What are the best things to do in Damascus?
Top picks in Damascus include Temple of Jupiter, Umayyad Mosque, Azm Palace, Citadel of Damascus. See the full list and itinerary on this Damascus travel guide.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
Why visit Damascus
Travel guide for Damascus, Syria — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Damascus is a stop in Syria, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Temple of Jupiter, Umayyad Mosque, Azm Palace instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 55–150 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Damascus
1
Temple of Jupiter
2
Umayyad Mosque
3
Azm Palace
4
Citadel of Damascus
5
Statue of Saladin
6
Menarsha Synagogue
7
Damascus Opera House
Budget travel
Free things to do in Damascus
Temple of Jupiter
Umayyad Mosque
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Damascus itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Temple of Jupiter
- Visit Umayyad Mosque
- Visit Azm Palace
- Eat at Bakdash
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Citadel of Damascus
- Visit Statue of Saladin
- Visit Menarsha Synagogue
- Eat at Al-Sehhi Restaurant
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Damascus Opera House
- Eat at Il Forno Pizzeria
Budget
Damascus trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 55–150
per person / day
Luxury
USD 175–285+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Damascus, Syria. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Damascus
Estimated total (USD)
$2,250
≈ $1,125 per person · $321 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $100/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Damascus mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 55–150 · luxury 175–285+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Bakdash
The oldest ice cream parlor in the Middle East, open since 1885. They are most famous for the Booza, a pistachio-covered ice cream with an e
Al-Sehhi Restaurant
This restaurant offers the basics in Middle Eastern cooking, including mezze and a variety of grilled meats. There is a separate family sect
- $
Il Forno Pizzeria
This is a very cozy restaurant that serves pizza baked in wood-fired oven. The interior decoration is very charming and warm. The restaurant
Leila's Restaurant and Terrace
Leila's Restaurant and Terrace has rooftop seating with a gorgeous view of Umayyad Mosque. The restaurant serves traditional Arabic cuisine.
Beit Jabri Restaurant
A favorite with locals and tourists, and offers the Syrian classics. It is located in the courtyard of a beautiful Damascene house.
Arabesque Restaurant
The restaurant offers a combination of Syrian and French classics. While alcohol is served, credit cards are not accepted. Arabesque is on t
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Al-Rabie Hotel
It has an attractive courtyard, and clean rooms. Breakfast is included in the price. Some of the rooms that share a bath are a bit of a hike
Hotel Al-Ghazal
Also known as Ghazal Hotel, this hotel is a newcomer in the Saroujah budget hotels. It has a very attractive, typical Damascus courtyard. Fo
- $$$$
Al-Haramain Hotel
Some of the rooms on the upper floors lack heaters and can be very cold in the winter unless the door to the common space is left open. The
- $
Sultan Hotel
In a good location, 10–15 minutes' walk from the Old Town in one direction and the National Museum in the other.
Al-Madinah City Hotel
Shopping
- Al-Hamidiyah Souq
Nightlife
- La Marionnette Pub
- Pub Sharqi
- Havana Cafe
Museums & culture
- Temple of Jupiter
- Umayyad Mosque
- Azm Palace
In pictures
Damascus gallery
Photos: Vyacheslav Argenberg, Bernard Gagnon, Mewes at German Wikipedia, Bassel Khabbaz — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Damascus travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Damascus?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Damascus?
Plan at least 3 days in Damascus for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Damascus?
Popular stays in Damascus include Al-Rabie Hotel, Hotel Al-Ghazal, Al-Haramain Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Damascus cost?
On the ground in Damascus (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 55–150, and luxury about 175–285+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Damascus, Syria. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
