🇸🇾 Syria

10 best places in Damascus

Damascus vies for the title of the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, its winding lanes, covered souks and hidden courtyards layering history from the Aramaeans to the Umayyads.

Sight

Old City of Damascus

A UNESCO-listed maze of stone alleys concealing grand courtyard houses behind unassuming doors.

Sight

Umayyad Mosque

One of the oldest and most revered mosques in the world, its courtyard glowing with gold mosaics.

Market

Al-Hamidiyah Souq

The city's grand covered bazaar, leading straight to the Umayyad Mosque past textiles and sweets.

Museum

National Museum of Damascus

A rich trove of artifacts spanning ancient Palmyra through the Islamic and Ottoman eras.

Sight

Azm Palace

An 18th-century Ottoman palace of elegant courtyards, now a museum of Damascene folk life.

Sight

Straight Street

The ancient Roman thoroughfare mentioned in the Bible, still cutting through the old city today.

District

Bab Touma quarter

The Christian quarter, all narrow lanes, old churches and courtyard restaurants.

Sight

Damascus Citadel

A medieval fortress on the edge of the old city that has weathered countless sieges.

Café

Bakdash

A legendary ice cream parlor inside the Hamidiyah souq, churning out treats for over a century.

Café

An-Nawfara Café

The city's oldest coffeehouse by the Umayyad Mosque, where a traditional storyteller still performs at night.

FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Damascus right now?

This is not a normal tourist destination. The country is emerging from years of war, conditions change quickly and most governments advise against travel to Syria. Standard travel insurance typically will not cover a trip like this, which is worth knowing upfront.

Is Damascus safe?

The Old City and central districts can feel busy and lived in during calm periods, but the situation is unstable and varies from district to district. A local contact and a clear sense of where not to go are close to essential. Base any decision on current information, not on an article written a year ago.

Do you need a visa for Syria?

Yes, almost everyone does, and it usually goes through an invitation or an accredited operator. Procedures have changed several times since the change of government, and there is no settled routine right now. Verify visa and border crossing details immediately before travelling.

Should you consider Syria for relocation?

For most people, no: sanctions, banking and transfer problems, power cuts and unclear property rights all stack up. The people who realistically discuss moving back are those with Syrian roots or family on the ground. If that applies to you, work through citizenship and property questions with a local lawyer.