Damascus-7-day-itinerary

Damascus 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old City

  • Morning: Arrive in Damascus and check-in to your hotel. Recommended hotels include:
    • Beit Al Wali (boutique hotel)
    • Damasca Hotel (mid-range)
    • Safir Hotel (budget-friendly)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Umayyad Mosque (free admission), one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the world.
  • Evening: Explore the narrow alleys and souks of the Old City, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Try some traditional Syrian cuisine at:
    • Al-Khawali Restaurant (try their famous kebabs)
    • Beit Sitti (cozy restaurant with delicious mezze)

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum (500 SYP admission) to learn about Syria’s rich history and culture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Azem Palace (free admission), a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
    • Leila’s Restaurant (try their Syrian-French fusion cuisine)
    • Abu Hassan (cozy restaurant with delicious shawarma)

Day 3: Christian Heritage

  • Morning: Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist (free admission), one of the oldest churches in the world.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Christian Quarter, taking in the historic churches and charming streets.
  • Evening: Enjoy a drink at:
    • Café Arabia (cozy café with traditional Arabic coffee)
    • Bar Thomas (rooftop bar with great views)

Day 4: Day Trip to Maaloula

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Maaloula (1.5 hours by car), a charming Christian town in the mountains.
  • Afternoon: Explore the town’s historic streets, churches, and monasteries.
  • Evening: Return to Damascus and enjoy dinner at:
    • Al-Jawhari Restaurant (try their traditional Syrian dishes)
    • Shish Kebab Restaurant (cozy restaurant with delicious kebabs)

Day 5: Markets and Souks

  • Morning: Explore the bustling Souk al-Hamidiyah market, where you can find everything from spices to souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Souk al-Buzuriyah, a historic market filled with traditional crafts and goods.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
    • Al-Khawali Restaurant (try their famous kebabs)
    • Beit Sitti (cozy restaurant with delicious mezze)

Day 6: Relaxation and Leisure

  • Morning: Take a stroll along the Barada River, which runs through the heart of Damascus.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Damascus Gate (free admission), one of the city’s historic gates.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
    • Leila’s Restaurant (try their Syrian-French fusion cuisine)
    • Abu Hassan (cozy restaurant with delicious shawarma)

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head home.

Things to Know

  • Damascus is a conservative city, so dress modestly and respect local customs.
  • The Syrian pound (SYP) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Arabic is the official language, but many locals speak some English.
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the markets and souks.

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available, but be sure to negotiate the price before you start your journey.
  • Private car services can also be arranged through your hotel or a local tour operator.
  • Walking is a great way to explore the Old City and its surroundings.

Tips

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Bargain when shopping in markets and souks – it’s expected!
  • Try to learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “shukraan” (thank you) and “as-salamu alaykum” (hello).
  • Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen, as the sun can be intense.

Other Things of Interest

  • The Damascus Opera House, which hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
  • The Tishreen Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city.
  • The Damascus International Fair, which takes place annually and showcases local products and services.