Discover Damascus
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Damascus.
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Must-see attractions in Damascus
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 13 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
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 undeniably is an important aspect of the
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Damascus
Halal restaurants in Damascus
Damascus’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 13 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
damascusAl Hallabi
This is one of Damascus’s best known restaurants. Aleppan cuisine is at its finest here. The décor is extravagant and luxuriant. Specialties include hummus accompanied by a fabulous capsicum dip and kebabs with pomegranate sauce.
Al Khawali
Mouth watering Syrian cuisine is served here. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out a wide range of authentic dishes. The restaurant is housed in a renovated old Damascene house. Specialties include the lamb with lemon sauce and chicken with thyme. The hummus is divine too.
damascusArabesque Restaurant
This lovely restaurant serves delicious Syrian and French cuisine. The food is pricey but worth it.
damascusCasablanca
The menu here is dominated by French cuisine but guests can also opt for some of the traditional grilled lamb/ chicken dishes and spiced rice.
damascusGemini
This is a popular food joint amongst the Damascene upper class. The ambience is relaxed and contemporary. The menu lists dishes from around the globe including pizza, pasta, fajitas, nachos and a range of grilled meats.
damascusPizza Roma
This is one of Damascus’s famous restaurants. The ambiance is very casual and the food too is unpretentious. Delicious pizzas and pasta are served here.
Damascus masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Omayyad Mosque
This is arguably Damascus’s most popular architectural attraction. It is a significant and sacred religious site for Muslims all over the globe. There are a number of stories and beliefs surrounding this architectural masterpiece. This mosque is magnificent from the limestone floors, to the gold mosaics depicting forests, domes and towers. Also located within it is a huge courtyard that houses the shrine of Hussein. Hussein is an important figure in Islamic history as he was the grandson of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and the son of the early Muslim convert, Ali, who later became a Caliph. He is especially important to the Shiite Muslims. He was killed by the Omayyads during the battle of Kerbala.
Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque
This mosque was built in memory of Ruqayya who is considered a saint by the Shiite Muslims. She was the daughter of Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). The mosque was constructed recently in the 1980s around Ruqayya’s mausoleum. The interior comprises of numerous mirrors, the exterior is relatively simple and elegant. As with other mosques visitors must be dressed appropriately and take off their shoes before entering.
Sayidda Zainab Mosque
This beautiful mosque is built at the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) grand-daughter’s burial site. Built like the Sayidda Ruqayya mosque, it is very popular amongst Iranian and other Muslim pilgrims from all over the globe. The mosque is beautiful with a shiny onion shaped golden dome, beautiful blue tile work and two minarets. Zainab’s mausoleum is located in the centre of the mosque. The interior of the mosque is as lavish as the exterior with numerous mirrors and chandeliers decking the walls and ceiling respectively. Visitors must be dressed appropriately and take off their shoes before entering the mosque.
Umayyad Mosque
Souq Al Hamidya St, Damascus, Syria
Where to stay in Damascus
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
damascusAl Mamlouka
Originally a house, this beautiful boutique hotel dates back to the 17th century. Guests will be treated to excellent service and simultaneously absorb the rich history of the vibrant Old City of Damascus. This hotel is located inside the Christian quarter. The décor is beautiful and elegant, mirroring the rich traditional Syrian style of low rise beds, carved wooden cabinets and glass lamps. Rooms are decorated differently, reflecting a specific period of Syrian history. There is a courtyard too, which creates a grand ambiance. In room facilities include satellite TV and a mini bar. Hotel facilities include a gallery, a restaurant and a bar. This hotel is in an excellent location; most of the attractions are located close by.
damascusDamascus Cham Palace
This is arguably one of the city’s most lavish hotels, located in downtown Damascus. Rooms are large and well decorated. In room facilities include satellite TV and a mini bar. Hotel facilities are plentiful and include a beauty salon, pool, gym, sauna, restaurant, bar, room service and internet access.
damascusFour Seasons Hotel
This hotel is located in an ideal part of the city. The national museum and other attractions are not far off. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and the ambiance of this hotel is best described as chic. In room facilities include satellite TV, mini bar, a safe and internet access. Hotel facilities are abundant and include a café, restaurants, bars, dining room, gym, pool, sauna, massage service, laundry service, room service, medical service and money exchange facilities.
damascusBlue Tower
This hotel is in a prime location. It is a popular choice amongst tourists who vie for one of the 60 rooms available. Rooms and bathrooms are large and elegantly decorated. In room facilities include satellite TV and a safe. Hotel facilities are abundant and include a café, dining room, laundry service, room service, medical service, a hair dresser and money exchange facilities.
damascusSheraton Hotel
Located in an ideal spot in the centre of the city, the Sheraton faces the Quassioun Mountain and is 10 minutes away from the Old City. Arguably the most luxurious in Damascus, this hotel comprises of more than 270 rooms. In room facilities include satellite TV, internet access, maid service, cribs, hairdryers, irons, a coffee maker, a mini bar and a safe. Hotel Facilities include a hair dresser, laundry service, room service, medical service, money exchanger, a children’s pool, a gym, an outdoor pool, restaurants, bars and a disco.
History and today in Damascus
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Visa Information
Those wishing to enter Damascus must have a valid passport (valid for the next 6 months at least), must submit two application forms, two passport sized photographs and the application fee.
City Information
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 weather is not recommended.
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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
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Exchange Rates
The currency used in the Syrian Arab Republic is the Syrian Pound (SYP).
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Public Holidays
1st January- New Year’s Day
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Annual Temperature
January; High: 11 °C; Low: 0 °C February
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Damascus Residents
Damascus has a population of 1.5 million people. The majority of the population are Muslims (predominantly Sunni, though Shiites also reside there). 15% are Christians, with a few Jews also claiming residency. Known as Damascenes, the residents of Damascus are friendly, hard-working and vivacious. There is definitely a culture of tolerance in this part of Syria.
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Damascus Today
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 undeniably is an important aspect of the city.
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Shopping in Damascus
Explore 8 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
damascusOriental Arts Center
The Oriental Arts Center sells beautiful pieces of furniture, mirrors, decorative items and other arts and crafts. The items can be ordered a few days earlier. The materials used in making these products include gypsum, plaster, oil paints and gold leaf. The artist behind these interesting pieces is the famed Saeed Zozoul.
damascusThe Damascus Souq
This is a vast souq housing many mini bazaars. Visitors will be transported back in time and exposed to an authentic Arab market place. Souq al Hamidiyya consists of a number of stalls selling clothing, costume jewelry, souvenirs, religious icons, beads and texts, toys, stationery and decorative pieces. Souq Khayyatin is home to seasoned traders displaying beautiful stitched and unstitched garments of excellent quality. Seed Bazaar sells perfumes, spices, glazed fruit, nuts, traditional sweets and jewelry. Souq al Attarine sells aromatic coffees and spices.
damascusGeorge Dabdoub
Located next to the Azem Palace in the Old City, George Dabdoub sells a number of traditional Damascene items including carpets, icons and jewelry. The goods sold are of excellent quality and the prices are moderate.
damascusKhalil Haddad
This shop sells some very fascinating and interesting handicrafts. Customers will fall in love with many of the pieces available here including backgammon sets and other board games as well as carved wooden boxes, chests and furniture.
damascusAnat
Anat is a wonderful place to shop for Damascene souvenirs. It sells a number of traditional items including textiles, jewelry, cushion covers, shoes and bags. These are handmade by Palestinian refugees and Syrian women hailing from rural areas around the country.
Signature sights in Damascus
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Damascus
Plan around 8 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
damascusOlivex
This event is held annually in March and lasts for four days at the Damascus Fair Ground. Olives being one of Damascus’s most important products is showcased at this event, along with olive oil and olive oil processing technologies.
damascusAgritex
This event is held annually in June at the Damascus Fair Ground for three days, and has been done so for the last 14 years. Syria’s agricultural products are exhibited here. Agriculture is an important contributor to the country’s GDP accounting for 27% of it. The event includes seminars and lectures by various prominent decision makers and experts from the industry. The purpose of such an event is mainly to attract investors.
damascusFood Expo Exhibition
Annually held in June for the past seven years, this event lasts about five days at the Damascus Fair Ground. Various companies in the food industry from the region are represented here. Production of food and its packaging are what's highlighted at this event.
damascusInternational Flower Festival
This event is held annually from July to August in Teshreen Park, which is Damascus’s largest park. Participants and botany enthusiasts from around the world converge in Damascus around this time of the year. The event encompasses a number of activities such as flower arranging competitions and lectures by renowned botanists on the different species of flowers displayed. Herbal oils and honey made from plant extracts are also sold. The highlight of the event is the Damascus Rose, which has been the symbol of the city since ancient times.
damascusJazz Lives in Syria
Held annually in August at the Citadel for six nights, this open air festival features renowned local and foreign jazz artists. The festival also includes jazz workshops and activities for children.
Damascus tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
damascusAdonis Travel and Tourism
These operators offer a variety of packages. Most of these tours involve exploration of not just Damascus but other Syrian cities as well, such as Aleppo. Tourists however can ask for a tour of just Damascus. They also offer a la carte programs i.e. customized to suit the needs of the tourist. On the Damascus tour, important Damascene sites including the National Museum, Omayyad Mosque, Azem Palace, the Straight Street, the Damascus Souq, Church of Ananias and Jabal Qassioun are visited.
damascusAtlas Tours
This group offers a number of tours around Damascus that vary in duration and price. Tours start at 9 A.M. The four-hour tour encompasses sites such as the Omayyad Mosque, Azem Palace, the tomb of Saladin, John the Baptist's mausoleum, the chapel of St Ananias and Straight Street. The tour which lasts nine hours also takes visitors to a number of other sites including the many Damascene Mosques, the National Museum and Jabal Qassioun for a wonderful panoramic view of the city at night.
damascusCham Tours
Cham Tours offer three main packages. These include the Fast Tour, Exploration Tour and the Discovery Tour. They are approximately 7 nights long and other Syrian cities including Lattakia, Aleppo, Palmyra and Bosra are visited in addition to Damascus. One full day is spent on visiting the beautiful sites of Damascus which include the Omayyad Mosque, the chapel of St. Ananias, the St. Paul church, the souqs and the National Museum. Address: P O Box 33555, Damascus Tel: +963-11-223-2300 Ext: 9094 Website: www.chamhotels.com/tours E-mail: [email protected]
damascusMega Tours Travel and Tourism
This company offers a number of tours around Damascus and other Syrian cities. Tours vary in price and duration with some going upto as many as 10 days. These tours are either historical or religious in nature. One day of the tour is spent visiting Damascene sites including the famous Omayyad Mosque, the National Museum, the shrine of John the Baptist, the Church of Ananias and the Church of St. Paul.
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Damascus travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
