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Damascus - Syria
Damascus is the capital of Syria. Apart from being the political center of the country, it is also the cultural heart of the country. Damascus’s authorities have done a very good job in preserving the many historical and cultural attractions. Various architectural styles are visible throughout the city, dating back to different periods of its history- Roman, Islamic and French rule. An important sector of Damascus’s economy is the tourist industry. Other prominent sectors are the textiles, food processing and chemical industries. The military and secret service quarters are also located here. Politics...Read More

Places To Visit

Hotels In Damascus

This hotel dates back to the 1920s and faces the old Hejaz Train Station. It has been a guesthouse...
This hotel is in a prime location. It is a popular choice amongst tourists who vie for one of the...
This hotel is in a wonderful location in the Old City, with the main historical attractions...
This hotel is extremely popular amongst tourists because of its excellent location and more than...
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Muslim Information

Masjid Information

In Muslim countries there is usually a Mosque at every street corner so we are not listing masjids here.

Halal Restaurants

In Muslim countries the food served in most restaurants is Halal so we are not listing halal restaurants here.

Prayer Timings

FajrSunrise ZuhrAsr MaghribIsha
02:5504:32 11:3103:15 06:3108:08

Transportation/Getting Around

Buses
There are two main bus stations ...		 Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Damascus. ...
From the airport
From Damascus International ...		 Driving Tips
Tourists driving themselves in ...
Car for hire
Renting a car in Damascus is easy ...

Damascus - Syria

 

Damascus History
Inhabited since 10,000 B.C., Damascus is one of the world's most ancient cities, boasting a very colorful history. The city was conquered by Alexander the Great, and after his death it was annexed by the Roman general, Pompey. The Romans built a great deal of the infrastructure of the city. St. Paul and St. Thomas both lived in the quarters developed by the Romans in Damascus. Damascus was first conquered by the Muslims in 634 by the Rashidun Caliph. It soon became the capital of the Omayyad Empire and later was ruled from Baghdad during the Abbassid caliphate. It was also ruled by the... read more

Al Mamlouka
Originally a house, this beautiful boutique hotel dates back to the 17th century. Guests will be...		 Damascus Cham Palace
This is arguably one of the city’s most lavish hotels, located in downtown Damascus. Rooms are...
Four Seasons Hotel
This hotel is located in an ideal part of the city. The national museum and other attractions are...		 Blue Tower
This hotel is in a prime location. It is a popular choice amongst tourists who vie for one of the...
Sheraton Hotel
Located in an ideal spot in the centre of the city, the Sheraton faces the Quassioun Mountain and...		 Orient Palace Hotel
This hotel dates back to the 1920s and faces the old Hejaz Train Station. It has been a guesthouse...
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Oriental Arts Center
The Oriental Arts...		 The Damascus Souq
This is a vast souq housing many mini bazaars. Visitors will be transported back in time and...
George Dabdoub
Located next to the Azem Palace in the Old City, George Dabdoub sells a number of traditional...		 Khalil Haddad
This shop sells some very fascinating and interesting handicrafts. Customers will fall in love with...
Anat
Anat is a wonderful place to shop for Damascene souvenirs. It sells a number of traditional items...		 Khalil Haddad
This shop sells some very fascinating and interesting handicrafts. Customers will fall in love with...
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Olivex
This event is held annually in March and lasts for four days at the Damascus Fair Ground. Olives...		 Eid-ul-Fitr
This important occasion occurs every year upon the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of...
Agritex
This event is held annually in June at the Damascus Fair Ground for three days, and has been done...		 Jazz Lives in Syria
Held annually in August at the Citadel for six nights, this open air festival features renowned...
Food Expo Exhibition
Annually held in June for the past seven years, this event lasts about five days at the Damascus...		 Damascus Book Fair
This event is held annually in October at the Arab Cultural Center and has been done so for the...
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Al Hallabi
This is one of Damascus’s best known restaurants. Aleppan cuisine is at its finest here. The...		 Al Khawali
Mouth watering Syrian cuisine is served here. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out a wide range...
Arabesque Restaurant
This lovely restaurant serves delicious Syrian and French cuisine. The food is pricey but worth...		 Casablanca
The menu here is dominated by French cuisine but guests can also opt for some of the traditional...
Gemini
This is a popular food joint amongst the Damascene upper class. The ambience is relaxed and...		 Pizza Roma
This is one of Damascus’s famous restaurants. The ambiance is very casual and the food too is...
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Fast Facts
Location Damascus is located 80 km from the Mediterranean Sea on a plateau 2200 feet above sea level. It is bordered by the Anti- Lebanon Mountains, with the Barada river flowing nearby   Dialing code +963   Emergency numbers
Police – 112 Fire- 113
Ambulance- 110
   
Population
1.5 million
  Languages
Arabic, French and English
   
Time Zone
GMT/UTC + 2
   
Average January temperatures
5.5 Degrees Celsius

Average July temperatures
26 Degrees Celsius

Annual rainfall
7.6 inches
 
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When To Go

When to go
The best time to visit Damascus is from March to May when the weather is cool and breezy, and during October and November. The summer months can get hot and dry and traveling to Damascus during such ...

Kids In Tow

Tishreen Sports Complex
Tourists can take their children to swim in the Olympic Pool at this sports complex.

Health & Safety

Health & Safety in Damascus
Even though Damascus is generally very safe, there are some points worth remembering. It is always advisable to remain vigilant. Avoid ...

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