Damascus-6-day-itinerary
Damascus 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Old City
Morning
- Arrive at Damascus International Airport
- Take a taxi (approximately 1,500 SYP) or bus (300 SYP) to your hotel in the Old City
- Check-in at Beit Al-Mamlouka, a historic boutique hotel
Afternoon
- Visit Umayyad Mosque (entry fee: 500 SYP), one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the world
- Explore the Old City’s narrow alleys, taking in the sights and sounds of this ancient city
- Stop by Souk al-Buzuriyah, a bustling marketplace filled with local vendors
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Al-Khawali, serving traditional Syrian cuisine
- Take a stroll around the Old City, taking in the evening atmosphere
Day 2: Historical Landmarks
Morning
- Visit Damascus National Museum (entry fee: 500 SYP), home to many archaeological treasures
- Explore Azem Palace, a beautifully restored 18th-century palace
Afternoon
- Walk through Straight Street (also known as Via Recta), one of the oldest streets in Damascus
- Visit St. John’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Eastern Orthodox architecture
Evening
- Dine at Abu Fadi, offering delicious Middle Eastern cuisine
- Relax with a cup of coffee or tea at Café Trad (approx. 200 SYP)
Day 3: Day Trip to Maaloula
Morning
- Take a day trip to Maaloula, a picturesque town in the mountains (approximately 1-hour drive)
- Visit Deir Mar Musa, a historic monastery perched on a cliffside
Afternoon
- Explore Maaloula’s charming streets and shops
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, such as Restaurant Maaloula
Evening
- Return to Damascus in the evening and enjoy dinner at Leila’s
- Take a leisurely walk around the Old City, enjoying the night air
Day 4: Markets and Gardens
Morning
- Visit Souk al-Hamidiyah, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Damascus
- Explore Al-Buzuriyah Souk, another bustling marketplace
Afternoon
- Stroll through Takiyya Sulaymaniyya, a beautiful Ottoman-era park
- Relax at Jebel Qassioun, a scenic hill with stunning views of the city
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Al-Shami, serving traditional Syrian cuisine
- Take in a traditional Arabic coffee and shisha at Café Rawda (approx. 200 SYP)
Day 5: Palmyra and the Desert
Morning
- Take an early morning bus or taxi to Palmyra (approximately 3-hour drive)
- Visit Palmyra Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient ruins
Afternoon
- Explore Palmyra Museum, showcasing artifacts from the site
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, such as Restaurant Palmyra
Evening
- Return to Damascus in the evening and enjoy dinner at Kababji
- Relax with a drink or snack at Café Vienna (approx. 200 SYP)
Day 6: Last Day in Damascus
Morning
- Visit Maktab Anbar, a beautifully restored 19th-century school
- Explore Souk al-Juma, a charming marketplace filled with local vendors
Afternoon
- Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs or exploring the Old City
- Enjoy a farewell lunch at Fadel Restaurant
Evening
- Depart from Damascus International Airport
Things to Know
- Syria uses the Syrian pound (SYP) as its currency. You can exchange money at banks or currency exchange offices.
- Arabic is the official language, but many locals speak some English. It’s still a good idea to learn basic phrases in Arabic.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
- Be prepared for crowds and chaos in markets and souks.
Transportation
- Taxis are widely available, but be sure to agree on the price before departing.
- Buses connect Damascus to surrounding towns and cities. You can find schedules at bus stations.
- Walking is a great way to explore the Old City, but be mindful of uneven pavement and crowded streets.
Tips
- Be prepared for variable internet connectivity and occasional power outages.
- Haggling is expected when shopping in markets or souks.
- Learn some basic Arabic phrases to show respect and appreciation for local culture.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Damascus!