Weekend in Syria
Trip Overview
Damascus is back. Spend a weekend threading through Syria's capital as it reclaims its place among the world's great cities. Mornings start with cardamom drifting from spice souks, afternoons pass in gleaming marble courtyards where fountains echo against ancient stone, and evenings bring charcoal-grilled kebabs scenting the air around Bab Sharqi. You'll walk Roman roads, drink thick coffee in 14th-century caravanserais, and watch a city rebuilding itself with stubborn, notable resilience.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$80-120 per day
Best Seasons
October through May when Syria weather is mild and comfortable
Ideal For
Culture seekers, History enthusiasts, Photographers, First-time visitors to Syria
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete plan for every day of your trip
1
Old Damascus Unveiled
Damascus Old City
Walk through 4,000 years of history in one morning, from Roman arches to Ottoman courtyards
Morning
Umayyad Mosque and Straight Street
Enter through the north gate at 8:30 AM when marble floors still hold dawn's coolness. The mosque's golden mosaics shimmer under early light while worshippers' soft prayers echo through cedar-scented halls. Walk the ancient Roman road where Paul once fled, past shops selling brass trays and rose water soap.
Lunch
Beit Jabri courtyard restaurant
Afternoon
Souq Al-Hamidiyah and Azem Palace
Lose yourself in the vaulted souq where shafts of dusty light illuminate piles of saffron and pistachios. The air thickens with cumin and cardamom as vendors hawk silver jewelry. Azem Palace reveals cool courtyards where fountains splash against black basalt walls and painted ceilings tell stories of Ottoman governors.
Evening
Dinner and tea in Bab Touma
Al-Khawali restaurant for fatteh and mint tea, then shisha at Narcissus Palace courtyard
Where to Stay Tonight
Bab Touma (Christian Quarter) (Beit Al-Mamlouka boutique hotel)
Perfect base inside the walls with original 17th-century features and rooftop views over Damascus
See all Syria accommodation options →Carry small bills - souq vendors rarely have change for large notes
Day 1 Budget: $85
2
Sacred Heights and Living Culture
Damascus and Mount Qassioun
Sunrise over the city from 1,150 meters, then dive into contemporary Damascene life
Morning
Mount Qassioun sunrise and breakfast
Leave at 5:30 AM for Mount Qassioun's summit where cool mountain air carries the city's first call to prayer across the valley. Watch the sun catch on Umayyad Mosque's golden dome as Damascus awakens below. Descend to Abu Al-Huda café for steaming bowls of kishk soup and sesame bread.
Negotiate taxi fare to mountain top - should be around $10-12 round trip
Lunch
Naranj restaurant rooftop
Afternoon
National Museum and contemporary Damascus
The museum's cool marble halls house 5,000-year-old tablets and gleaming Byzantine mosaics. Walk to Shaalan district for coffee at trendy Moka & More, then browse the new Damascus art galleries showing local painters and sculptors. The contrast between ancient artifacts and contemporary creativity reveals Syria's layered identity.
Evening
Final dinner at family-run Beit Sitti
Home-cooked meal in a traditional Damascene house with live oud music
Where to Stay Tonight
Same as night 1 (Beit Al-Mamlouka)
Allows evening exploration without luggage hassle
See all Syria accommodation options →Evening taxis from Mount Qassioun double after sunset - book your return ride when you arrive
Day 2 Budget: $95
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Getting Around
Taxis are plentiful and cheap - agree on fares before entering. Service taxis (shared) between districts cost under $1. The Old City is entirely walkable. Mount Qassioun requires pre-arranged transport from Bab Touma area.
Book Ahead
Beit Al-Mamlouka hotel, Beit Sitti dinner experience, and Mount Qassioun taxi for sunrise
Packing Essentials
Modest clothing for mosques, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, light jacket for Mount Qassioun mornings, cash for souqs (cards rarely accepted)
Total Budget
$180-215 for the weekend including accommodation
Customize Your Trip
Adapt this itinerary to your travel style
Budget Version
Stay at Damascus Hostel in Bab Touma ($25/night), eat at street stalls in Souq Al-Hamidiyah ($3-5 meals), and take service taxis everywhere. Total drops to $110-130.
Luxury Upgrade
Upgrade to Four Seasons Damascus with spa treatments, private driver for Mount Qassioun, and dinner at L'Orientale ($$$). Add private Umayyad Mosque guide and exclusive souq shopping experience.
Family-Friendly
Replace Mount Qassioun sunrise with afternoon cable car ride, add Damascus Zoo visit, choose family rooms at Beit Zafran hotel, and shorten souq time to 90 minutes with ice cream breaks at Bakdash.
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