Things to do & places to visit in Damascus, Syria

Having survived thousands of years of successive civilizations from the Egyptians, Greco-Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Mongols, Ottomans and French to the modern Arab era, Damascus is one of the most resilient and historic cities on Earth. Its ruins lay up to 8 feet deep under its surface and the Old City is home to Roman era ramparts, gates, the Umayyad Mosque and legendary churches including the Chapel of St. Paul. Bab Sharqi and the Souk Medhat Pasha lay on a street dating to biblical times.

Damascus #1 destination in Syria 2023. The average rating score is 4.67 based on 777 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Damascus, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 12:30.

Damascus Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

81°F - 52°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

Chance of rain

22.0 millimeters

Amount

12.2 mph

Wind speed

42%

Humidity

13.9

Daylight length

5:35 AM

Sunrise

7:27 PM

Sunset

74%

Cloud cover

T-shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Damascus Umayyad Mosque (227 reviews)
- The Great Mosque
Religious Sites

Ummayad Mosque, or Great Mosque, is the fourth holiest site in the Islamic world. This is the only mosque where I have heard the call to prayer done by a chorus of men, usually 6 - 10. Inside is the tomb of John the Baptist. Women have to visit a separate office to get a robe to don before entering, men must wear long trousers. There are 3 minarets of different styles, large inner courtyard. See more..
5.0 Old City (108 reviews)
- Trust me you will really enjoy the Old City of Damascus as I first did back in 1975!
Neighborhoods

The Old City of Damascus still fascinates me after so many years visiting Syria. It is so unique and being the Oldest Inhabited City in the World makes it even more interesting as the historian’s claim it has been inhabited in the second half of the seventh millennia BC. I discover something new almost each time I immerse myself in the many side Souqs and new areas to discover. This latest trip was no different. I came across a new Souq which was quite fascinating. It had vaulted ceilings along its’ entire length. So many shops it was simply breath taking for me to experience. If you find time to visit the Old City of Damascus simply walk and walk and if you are lucky you may discover a new and interesting area in this fantastic city! Trust me you will really enjoy the Old City of Damascus as I first did back in 1975! See more..
5.0 Omayad Mosque (40 reviews)
- The Place where it is a MUST for me to go, whenever I visit Damscus
Natural History Museums • Religious Sites

I never visit Damascus City without visiting Omayad Masjid. The building, Islamic Drawings, the Yard there with the place for ablution. Despite the unrest situation there in Syria, but people keep going there to visit and pray. You feel the spiritual value whenever you've been there See more..
5.0 Takiyya Suleimaniah Souq (19 reviews)
- Wow! Fav Place in Damascus
Monuments & Statues • Flea & Street Markets

Takiyya is a hidden gem in Damascus. I cannot stop going there ever since I first went a few months ago. Most of the shop keepers are well trained and can communicate in English. It is a brilliant place for buying fine Damascene crafts. The silver jewellery, the rugs, the mosaic are one of a kind. The art galleries are my absolute favourite. The one in the corner next to the mosque is probably my favorite place in the city. The artist and his 2 apprentices are extremely talented and the female apprentice is an extremely sweet person which makes the experience even nicer. See more..
5.0 Damascus Opera House (11 reviews)
- The Damascus Opera House and the Syrian National Orchestra has really out done itself last week as ...

The Damascus Opera House and the Syrian National Orchestra has really out done itself last week as they had performed eight compositions of local Syrian Composers. The pieces included: “Love Poem” by Solhi Alwadi; “Polka” by Subaib Al Samman; “Loss” by Adnan Fathallah; “The Swirl” by Asem Makarem and two of: Kenan Adnawi solo Oud works titled: “Capriccio” and “Love Dance” and finally Bassem Salha work called: “Qadduka Al Mayyas” for the solo Clarinet. The entire audiences were raving about these pieces as many of the composers have passed away and this was a fitting tribute to each and every one of them. The night before the Opera House hosted a domestic competition for the best Syrian Choir Group. They had four finalists coming from all around Syria. It was an extremely difficult choice as all four groups sang extremely well. In conclusion, the Damascus Opera House is keeping very busy and each and every performance is a memorable concert and piece of art! See more..
5.0 Commonwealth War Cemetery (3 reviews)
- A reminder from the past - an oasis of peace
Cemeteries

A reminder from the past, on the outskirts of Mezze. Beautifully kept cemetery, with rose bushes and many other flowers between the more than 1,000 graves. Two friendly gardeners were working in the noon heat on the Saturday I visited this garden of tranquility. Open from Sat-Thu, 8-15h. See more..
5.0 National Center for Visual Arts (2 reviews)
- This entire evening was quite enjoyable and pleasing.
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums

Once again the National Center for Visual Arts Galley has had another outstanding art exhibition! This time showing both a photographic exhibit as well as great new pieces of art all completed by local student artist. The National Center for Visual Arts Galley is located in the Fine Arts Department of Damascus University. The photographic exhibit showed scenes of Syria’s major archeological sites that have been devastated by the current Civil War. Very poignant yet touching and disturbing photos! Following the opening of the exhibit there was a very nice concert adjacent to the National Center for Visual Arts Galley. This entire evening was quite enjoyable and pleasing. I highly recommend anyone to stop by the National Center for Visual Arts Galley. See more..
5.0 Dar Abdullah's Gallery (1 review)
- His Art Gallery is quite unique as it is within his old Arabic Home in which he was born...
Art Galleries
We have been to the Dar Abdullah’s Gallery three times in the past twelve months. The first two were for a unique Musical Concerts and the last was a nice evening watching the Sunset from his unique Rooftop Bar. His Art Gallery is quite unique as it is within his old Arabic Home in which he was born. It is a very old home and definitely in the Arabic Fashion of homes within the Old City of Damascus. His art form is also very interesting and he has many of his paintings hung in each room of his large Gallery. We had a very enjoyable light dinner and drinks last week at Dar Abdullah’s Gallery and Rooftop Bar with our Syrian group of close friends. He usually only opens his Rooftop Bar after he has a musical performance or a new art exhibit opening in his Art Gallery, but he made a special exception for our large group and opened his bar. We all enjoyed a beautiful sunset over famous Kassioun Mountain as well as a full moon rising from the East over the Old City of Damascus. Abdullah made a special Sangria punch for our group and in addition we all brought our own wines. Dar Abdulla’s Gallery and Rooftop Bar is located in the Old City in the Bab Toma District of Old Town Damascus. The Gallery on the ground floor is set in Abdullah’s birth place, an old Damascene Villa of maybe 200 years of age. To go up to the rooftop bar you must go up two stories. Some of the steps are steep, but quite easy to navigate. Once on the roof you immediately see how a “true artist” decorates his bar. No two tables are the same and each has something unique about it. It could be the colors or the use of old newspaper clippings as each is unique. The bar is small yet very special also very distinctive as it has three old Oil Drums supporting the nice wood bar top. He had two waiter’s serving us and some additional guest that appeared. All-in-all it was a most enjoyable evening… See more..
5.0 Damascus Umayyad Mosque (227 reviews)
- The Great Mosque
Religious Sites

Ummayad Mosque, or Great Mosque, is the fourth holiest site in the Islamic world. This is the only mosque where I have heard the call to prayer done by a chorus of men, usually 6 - 10. Inside is the tomb of John the Baptist. Women have to visit a separate office to get a robe to don before entering, men must wear long trousers. There are 3 minarets of different styles, large inner courtyard. See more..
5.0 Old City (108 reviews)
- Trust me you will really enjoy the Old City of Damascus as I first did back in 1975!
Neighborhoods

The Old City of Damascus still fascinates me after so many years visiting Syria. It is so unique and being the Oldest Inhabited City in the World makes it even more interesting as the historian’s claim it has been inhabited in the second half of the seventh millennia BC. I discover something new almost each time I immerse myself in the many side Souqs and new areas to discover. This latest trip was no different. I came across a new Souq which was quite fascinating. It had vaulted ceilings along its’ entire length. So many shops it was simply breath taking for me to experience. If you find time to visit the Old City of Damascus simply walk and walk and if you are lucky you may discover a new and interesting area in this fantastic city! Trust me you will really enjoy the Old City of Damascus as I first did back in 1975! See more..
5.0 Omayad Mosque (40 reviews)
- The Place where it is a MUST for me to go, whenever I visit Damscus
Natural History Museums • Religious Sites

I never visit Damascus City without visiting Omayad Masjid. The building, Islamic Drawings, the Yard there with the place for ablution. Despite the unrest situation there in Syria, but people keep going there to visit and pray. You feel the spiritual value whenever you've been there See more..
5.0 Takiyya Suleimaniah Souq (19 reviews)
- Wow! Fav Place in Damascus
Monuments & Statues • Flea & Street Markets

Takiyya is a hidden gem in Damascus. I cannot stop going there ever since I first went a few months ago. Most of the shop keepers are well trained and can communicate in English. It is a brilliant place for buying fine Damascene crafts. The silver jewellery, the rugs, the mosaic are one of a kind. The art galleries are my absolute favourite. The one in the corner next to the mosque is probably my favorite place in the city. The artist and his 2 apprentices are extremely talented and the female apprentice is an extremely sweet person which makes the experience even nicer. See more..
5.0 Damascus Opera House (11 reviews)
- The Damascus Opera House and the Syrian National Orchestra has really out done itself last week as ...

The Damascus Opera House and the Syrian National Orchestra has really out done itself last week as they had performed eight compositions of local Syrian Composers. The pieces included: “Love Poem” by Solhi Alwadi; “Polka” by Subaib Al Samman; “Loss” by Adnan Fathallah; “The Swirl” by Asem Makarem and two of: Kenan Adnawi solo Oud works titled: “Capriccio” and “Love Dance” and finally Bassem Salha work called: “Qadduka Al Mayyas” for the solo Clarinet. The entire audiences were raving about these pieces as many of the composers have passed away and this was a fitting tribute to each and every one of them. The night before the Opera House hosted a domestic competition for the best Syrian Choir Group. They had four finalists coming from all around Syria. It was an extremely difficult choice as all four groups sang extremely well. In conclusion, the Damascus Opera House is keeping very busy and each and every performance is a memorable concert and piece of art! See more..
4.5 Al Azem Palace (Palace of As'ad, Pasha al-'Azm) (45 reviews)
- The Old City of Damascus is by far the most Captivating Old Cities in the World…
History Museums

The Old City of Damascus always captivated me for many years. On a recent trip, I just went to the Old City and again it it still the number one old city to visit in the Middle East! No other city is as enthralling as the Old City of Damascus. Whether you walk along the old cobble streets near the Barada River or the old souks you will really enjoy each area!! Each corner offers you a special and true “Kodak moment”… The Old City of Damascus is by far the most Captivating Old Cities in the World… See more..
4.5 Saladin (Selahedîn) Mausoleum (35 reviews)
- Paying respects
Monuments & Statues

A visit to the burial site of this great hero of humanity, Saladdin, the only muslim Dante puts in Limbo, next to Socrates and Plato, is a must, if visiting Damascus. A moving experience. As the guards do not speak english, better do your homework before visiting. See more..
4.5 Damascus Center (28 reviews)
- Land of civilization
Historic Sites

In Damascus, every layer of the history has built precisely on top of its predecessors for at least three millennia, leaving a detailed archaeological record of one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Lavishly illustrated, Damascus: A History is a compelling and unique exploration of a fascinating city See more..
4.5 Khan Asaad Basha (18 reviews)
- Welcome to the Khan!
Architectural Buildings

This is the largest Khan in Damascus, built in the 19th century, it features the alternating black and white stone architecture so familiar in Damascus, great vaulted domes, a center piece fountain, etc. Overall, its a very impressive place. And here is the bonus: it is now an art museum / cafe, making it one of the few places in the souk where you can get away from the crowds and sit down and have a coffee or tea. This little oasis is on one of the streets running north and south, connecting the Hamidiya Souk with Medhat Pasha street, just south of the Azem Palace. See more..
4.5 St Ananias Chapel (16 reviews)
- The impact of this place will depend on how strong your Christian beliefs are.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

There are records that you are indeed visiting the house of Ananias who features in the conversion of Saul who later became St Paul. . Ananias later went in to be Bishop of Damascus. But here is a location linking straight to the New Testament just off Straight Street - which also gets mentioned. I don’t have a deep belief but it was interesting to see. See more..
4.5 Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum (16 reviews)
- Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum stunigly beatifull decorations..
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The mausoleum is situated in old town 5 min walk to north from Umayyad Mosque it, you have to see it is just amazingly beautiful decorated and atmosphere is great, there is no charge for tourists and camera allowed, they will ask to wear women special clothing to cover head, but believe me this place is beautiful you will not regret-it . posting some pics down below. See more..
4.5 The Citadel (15 reviews)
- Grea Historical Place
Military Bases & Facilities

Damascus is the most Historical place in the world, people are kind and very cooperative, you must visit the city once the was is down. See more..
4.5 Tekiyeh Al-Suleimaniyeh (10 reviews)
- If you want to relax and you find yourself in the hassle-and-tussle of downtown Damascus a quick stroll to the Takieh a
Religious Sites

The Takieh al Suleimaniyeh Mosque is located adjacent to the Syrian National Archeological Museum and in front of the Army Museum. It is in a very special; relaxing and peaceful park atmosphere in downtown Damascus. The mosque is a must see sight in Damascus as it dates back to 1554; was built in the Ottoman Architecture and was built by Sultan Suleiman, hence the name! What I especially liked about it were the two graceful minarets; the large fountain in front of the mosque and the tranquil surroundings. Unfortunately the day we were these the gates were locked so we could not see the interior of the mosque and old school. It was nice viewing the mosque and enjoying the white ducks using the large fountain! If you want to relax and you find yourself in the hassle-and-tussle of downtown Damascus a quick stroll to the Takieh al Suleimaniyeh Mosque is a must do activity. See more..
4.5 Souq al-Bizuriyyah (Sweet Souq) (9 reviews)
- Step back in time
Flea & Street Markets

The Souq al-Bizuriyyah, or Spice Bazaar, threads it's way between Straight Street and the Azem Palace. The strong scent of spices, together with the beautiful, original architecture of the doorways to Khan Assad Pasha and the Hammam Nur Ad-din adds to the sensation of stepping into another world. It is a daily part of life for locals as well as a tourist attraction and, as it was closed to traffic when I visited, I was able to wander through at a leisurely pace. I loved visiting all the Souqs but this was my favourite, as the surrounding architecture gave such a wonderful sense of history. As with most buildings in Damascus, the Souq is closed on Fridays. I visited on a Saturday morning and would recommend arriving after 10am - by this time the stalls are set up and you get the full benefit of the aromas of the spices! See more..
4.5 Souq Saroujah (7 reviews)
- I strongly suggest you visit the Souq Sahouja at night as it will be cooler.
Neighborhoods • Antique Shops

The Souq Sahouja is located just outside the old walls of the Old City of Damascus. This Souq is a maze of alleyways off of the main street called Souq Sahouja Street. This Souq is noted for its’ many Cafes; old Boutique Hotels; Side-walk Restaurants; old Hammam’s; a Mausoleum and an Old Madrasa, or old school which appears to be still in operation! We spent a couple of hours exploring this great area. Many of the Cafes and Restaurants had their TV’s sets on either watching the Ramadan TV Series or a live football game. I strongly suggest you visit the Souq Sahouja at night as it will be cooler and a bit more active especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Souq Sahouja is another must see part of Old Damascus. See more..
4.5 St.George Syrian Orthodox Church (6 reviews)
- a walk back in time
Churches & Cathedrals

Not sure if you would go there now but we went in January 2011 and a guide showed us round, telling us the history. Reminded us that Christianity really began in Asia and not Europe. BUT SEE BELOW - we went there in January 2011, doesn't seem to cope with this date ! See more..
4.5 The Arc Gate (6 reviews)
- You Must Stop to Enjoy This!!
Architectural Buildings

There are indeed two (2) famous Roman Arch's or Gates. The first is very close to the Omayyad Mosque and the other in the middle of Street Street. Both are great photo stops and must not be missed in your visit to the Old City of Damascus!! See more..
4.5 Fortress Wall (6 reviews)
- A magnificent historical wall
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

The wall is thousands of years old. It encircles the old city and is a monument to the days when cities needed walls for protection. St Paul entered Damascus through th ed wall and left by being lowered down in a basket to make his escape. See more..
4.5 Bimaristan an-Nuri (4 reviews)
- Hope to see the rest of the rooms
Speciality Museums

Was there today Most of the rooms are still locked for safety reasons. I really hope they open them soon so that I can visit this place again . The entree fee is a dollar for tourists and 0.1 dollars for Syrians . See more..
4.5 Archaeological Park (4 reviews)
- Best place for a tea break near the Souk
Parks

A cafe conveniently situated opposite the Citadel and just round the corner from Souk Hamidiya. You can sit inside or on the roof overlooking the Environmental Garden. Relaxing surroundings away from the bustle of the Old Market. It tends to get hot on a Sunny afternoon so if you are going to the roof, grab a table with an sunshade umbrella! See more..
4.5 Al Azem Palace (Palace of As'ad, Pasha al-'Azm) (45 reviews)
- The Old City of Damascus is by far the most Captivating Old Cities in the World…
History Museums

The Old City of Damascus always captivated me for many years. On a recent trip, I just went to the Old City and again it it still the number one old city to visit in the Middle East! No other city is as enthralling as the Old City of Damascus. Whether you walk along the old cobble streets near the Barada River or the old souks you will really enjoy each area!! Each corner offers you a special and true “Kodak moment”… The Old City of Damascus is by far the most Captivating Old Cities in the World… See more..
4.5 Saladin (Selahedîn) Mausoleum (35 reviews)
- Paying respects
Monuments & Statues

A visit to the burial site of this great hero of humanity, Saladdin, the only muslim Dante puts in Limbo, next to Socrates and Plato, is a must, if visiting Damascus. A moving experience. As the guards do not speak english, better do your homework before visiting. See more..