A DAY IN DAMASCUS17 min read

THE SYRIAN SERIES, DAY 8

DAMASCUS

A day in Damascus. Today’s original plan was to go to Bosra, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 2,000 years.

PROBABLY THE MOST UNORGANISED NIGHT OUT I’VE SEEN.

However, the Jordanian border, beside Bosra has been closed due to the Rebels going back on their ceasefire, gutted to miss out as it is meant to be very similar to Palmyra and only an hour from Damascus.

WHERE IS DAMASCUS?

Damascus

BAZAARS

Bazaars and souks are an integral part of cities throughout the Middle East, selling everything from coffee and spices to socks and lingerie. These bazaars act as the main market area and social hub of Damascus. The two main ones are the Spice Bazaar and the main Souk—definitely some of the top places to visit in Damascus, Syria.

AZM PALACE

Azm Palace is a large Ottoman-era complex from the 17th century. It was the private home of As’ad Pasha al-Azem, the governor of Damascus, before being turned into the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions by the Syrian government. Visiting it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Damascus, Syria.

MAUSOLEUM OF SALADIN

Built in 1193, three years after Saladin’s death, the mausoleum holds two sarcophagi. Saladin was the first sultan of Syria and Egypt and founder of the Ayyubid Dynasty. Visiting this mausoleum is a unique thing to do in Damascus.

UMAYYAD MOSQUE

Also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, it was built on the site of a Christian Basilica in 634. Scriptures dating back to that century claim the building contains the head of John the Baptist. A must-see stop on any trip to Damascus.

A day in Damascus

MUSEUM OF DAMASCUS

While museums aren’t usually my thing, aerial images outside the museum show sites across Syria, including Mari and looting damage since the war. Below the museum is St. Ananias’ House, home of one of Jesus’ disciples definitely one of the hidden places to visit in Damascus, Syria.

A day in Damascus

NIGHT NOT OUT

A few headed out for drinks, but it ended up being the worst-organised night ever. Peter needed a nap, dinner was delayed, and the kebab took forever. Finally, I ended up walking home with a beer, which isn’t normally allowed here in Syria!

A day in Damascus

INSIDER TIPS

• Best time to visit bazaars: Early morning to avoid crowds and get fresh produce and spices.
• Local transport tip: Walking is often faster than taxis in the Old City streets.
• Photography tip: Respect mosque rules ask before taking photos inside.
• Food tip: Try street food kebabs and Arabic ice cream at small local shops—they’re authentic and budget-friendly.
• Cultural tip: Learn a few Arabic phrases it goes a long way in markets and hotels.
• Include several small side streets in your trip to Damascus to discover hidden cafes and artisan shops one of the best ways to see things to do in Damascus off the beaten path.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Disappointing not to get to Bosra but Damascus had plenty to offer.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
152/229

NEXT UP

The worse driver and Balbeek as I head to Beirut!! Click to read.

This post was part of The Syrian Series. For episode 1 click here or to see the entire series.
To see a different side of my trip head to my social channels; YouTube, Instagram & TikTok. Links at top of the page.