The BEST Things to do in Damascus, Syria (Updated 2026)

Damascus, Syria, had been at the top of my bucket list for a long time. And why wouldn’t it? From its many historical sites to its bustling markets and kind-hearted locals, there are many things to do in Damascus that promise an unforgettable experience.

After visiting this lovely city, I can safely say that it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about exploring the enchanting capital of Syria.

If you want more to be persuaded to travel to Syria, you should read my guide with 25+ compelling reasons to Visit Syria in 2026.

Just so you know: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book or buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Traveling to Syria in 2026

If you haven’t done so, check out my piece on traveling to Syria. This Guide has everything you need to know before visiting my favorite Middle Eastern country!

A Little Bit of History

Damascus does not feel like a city that began at a single moment. Often described as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, it has been lived in for so long that history is not a distant idea.

Long before empires gave it names, people settled because water made life possible in an unforgiving landscape. Arameans shaped it into a capital, calling it Dimashqa, and left behind a language that would be used for centuries. Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and then the armies of Alexander the Great all passed through, each leaving traces while discovering that the city resisted being reduced to a single identity.

Under Roman rule, Damascus was reorganized with streets and temples, yet it remained unmistakably eastern in spirit. Christianity took root early here; according to tradition, it was on the road to Damascus that Saul became Paul. When Islam arrived in the 7th century, the city entered one of its defining eras. As the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, Damascus stood at the center of a world stretching from Spain to Central Asia.

Later centuries brought decline, revival, conquest, and endurance. Crusaders threatened but never took the city; Mamluks and Ottomans ruled it; pilgrims passed through on their way to Mecca. By the time modern borders were drawn, Damascus had already outlived countless maps.

Even today, the city feels shaped by all these layers, its streets and ancient walls showing how the city has endured by adapting rather than starting over.

Is Damascus the Oldest City in the World?

The answer is no. Truth is, Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, but it is not the oldest one.

While the exact age of Damascus is a subject of historical debate, it is believed to have been settled for over 4,000 years. However, while a strong contender, there are other cities like Jericho in the West Bank and Byblos in Lebanon that also claim this title.

While it might not be the single oldest city in the world, Damascus remains among the most ancient and historically significant ones. And this just doesn’t change by a single date.

Is It possible to visit Damascus in 2026?

To answer the question quickly, yes, it is possible to visit Damascus. But let’s get more into detail.

IIn the past few years, Syria has opened its borders to foreign visitors. In fact, in 2023, more than 1 million foreign visitors and 1.2 million Syrians from abroad chose the Middle Eastern country for their vacation. This was also the first year the country welcomed American tourists. 

Americans had been banned from traveling to Syria for the past years years, but that’s no more the case. US citizens can now visit the country as tourists.

For more information about traveling to Syria in 2026, read my comprehensive guide to the country.

Between 2018 and 2025, it was mandatory to organize your trip with a local tour operator. I believe that this changed after the new government took over, and you can now travel without a local agency. However, I would still suggest hiring one, due to the many changes that Syria has been through lately.

We chose to organize our trip with Golden Team Syria. They have one of the most reputable travel agencies in the country. They took care of everything for us before we arrived. They were excellent professionals and tried their best to fulfill every request that we had. 

Let’s talk about the latest developments, mainly what happened in late 2024. Basically, a rapid, widespread offensive by opposition forces swept through major cities, ending in the takeover of Damascus on 8 December 2024. This is considered to have brought an official end in the decade-long civil war. In the aftermath, a transitional government was established under a provisional administration.

Despite these changes, after speaking with a few people, I have been told that the situation for tourists has not changed from when I was in Syria myself.

Is It Safe to Visit Damascus?

I can say that I felt very safe in Syria. However, this is still one of the most common questions I get asked about traveling to Syria, so I’ll get more into detail. Basically, my biggest concern before the trip was what I could do myself to ensure my safety.

Finding travel insurance for Syria was far harder than I expected. Most insurers either flat-out refused to cover the destination or excluded anything meaningful once you mentioned it. I spent hours comparing policies, reading fine print, and hitting dead ends. It was frustrating to plan a trip while constantly worrying about whether I’d actually be insured if something went wrong.

That’s when I came across IATI Travel Insurance. Unlike many providers, IATI offers coverage for travel to higher-risk destinations like Syria. Their policy covered my trip and gave me real peace of mind, not just paperwork, but genuine protection I could rely on. Knowing I wasn’t traveling uninsured made a huge difference in how confident I felt about travelling to Syria.

Another reason I chose IATI is how affordable they are compared to other insurers that offer similar coverage. Their plans include 24/7 emergency assistance in your own language (Can you imagine the struggle speaking in another language when something goes wrong?), medical coverage without any deductibles, and repatriation.

On top of that, you can get 5% off your policy when you book through my link, which makes an already reasonable price even better. If you’re struggling to find insurance for destinations others won’t touch, IATI is absolutely worth checking out.

Did I feel safe in Syria? – My personal experience

Despite what I heard in the news, I felt in Syria as safe as everywhere else I’ve been. For me, it was no different from any other Middle Eastern country.

As long as you are with your guide and listen to what they advise you, you‘ll be alright. You will pass many checkpoints and see a lot of soldiers, but they are there to protect you. You’ll always be greeted with a smile and a warm “Welcome.”

Obviously, I cannot guarantee anyone’s safety when traveling to Syria, and you always traveinsecure, even a tiny bit.

When is the Best Time to visit Damascus?

My experience shows that the absolute ideal time to explore Damascus is during the spring months of March to June. The weather is pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around the mid-70s °F (mid-20s °C), making it a more than comfortable time to sightsee or enjoy activities.

However, let’s not discount the autumn months of September to November. The extreme heat of the Middle Eastern summer begins to ease off, leading to comfortable weather with temperatures often ranging between 59 to 77°F (15 to 25°C).

Remember to avoid visiting in the peak summer months of July and August if you cannot handle the heat. The desert climate sends temperatures into the high 90s, even touching 104°F (40°C) sometimes. If you’re not used to such heat, sightseeing can become somewhat uncomfortable. Air conditioning in Syria is not a given, but rather a luxury.

Lastly, Winter in Damascus can get quite chilly, with temperatures dipping to the low to mid-40s °F (single digits °C), especially at night. While the city rarely sees snowfall, the cold can indeed be biting.

How to Get to Damascus

Most European countries have yet to resume direct commercial flights to Damascus. However, we were surprised to find out that there was a direct flight from Athens the same day we were traveling. It was something very interesting (and a bit shocking, but in a good way) to see before boarding our own flight to Beirut. 

The most common way people visit Damascus is through Beirut, Lebanon. Once your flight arrives in Beirut, you’ll be greeted by a driver (arranged by the local tour operator of your choice) who will take you to the Lebanon-Syria border. The trip to the border lasts around one hour and a half, but it can take longer, depending on the traffic.

Once at the border, you will pass through customs on both the Lebanese and Syrian sides. This process is very easy and straightforward. You do not have to do anything; your driver will do the talking and take care of the procedure.

Once you pay the visa fee on the Syrian side and your passport gets stamped, another driver will be waiting for you to take you to Damascus. It should take around 45 minutes to arrive at the capital city of Syria.

Again, this whole procedure can take some time, depending on how many people are waiting to enter Syria and the traffic. However, as a general rule, the entire journey can take anywhere between 2.5 and 4 hours.

Is Damascus Expensive?

Damascus, and Syria in general, are affordable destinations for travelers. In fact, Syria is easily one of the cheapest countries I have visited so far. Daily expenses, including meals and souvenirs, are surprisingly low compared to many other countries in the region.

Dining out in Damascus is especially budget-friendly. A full traditional meal for three to four people at a mid-range restaurant will typically cost between $15 and $20 USD in total. If you prefer something lighter or on the go, a simple sandwich will cost only $1–$2 USD, and a soda rarely exceeds $1 USD.

Shopping for souvenirs is just as accessible. Small items like keychains, magnets, or other trinkets typically cost around $0.50 USD each. For budget travelers, this makes it easy to experience the best of Damascus without financial stress.

That said, Damascus also has options for those who enjoy luxury or prefer more high-end experiences. Upscale restaurants, boutique hotels, and specialty products are available in the city.

Do I need VPN for Syria?

Short answer: yes, you need a VPN in Syria. 

Internet infrastructure is limited, public Wi-Fi is often unsafe, and surveillance was widely reported under the previous government.

A VPN helps secure your online activity. NordVPN is a solid option, offering thousands of servers worldwide, strong privacy audits, and round-the-clock customer support.

Visit their website to learn more.

Where to Stay in Damascus

Before we get into the things to do in Damascus, let’s talk about hotels. From old houses that have been renovated to 5-star hotels, there are options for every budget and taste. 

The likeliest scenario is that your tour operator will pick the hotel for you, depending on your preferences. However, I do have a suggestion.

We stayed in the Antique Khan Hotel near the old town. The hotel’s interior was cozy and traditional, while the rooms were big, comfortable, and had everything we could have asked for (yes, that includes air conditioning). 

The highlight for me was their breakfast – a delicious, traditional Middle Eastern feast.

What are some common phrases to know when traveling to Damascus?

When visiting Damascus, it’s a good idea to be aware of a few essential Arabic phrases. Trust me, it will make your communication flow with locals much smoother. Arabic is a rich language, but don’t worry; I’m here to guide you through some key phrases: 

• “Marhaba”: Used for both “hello” and “hi”, it’s a phrase you’re likely to use frequently.
• “Shukran”: A way to express “thank you”, an essential for any traveler.
• “Aiwa” / “La”: These simple words stand for “yes” and “no”, respectively.
• “Al Hammam”: Literally, “the bathroom” – because, let’s face it, you’ll need to know this one.

Of course, you are not expected to become fluent overnight. The Syrian people are known for their hospitality, and they’ll surely appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language.

Lastly, don’t be shy; use language-learning apps or carry a phrasebook with you. Remember, the goal is not perfection but connection.

What are the best souvenirs to bring back from Damascus?

Traveling to Damascus is not something that you do many times in a lifetime. That’s why you need to get a few souvenirs to remember this amazing trip or show your appreciation to your loved ones. Here are some things that you might want to bring back:

• Damascene Crafts: Syrians are famous for their crafting skills. Look out for carved mosaic boxes, silverware, and embroidered table linens. Each of these items will add a touch of Syrian beauty to your home. 
• Local Spices: Syrian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, largely thanks to the spices used in its recipes. Consider purchasing za’atar (I most certainly did) or sumac.
• Handmade Soaps: While it is Aleppo that is known for its handmade olive oil soaps, you will find plenty in Damascus as well. They smell amazing and are very good for your skin. Believe me, they are well worth it!
• Syrian Sweets and Delicacies: If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the delicious selection of Syrian sweets. If you find a way to pack them properly, they can be a very tasty souvenir to bring back.

The Best Things to Do in Damascus in 2026

1. Explore the Old Town

As I have already mentioned in this guide, the Old Town of Damascus is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited areas. With a history of over 4,000 years, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety! But now, let’s get to how it is organized.

The town consists of many big, parallel streets connected by smaller alleys between them. The most famous is the “Straight Street”.

The Straight Street dates back to Roman times and is believed to have been constructed during the 1st century AD. It is approximately 1,500 meters long and stretches from the Eastern Gate of the Old City to the Umayyad Mosque in the west. It runs in a straight line from east to west, which is how it got its name.

Its architecture is mainly influenced by Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic styles. Alongside the (many) Roman and Greek ruins, you will also find local shops – selling anything from antiques and crafts to souvenirs.

I believe that the old town of Damascus is the best place for slow walking and people watching. You don’t need to have a specific purpose – wander around and check out shops, old houses, and street food vendors.

2. Enjoy Local Delicacies at the Street Food Street

The “Street Food Street” is a must-visit for food lovers. It is lined with vendors offering Middle Eastern favorites like shawarma, falafel, and dolma, as well as delicious sweets like baklava and knafeh. 

It’s a very popular place among locals, and maybe the most authentic place to get a sense of Syrian cuisine. The smells are amazing, and I wanted to try everything.

3. Wander and shop at the Al-Hamidiyah Souq

Before we move, take a moment to imagine walking through a market where people have been selling and purchasing goods for centuries. The Al-Hamidiyah Souq feels like a time machine.

The souk is always buzzing with people. During your time there, you will pass through hundreds of shops and vendors selling anything, from clothes and spices to jewelry and handicrafts. It may be the best place to get souvenirs, too!

I cannot even count the things I got from there, and I do not regret it one bit.

Lastly, don’t forget to stop at the Ruins of the Jupiter Temple, right outside the Umayyad Mosque. They are located right at the entrance of the souk and have been perfectly incorporated into the market.

4. Have an Ice Cream at Bakdash

Attention ice cream lovers, this one is for you! Bakdash is a famous ice cream shop in the Al-Hamidiyah Souq. Established in 1895, it is known for serving some of the most delicious Syrian ice cream. 

What sets their ice cream apart is its unique texture. It has a distinct chewy quality, very different from the typical creamy texture you are familiar with. 

Bagdash is a historic and charming shop, loved by literally everyone. In fact, it is so famous that, during the war, another branch was opened in Amman to serve Syrian refugees. 

I can safely say that it ranks among the best ice creams I’ve ever tried. In fact, I loved it so much that I asked our guide to go there a second time, right before leaving Syria. I desperately wanted to enjoy it one last time before leaving.

5. Visit the Azem palace

The Azem Palace is a historic complex in the center of Damascus. It was built in the 18th century by As’ad Pasha al-Azem, the Governor of Damascus at the time. 

It was the home of the Governor, as well as a place where the elite would gather and spend their time. The palace was divided into two parts, one for men and one for women. Both have now been turned into museums with exhibits that showcase how life was back in the Ottoman period.

The palace is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture. It is now also a social hub for locals, with many families gathering there to spend their afternoons.

The vibes there are amazing, and I could really feel the calmness and serenity.

6. Take a stop at the Khan As’ad Pasha

Khan As’ad Pasha is another important building in the old city. It was also built in the 18th century by As’ad Pasha al-Azem.

It served as a popular trading hub during the Ottoman period, where travelers and merchants would rest and do business before continuing their journey through the Silk Road.

The Khan is famous for its architecture, lovely courtyard, mosaic decorations, and big rooms. The distinct black and white marble, a symbol of Ottoman architecture, is just beautiful to see.

Today it serves as both a museum and a social gathering place. It was interesting to see how many families were gathered in the courtyard to enjoy their coffee or a refreshing beverage.

7. Explore the Umayyad Mosque

Now that I think about it, I should have started with this one. The Umayyad Mosque is a stunning sight in the center of Damascus and one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. 

It was built in the 8th century and is one of the world’s oldest and most important mosques (It is considered to be the 4th holiest place in Islam). Muslim tradition believes that the Umayyad Mosque is the place where Jesus Christ will return after the end of days. 

During my time there, I was utterly fascinated by the golden mosaics that decorate the walls. The courtyard is massive, but you are not allowed to be in the middle. While there were some signs of damage from the war, most of them had already been restored by the time we were there.

Inside the building, there’s a massive prayer area where locals gather to sit together and pray. The space is very big, but it can be packed with people during Islamic holidays such as Ramadan.

The Umayyad Mosque made me very emotional – I had never seen beauty of this kind again.

8. Visit The mausoleum of Salah al-Din

Salah al-Din was a very popular leader in the 12th century. He is best known for leading Muslim forces during the Crusades.

He is mainly remembered for recapturing Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187. He was known for his bravery and fair treatment of his enemies, and he ruled over a large area that included Egypt and parts of Syria. 

His mausoleum is located inside the Umayyad Mosque complex. You’ll find Saladin’s tomb in a room decorated with Islamic art. It’s a rather peaceful spot, and a quiet place for people to remember and respect this important historical figure.

9. See the St. John the Baptist tomb

To be completely honest, I was unaware that the tomb of John the Baptist (The man who, according to Christian tradition, Baptized Jesus) was located inside the Umayyad Mosque.

While many sites have been proclaimed for St. John’s burial, the Umayyad Mosque is believed to be the one. The tomb is located in an impressive marble structure inside the praying area.

This place gave me a lot to think. I could not hide my fascination with the fact that a massive mosque, the tomb of a vital Christian figure, and a Roman temple all existed in the same complex.

10. Learn about Syrian history at the National Museum

Another personal favorite that defied all expectations. The National Museum of Damascus features a great collection of artifacts from every place and historical period of Syria. 

Among the museum’s many highlights, my favorites are the tombs, sculptures, and textiles from Palmyra. An entire set of tombs was taken and relocated to the basement of the museum to be protected, and it was very impressive to see.

The space inside is surprisingly modern and well-preserved. Every historical era has its own room with artifacts and detailed information. I found the explanations very helpful.

We were not allowed to take pictures inside, due to fears for the safety of the artifacts.

The exhibition is not only limited inside the museum. The courtyard outside is equally impressive, featuring sculptures and artifacts carefully placed inside a lovely garden. 

I firmly believe that the National Museum of Damascus is a hidden gem and one of the best things to do in Damascus. I had an amazing time there and I would gladly visit it again next time.

11. Find about St. Paul’s story at the St. Ananias church

Did you know that the church where St. Paul was Baptized is located in the center of Damascus? Well, neither did I. The story of Saint Paul’s baptism is very interesting.

It is about a man named Saul who used to persecute Christians. One day, while traveling to Damascus, he saw a bright light and heard Jesus speak to him. This experience completely blinded him. On that day, a Christian named Ananias received a vision from God instructing him to find Saul and help him restore his sight. And that’s what he did. 

Then, he baptized him, and Paul was his new name. However, because his actions angered the Romans, Paul had to rely on the help of Christian locals to escape the city.

His baptism marked the beginning of his new life as a Christian and his mission to share his new religion with others.

The church itself is mainly underground. It was a lovely way to conclude our trip to Damascus.

12. Have a Coffee at Al Nawfara Coffee House

Al Nawfara Coffee House is one of Damascus’s best known cafe’s. It is situated within the walls of the Old City, near the Umayyad Mosque.

It is one of the places that keeps the tradition of the storyteller alive. The storyteller is a person who narrates tales, legends, and stories from history, folklore, or literature to the cafe guests.

However, we did not get the chance to hear him, but it is something for next time – that’s for sure!

It felt very nice to see locals gather on a busy morning, hanging out with friends and enjoying their coffee. I guess it’s the simplest and most unexpected moments that make travel special.

13. Enjoy a Traditional Syrian Feast

I am completely serious when I say that Syrian food is the best I’ve ever had while traveling. Syrian cuisine is similar to Lebanese, a blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.

During our time in Damascus, we had the chance to try two very famous restaurants, Darmisk and Mona Lisa. 

Darmisk is one of the most famous restaurants in the old town. The interior was charming, the service excellent, and the food from another planet! I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to have his first authentic Syrian food experience!

Mona Lisa restaurant was also cozy. While significantly more expensive than Darmisk, we had a great time there. Their fried kibbeh was unbelievable!

14. Have a Drink at a Local Bar

This might sound surprising for a Muslim country, but Syria has a lively drinking culture. 

Influenced mainly by Syria’s Christian minority, Damascus is home to many bars and clubs, like the ones you would expect to find in America or Europe.

Afamia, a local beer, is surely one to be noticed! Local wines and arak (like the Greek ouzo) are also popular choices to try during your time in Syria. 

What better way would be to conclude a full day of exploring Damascus than enjoying some drinks in a cozy bar with the new friends that you’ve made?

15. See the Damascus Sword Monument

The Damascene sword is a giant statue located on Umayyad Square. Erected in 1986, it symbolizes the city’s historical and cultural heritage.

The monument itself is a large-scale representation of a sword, crafted from metal and standing at an impressive height of 79 feet (24 meters).

The sword is held upright, with the hilt at the top and the blade pointing downwards. This design is said to symbolize the peaceful nature of the Syrian people, as a sword in this position is typically seen as a sign of peace.

16. Visit the Historic Hejaz Railway station

The Hejaz Railway station is a hidden gem to see in Damascus. It was part of a railway that ran from Turkey to Damascus, and then to Medina in Saudi Arabia. It was constructed between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century during the Ottoman Empire.

Today, the Hejaz Railway station serves as a museum with a collection of vintage trains, carriages, and other railway memorabilia. It’s a fascinating place for train enthusiasts, to say the least.

As of 2025, there have been talks about re-opening the route to Turkey.

17. See the views from Mount Qassioum

Mount Qassioun is a mountain that overlooks the city from the northwest. It is believed to be the site where Cain slew Abel, according to the Bible. It is also said to be the place where the Prophet Muhammad saw a vision of the city of Damascus.

Getting to Mount Qassioun is relatively easy. It’s accessible by car, and there’s a road that leads to the top. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts or anyone who wants to see the city from a different perspective.

18. Explore The October War Panorama

The October War Panorama is a massive museum and monument dedicated to the war of 1973. The museum offers a comprehensive understanding of the war, its causes, and its outcomes.

It is a circular building with a large rotating platform in the middle. The platform moves slowly around a circular painting that is 15 meters high and 120 meters in circumference, depicting various scenes from the war.

The painting is a very interesting piece of art and history, created by a team of North Korean artists. It is one of the largest circular paintings in the world, and the level of detail is fascinating.

Alongside the painting, the Panorama also houses a collection of military equipment used in the war. This includes tanks, aircraft, and artillery pieces, many of which are displayed outdoors.

19. Visit the National Opera house

A visit to the National Opera House is another very interesting thing to do in Damascus. This modern structure is a complex that includes a drama theater, a multipurpose hall, and a library.

The architecture alone is worth the visit, blending modern design with traditional Arabic influences. I would classify it as another hidden gem of the city.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Damascus was a mind-opening experience for me. This ancient city, despite the tough times it has faced, still shines with a unique charm.

The impressive sites, the fantastic food, and the kindness of the people – all contribute to a memorable experience.

I can safely say that Damascus has a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to visit again.

Before I conclude this guide, I’d like to say a massive thank you to my good friend, Elsa Nakhleh, for providing me with some fantastic photos.

Elsa is a Syrian Tour Guide and Operator and a Damascus local. If you are planning a trip to Syria or are thinking about doing so, make sure to contact her for any information you might need!