Each apartment has its own balcony with breath-taking views of the mountains. Prices start at $US50 .  
• [dead link] Fallouh House , in the heart of The old city of Damascus-Bab Touma , ☏ +963 933 356955 , [email protected] . Has air conditioned rooms (singles, doubles) with satellite TV, telephone and mini-bar. You can ask for a car to pick you up from the airport. The courtyard contains fountain and is full of plants. Prices start at US$35 .  
• [dead link] House of Damascus , [email protected] . rents a rooms for students studying in Damascus in a beautiful, traditional Arabic house in the heart of the Old City of Damascus. The house includes seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, two kitchens, a beautiful courtyard and a rooftop terrace with a great view over Old Damascus. Each bedroom is furnished with a TV, bed, wardrobe, dresser and heater (air-con in some rooms). The kitchens are fully equipped (gas stove, microwave, kettle, oven etc.) and the modern bathrooms have hot water 24 hours a day. Washing machine, internet access (dial-up) and fixed telephone (landline) are also available.  
• Hotel Old Damascus , Bab Tuma Square near Haretna Restaurant , ☏ +963 11 541-4042 . In the Old City, near the St. Thomas gate, on one of those two-metre-wide pedestrian-only streets that are so common in the older neighbourhoods. The Old Damascus has about a dozen rooms and used to be a typical Arab home of the sort common among prosperous merchants in the early 1900s. A Syrian-Arab family owns and operates the hotel.  
• [dead link] Orient Gate Hotel , opposite Venesia Hotel, beginning of Saroujah Entrance, Bahsa St. ( within walking distance of the commercial markets and many restaurants ), ☏ +963 11 231 6224 , fax : +963 933 226 012 , [email protected] . The hotel has 25 air-conditioned rooms (doubles, twins, and triples) with satellite TV, telephone and mini-bar. Safe deposit box at the reception. Staff are available to assist guests 24 hours a day. Summer terrace looking out over Damascus city. Prices start at US$36 .  
• [dead link] Sah al Naum Bed and Breakfast , Baghdad street, Ekeibeh neighbourhood, Amara , ☏ +963 11 231 0884 , [email protected] . Offers long- as well as short-term stays. The 400-year-old house has been renovated. The two-storey house prides has 27 furnished rooms restored in Ottoman decorative styles. With wireless internet access, laundry facilities and a fully equipped kitchen. The house has two open courtyards with view of Qasiun mountain. Starting from €45 .  
• 33.512701 36.313778 2 [dead link] Beit Al Mamlouka , Bab Touma ( in front of Hammam Bakri ), ☏ +963 11 543 0445 . Amazing little boutique hotel on a quiet alleyway, behind an unmarked doorway. The rooms and courtyard are part of a beautiful old Damascus house. US$150-300 . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• [dead link] Cham Hotel , ☏ +963 11 223-2300 , fax : +963 11 221-2398 , [email protected] . Syria's national hotel chain, and one of the largest business-class hotels in the city.  
• Blue Tower Hotel , Hamra Street , ☏ +963 11 3340240 , fax : +963 11 3342112 , [email protected] . Offers all the services of a four-star international hotel; Presidential suite, bathrooms are provided with jacuzzi, comfortable rooms equipped with the modern technology services; communication facilities including free high-speed internet (wireless in the lobby and wired in the rooms). Additional facilities include an international restaurant, bar and café.  
• Baik Bash hotel and restaurant , Straight Street , ☏ +963 11 5436007 , fax : +963 11 5436008 , [email protected] . Offers all the services of a five-star hotel, double king-sized beds, modern equipment, terrace cafe, basement cinema cafe, reading lounges, restaurant, salon, VIP area, Wi-Fi.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

See the Syria article for information on the security situation.

In rural and modern areas of Damascus, people have been known to be perfectly healthy, but to imitate beggars in order to get money. Often, they will attempt to con you by giving more money and have many tricks to do so. Exercise caution.

Also, for your safety, do not take advice or recommendations, especially about accommodation, doctors and dentists, from taxi drivers.

Connect [ edit ]

Most hotels can arrange international phone calls, but prices are very expensive. Most internet cafes are set up for VOIP, and offer a much cheaper alternative, although the price does reflect the quality of the connection.

Internet access is widely available, although the Syrian government censors traffic, which can cause some interesting quirks in connectivity.

Cope [ edit ]

Very few large banks will cash American Express Traveller Cheques in Damascus and elsewhere in Syria. ATMs and credit cards are not a reliable option.

ATMs are not always in operation. Change houses exist in many areas in Damascus, especially near the large souks. The euro, British pound, and American dollar can be changed at these shops, usually commission-free. Be sure to look up the current exchange rate before changing money so you do not get cheated. Many shops, especially in the old city), also change money. Though it is illegal, it is a handy option when you're already shopping in the old city and need to change some cash quickly. Just ask around the shopkeepers for a money changer and you will soon be directed to a store that does currency exchange.

Embassies [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

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Damascus Travel Guide

posted on: Apr 19, 2023

By: Dina Kobeissi / Arab America Contributing Writer

Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Although travel to Syria has been significantly impacted due to instability and conflict, more people are traveling to Syria again. Recently, famous Youtube channels like Drew Binsky, Yes Theory, Passenger Paramvir, Eva zu Beck, Bald and Bankrupt, have posted vlogs traveling to Syria. Of the places visited Damascus stands to be the most popular. Here’s a guide to visiting the City of Jasmine: the must-see spots and the best cafes and restaurants. 

The Streets of Sham al Qadimeh: Old Damascus 

There is so much to do in Old Damascus. Start off with a walk around Souk al-Hamidiyeh . The largest souk in Syria where you will find everything from regular household items to artwork and traditional clothing.

The streets are ancient and traditional. It is hard to miss the Damascus Citadel, a large medieval fortified palace listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to grab traditional Middle Eastern booza (ice cream) from Bakdash . 

Once you reach the end of the souk, you will find the beautiful Umayyad Mosque. Along with the ancient Roman Temple of Jupiter. The square in front of the mosque is captivating and calming despite the busyness of children running and pigeons everywhere. You can go inside the mosque, one of the largest and oldest in the world. Christian and Muslim traditions alike consider it to be the burial place of John the Baptist’s head. A tradition originating from the 6th century. Muslim tradition believes that the mosque will be the place where Jesus will return before the End of Days. The architecture of the mosque, inside and out, is gorgeous with influence from the Iron Age, Roman period, Byzantine Empire, Umayyad caliphate, and Abbasid rule. 

Historical Locations in Sham al Qadimeh: Old Damascus

Also in Old Damascus is Al Azm palace , one of the most lavish examples of a traditional Damascene home. In addition to being an iconic photo spot, it has been turned into a museum. Here you can learn about the old Syrian lifestyle and traditions from familial lifestyle, clothing, and weaponry. 

Bab Sharqi and Bab Tuma are historic neighborhoods in Old Damascus. You’ll feel like you’re in the set of Bab al-Hara as you walk through the streets. Filled with shops and restaurants, the area’s sunset is amazing. Be sure to go to one of the rooftops to catch it. Abou al Zulof is an especially popular spot. There are also many historic houses that have been turned into hotels that have restaurants for traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

If you visit Tekiyeh Al-Sulaymaniyah , you’ll find one of the old mosques in Damascus built Ottoman-style surrounded by a souk that sells silver, traditional clothing, art, and souvenirs. 

In the bustling Umayyad Square, you’ll find cars circulating, but you can stand in the large rotary for pictures and to see the famous Damascus Sword Statue.

Off the square’s rotary is the Sheraton hotel where you’ll find some pricier, but nice restaurants like Biziria which serves Italian food. 

At the National Museum of Damascus , the largest museum in Syria, you can learn about the entire range of Syrian history over a span of over 11 millennia.

Jahiz Park is nice for a stroll. Outside of the gates are various restaurants and cafes. Some local favorites include Aura by Dina which has a healthy changing menu and “hotdogty” which serves hotdogs with all kinds of toppings. 

Some malls in Damascus include the upscale Malki Mall or the Cham Center, and Damasquino. They all have restaurants, cafes, shops, and arcades. Damasquino has a bowling alley and indoor go-karting! 

Other places you can check out to eat are the Entrecore in Cham Palace, Vintage Social House, and Cali which serves Italian-Japenese fusion. 

Outside the Main City 

If you want to venture outside the central area of the city, you can go to Mashrou Dummar to visit Up Town , an outdoor mall that includes shops, restaurants, an outdoor amusement park, and a recreational center for soccer, basketball, and swimming. 

An hour or so drive from the main city is Bludan where you can escape the noise and catch some views of the mountain. A personal favorite Bludan spot is Mora where you can order mezza and fresh meats. 

If you want some mountain views that are closer to the main city, you can venture to Jabal Qasyoun. 

For a fun night out, Art House, Sky Stone, and Epano all hold parties on the weekends. The vibes are unbeatable, especially in the summer. 

Damascus is a beautiful place with lots to see and do…and eat. Despite the war and hardship, the city remains alive, and its people are the kindest you will ever meet. While travel restrictions are still a barrier for Damascus, and all of Syria, to be the tourist hotspot it once was, I hope this article gives you a sense of the beauty, excitement, and history that the city of Jasmine offers. I hope one day, everyone will be able to visit again, and that this guide can be your source of inspiration for your trip! 

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Travel to Damascus in Syria – What Is It Really Like?

As we began approaching Damascus, I must admit that it caught me by surprise.

Travel to Damascus and the entire country has been off-limits for the past eight years due to a brutal war. 

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From the images I had seen in the media, I expected Damascus to be a much quieter city, lacking energy and colour.

Instead, as we drove through the city on our way to reach the old town, the streets were busy with people and traffic, it was bustling with life. Above all, it felt similar to any other Middle Eastern city around the world.

We passed many shops, shawarma stalls with the familiar meat roasting and turning on the grill, the aroma of fresh bread faintly passes by.

The sweet aroma of cardamom coffee fills the air and the streets are full of men and women going about their day. There are no present signs of war going on here except for some soldiers manning the few checkpoints we passed on our arrival into the Old Town.

Table of Contents

What is it really like to travel to Damascus in Syria?

Here are our impressions of this fascinating city.

The Old Town Damascus in Syria

As we walked to our hotel through the narrow cobblestoned streets in the Old Town, it felt like we had arrived in Istanbul or Fez. Most importantly, the positive vibe I immediately felt in those first few minutes was warming. A good indication of how my entire experience was to be in Damascus in Syria over the next few days.

As we reached our hotel, we were greeted with smiles and warm hospitality. After sipping on our first strong Syrian coffee and checking into our beautiful room, we hit the streets with our local guide so we could get a better insight into Damascus.

If we had any doubts about our travel to Damascus in Syria, stepping into this place and chatting to our guide has put us at ease.

How to dress in Damascus

We’d researched this question before our travel to Damascus, yet we weren’t entirely sure how conservative we should be dressed here. We came prepared with some long loose tops, in case we were required to wear them here, but soon found it wasn’t expected.

Damascus is very liberal in terms of the dress code for women. We saw some women with headscarves, abaya (cloak), and very conservative clothing. Yet other women dressed modestly in long trousers and t-shirts with different hairstyles and make-up. We wore long loose pants and loose t-shirts here.

As Damascus has a large Christian community, this is reflected in the dress code. Our guide explained that some other areas of Syria are a little more conservative, however, we are dressed respectfully as we were, so it was ok.

Can you take photos in Damascus in Syria?

Yes. With so many beautiful buildings, historical places of interest, and colourful street life; taking photos or video here was fine. However, it’s forbidden to take photos of military or government buildings (which is common in many countries).

But many visitors in the city (we assume, mostly from other Arabic countries) had cameras and iPhones out at all times to capture photos of the daily life in Damascus. I’ve lost count of the times that locals would approach us and ask if they could take a selfie with us.

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The vibe of the city

Syria is made up of a few different religions, mainly Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The people live in harmony with each other and respect whichever faith or beliefs each has. As a result, this city is kind of special. You have churches built next to or across from mosques.

The Old Town is where you’ll most likely want to explore and where much of the fascinating history, and architecture is found.

Established between 10,000 to 8,000 BC, Damascus is known to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.

Is it safe to walk around on your own in Damascus?

We spent three days in total exploring Damascus. We discovered much of Damascus with our local guide, however, we spent a lot of time walking around on our own both during the day and in the evenings in the Old Town.

Street Food in Damascus in Syria

Inside the Old Town walls of Damascus, I was thrilled to see that street food is everywhere and locals love it! It’s super affordable and always fresh. In the evenings, it’s especially busy. You’ll find trays of cheesy pizza being expertly cut and dished out on paper plates for about 0.40 cents per piece.

Walk a little further down the road and the baker is selling huge chocolate-filled croissants straight from the oven. It’s not hard to choose where to eat as you can follow the locals. They will always lead you to the best places for street food. We follow this rule in every new country we travel to.

These are our  7 Tips for how to find the best food when travelling.

As usual, you can find shawarma shops almost everywhere in Damascus Syria and felafel shops are common too. This is a cheap and filling meal for around $0.60 – $1.00 each. You’ll also see many small bakeries that sell small pastries and bites slathered with zaatar, meat, or filled with cheese.

Restaurants in Damascus Syria

Some of the best cafes and restaurants here can be found in the Old Town. If you’d like to eat some fantastic Syrian cuisine (and you should try as much as you possibly can), you can wander along and check a few restaurant menus. Just enter each restaurant and ask for it.

Nowadays, you will find that many menus don’t list prices (as it fluctuates too much), so make sure you ask the waiter the prices before you order or if you choose to dine somewhere without any prices mentioned.

This is best if you want to avoid a surprisingly large bill at the end. Either way, be prepared that your travel to Damascus in Syria will involve some amazing Syrian food. Here are the 9 Syrian dishes you should try.

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How much does food cost in Damascus?

Syrian food is very affordable. The main dish, such as kebab – served with bread and salad costs around 2000 – 2500 Syrian Pound (about $3-4). After that, appetizers such as hummus or baba-ganouj are usually eaten. They will set you back around 0.80 cents per plate.

Tabbouleh salad or fattoush salad costs around 700 SYP or $1.40. Everything is served with flatbread. We ate dinner a few times at a wonderful restaurant (with menu prices) called Jabri House.

This place is located in the Old Town and it used to be a hotel but has now been converted to a stunning restaurant, complete with a fountain in the middle. The staff were wonderful and told us they were very happy to see western tourists back in their restaurant.

Places you shouldn’t miss in Damascus in Syria

Most of the places you will want to visit below are located within the Old City walls and they are reachable on foot. There are still signs posted on small streets to help navigate you to the main points of interest in Damascus.

Al-Hamidiyah Souq

Located inside the old walled city of Damascus, this feels like the busiest place in town. The souq is about 600 metres long and the entrance is covered by a tall stone arch, the remains of a Roman temple. A huge Syrian flag is strung flat across the roof.

The atmosphere is lively, full of energy and people. You can find almost anything here including clothing, carpets, trinkets, perfume, spices, and small food shops.

Best ice cream in Syria

Don’t miss the best ice cream shop in Syria called Bakdash. It’s hard to miss as it seems that everyone in town is standing outside enjoying bowls of the stuff as they continue strolling around the souk. Or they enter the shop which has three massive rooms with seating for what looks like hundreds of people.

This is a must-visit place for all who travel to Damascus in Syria.

It’s famous for its pistachio-covered ice cream with an elastic texture. This shop has operated since 1885 and this is the only thing they do and they do it very well.

How to Travel to Syria in 2024 – Everything You Need To Know

Food in Syria – 9 Most Popular Dishes

Christian quarter.

This is the area where alcohol flows freely, and music and dancing are found in the early hours of the morning. The nightlife in Damascus is fantastic! If you have any energy left from exploring during the day, head here for a few drinks. You can also find some great roof-top restaurants and cafes to relax and take in more Syrian hospitality.

Umayyad Mosque

The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Banu Umayya is one of the largest and holiest mosques in the world. It is the 4th holiest place in Islam, the first three being the Grand Mosque, (in Mecca); the Prophet’s Mosque, (in Medina), and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Both the interior and exterior of the mosque are beautiful. It’s quite unique as it stands on the site of the 1st-century temple to Jupiter and later as a church of St. John the Baptist.

The National Museum of Damascus

This museum covers the entire range of Syrian history and displays artifacts from Syria’s most important archaeological sites.  It houses the first alphabet in history, inscribed on a clay tablet. We admired elaborate tombs, 2nd-century murals, and frescoes here too.

You could easily spend hours here learning about the ancient history of Syria. Each piece has information in English/Arabic language.

Is Damascus ready for visitors again?

To sum up, our experience of our travel to Damascus in Syria in 2019 was very positive and memorable. As I mentioned before, this city feels similar to Istanbul or cities in Morocco. The city is definitely ready and waiting to welcome visitors again.

We felt safe and welcomed here at all times. We never felt threatened, nor did we encounter any problems during our visit. Overall, the people here were so happy to finally see tourists returning to their country.

Are you considering travelling to Damascus in Syria in the future? Check out our post below:

This post is about how to visit Syria, and everything you need to know  – it will be helpful for you to plan. This post may also helpful for you –  How to get a Syrian visa.

If you do travel to Syria, we recommend that you also spend some time in Lebanon. We visited Baalbek Roman Ruins in the city of Baalbek and it was such an amazing experience.

You can book a day trip to reach Baalbek or you can get there on your own. Here are the steps for how to get from Beirut to Baalbek by Public Transport.

Travel Tips for Asia

We have many travel guides and tips for Asia— a fascinating continent!

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Asia, and our food map of Asia will inspire your food journey.

These top 5 best street foods in Asia are unmissable! We explain Central Asian food, including seven popular foods in this region.

Our Southeast Asia packing list will be helpful if you’re travelling here.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Not surprisingly, our top 10 best countries for food lovers include a few Asian countries.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Asia. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual Asian countries , or consider a regional eSIM for Asia (which covers 18 countries).

If your travels in Asia are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries , offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM . The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. View the best deals on group tours in Asia .

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

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🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

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💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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12 Comments . Leave new

Really enjoyed your blog very informative made me feel I was there walking around the streets of Damascus… Keep up the good work

Thanks, Paula 😉

In short words, all mentioned above is true. I awas born in Syria, I am living in Croatia from 1982.

Hello Rach, My name is Sandie and i have just followed your walk through Syria… How very interesting and vey informative. I loved it, every bit of it. Can I ask you what drew you to go there. I see you love travelling but there is just some thing that draws me to Syria.

I have travelled to India Twice and I loved every minute of it and would love to go back again… Seeing Syria drew me just like the day I was going to India. If it is ok with you I would love to give you my email address as it would be such a positive outcome for me to hear from you. Warm Regards, Sandie.

Hi Sandie, Thank you for your message and I’m happy to hear you enjoyed reading my post. The history, culture and food is what drew me most to visit Syria. Also, because I’m on an adventure to visit every country in the world, of course this meant I had to visit Syria too. I do hope you get to visit one day.

Very much taken in with your Walk and information…. through Syria

hi – thank you so much for your blog – really very good. Can you please provide some details on how you chose your guide and booking your hotel room in damascus?

I will be Lebanon next month for a week and after reading your blog, I definitely want to spend at least 2 nights in Damascus!

We used the services of a local tour agency to secure our visa and also book our hotel in Damascus and tour around Syria. The name of the agency is ‘Golden Target’, they may be able to help you with any arrangements.

how much is for tour agancy?i only want this for the visa,i dond want to booka full tour with others. can you recommend something or you must book a full tour?and if yes,if a book two days one night tour,can i stay longer in damaskus because i read the visa is 15 days valid

We suggest that you ask all of these questions to the agency – they will have more accurate information for you.

Hi Rach, How long did you guys spend in Syria?

Hello, We spent around one week exploring Syria.

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The Road To Damascus | What You Must Do And See

Your trip to Syria will most probably start in Damascus, a city that never fails to impress its visitors.  In order to be well-prepared for this experience, in this blog post I will talk you through all the must-do and see in the city, including hidden gems you should not miss out!

A Blast From The Past

The Syrian capital, also known as the city of Jasmin, is widely considered the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth.  The old Damascus dates back to medieval times and is encircled by five kilometers of a strong defensive wall. A large proportion of these huge walls remains surprisingly quite well preserved to date.

As soon as the visitor enters the old city from any of the seven different gates, he dives into a maze of narrow streets and alleys. A large part of the heritage of the city consists of magnificent palaces and private houses built during the Ottoman conquest (in the early 16 th century). Most of these houses have now been converted into museums, galleries, luxury hotels, or traditional restaurants. Within the old city walls also lies the citadel, as well as mosques, shrines, and churches of religious importance.

Likewise in many other cities in the Middle East, the focal meeting point for locals are the various marketplaces (souks). The Souks in Damascus have retained their old oriental style, and are generally comprised of small shops organized by type of item sold. They appear as a labyrinth, a real maze full of treasures. From the famous Damascene brocade textiles (mainly silk) to the finely carved wooden mosaics decorated with the use of ivory and mother of pearl.

Another commercial hub of significant importance for Middle East cities was the so-called Khan . The Khans (also known as Caravanserais) received caravans from different parts of the world. As such, this is where cultures met and goods were exchanged. The Khans were huge buildings with a wide façade, a wooden gate, and a stone arch high enough to allow loaded camels to get inside the spacious courtyard. The courtyard was surrounded by rooms and halls used as offices for merchants, depots, and stables for camels and horses. The first floor was used as a hotel.  Khans no longer serve their original purpose but are used as galleries, hotels, or handicraft bazaars.

Landmarks Of Old Damascus

Damascus is a living museum, with loads of places of interest that would hardly fit in 2-full days. The most important landmarks lying in the old Damascus are listed here below:

• Straight Street (or in Latin “Via Recta”), is the Roman street that runs from east to west in the old city of Damascus. Along this street, the visitor can admire several interesting sights from the Roman, Christian, and Islamic periods.
• The Chapel of Saint Ananias is located in the old Christian Quarter, at the very end of Straight Street. It is believed to be the earliest place of worship for Christians to survive in the city. This very site used to be the house of Ananias, the first bishop of Damascus, who dedicated himself to secretly spreading Christianity in his home. It is also the place where Ananias baptized Saul, the Jew who converted to Christianity and became Saint Paul the messenger. Ananias was persecuted by the Romans, imprisoned, and stoned to death.
• Damascus Citadel: Unlike all other citadels that are usually built on top of a hill, the Damascus Citadel is built on the same level as the city. It has undergone various rebuilding phases, as well as extensive restoration work. At the time of our visit to Syria, the Citadel was not open to the public so we could only see it from the outside.
• The Al-Hamidiyah Souk is the most beautiful souk of old Damascus. This covered bazaar is 600 meters long, 15 meters wide, and about two stories high. The visitor can find here sorts of goods; from clothes, fabrics, and handicrafts, to spices, and pastries.

• At the end of Al-Hamidiyah Souk stands one of the most famous mosques in the Islamic world, the Umayyad Mosque . Umayyad Mosque (also known as the Grand Mosque of Damascus), is one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the oldest sites of continuous prayer since the rise of Islam. The building alone is a magnificent structure, a wonder of Islamic architecture, and the work of thousands of craftsmen of Coptic, Persian, Indian, and Byzantine origin. Some prominent features of the mosque complex are the three minarets built in completely different styles, the mosaic-covered walls, the vast courtyard, and the enormous prayer hall divided into three parts by two parallel lines of Corinthian-style columns.

Interestingly, this site has hosted many different religions in the past. The Aramaeans originally built a temple here in 100 BC for Haddad, the God of storms and lightning. Then, in the early 1st century AD, the Romans arrived and built a massive temple to Jupiter over the foundations of the Aramaean temple. Nowadays, before entering the Umayyad Mosque, visitors cross a spacious square with Roman columns and arches. These are actually the remains of the main entrance of that very temple dedicated to God Jupiter.

In the late 4th century this area became a Christian sacred site. The temple of Jupiter was destroyed and a church dedicated to John the Baptist was built in its place. The church was believed to enshrine the head of the Baptist, making the site an important pilgrimage destination.

The Muslim conquest of Damascus in 636 didn’t initially affect the church, and the building was shared by Muslim and Christian worshipers. Later on, a large part of that old church was demolished and the Umayyad Mosque was constructed in its place. However, sheltered inside the prayer hall remains the small chapel and shrine of John the Baptist. Legend says that when the Christian church was demolished, the head of John the Baptist was found complete with skin and hair.

Later on, and following mutual agreement between Muslims and Christians, the current mosque was constructed. For a period of about 400 years, and while being a mosque, this place also served as a university of Astronomy, Engineering, and Medicine.

• Al-Azem Palace : Not far away from the Umayyad Mosque you can also visit Al-Azem Palace. Built in 1750 by the Ottoman governor of Damascus As’ad al-Azem, this place is considered a masterpiece of Damascene architecture. Despite its exterior simplicity, the rich interior marks Al-Azem Palace as one of the most lavish examples of traditional houses in the city. Nowadays, it has been converted into a museum dedicated to folklore and arts. Around 30’ would suffice for a quick visit.

The Shrine (Mausoleum) of Sayyida Ruqayya  houses the tomb of Ruqayya, the youngest daughter of Hussain bin Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammed. There is a really sad story behind the short-lived Ruqayya, who died at the age of 3. Ruqayya was captured in the Battle of Karbala, where her father was also brutally killed and beheaded. Legend has it that Hussain bin Ali’s head was placed next to Ruqayya’s bed, with the little girl crying herself to death when seeing it. The mosque is distinguished by Shia (Iranian) architecture, and hosts gatherings of people who are still mourning Ruqayya’s loss. Dolls and toys are brought as gifts and are laid next to Ruqayya’s shrine. 

Getting Closer To Syrian Culture And Art

In the early afternoon and after the end of the prayer that takes place at 6 pm, locals enjoy gathering in cafes to listen to the stories narrated by “al hakawati” (aka the storyteller). In fact, this is a very well-known tradition in Damascus! One of the most famous cafes in which storytellers still tell their stories is Al Nawfara Café , located in old Damascus, next to the Great Umayyad Mosque.

The hakawati narrates a long story that unfolds into small “episodes”. There is no repetition of the same narration, just a continuation of the story every day. I can only assume that the daily narration suffices for people who understand Arabic to follow the wider story told! We personally could not understand a word of it, but we had loads of fun seeing how the hakawati got emotionally involved in his reading. Sometimes waving a flat sword in the air and some other times slamming it against a table in an effort to silence the audience or to add a dramatic effect to his sayings!

No matter what the story was all about, our evening at the Al Nawafara Café crowned our full-day exploring Damascus and added much to the city’s historic charm!

For those of you that are art lovers, the art scene of Damascus will not disappoint you. The old city alone is full of art galleries, where you can admire (and buy) exquisite pieces of art from local artists. We were extremely lucky to be granted access to the gallery and home of the famous Syrian artist, Mustafa Ali , thanks to the acquaintances of our tour guide, Rami! His gallery is located in the Jewish Quarter of the old Damascus, an underrated area that -thanks to the presence and efforts of Mustafa Ali himself- has been transformed into a vibrant artistic neighborhood.

From the moment we set foot in Mustafa Ali’s 500-year-old courtyard, we were blown away by the house’s ambiance and artistic atmosphere. The place was insane, full of sculptures in a variety of materials from wood to bronze. Entering the different rooms of the house, we could take a sneak peek into the artist’s personal life, as well as his working space. Definitely, a memory to be treasured!

Modern City

Outside the old city walls, lies the modern town, with various sites that require your attention and visit:

• The National Museum of Damascus  is the oldest cultural heritage institution in the country, with a wide range of artifacts on display. The museum provides an excellent overview of the civilizations that flourished on the Syrian land over a span of 11 millennia.
• The handicraft market of Takieh al Suleimaniyeh is a hidden gem you should not miss out while in Damascus! Steps away from the National Museum, this place is famous not only for its architectural style but also for buying fine Damascene craftwork. Jewelry made of silver, rugs, and mosaics found here are one of a kind. Amazingly the rooms that now host art galleries and shops, were used in the past as public shelter for homeless people. Right next to the market, stands a mosque of the same name, an exquisite example of Ottoman architecture.
• The largest mural in the world made of recycled materials (as registered in the Guinness World Record) can be found in Damascus’s Al-Mazzeh neighborhood. This amazing artwork, measuring 720 square meters, has been constructed on the wall of the Martyr Nahla Zeidan Primary School with the use of nearly twenty tons of solid household waste. Locals from many different parts of Syria contributed to the creation of the mural by “donating” ceramic pieces, aluminum cans, broken mirrors, bicycle wheels, cooking utensils, house keys, and other personal objects to the local artist Mowaffaq Makhoul and his team. The whole work, from waste collection and sorting to the final design and creation lasted from October 2012 till the beginning of 2014.

How Can I Visit Damascus / Syria (At The Moment)?

Let me start by mentioning that despite the 12-year armed conflict, Damascus itself was the less-hit city in the whole of Syria. Only the outskirts were destroyed, an area that remains off-limits to tourists. The places you will be visiting, both in the Old City and in the new part of Damascus, remain intact with minimum to no signs of hits. All shops, souks, and restaurants are open, while the streets are bustling with life.

With all that being said, Damascus is a city where you can safely roam around on your own. However, if you would like to be accompanied by a local guide, then you can simply book a day (or multi-day) tour with a local agency. I would personally recommend the services of   Marrota Tourism , the agency we also used for our 8-day trip in Syria. They are a bunch of professional, knowledgeable, and fun people, that you will have a blast being surrounded with!

For all the important logistics of a trip to Syria in 2023, do revert to the dedicated  “The Ultimate Travel Guide For Syria | Know Before You Go”  post I have created for this purpose. You will get all answers to your questions!

Are You Ready For Syria?

If you feel you cannot organize such a trip alone, then you can always join me on one of my future trips! As a point of reference, I will be posting proposed travel dates at the end of each blog post!

Join Me In Syria

Next Travel Dates: 19-28 March 2023

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Local time Damascus

Introducing Damascus

• About Damascus
• Weather / Best time to visit
• Images of Damascus

While you’re there

• Getting around
• Attractions, tours and tickets
• Things to see
• Things to do
• Restaurants

Plan your trip

• Travel to Damascus

Syrian Arab Republic Information

• About Syrian Arab Republic
• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free
• Food & drink

Book your flights

Things to see in Damascus

Attractions, the christian quarter and straight street.

Straight Street, the Via Recta, has been the main east-west thoroughfare since Roman/Hellenistic times. Just off the street are the grand Damascene houses of the Christian Quarter, now often turned into bars and restaurants. At the end is the Roman gate of Bab Sharqi, and nearby the underground Chapel of St Ananias, where it is believed that Ananias sheltered St Paul after his blinding conversion. St Paul's Chapel marks the spot where St Paul was lowered over the city walls to escape his Roman persecutors.

Souk al-Hamidiyeh

Located within the old city walls, Souk al-Hamidiyeh is Damascus's most famous souk (market). Built in stages during the Ottoman era - the eastern section in 1780 and the western section in 1883 - the souk has undergone numerous renovations, but it retains its old-world charm. You can find traditional Syrian silver and gold jewellery, and intricately carved wooden furniture. Be prepared to bargain.

The Old City

Some 5km (3 miles) of walls surround the well-preserved medieval city of Damascus, with the Great Umayyad Mosque at its heart. It is a place for strolling through the labyrinthine alleys and busy souks, admiring the fine palaces, madrasas (Quranic schools), caravanserais and mosques on the way, or whiling time away in one of the many cafés.

The National Museum

The museum has many treasures from Syria's amazing archaeological sites. Highlights include the sculpture and jewellery from Palmyra, the second-century interior of the Dura Europos synagogue, the world's first alphabet on the Ugarit tablets and the eerie priest statues of Mari.

The Great Umayyad Mosque

The splendid early eighth-century Umayyad Mosque was built on a site that has been sacred for thousands of years. It has been an Aramaic temple, a Roman temple and a Byzantine cathedral. The shrine, said to contain St John the Baptist's head, is still an important pilgrimage spot, as is the tomb of Salah ad-Din (Saladin) just outside the courtyard. More than 12,000 workmen helped to create the superb golden mosaics that once surrounded the entire courtyard, but only the Paradise Panel is left, representing paradise, or Damascus itself.

Tekkiye as-Sulaymaniyye

This exquisite mosque was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Sulayman the Magnificent and built by his master architect Sinan in a mixed Turkish and Syrian style. Next door is a tekke or monastery, now strangely filled with army planes from the Army Museum, and the Selimiye Madrasa, a centre for traditional crafts.

Maristan Nur ad-Din

The Maristan Nur ad-Din, a 12th-century lunatic asylum, was used until the 19th century. Patients were soothed by music and the splashing waters of fountains. Now an interesting museum of medicine, it shows just how advanced the Arabs were on that front.

Azem Palace

One of the most beautiful palaces of the old city, the 18th-century palace of the Ottoman governor Assad Pasha al-Azem has several rooms illustrating traditional crafts and culture. 

Tourist Offices

Tourist information office.

Book Accommodation

Featured hotels, cham palace.

The Cham Palace, located right in the heart of the city, is one of the oldest luxury hotels in Damascus. The rooms command great views over the city and Mount Qassioun and the lobby is a popular meeting point for Syrian businessmen. The hotel has five good restaurants, including the Étoile d'Or, the city's only revolving restaurant, on the top floor.

Omayad Hotel Damascus

Centrally located, Omayad Hote Damascus is a popular four-star business hotel in Damascus. The hotel has a grand lobby and spacious soundproofed rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV and a free Wi-Fi internet connection.

Sultan Hotel

For many years now the best budget option in Damascus, the Sultan is popular with travellers for its excellent location near the old city, its friendly and helpful staff and the basic, but clean rooms with an unchanged motel-style1960s décor. It is advisable to book ahead.

Four Seasons Hotel Damascus

The Four Seasons Hotel is the top hotel in town, and with 23 storeys it has become a landmark on the Damascus skyline. Set in a landscaped park, opposite the National Museum, it is only a short walk from the old city. The rooms are sumptuously decorated and have great views over Damascus and the Barada River.

Beit al-Mamlouka

Damascus's first boutique hotel is in a grand 17th-century city house, built around a central courtyard with fragrant citrus trees and a fountain. The eight luxurious bedrooms are each decorated in a particular style reflecting a period of history and using traditional Syrian furniture and crafts.

Beit Rumman

Beit Rumman is a recent addition to Damascus's burgeoning boutique hotel scene. Located in Bab Touma, Beit Rumman is a converted, 17th-century house complete with its own cellar and courtyard. It offers six bedrooms, each uniquely decorated.

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Choose your dates

A visitor’s guide to damascus.

As recently as 2010, Syria was one of the most popular travel destinations in the Middle East, attracting more than eight million foreign tourists. With stability gradually returning to the region, Syria offers plenty for prospective travellers — especially in its remarkable capital, Damascus.

Damascus has one of the richest and most varied histories of any city in the world. As well as being one of the oldest — if not the oldest — continuously inhabited places, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlement as early as 9000 BC, the City of Jasmine has changed hands numerous times in its long history.

Famous figures like Ramses II, Alexander the Great, Caesar Augustus and Heraclius had all left their mark on Damascus long before it became the capital of Islamic Syria under Muawiya I and the Umayyad Caliphate. Even today, the old town is filled with the distinctive rectangular streets of the Roman era, nestled together with the sweeping arches and domes of the later Islamic Arab period.

What to do in Damascus

There are countless sightseeing opportunities in Damascus. You can visit the Umayyad Mosque , the fourth holiest place in Islam, and the Mausoleum of Saladin, built in 1154 AD to honour the legendary warrior-sultan who defeated the Crusaders in battle and eventually drove them from Jerusalem.

Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque, photo: Elisabetta Frega

The House of Saint Ananias — also called Chapel of Saint Ananias — is an ancient underground structure alleged to be the remains of the home of Ananias of Damascus, where Ananias baptized Saul who became Paul the Apostle, whilst the Tekkiye Mosque , located on the banks of the Barada River, has been described as the finest example of Ottoman architecture in Damascus.

• Travel guide

Robert McKelvey

Robert is a British-born culture writer and storyteller. A graduate from the University of Aberdeen with a dual MA in English Literature and Philosophy, he has travelled extensively in both Europe and the Middle East, and written on a wide variety of subjects, including the arts, comedy, food and even politics. Currently based in Lebanon, he likes to spend his spare time either exploring his new home, drinking tea or working on his first novel.

Another famous landmark is the Citadel of Damascus, a medieval palace first fortified by the Turkman warlord Atsiz bin Uvak in 1076. There is also Azm Palace , which was built in 1749. This grand building served as the private residence of As’ad Pasha al-Azm, then governor of Damascus, and during the French Mandate as the venue for the French Institute, before entering its current role housing the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.

Meanwhile, the National Museum of Damascus highlights Syrian history, displaying important artifacts, relics and other major finds, most notably from Mari, Ebla and Ugarit — three of Syria’s most important ancient archaeological sites. Established in 1919, it is the oldest cultural heritage institution in Syria. After closing its doors in 2012 and hiding artifacts in secret locations to safeguard Syria’s cultural heritage, the museum reopened four of its five wings in 2018.

Arts and culture

You can also visit some of Damascus’s art galleries to catch a glimpse of Syria’s vibrant modern art scene, soak up a little literary culture exploring the home of illustrious writers such as Salim Barakat, Adunis and Khaled Khalifa, or relax in a local cafe whilst watching the bustling streets. You can wander around the Souq Al-Hamidiyya marketplace and admire traditional handicrafts and local foods.

Souq Al-Hamidiyya

Syrian food

Syrians are very proud of their cuisine and are not generally big consumers of foreign foods. Most of the restaurants found in Damascus serve Syrian food, the staples of which are olives, zesty salads, grilled chicken, lamb and sweet, syrupy desserts like baklava. The ubiquitous shawarma is especially popular, as is the famous Bekdash ice cream.

Damascus is a fascinating place, one that should definitely be on your list if you’re looking for a unique adventure.

How to get there?

The easiest way to reach Damascus is by road from Beirut. L’Hôte Libanais offers taxi trips between Beirut and Damascus . Once you’ve arrived, you can travel throughout most of Damascus on foot, but there are also local buses and shared taxis if you don’t feel like walking.

Where to stay?

Accommodation is also readily available. L’Hôte Libanais’s selection includes Shahrayar the majestic guesthouses of Beit Al Mamlouka and Dar Al Mamlouka , the beautiful Beit Al Wali boutique hotel, as well as Shahrayar budget hotel, all of them located in the heart of in the heart of old Damascus

Despite the situation in wider Syria, which is much improved today, Damascus has remained largely safe and secure throughout the crisis in the region and is perfectly safe for international visitors. That being said, it is well worth investing in a guide as they will help you enjoy your visit to the fullest whilst also helping you stick to tourist areas and avoiding the few restricted zones.

Essential tips

Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Obtaining a visa is usually straightforward and L’Hôte Libanais can assist in this process.

Obtaining Syrian pounds before you arrive can be tricky. Euros or US dollars can be easily exchanged at reasonable rates in Damascus. Because of sanctions, ATMs and credit cards are blocked in Syria, so make sure bring enough cash for your stay.

Cover photo: Mohammad Ali Bazzi

Places to visit in Syria in a 1-week itinerary

By Joan Torres 9 Comments Last updated on May 6, 2024

Wanna travel to Syria with Against the Compass?

Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Syria on:

August 11th to 17th, 2024

From Crusader castles to jaw-dropping shrines, remote Christian monasteries, bustling souks, and ancient Roman ruins, there are so many outstanding places to visit in Syria, a country filled with endless marvels, no wonder that, before the crisis, it used to receive more than 8 million tourists a year.

Read: How to travel to Syria and get a visa

Unfortunately, more than 10 years of war have led the country into a profound humanitarian crisis, where millions of people have either been displaced, killed, or just fled the country.

However, thanks to a notable improvement in the overall safety , especially in the Western part, Syria has gained some relative stability and, for the first time in years, they are finally welcoming travelers willing to explore not only ancient gems, but also learn about its recent history and meet the beautiful Syrian people.

This is the most compelling Syria itinerary, containing things to do in Syria in 1 week.

Why doing this Syria itinerary with Against the Compass

This documentary explains what makes our Syria expeditions so unique.

In this Syria travel itinerary, you will find:

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Arrival in Damascus

• Day 2 – Old City of Damascus
• Day 3 – Maaloula and Mar Musa
• Day 4 – Full day in Aleppo
• Day 5 – Hama and Krak de Chevaliers
• Day 6 – Palmyra and Homs
• Day 7 – Bosra

Day 8 – New Damascus and departure

• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Syria

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Syria.

What to visit in Syria in 8 days

Here are my recommended places to visit in Syria, and the most common travel itinerary we use for our expeditions.

Map of the things to do in Syria

Your Syria itinerary should start in Damascus and the easiest way to reach it is from Beirut , the capital of Lebanon, located 100km away. It’s a 2 to 4-hour journey with border crossing included, depending on how busy the border is.

Alternatively, you could also come from Amman, but it’s double the distance, so more expensive.

Damascus has an international airport too with connections via Doha and Dubai , but flight tickets tend to be pricey and are often canceled.

That’s why your best bet is to come via Beirut. If leaving at 9am, you should get into Damascus between 12pm – 1pm, the perfect time for checking in the hotel, having lunch and starting to explore the old city.

There are so many things to do in Damascus, so many things to look at and, with all the unfortunate events that took place recently, it’s very difficult to absorb all the information.

That’s why on your first day, do walk around slowly at your own pace, taking all necessary photos, while engaging with the locals.

For dinner, I strongly recommend Naranj Restaurant , located in the Christian Quarter of the old city. Fine-dining Syrian cuisine but still inexpensive.

Day 2 – Damascus Old City

On day 2, it’s time to start exploring all the landmarks hidden among the alleys of the Old City of Damascus.

By the way, your breakfast will most likely be included in your hotel but, just for one day, I suggest you skip it to try fateh in a local eatery. Fateh is a hearty Syrian meal typically eaten for breakfast consisting of yogurt, chickpeas, fried bread, melted butter, and pine nuts. It’s less heavy than it sounds, and it’s absolutely delicious.

Here’s a good place to have it , just behind Umayyad mosque, in Al Nawfara street.

Things to do in Damascus

After breakfast, these are just some of the landmarks you can visit in the old city:

• Umayyad Mosque: Perhaps, the oldest continuously functional place of worship in the world, and the most famous place to visit in Syria. It started as a Roman Jupiter temple and for the last 1300 years, it has been a mosque, the 4th holiest in Islam and a jaw-dropping masterpiece, where John the Baptist is buried.
• Shia district: The Shia district is a world apart, its most important monument being Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque, one of the most important shrines for Shia Muslims, and one of the most important religious places to visit in Syria.
• Jewish district: Only a small bunch of Jews are left in Damascus, but their former quarter is still there, and you can visit it.
• Christian district: Endless churches and a pretty cool vibe which you would have never expected to exist in Syria. The most important church here is Saint Ananias, built over the remains of the home of Ananias, the place where he baptized Saul, who later became Paul the Apostle.
• Via Recta: A Roman street that runs from the east to the west of the old city, containing several interesting sights from the Roman, Christian, and Islamic periods.

At night, I recommend going to The Barbershop , a pretty cool, chic bar, a little bubble within conservative Syria.

Day 3 – Maaloula and Mar Musa (overnight in Aleppo)

On the third day of your Syria itinerary, I recommend going to Aleppo.

The drive from Damascus to Aleppo takes 4 hours, sometimes more due to checkpoints. On the way, do stop in Maaloula and Mar Musa.

Visit Maaloula

Maaloula is a small and picturesque Christian town, and one of the very few places in the world where people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus.

Maaloula was also taken by Al Nusra – a branch of Al Qaeda – during the recent war, and their legacy can still be seen in several destroyed buildings.

Al Safeer hotel, for example, used to be an emblematic 4-star hotel located on the very top of the town, today it is in ruins as a consequence of the battle of Maaloula . Keen urban explorers can visit it without any major problem.

You’ll be interested in: Is Syria safe?

Maaloula is also home to several churches and monasteries, the Convent of Bacchus and the Monastery of Saint Takla being the most relevant ones.

In Saint Takla, we had the chance to listen to the stories of the nuns who were kidnapped by Al Nusra and held for 3 months. Even if you are not into religious history, visiting both monasteries just to hear their stories is absolutely worth the visit.

Visit Mar Musa

Mar Musa (the Monastery of Saint Moses) is a Syriac Catholic monastery inhabited by monastic monks, home to an ancient church with precious frescoes dating from the 11th century.

Located on a cliff, the views from the monastery are spectacular, so is the monastery itself.

By the way, reaching the sanctuary involves climbing more than 400 steps.

The road that goes through Idlib The road from Damascus to Aleppo goes through the province of Idlib, the capital of which (also Idlib) is the last war zone in Syria, an area controlled by Al Nusra and occupied by Turkey. The road is nowadays pretty safe because it is controlled by the Syrian Government but it goes through Saraqib, which is less than 20km from Idlib itself. Today, however, it seems the Syrian Government has given up on Idlib, meaning there isn’t any fighting, and Turkey is kind of annexing it to themselves. In Idlib, they now use the Turkish Lira and when you are in Saraqib, you are likely to receive an SMS saying Welcome to Turkey – we all did. It’s pretty insane.

Day 4 – Exploring Aleppo

Along with Damascus, Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, historians claiming that people have been living here since the 6th millennium BC.

It used to be the most populated city in Syria too before the war, but not anymore.

It was liberated in 2016 from Al Nusra. Today, a large part of the old city is destroyed but life there is slowly coming back. The experience here is totally different from Damascus.

Things to do in Aleppo

• The Citadel: The hill where the citadel is placed has been used for military purposes for more than 5000 years now, including during the liberation of Aleppo in 2016, when the Syrian Army used it as a stronghold.
• Old City: The Old City of Aleppo is largely destroyed but they are rebuilding many of the buildings and shops are beginning to pop-up among the empty alleys. If possible, do buy from those shops. Local Syrians will greatly appreciate it and you may have the chance to listen to their stories.
• Al Joubaili Soap Factory : This factory has been functioning for more than 800 years now, only stopping production during big crises like the current Syrian war but now they are back to work. Aleppo soap is famous worldwide and this is one of the most famous factories. This is the location: 36.196827, 37.156355
• Baron Hotel : The oldest hotel operating in Syria, founded at the end of the 19th century. Famous guests who have stayed here include Agatha Christie, David Rockefeller, Yuri Gagarin and Zayed Bin Sultan (the founder of United Arab Emirates). Everything continues being super old school. There’s not even electricity but you can still stay here for a pretty unique experience. The hotel has a cozy bar too and I always take my guests here at the end of the Aleppo city tour.
• I Love Aleppo: Don’t miss taking a photo with the famous sign. It’s located right in front of Aleppo Palace.

For dinner, I recommend going to Cordoba , the best restaurant in Aleppo

Day 5 – Hama and Krak de Chevaliers (overnight in Al Mishtaya)

Going from Aleppo to Krak de Chevaliers takes more than 4 hours, but you can visit Hama in between.

Renowned for its seventeen 3,000-year-old norias and water wheels, Hama is a city located between Aleppo and Homs. The norias were built for irrigation purposes, used to water the surrounding gardens but now they are simple ornaments and a tourist attraction.

Most travelers, however, are particularly disappointed when arriving in Hama, since the river is completely dried out, making the norias not very appealing.

Nevertheless, Hama is literally on the way to Krak, and it makes for a perfect quick stop to break the 4-hour journey.

Visit Krak de Chevaliers

Surrounded by lush green hills, Krak de Chevaliers is a Crusader fortress and one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in the world, first built in the 11th century.

This castle had been a major tourist attraction in the past but, during the war, it recovered its former function of being a fortress, since it was occupied by Al Nusra until the Syrian Army took it back. One of the castle’s caretakers was taken as a prisoner by Al Nusra for several days, putting him under different kinds of torture. You may have the chance to meet him.

Today, the castle has finally reopened, and the views from the top won’t leave you indifferent.

On that day, you could spend the night in Homs but with our groups, we prefer going to the Christian village of Al Mishtaya. The hotel there is better ( Villa Rosa Hotel ), it’s very close to Krak and has a lovely evening atmosphere.

Day 6 – Palmyra and Homs (Overnight in Damascus)

The drive from Al Mishtaya to Palmyra is a good 3-hour drive through the Syrian desert.

Visit Palmyra

Palmyra is the most exciting place to visit in Syria, both for its ancient and recent history.

Dating back to the second millennium BC, Palmyra has been inhabited for more than 4,000 years before becoming part of the Roman Empire during the first century AD. It used to be an important trade caravan route and its wealth allowed them to build monuments such as the Temple of Bel and the Great Colonnade.

Palmyra has always fascinated ancient history lovers, but it became even more famous after ISIS took it over in 2014, blowing up the precious Temple of Bel .

Is Palmyra really destroyed?

The Temple of Bel, yes – mostly – but the archaeological site is huge, and most of its wonders, including the amphitheater, are still standing.

For visiting Palmyra, you need a special permit – we can get it for you, no problem – and also an army escort, which will be assigned around 40km before reaching the actual site. The road to Palmyra is full of checkpoints and even military radars, and the reason is that the few ISIS cells that remain active are not far from there, and random attacks targeting soldiers occur every now and then.

Our escort was a lieutenant from the Syrian Army who participated directly in the liberation of Palmyra. He was keen to answer pretty much any question and, regardless of whether what he said was true or not, hearing his version – which differed hugely from the US version – was pretty interesting.

By following our itinerary, you would arrive in Homs around 5pm.

Homs is infamous for being the most affected city by the war, the reason why many travelers have a certain interest in visiting it.

In our itinerary, however, we don’t like to spend a long time there because playing some dark tourism by visiting destroyed buildings with a bunch of tourists is not the right approach.

The city, however, is famous for Halawet El-jibn, my favorite Arabic sweet, much fresher and lighter than any other regional sweet you have tasted, consisting of a white cream named Halawa, wrapped-up in a cheese-based kind of crêpe. Amazing.

If you want to stay in Homs, there is New Basman Hotel but it’s a bit pricey for what you get. That’s why with our groups, we prefer going back to Damascus. Before, there used to be a more direct road between Palmyra and Damascus but that road is now only used for military purposes.

Day 7 – Day trip to Bosra

Two hours south of Damascus, you find the southern city of Bosra, located very close to the Jordanian border and worth the visit for three different reasons:

• It houses the most well-preserved Roman theater in the world
• Syrians from Bosra are notably different, dressing similarly to the people from Jordan and Saudi Arabia
• It’s the only place you can visit which isn’t under the control of the Government, but the Free Syrian Army (FSA)

Because of the FSA, Bosra is a sensitive area and tourists are only allowed to visit the amphitheater and the area nearby, that’s it. It’s controlled by the FSA, yes, but nowadays, they are trying to make peace with the Syrian Government. There’s no Syrian Army presence but in exchange, Bosra is surveilled by the Russian Army.

As a consequence, you can’t stay there overnight but there’s not much to do anyways because half of the town is empty and most shops from the old city are closed.

The Roman theater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the reason why it’s so well-preserved it’s because it was enclosed by a fortress.

On the last day of your Syria itinerary, you should visit the new part of Damascus, which includes the National Museum of Syria .

I am not a big fan of museums, but the one in Damascus contains artifacts, mosaics, and statues found in all the places you visited along this Syria itinerary, objects from all the civilizations that once set their footprint in Syria.

Next to the museum, there is the handicraft market, where you can buy carpets, copper objects, and all sort of handmade Syrian souvenirs.

If you have time, you can also check out the Damascene Sword, October War Panorama or even the historical Jewaz Railway station.

You should leave for Beirut by 4pm at the latest.

Did you like this Syria itinerary ? Get in touch with Against the Compass at [email protected] and we will make it happen 🙂

More information to complement your Syria itinerary

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Syria destination

• Travel Guide to Aleppo
• Syria Travel Guide
• Is Syria Safe?

Travel Itineraries to other countries in the Middle East

• Iran Itinerary
• Saudi Arabia Itinerary
• Travel Guide to Oman
• Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Iraq Itinerary

You will also like our Libya travel guide and Haiti itinerary .

You will also be interested in: Where in the Middle East is safe? and The most beautiful places in the Middle East .

Wow, not sure yet what to think about this kind of tourism, but definitely looks interesting, thanks for the insight!

Well done – an excellent account of your travel in Syria. I was there 40 years ago but only in Damascus and the immediate environs, and the drive from and back to Beirut. Would LOVE to visit again !

Where have you traveled in Africa ?

Hi Andrew, you are su lucky to have visited Syria so long ago. I have been to the Horn of Africa, almost all north plus a bit of the west. Here you can see some of the countries I have been to: https://againstthecompass.com/en/countries/

Hi there, Many thanks for your excellent posts. I will visit Syria as an independent traveler within a month (I have double nationality and one of them is Iranian so I can enter Syria with no visa required). I’m wondering if you can guide me regarding how to obtain a permit to visit Palmyra. Which organization or person should I refer to? I always dreamed to visit it since I was a kid.

Hi Sabrina, Palmyra is one of the most sensitive places in Syria, and there’s no public transportation to go there anymore so your only bet is to hire a small tour there.

Hi Joan, thanks for all this excellent information, it’s super helpful. I have been told the road surface quality is relatively good: do you agree? And do you run / would you consider running tours for road or gravel bikes?

Hi Helena, the main roads are in good condition, yes. We haven’t considered running tours with road bikes yet, but could be an option in the near future, why not

Any plans for tours to Syria in 2024?

Yes, we do, please check out tours page for SYRIA 🙂

https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/destinations/syria/

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U.S. intelligence suggests American who vanished in Syria in 2017 has died, daughter says she was told

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U.S. officials have developed specific and highly credible intelligence suggesting that an American citizen who disappeared seven years ago while traveling in Syria has died, the man’s daughter said Saturday.

Maryam Kamalmaz said in an interview that during a meeting in Washington this month with eight senior American officials she was presented with detailed intelligence about the presumed death of her father, Majd, a psychotherapist from Texas.

The officials told her that on a scale of one to 10, their confidence level about her father’s death was a “high nine.” She said she asked whether other detained Americans had ever been successfully recovered in the face of such credible information, and was told no.

“What more do I need? That was a lot of high-level officials that we needed to confirm to us that he’s really gone. There was no way to beat around the bush,” Maryam Kamalmaz said.

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She said officials told her they believe the death occurred years ago, early in her father’s captivity. In 2020, she said, officials told the family that they had reason to believe that he has died of heart failure in 2017, but the family held out hope and U.S. officials continued their pursuit.

But, she said, “Not until this meeting did they really confirm to us how credible the information is and the different levels of [verification] it had to go through.”

She did not describe the intelligence she learned.

Spokespeople for the White House and the FBI, which investigates abductions in foreign countries, did not immediately return messages seeking comment Saturday.

Majd Kamalmaz disappeared in February 2017 at the age of 59 while traveling in Syria to visit an elderly family member. The FBI has said he was stopped at a Syrian government checkpoint in a suburb of Damascus and had not been heard from since.

Kamalmaz is one of multiple Americans who have disappeared in Syria , including the journalist Austin Tice , who went missing in 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus. Syria has publicly denied holding Americans in captivity.

In 2020, in the final months of the Trump administration, senior officials visited Damascus for a high-level meeting aimed at negotiating release of the Americans. But the meeting proved unfruitful, with the Syrians not providing any proof-of-life information and making demands that U.S. officials deemed unreasonable. U.S. officials have said they are continuing to try to bring home Tice.

The New York Times first reported on the presumed death of Majd Kamalmaz.

Tucker writes for the Associated Press.

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A first-timer's guide to Gran Canaria, Spain

May 13, 2024 • 9 min read

Get to know Gran Canaria, the third-largest Canary Island, with this first-timer's guide © Maremagnum / Getty Images

Ross Clarke has recently returned from Gran Canaria where he was researching for the upcoming Canary Islands guidebook (publishing November 2024). Here he creates the ultimate guide to help you start planning your vacation to the Canaries' third-largest island.

When you fly into Gran Canaria or traverse its coastline by boat to dock at one of its ports, you instantly understand why this island has captivated and intrigued people for centuries.

It’s been given the nickname of "the continent in miniature" due to its diverse terrain, and "the land of eternal spring" for its climate. The original inhabitants before the Spanish named it "Tamaran," and their legacy can be seen across the island in remains of their cave dwellings and artefacts.

Gran Canaria is the middle child of the archipelago, having sprung up from the ocean floor about 14 million years ago. It is often compared to its neighbor, Tenerife , but each of the islands has its own merits.

Most people will know Gran Canaria for its beaches and resorts, particularly Maspalomas in the south that encompasses the popular spot of Playa del Inglés . And while the beaches and sunny weather are spectacular, there’s much more to this beautiful island than sand, sun and sea, from incredible history and culture, magnificent sights and natural wonders, to outstanding food and wine.

When should I go to Gran Canaria?

For many years, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria held the title for the city with the best climate in the world. This is because the capital enjoys a temperate year-round climate with little rain and rarely scorching temperatures. Interestingly, Gran Canaria has its own microclimate, meaning that it can have hot, dry, sunny weather in the arid south, chilly, crisp and fresh temperatures in its mountainous center, and humid, hazy vibes in the north.

Gran Canaria is incredibly popular for winter sun, and beaches can be busy with tourists even in January – although you’re unlikely to spot a Canarian sunbathing until after April. Winter also plays host to several celebrations, including one of the world’s largest carnivals in February. These more-than-week-long celebrations take over the whole island and there are parties, parades and plenty of costumes and fun. 

Summer also gets busy when the mercury can hit 30°C (86°F), however, with more than 60km (37 miles) of beaches around the island’s coast, you can usually find a spot on the sand to soak up some rays. Autumn and spring can be good times to visit, and prices tend to be a little lower, places less busy and temperatures ideal for exploring and sightseeing.

How much time should I spend in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is both ideal for an exciting city break over a long weekend, a week-long beach holiday or an extended stay. In fact, it’s one of the most popular places for remote workers looking to balance work with the laid-back island lifestyle.

If you’re here for a week, you’re probably going to want to hit the beach (and I can’t blame you). While the dunes of Maspalomas are a sight to behold, try one of the quieter beaches such as Melenara near Telde or the remote Playa Güigüí – it’s a bit of a hike but well worth it for unspoilt sand and an all-over tan if that’s your thing! Once you’re suitably bronzed, consider hiring a car and visiting the center of the island. You’ll find fragrant and fire-resistant Canarian pine trees, family-run vineyards, and soaring volcanic monoliths such as Roque Bentayga , which were worshipped by the island’s original pre-Hispanic inhabitants.

If you’re hopping off a cruise ship or here for a city break, the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – to give it its full name – is Spain’s eighth largest city and exudes a cool cosmopolitan vibe. It’s incredibly foodie and it’s worth indulging in the restaurant scene, from cool Canarian dishes by the beach in Mar Gastrotasca , to fine dining at Muxgo – the island’s first Green Michelin Star restaurant thanks to its 0km (0 mile) food philosophy. Don’t miss the beautiful Las Canteras beach with its natural barrier reef that protects the shore and makes the seawater almost swimming-pool like. The old town of Vegueta and Triana is also worth a visit to wander the historic streets and museums.

Is it easy to get in and around Gran Canaria?

The island has one major airport, Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), located about halfway down the east coast, which covers both international and domestic flights. It’s easy to get from the airport to all major resorts by bus, taxi or hire car. 

The bus network is extensive and reaches all parts of the island. Buses are inexpensive and reliable and run by Guaguas Global . In the capital, you’ll see yellow buses. These run the length and breadth of the city and are operated by Guaguas Municipales . Single journeys start at €1.40.

Car hire is a great way to explore the island. Prices are generally good value although can peak during busy periods so it’s advisable to book ahead. Try using a local company if you can such as Cicar or Tirma . You could easily drive the circumference of the island in a single day, it is so compact, but it’s worth taking your time and planning journeys in advance so you don’t miss anything. Make sure to fill up with fuel before heading inland, as the steep, winding mountain roads can deplete reserves quicker than you think.

From the ports in Las Palmas and Agaete, you can catch ferries and high-speed catamarans to neighboring islands including Tenerife.

3 of the best things to do in Gran Canaria

1. see the waves of sand.

The rolling, shapeshifting, undulating dunes of Maspalomas should be on anyone’s must-visit list. These mountains of golden sand were here long before any development started in the resorts that now surround the protected space. Over the last few years, the Canarian government has brought in strict regulations for the dunes in order to preserve and protect them. There are several dedicated routes that you can walk that’ll take you to various parts including oases and La Charca nature reserve, a home to migratory birds. For your own bird's-eye views, head to the panoramic Atelier Cocktail Bar on the top of the Bohemia Suites hotel.

2. Climb the the Roques

There are two very famous monoliths in the center of the island, both of which are worth a visit. The Roque Nublo is the more famous, standing at a height of 80m (262ft) and soaring nearly 2000m (6561ft) above sea level. The trek to the rock is relatively easy and takes about 30–40 minutes.

Alternatively, try climbing to the Roque Bentayga . This was the last point of defence for the island’s original inhabitants, and it’s easy to see why as it stands on a plinth with views of the surrounding sunken volcanic crater. Check out the ground at the top, there are carvings and holes in the stone that are still a mystery to historians.

3. Wander the old town of Las Palmas

No visit to the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is complete without a stroll around the beautiful historic streets of Vegueta. Take a trip up the bell towers of the imposing Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias to get views over the city, sea and surrounding rooftops. Nearby, stop at the Museo Canario to learn all about the island’s original inhabitants and visit the rather creepy skeleton room containing many real examples of their mummified and skeletal remains. Finish with a visit to Terraza Belvédère to enjoy a local wine on the rooftop overlooking the Santa Ana Square.

My favourite thing to do in Gran Canaria

I’m a sucker for a good market, and in Gran Canaria you’re spoilt for choice, from craft and artisan pop-ups to food and agriculture. One of my favorites, that I used to go to regularly when I lived in Las Palmas, is the weekend market in Vega de San Mateo. There are two giant warehouses that are full to the brim with stall holders. One is for crafts and but the other (which is my favorite) is the agricultural one. I love nosing at the stalls and chatting to the stallholders who often give you little taster of their baked goods or let you sniff spices. There is usually a stall selling truchas de batata – sweet potato pasties – that I devour in an instant. It’s also a good place to pick up non-touristy souvenirs such as seeds, herbs and sauces.

My other favorite is the weekend market at Teror. This town is famous for two things: the church dedicated to the island’s patron saint, Virgen del Pino; and chorizo de Teror , a sort of spreadable chorizo paste. You’ll find countless stalls selling bocadillos (rolls as big as your head) slathered in chorizo de Teror and fresh cheese.

How much money do I need for Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria can be relatively cheap if you avoid the obvious tourist traps. The currency is the Euro (€) and most places take credit and debit cards. Over recent years cash has been on a decline, but it’s worth carrying some Euros in case you need them, especially in less touristic and developed areas.

• Hotel room: €50–250 per night
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €75–100 per night
• Bus ticket: €2.50
• Coffee: €1.50
• Tapas for two: €25–40
• Beer/glass of wine: €3
• Bottle of local wine: €15–30

Is this a family-friendly destination?

Canarian people adore children, and you’ll find families socialize together from grandparents to babies until all hours. And don’t be surprised if Canarios talk to your children before they speak to you – the island is extremely family friendly.

Is Gran Canaria good for gay travelers?

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular destinations for the LGBTIQ+ community. The island and islanders are incredibly open, and it is a safe environment to be yourself. Each year there is a famous Winter Pride in Playa del Inglés, centered around the Yumbo Centrum – the world’s only LGBTIQ+ shopping center – where you’ll find bars, shops, restaurants and clubs.

What is the calima ?

Some days in Gran Canaria, you might find that the air is very hot and yet it’s foggy or misty. This is known as the calima – the hot winds that blow over from the nearby Sahara Desert carrying sand dust in the air. While it won’t hurt you, it can make temperatures and being outside unpleasant.

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What travelers are saying

An unexpected gem: What travelers will find at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Many people are surprised by Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. 

“First of all, they're surprised there's a national park,” said the park’s Deputy Superintendent Maureen McGee-Ballinger. 

“They'll be on their way to Glacier National Park or Yellowstone , and they're driving down the highway and they see the Park Service arrowhead. ‘There’s a national park!’” she said. “When they get to the park, they're surprised that this has to do with Theodore Roosevelt – ‘Theodore Roosevelt? That should be New York. What's he doing in North Dakota?’ Then they're also surprised about just how beautiful and how varied the park is. I think everything surprises them. It's a gem that they just didn't expect.”

Here’s what travelers should expect at Theodore Roosevelt, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

What is the story behind Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

“This is where Theodore Roosevelt first came out for a bison hunt. It spoke to him,” McGee-Ballinger said. “After he lost his wife and mother, he came out for healing and in that healing process, when he built his ranch, kind of formed his conservation ethic that would continue throughout his presidency.”

​​What is special about Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

“It is the cradle of conservation,” McGee-Ballinger said. “That alone is an amazing reason to come to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. But there's also bison and the Little Missouri River and geology and fossils and vegetation, so it's got everything.”

One warning about those bison: “While they look big and lumbering and cumbersome, they're also very fast … Give them plenty of room. They can be very unpredictable,” she said.

Are there bears in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

No. Although many people associate Teddy Roosevelt with bears, McGee-Ballinger said, “We don’t really have a good habitat for them.” 

What city is closest to Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

The South Unit is right beside Medora, North Dakota. The North Unit is about 15 minutes from Watford City, North Dakota. Bismarck Airport is the nearest airport served by multiple airlines. 

“But most people are driving in, they're not flying in,” McGee-Ballinger said. 

How long does it take to see Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

“Ten or 15 years to get a really good feel,” McGee-Ballinger said with a laugh.

She recommends a minimum of two to three hours in the park’s South Unit, one-and-a-half to two hours in the North Unit, and an hour of travel between the two since they aren’t congruous. But ideally, she suggested spending a few days in the park.

Can you just drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Yes. Each unit has a scenic drive. “The majority of people will drive through,” McGee-Ballinger said. “They can see wildlife from their vehicle. They might stop and do a short hike or stop at an overlook.”

But she adds, “It's so much more than that, and you want to allow yourself the time to enjoy it.”

When to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

McGee-Ballinger said every season can be incredible, but if she had to pick one, it would be fall.

“The reason for that is the weather is usually kind of mild, and I'm talking September, October,” she said. “The predominant tree along the river, the cottonwoods, turn this golden yellow, and to see that strip of the Little Missouri River bound on both sides by these golden yellow trees, it's pretty spectacular.”

What not to miss at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

McGee-Ballinger highly recommends visiting Elkhorn Ranch .

 “That is where Theodore Roosevelt actually built his ranch and lived,” she said. But be aware the ranch itself is long gone and the property is not easy to get to. “You have to drive back roads that are rock roads. If it's really rainy, the roads can get pretty muddy, but it's right on the Little Missouri River. There are beautiful cottonwood trees, the rolling hills that are found throughout the Badlands and hopefully, it gives people a feeling of that peace and healing that Theodore Roosevelt found when he came to the Dakota territory.”

Who are the Native people of the land?

“Lands within the park are a part of the traditional bison hunting and eagle trapping grounds of the Hidatsa and Mandan tribes,” according to the National Parks Conservation Association. “The Arikara, Crow, Blackfeet, Gros Ventre, Chippewa, Cree, Sioux and Rocky Boy tribes are all associated with lands within the park.”

What else should people know about Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

“It's a place of change,” McGee-Ballinger said. “ You look at it and you see these hills and buttes, and people kind of think of that as rock, but a lot of it is actually clay soil and so this is a very dynamic place. We get heavy rain, stuff shifts around. Hillsides will slide. It'll be different. So don't assume ‘I've seen it once that I've seen everything.’”

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Rome, According to Local Experts

Whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, it’s an exciting time to visit Rome.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

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For me, the Eternal City is eternally fabulous. No matter how crowded it gets, how dysfunctional its current government is, or how many bad pizzas there are in ratio to good ones, Rome remains. It’s persisted and resisted for more than 2,775 years, and even at this ripe old age, Rome is still evolving. 

It’s an exciting time to visit Rome, and even for people who live there, the flurry of post-pandemic activity in the travel sector has been dizzying. “Archaeological sites that have been fenced-off for years are now accessible to visitors, there’s a host of innovative new tour options, and I can barely keep up with the number of absolutely stunning luxury hotels that have opened ,” says Travel + Leisure contributor and Rome resident Laura Itzkowitz, who also writes about Rome in her newsletter, The New Roman Times . “It’s a delight to see so much investment in the city and so many new ways to experience it.” 

No matter how you decide to see the city or whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, Rome gives you options. We asked Itzkowitz and some other Rome travel experts to weigh in on their favorite places and experiences to recommend in eternal Rome.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Swoon over the cityscape. Few things are as romantic as Rome at night from a vantage point like the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola or the Capitoline Hill.
• See marble turn to flesh. At the Galleria Borghese, Bernini’s lifelike sculptures are a gazillion times more impressive than what you remember from art history class. 
• Do the Full Monty of Italian dining. Bring your appetite and go big, with antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert at a homey trat like Da Enzo da 29.  
• Get up early. At least once during your stay, request an early wake-up call to discover a deserted city. ArcheoRoma can lead the way. 
• Shop at a market. If you don’t buy produce, trinkets, or street food at a real Roman market like Testaccio or Campo de’ Fiore, have you been to Rome? 

Courtesy of Bettoja Hotels

Palazzo Vilòn

If there’s one thing our experts agree on, it’s that Palazzo Vilòn luxury apartment is the most sumptuous new address in Rome. Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International says, “When they open the doors for you, your jaw will drop.” Gary Portuesi, a T+L Top Travel Advisor with Authentic Explorations , says that at Vilòn, “you get to live like a Roman aristocrat in an intimate palazzo in the best neighborhood.”

Singer Palace

“I'm in love with the Singer Palace these days,” says Bono of this 19th-century beauty in the former Singer sewing machine headquarters. “It's family-owned, and that is felt with every single detail in this property. You're truly cuddled from the moment you walk in the door till your last Spritz before you leave.”

Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Rome is also a hit with Portuesi, who raves about its “with its unique and secluded Mediterranean tiered secret garden walking distance from the Spanish Steps, Fontana di Trevi and Piazza del Popolo.” The hotel’s Stravinskij Bar remains one of Rome’s most elegant locales for a cocktail.  

Hotel Mediterraneo

Every time I exit Termini Station, I sigh with comfort at the sight of this trusty four-star in a fascist-era Art Deco building. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping back in time, in a good way, with old-school service, a delightful lobby bar, and humongous suites, some with skyline views of Rome.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Basilica di San Clemente

For a real sense of how Rome’s history is layered like a lasagna, head to this church near the Colosseum — or rather, underneath it. An atmospheric archaeological area beneath the not-too-shabby 12th-century church holds an even earlier Christian church, which lies on top of a pagan altar and an ancient Roman apartment building.  

ArcheoRunning

If you’re a runner, join archaeologist, guide, and running enthusiast Isabella Calidonna on an early morning jogging tour through Rome's truly magical empty streets. (Trust me, it’s okay if you run slowly.) If you’re not a runner, don’t sweat it — she’ll be happy to do the same informative tour at a walking pace. 

Via del Governo Vecchio

Spend a late afternoon vintage shopping on my favorite street in Rome , then stick around for an aperitivo, followed by pizza and gelato. If that trifecta of Roman drinking and eating isn’t enough, this splendid street near Piazza Navona has a buzzy but manageable bar-hopping scene. 

Largo Argentina

Want to stand at the very site (or very near it, anyway) where Julius Caesar lost his life? Long visible only from street level and best known as a cat sanctuary among picturesque ruins, the archaeological area at Largo Argentina site is now open to the public, thanks to funding from Bulgari . The Curia of Pompeo, where Caesar got shivved, stands near the ruins of four ancient temples.

Galleria Borghese

Reserve your tickets in advance and prepare to be overwhelmed by the beauty here, both of the ornate salons of this noble palace turned art museum, and the amazing works inside, including Bernini’s spellbinding "Rape of Proserpine" and several Caravaggio paintings.

Testaccio Market

This sprawling covered market in the working-class Testaccio neighborhood offers an authentic slice of Roman daily life. Even if you’re not shopping for clothing, produce or fresh fish, stop for some of Rome’s best street food, especially a suppli at Food Box or a drippy panino at Modri e Vai. 

Itzkowitz is a fan of this artisan jeweler in Monti and even had owner Antonio design a pair of custom earrings for her wedding. If you don’t have time for a made-to-order bauble, the shop has many original designs, many of which feature colorful gemstones.

Essenzialmente Laura

For a real only-in-Rome gift or souvenir, Portuesi refers friends and clients to the perfumery of Laura Bosetti Tonatto, who’s made custom scents for celebrities, royals, and aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II. “You can create your own perfect perfume or find the scent you love,” he says. 

La Bottega del Marmoraro

It’s hard to imagine a store like this anywhere else — a tiny workshop on pretty Via Margutta where stone carver Sandro Fiorentino tinks away at marble plaques by hand. “I love to bring out-of-town visitors here,” says Itzkowitz. “Prices start at around 15 euros, which means you can find an affordable, handmade souvenir.”

Courtesy of Hassler Hotel

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Some of the best things in Rome are free, including the views from this monumental fountain high on the Janiculum hill. It’s one of T+L’s top underrated things to do in Rome . Fans of the Oscar-winning film “Rome, the Great Beauty” will recognize this majestic spot.

This classy bar offers great cocktails and light bites with a sublime view. “A table there in the stunning Piazza di Pietra,” says Bono, “with the incredible Roman columns all lit up is truly magical, and it feels like it's just there for you."

Hassler Hotel 7th Floor Terrace

The recipe for an unforgettable Roman evening: Start with panoramic city views from atop the Spanish Steps, stir in a specialty cocktail, garnish with some elevated aperitivo fare, and drink it all in at one of our favorite family-run hotels in Italy and one of the absolute best in Rome.

Da Enzo da 29

Despite its near-legendary status and the long lines for a table (Enzo doesn’t take reservations), Itzkowitz says a meal here is “worth the wait and lives up to the hype — every time.” She’s a fan of the handmade tonarelli cacio e pepe but says that the food here is consistently good across the menu. 

Trattoria Da Cesare Al Pellegrino

This new-in-2023 sister property of a neighborhood favorite in residential Monteverde brings hearty, traditional Roman pasta and meat dishes to the centro storico. “Run, don't walk,” says Bono, “because this city location is super charming, and tourists haven't found it yet.”

Pro Loco Pinciano

Portuesi says you’ll feel like a local at this super-casual pizza and pasta joint just outside the city walls, where the emphasis is on ingredients and wines sourced from the surrounding region on Lazio. Charcuterie platters are delicious and abundant here. 

L'Antica Pesa

Regularly named one of the best restaurants in Rome, this Trastevere culinary landmark is, per Portuesi, “a standard and consistent classic” and worth crossing the river for. Head here for a special dinner or when you’re ready to go big (before going home, maybe?) and order an appetizer, pasta (primo), meat, and dessert for the full Italian dining experience.

You’ve heard all the warnings about visiting in high summer, but if that’s the only time you have to visit, Itzkowitz says to do as the Romans do: rest in your cool hotel room in the afternoon and venture out again in the early evening. Bono agrees that summer can be...sticky but adds, “Those summer sunsets on a rooftop with an Aperol spritz certainly make for that 'Dolce Vita moment' we all crave.”

Portuesi recommends November, as it’s still relatively warm and the crowds have thinned out; January, when sale season starts; or April and October. “Tourists might still be there, but the colors of spring and autumn are amazing, and temperatures are on the warm side.” I love visiting in January or February when the crowds are much more manageable, and if you’re lucky, you can catch some lovely, crisp, sunny days.

Most visitors fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport (FCO). From there, you can take a 30-minute non-stop train to Termini, the central station, and take a taxi, Metro, bus, or tram to your accommodation. A cab from FCO to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls costs 50 euros. Ride-sharing services other than Uber Black are not available in Rome. 

Rome’s historic center is primarily flat and highly walkable. Many visitors take the Metro to reach the Vatican Museums, then walk back into the city from there (or take a cab from St. Peter’s Square). 

Buses and Metro, both run by ATAC , are also reliable ways to get around, though depending on the distance, walking may be faster. Note that taxis in Rome cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands or ranks generally located near tourist areas. 

I strongly recommend against renting a car in Rome, as traffic and parking are a mess and the centro is a maze of one-way streets, many of which are pedestrian-only. If you pick up a car in Rome for a more extended tour in Italy, make sure you have your route mapped out in advance — and nerves of steel. 

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Top Things to Do in Damascus, Syria - Damascus Must-See Attractions

Things to do in damascus.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Damascus Umayyad Mosque

2. Al Azem Palace (Palace of As'ad, Pasha al-'Azm)

3. The National Museum of Damascus

4. Omayad Mosque

5. Takiyya Suleimaniah Souq

6. Saladin (Selahedîn) Mausoleum

7. Damascus Center

8. Damascus Opera House

9. Mount Qassioun (Jebal Kasioun)

10. Khan Asaad Basha

11. Tekiyeh Al-Suleimaniyeh

12. Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum

13. The Citadel

14. St.George Syrian Orthodox Church

15. St Ananias Chapel

16. Souq al-Bizuriyyah (Sweet Souq)

17. Saladin (Selahedîn) Statue

18. The Arc Gate

19. Souq Saroujah

20. Army Museum

21. Archaeological Park

22. Fortress Wall

23. Bimaristan an-Nuri

24. Commonwealth War Cemetery

25. The Barada River

26. Franciscan Church

27. National Center for Visual Arts

28. Parliament

29. The Environmental Garden

30. Marrota Travel & Tourism

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