Damascus, Syria 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Wonders and Local Flavors

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty Syrian breakfast at Zaatar W Zeit (Al-Muhajirin Street), a popular chain restaurant offering a variety of Middle Eastern dishes.
  • Head to the Old City of Damascus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a marvel of Islamic architecture.

Afternoon:

  • Continue exploring the Old City, visit the Souk Al-Hamidiya, one of the largest and oldest markets in Syria. Browse through its narrow alleys filled with traditional Syrian goods, from spices to antiques.
  • Explore the Chapel of Ananias, believed to be the site where St. Paul was blinded and later healed.

Evening:

  • For a taste of local cuisine, head to Al-Mohammadiyeh (Bab Touma), known for its traditional Syrian dishes such as Kibbeh Nayyeh (raw kibbeh) and Mansaf (lamb dish with fermented dried yogurt and rice).
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Al-Assad University Street, offering a unique blend of modernity and history.

Night:

  • Retire at the beautifully restored Crac des Chevaliers Hotel (Khan Al-Bashir), situated in the heart of the Old City, offering luxury accommodation and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.

Day 2: Modern Damascus and a Taste of History

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel.
  • Visit the National Museum of Damascus, home to an extensive collection of artifacts from Syria’s rich history, including pieces dating back to prehistoric times.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Barada River and enjoy a picnic by its banks. The river has been a source of inspiration for many Syrian artists and poets.
  • Visit the Palmyra Museum, showcasing artifacts from the ancient city of Palmyra, one of Syria’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Evening:

  • For dinner, visit Fakhoury (Bab Touma), known for its delicious Syrian seafood dishes.
  • End your day with a visit to the Jazz Club Batroun, Damascus’s only jazz club, offering live music performances by local and international artists.

Things to Know:

  1. Syria is generally a safe country, but it’s always best to check travel advisories before visiting.
  2. Syrian currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Major credit cards are accepted in some establishments, but it’s always good to have cash on hand.
  3. English is not widely spoken, so learning a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful.
  4. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and avoid showing too much skin in public.
  5. Taxis are readily available and affordable, or you can use the local bus system for a more authentic experience.
  6. Always carry a map or have GPS access as navigation may be challenging.

Tips:

  1. Bargain at the souks for the best prices.
  2. Try the traditional Syrian tea (Shai) in every place you visit, it’s an essential part of the Syrian culture.
  3. Be open to meeting locals and engaging in conversations as they are known for their hospitality.
  4. Respect local customs and traditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.