Damascus-7-day-itinerary

Damascus, Syria - 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old City

Morning

  • Arrive at Damascus International Airport (DAM)
  • Take a taxi or bus to your hotel in the old city
  • Check-in at Al-Wadi Hotel or similar, a historic hotel with comfortable rooms

Afternoon

  • Visit the Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world (entry fee: 500 SYP / $3 USD)
  • Explore the narrow streets and shops of the old city
  • Enjoy traditional Syrian cuisine at Al-Medina Restaurant for lunch

Evening

  • Watch the sunset from a rooftop cafe or restaurant with a view of the old city
  • Try some street food, such as kebabs or falafel, for dinner

Day 2: History and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the National Museum of Syria, which houses artifacts from ancient civilizations (entry fee: 500 SYP / $3 USD)
  • Explore the nearby Khan al-Shihin caravanserai, a 17th-century inn that once hosted travelers on the Silk Road

Afternoon

  • Visit the Damascus Souk, a bustling marketplace where you can buy souvenirs and try local delicacies
  • Enjoy lunch at Al-Hawash Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

Evening

  • Attend a cultural event, such as a concert or play, at the National Theatre of Syria

Day 3: Palmyra’s Neighbors

Morning

  • Visit the Bakriye Village, a historic village that dates back to the Byzantine era
  • Explore the nearby Al-Muzayriye Palace, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture (entry fee: 500 SYP / $3 USD)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Damascus Museum of Archaeology, which houses artifacts from ancient civilizations (entry fee: 500 SYP / $3 USD)
  • Enjoy lunch at Al-Nawari Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

Evening

  • Watch the sunset from a rooftop cafe or restaurant with a view of the old city
  • Try some street food, such as kebabs or falafel, for dinner

Day 4: Treasures of Damascus

Morning

  • Visit the Al-Qasaba District, one of the oldest and most historic areas in Damascus (entry fee: free)
  • Explore the nearby Al-Habib Al-Rahman Mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture (entry fee: 500 SYP / $3 USD)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Damascus Museum of History, which houses artifacts from ancient civilizations (entry fee: 500 SYP / $3 USD)
  • Enjoy lunch at Al-Sabuni Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

Evening

  • Attend a cultural event, such as a concert or play, at the National Theatre of Syria

Day 5: Ruins and Relaxation

Morning

  • Visit the Al-Jadidah District, one of the oldest and most historic areas in Damascus (entry fee: free)
  • Explore the nearby Al-Khawalde Mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture (entry fee: 500 SYP / $3 USD)

Afternoon

  • Relax at a traditional hammam, such as Al-Medina Hammam or similar
  • Enjoy lunch at Al-Nahla Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

Evening

  • Watch the sunset from a rooftop cafe or restaurant with a view of the old city
  • Try some street food, such as kebabs or falafel, for dinner

Day 6: Last Days in Damascus

Morning

  • Visit the Damascus Souk one last time to buy souvenirs and try local delicacies
  • Enjoy lunch at Al-Hawash Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

Afternoon

  • Spend some time relaxing at your hotel or exploring the surrounding area
  • Prepare for departure the next day

Day 7: Departure

  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight
  • Say goodbye to Damascus and take with you memories of this incredible city!

Transportation

  • Taxi: A taxi ride from the airport to the old city costs around 500 SYP / $3 USD
  • Bus: The bus fare from the airport to the old city is around 200 SYP / $1.50 USD
  • Walking: Walking is a great way to explore the old city and its narrow streets!

Tips

  • Bargaining is expected when shopping in markets or from street vendors
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “hello” (مرحبا) and “thank you” (شكرا)
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions

Other things to know

  • Damascus is a relatively safe city, but petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas
  • The local currency is the Syrian pound (SYP), although US dollars are also widely accepted
  • Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims, during which restaurants may be closed or operate on reduced hours

Useful phone numbers

  • Emergency services: 112
  • Airport information: +963 11 2130000
  • Hotel reservation: +963 11 2144444 (Al-Wadi Hotel)

Note: Prices and opening hours are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to double-check with your hotel or local authorities for the most up-to-date information.