Damascus-5-day-itinerary

Damascus 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient History

Morning

  • 7:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Syrian breakfast at Café Al-Saleh, a cozy spot serving delicious pastries and coffee.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Umayyad Mosque (Masjid al-Nur), one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the world. Take note of its stunning architecture and historic significance.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Head to the National Museum of Damascus, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Syria, including the famous Golden Bull.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the nearby Straight Street (al-Rucad), a charming pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Majdoul, a popular restaurant serving traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • 9:00 PM: Relax with a stroll along the picturesque Damascus River (Nahr Assad).

Day 2: Citadel and Markets

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Damascus Citadel, a medieval fortress that offers breathtaking views of the city. Explore the citadel’s ancient walls, mosques, and churches.
  • 11:00 AM: Wander through the nearby Souk al-Hamidiyah, a historic marketplace filled with vendors selling everything from spices to souvenirs.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café Khaled, a local favorite serving tasty sandwiches and salads.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Al-Azhar Mosque (Mosque of al-Azhar), one of the oldest mosques in Damascus.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Dar Yazeed, a restaurant offering traditional Syrian cuisine with a modern twist.
  • 8:00 PM: Take a sunset stroll along the city’s historic streets and take in the sights and sounds.

Day 3: Roman History

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Roman Amphitheater (Amphitheater of al-Qasr), one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Museum of Roman Civilization, which showcases a collection of artifacts from ancient Rome.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café Shams, a cozy spot serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the House of Ananias (Beit al-Hananiyah), an ancient church turned museum that houses a stunning collection of mosaics.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Al-Dabouk, a restaurant serving traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • 8:00 PM: Relax with a stroll along the city’s historic streets and take in the sights and sounds.

Day 4: Palace and Gardens

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Palace of Azem Palace (Beit al-Azem), a beautiful palace built by a wealthy merchant.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Garden of Al-Khansaa, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café Asaad, a local favorite serving tasty sandwiches and salads.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Al-Baath Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from ancient Syria.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Museum Café, a restaurant located in the heart of the city’s museum complex.
  • 8:00 PM: Take a stroll along the city’s historic streets and take in the sights and sounds.

Day 5: Markets and Cafes

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Souk al-Hamidiyah, a historic marketplace filled with vendors selling everything from spices to souvenirs.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Café al-Shuhadaa, a charming spot serving delicious pastries and coffee.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café Asaad, a local favorite serving tasty sandwiches and salads.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Al-Azhar Mosque (Mosque of al-Azhar), one of the oldest mosques in Damascus.

Transportation

  • Taxis: Available throughout the city. Make sure to negotiate the price before starting your journey.
  • Public Buses: A cheap and efficient way to get around the city.
  • Walking: Explore the historic streets and take in the sights and sounds on foot.

Tips

  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other places of worship.
  • Bargain: When shopping at markets, be prepared to haggle over prices.
  • Learn some Arabic phrases: Show respect for the culture by learning basic greetings and phrases like “Marhaba” (hello) and “Shukraan” (thank you).

Where to Stay

  • Al-Hamidiyah Hotel: A comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city’s historic district.
  • Damascus Hostel: A budget-friendly option for travelers on a shoestring budget.

Things to Know

  • Syrian Cuisine: Delicious and varied, with popular dishes like Kibbeh, Shawarma, and Tabbouleh.
  • Damascus Weather: Hot summers and mild winters, with occasional rain showers during the winter months.
  • Safety: Generally a safe city for tourists, but take normal precautions to avoid petty theft or scams.

Enjoy your time in Damascus!