Damascus 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old Damascus

  • Morning:

    • Check-in at your accommodation. Recommended hotels: Criss Street Hotel or Al-Bustan Hotel for a traditional experience, or the Four Seasons Hotel for luxury.
    • Start your day with breakfast at Zaitouna Restaurant, known for its Syrian cuisine.
    • Visit the Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and grandest mosques in the world.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Old City Souk, a labyrinth of streets filled with traditional shops selling everything from spices to antiques. Don’t miss the gold and silver market (Suq al-Jawhara).
    • Visit the Archaeological Museum for an overview of Damascus’ rich history.

  • Evening:

    • Have dinner at Alaa Al Din, a popular restaurant offering traditional Syrian dishes.
    • Take a stroll along the Old City Walls or relax in the picturesque Azem Palace Garden.

Day 2: Modern Damascus and Museums

  • Morning:

    • Have breakfast at a local cafĂ© like Al-Baba Fasil al-Halabi or Kubbah Beyshan.
    • Visit the National Museum of Damascus, home to thousands of artifacts from Syria’s history.
    • Explore the Bab Touma neighborhood, known for its beautiful churches and vibrant arts scene.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Al-Hanoot or Salamia Restaurant, both offering Syrian cuisine with a modern twist.
    • Visit the Museum of Time (Musee du Temps), showcasing watches and clocks from around the world.
    • Relax in the tranquil gardens of the Shukri al-Quwatli Square.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Alaa Al Din or Al-Hanout, or try something new at Salamia Restaurant.
    • Visit the Al-Adawiyah Mosque for a beautiful evening prayer call.

Day 3: Day Trips

  • Morning:

    • Check out of your accommodation and have breakfast at your hotel.
    • Take a day trip to Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world (approximately 2 hours drive from Damascus).

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at a local restaurant near Krak des Chevaliers.
    • Visit the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approximately 3 hours drive from Krak des Chevaliers).

  • Evening:

    • Return to Damascus and have dinner at a restaurant of your choice in the Old City.
    • Prepare for your journey home or onward travel.

Things to Know:

  • Syrian Visa: Ensure you have a valid visa before traveling to Syria.
  • Safety: While Damascus is generally safe, exercise caution, especially when exploring less touristy areas.
  • Currency: The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
  • Dress Code: Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Transportation: Taxis are readily available, or you can use a local car service like Jawwal or Careem.