City: Damascus
Top Things to do in Damascus
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The 9 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Damascus, Syria
Having survived thousands of years of successive civilizations from the Egyptians, Greco-Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Mongols, Ottomans and French to the modern Arab era, Damascus is one of the most resilient and historic cities on Earth. Its ruins lay up to 8 feet deep under its surface and the Old City is home to Roman era ramparts, gates, the Umayyad Mosque and legendary churches including the Chapel of St. Paul. Bab Sharqi and the Souk Medhat Pasha lay on a street dating to biblical times.
Restaurants in Damascus
1. Old City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By jetdude787 - New York City, United States
The old town still beautiful and attractive with all its history and exoticism. Taking into consideration what the city and its population has been going through since 2011, the city is still safe, very safe. I would walk from my hotel to the souq and back late at night, shop owners leave their merchandise exposed, open, and there is zero crime, everybody's friendly and helpful, and yes, there are some instances when you have no idea what you're walking into, but, that's just the way things are right now in the whole of Syria.
2. Damascus Umayyad Mosque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By ArielRuffian - Singapore, null
This place is filled with history - it used to be the Basilica of St John the Baptist before the conquest of the Ummayad Caliphate. There is a green clothed covered tomb inside which apparently contains John the Baptist's head. There is also a so-called "Jesus Minaret" where, distinct from Christian belief, the Muslims believe "Isa" will return in the last days. On the outside walls, there is a stone with a greek inscription with words from Psalm 145 verse 13 which says of the Lord: "13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all [a]generations. Definitely a top level attraction in Damascus, a world class site.
3. Omayad Mosque
4. Al Azem Palace (Palace of As'ad, Pasha al-'Azm)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By THOMASFROMDAMASCUS - Damascus, Syria
I can’t believe I had never completed a review for TripAdvisor.com on the Azm Palace in the Old City of Damascus. I have visited this fantastic site many times over the past forty plus years. My latest visit was a ‘real pleasure’ as a local group, ECHO, had reserved the Palace for a unbelievable Concert performance. The Syrian all female Orchestra called: “Mari Orchestra” perform a new suite for a Symphonic Orchestra by the Syrian Composer/Conductor called: Raad Khalaf. The suite production was called the “Spirit of Joy” and was composed of ten movements. This great social event by ECHO was over booked as many people I was told were turned away at the door, and a hundred extra chairs needed to brought out! I had never seen the Azm Palace packed with so many people, they have estimated that there were more than 1,200 to 1,300 people in attendance. What was also spectacular was the special lighting for that evening. It was truly a spectacular display and everyone seemed to really enjoy both the music and the lighting effects. If you do not know the Azm Palace it is located in the Old City of Damascus and is very close to the Umayyad Mosque. The palace was built in 1749 under the Ottoman Empire and was the private residence for As'ad Pasha al-Azm, the Ottoman governor of Damascus, and during the French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon it housed the French Institute. It has been restored over the years and today is a must visit site within the ancient Old City of Damascus. I can’t wait to return during the day time to take additional photos of this splendid magnificent site! If you are in Damascus and have not had the pleasure of visiting the Azm Palace you must take the time…you will not be disappointed, trust me
5. Damascus Center
6. Souq al-Hamidiyyeh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By jetdude787 - New York City, United States
It was a good thing to see the old souq back to life after the country has pass through what it has. Merchants and their products and all kinds of colorful merchandise, a paradise for a photographer! Loved it.
7. Saladin (Selahedin) Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By jetdude787 - New York City, United States
Being inclined to History, this was a must to me; being in front of the mausoleum of the great Salahdin was priceless to me! Paid my respects to the warrior and spent some minutes there, in his mausoleum, in silence, thinking, remembering the proeses of this warrior of a 1000 years ago!
8. The National Museum of Damascus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By benmignardi - Toronto, Canada
It is well worth a visit if you’re in Damascus. Very interesting and old artifacts. The exhibits are historically significant. And, there is much to see and learn. If you can arrange a tour guide, it would make the visit that much more educational. By the way, the Museum is next door to the Turkish Mosque and a cute little market.
