City: Damascus
Top Things to do in Damascus
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Top 10 Free 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. Takiyya Suleimaniah Souq
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Omayad Mosque
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. The Citadel
8. Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum
9. St Ananias Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By ArielRuffian - Singapore, null
In the Bible, the book of Acts, the story is told of a faithful Christian, Ananias, who while praying, heard from the Lord Jesus and was told to go down to the street called Straight and lay hands on a blind man, Saul of Tarsus, known for violently persecuting Christians or members of the Way as they were first known. Ananias balked but obeyed and the result of the obedience was launching St Paul the Apostle into his destiny. This chapel is where Ananias lived - he became the Bishop of Damascus (a public figure) so records were kept of his house. It is just off the Street called Straight. The chapel is serene and has beautiful paintings of the conversion of St Paul and one can sit and soak in the quiet spirit there. There is a small on site shop which sells books, postcards and maps. This is a site of great importance and Christian heritage. Well worth the visit.
10. Khan Asaad Basha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By THOMASFROMDAMASCUS - Damascus, Syria
The Khan Assad Basha Al Azem is located in the Old City of Damascus in the Al- Buzuriyah Souq. We visit this Khan often as they have many art exhibitions and a nice small coffee shop. It is always a nice ‘resting spot’ after a hectic day within the many old Souq’s within the Old City of Damascus. This Khan was built in 1751 under the Ottoman Empire and was always the largest Caravanserai in the Old City. When you sit within this famous Khan it is nice to rethink its’ glorious past with many Caravan’s stopping in the city of Damascus to trade. You look at the main entrance and you know its’ very high vaulted ceiling were built to accommodate the thousands of camels that had entered in over two hundred years. The Khan is between the famous Al-Hamidiyah Souq and the renowned Medhat Basha Souq and called Straight Street. I simply love the Ottoman architecture as they used many high domes throughout this large 2,500 square meter Caravanserai. So if you want to simply relax and indulge yourself in the ancient history of Damascus a stop by the Khan Assad Basha Al Azem is a must!
