· SY

Damascus

Damascus, Dimashq, Syria

Step into Time's Cradle: Damascus, the Ancient Heart of Syria Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, beckons travelers with the allure of ancient history whispering from every stone. Ima…

#ancient city#capital#historical#Middle East#conflict zone

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Damascus.

Top Hotels in Damascus

Top Flights to Damascus

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Damascus.

Tours

Old City of Damascus Exploration

A walking tour through the historic Old City of Damascus, known for its ancient architecture and rich history.

National Museum of Damascus Visit

Discover Syria's rich history and culture at the National Museum, featuring artifacts that span centuries.

Azm Palace Tour

Tour the historic Azm Palace, an example of 18th-century Ottoman architecture.

Damascus Opera House Evening

Enjoy an evening at the Damascus Opera House, a hub for the arts in Syria.

Shopping

Souq al-Hamidiyah Shopping

A traditional souk located inside the Old City walls, offering a variety of goods from spices to souvenirs.

Al-Mutanabbi Street Shopping

Explore Al-Mutanabbi Street, famous for its bookstores and vibrant atmosphere.

Bab Touma Night Market

Visit Bab Touma's vibrant night market for a unique shopping experience under the stars.

Outdoor

Mount Qasioun Hiking

Enjoy a thrilling outdoor hike up Mount Qasioun, offering panoramic views of Damascus.

Damascus International Fair Park

A large park area hosting the annual Damascus International Fair.

Tishreen Park Outdoor Activities

Visit Tishreen Park, perfect for leisure walks and outdoor sports.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Damascus.

Currency

£S | SYP | Syrian Pound

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Damascus, Dimashq, Syria is around '2.5 million'.

Languages

Arabic, English, French, Kurdish, Armenian

Average weather

Damascus

Jan

11°2°

Feb

13°3°

Mar

17°5°

Apr

23°9°

May

28°13°

Jun

33°17°

Jul

36°20°

Aug

36°20°

Sep

32°17°

Oct

26°13°

Nov

18°8°

Dec

13°4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Damascus.

What people love

Traveling to Damascus, the capital city of Syria, can offer a range of experiences for those interested in history, culture, and architecture. Here are some potential pros of visiting Damascus:

Rich Historical Significance: Damascus is often cited as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This long history is reflected in its architecture and cultural sites. Visitors can explore ancient landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world.
Cultural Heritage: As a city that has been at the crossroads of various civilizations, Damascus offers a diverse cultural heritage. You can experience a blend of Arab, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences in the city's art, music, and cuisine.
Traditional Markets: The souks (markets) in Damascus are famous for their vibrant atmosphere. The Al-Hamidiyah Souq is particularly renowned for its variety of goods, from spices and textiles to traditional crafts.
Architectural Beauty: The city features a mix of architectural styles, including traditional Islamic architecture. The narrow alleys and historic buildings in the Old City are particularly noteworthy.
Culinary Experience: Syrian cuisine is rich and varied, offering a delicious array of dishes such as kebabs, hummus, and baklava. Damascus provides an opportunity to taste authentic Syrian flavors in local restaurants and street food stalls.
Cultural Events and Festivals: Depending on the time of your visit, you might have the opportunity to experience local cultural events or festivals, which can offer deeper insights into the traditions and life of the city.
Warm Hospitality: Despite the challenges faced by the country, many visitors have noted the warm hospitality of the Syrian people, who are known for being welcoming and friendly towards travelers.
Educational Opportunities: For those interested in Middle Eastern studies, history, or archaeology, Damascus offers a living classroom with its wealth of historical sites and museums.

It is important to note that travel to Syria, including Damascus, may be subject to various travel advisories due to ongoing conflict and safety concerns. Prospective travelers should thoroughly research current conditions and consult government travel advisories before planning a trip.

What to know

Traveling to Damascus, Syria, may have several cons due to the current political situation and ongoing conflicts in the region. Some of the potential risks and drawbacks of visiting Damascus include:

Safety concerns: Damascus has been affected by the Syrian civil war since 2011, leading to instability, violence, and security threats in the region. The security situation remains volatile, with the presence of armed groups and the risk of terrorist attacks.
Travel restrictions: The political situation in Syria has led to travel restrictions and advisories from many governments, discouraging non-essential travel to Damascus and other parts of the country. This can make it difficult for tourists to enter or move around the city safely.
Limited infrastructure: Due to the impact of the conflict, infrastructure in Damascus may be damaged or inadequate, affecting services such as transportation, healthcare, and accommodation. The availability of basic necessities and amenities may be limited.
Communication challenges: Language barriers may pose challenges for travelers in Damascus, as English may not be widely spoken, especially in more remote areas or during emergencies.
Health and sanitation risks: The ongoing conflict and political instability in Damascus may have affected health services and sanitation standards, increasing the risk of infectious diseases and other health hazards for travelers.
Cultural sensitivities: Travelers to Damascus should be aware of and respect local customs, traditions, and religious practices to avoid unintentional offense or misunderstandings.

It is crucial to stay informed about the current situation in Damascus and consult official travel advisories before planning a trip to ensure your safety and well-being.

Damascus, the capital of Syria, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich and complex history that spans several millennia. Here is a detailed history of Damascus, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks.

Ancient History

Early Settlement: Archaeological evidence suggests that Damascus was settled as early as 10,000 to 8,000 BCE. It later became a significant city under the Arameans in the 2nd millennium BCE.
Aramean Kingdom: By the 11th century BCE, Damascus was the capital of an Aramean kingdom. The Bible mentions Damascus frequently, including its conflicts with the Israelites.
Assyrian and Babylonian Periods: Damascus fell to the Assyrians in 732 BCE and later to the Babylonians in 605 BCE.
Persian Empire: It became part of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE.

Classical Antiquity

Hellenistic Period: After the conquest of the region by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE, Damascus came under the control of the Seleucid Empire. It was an important city in the Hellenistic world.
Roman Era: In 64 BCE, the Roman general Pompey captured Damascus, integrating it into the Roman Empire. The city prospered and many of its classical structures date from this period.

Medieval History

Islamic Conquest: In 634 CE, Damascus was conquered by Muslim Arab forces. It became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate in 661 CE under Caliph Muawiya I. This period marked a golden age for the city, with the construction of the famous Umayyad Mosque.
Abbasid and Fatimid Rule: The Abbasids moved the capital to Baghdad in 750 CE, but Damascus remained an important provincial center. It later fell under the control of the Fatimids, Seljuks, and Ayyubids.
Crusades: During the Crusades, Damascus was a target but remained mostly under Muslim control. It was a key city during the time of Saladin, who fortified it and used it as a base against the Crusaders.

Ottoman Period

Ottoman Empire: In 1516, the Ottoman Empire captured Damascus. It became a provincial capital and a major stopover for pilgrims heading to Mecca.

Modern History

French Mandate: After World War I and the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Damascus came under French control as part of the Mandate for Syria and Lebanon. The city played a crucial role in the Syrian nationalist movement.
Independence: Syria gained independence in 1946. Damascus became the capital of the newly independent country.
Recent Conflicts: Damascus has been impacted by the ongoing Syrian Civil War that began in 2011, though it remained under government control throughout most of the conflict.

Significant Figures

Muawiya I: The first Umayyad Caliph who established Damascus as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Saladin: The famous Muslim leader known for his role in the Crusades, who fortified and ruled Damascus.

Important Landmarks

Umayyad Mosque: One of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Citadel of Damascus: Originally built in the 11th century, the Citadel has been reconstructed several times and served various rulers.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq: A historic covered market in Damascus, known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional goods.
Azm Palace: A fine example of 18th-century Ottoman architecture, now a museum.

Damascus remains a city of profound historical significance, with its past visible in its ancient architecture, bustling souks, and diverse cultural heritage.