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Damascus

Damascus is the capital and largest city of Syria, renowned as the oldest capital city in the world. Known poetically as the "City of Jasmine," it stands as a major cultural center of the Levant and Arab world.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Syrian pound (SYP)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
15:28:07

Hotels in Damascus

Damascus offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from traditional guesthouses to established hotels. Properties such as Agenor Hotel, فندق بيت المملوكة, بيت روز, فندق بيت الوالي, and بيت زمان provide lodging choices in the Syrian capital. See all hotels →

5 ★
فندق بيت المملوكة
383 m from centre
بيت روز
466 m from centre
فندق بيت الوالي
469 m from centre

Airports in Damascus

Damascus is served by several aviation facilities including Damascus International Airport (مطار دمشق الدولي), along with military aviation bases such as Mezzeh Military Airport (مطار المزة العسكري) and Marj Ruhayyil Air Base (قاعدة مرج رهيل الجوية). See all airports →

مطار المزة العسكري
8.7 km from centre
مطار دمشق الدولي
22.0 km from centre
قاعدة مرج رهيل الجوية
29.3 km from centre

Car Hire in Damascus

Damascus offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Local providers such as سيارتي, عمر بيطار, and السلطات operate in the city to serve your transportation needs. See all car hire →

سيارتي
271 m from centre
عمر بيطار
2.4 km from centre
السلطات
3.1 km from centre
فورتي جرمانا
4.3 km from centre

Things to Do in Damascus

Damascus offers visitors a wealth of historical and cultural attractions to explore. From ancient gates like Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Madina al-Sharqi to sacred sites such as the shrine of Lady Ruqayya, the city's landmarks reflect its deep religious and architectural heritage. See all things to do →

الطاحونة الأيوبية
119 m from centre
باب السلام
139 m from centre
باب المعبد الشرقي
175 m from centre
قبر السيدة رقية بنت الحسين
236 m from centre
الأمويين
258 m from centre
باب الفراديس
274 m from centre

Restaurants in Damascus

Damascus offers a vibrant dining scene with traditional Syrian restaurants and cafes serving local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy authentic meals at establishments including مطعم وكافيه بيت العيلة, باب الحارة, بما إنو, نعنع, and بيت الياسمين, which reflect the city's rich culinary heritage. See all restaurants →

مطعم وكافيه بيت العيلة
140 m from centre
باب الحارة
145 m from centre
بما إنو
229 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Damascus

Damascus offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Notable options include مسبح تروبيكانا العائلي (Tropicana Family Pool), نادي ضباط الشرطة (Police Officers Club), مسبح المواز, مسبح الروضة, and مسبح روضة دمشق, providing aquatic recreation opportunities throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

مسبح تروبيكانا العائلي
3.0 km from centre
نادي ضباط الشرطة
3.4 km from centre
مسبح المواز
3.9 km from centre

Spas in Damascus

We're still gathering spas listings for Damascus — check back soon.

Nightlife in Damascus

Damascus offers evening entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. Notable venues in the city include لاترنا and الهمام, which provide atmosphere and social experiences in Syria's ancient capital. See all nightlife →

لاترنا
1.5 km from centre
الهمام
1.9 km from centre

Bars in Damascus

Damascus offers a selection of bars where visitors and locals can enjoy drinks and socialise. Notable venues include The Barbershop Damascus, Tao Bar, القصيدة الدمشقية, أفتر سفن, and radio beirut, each providing their own atmosphere for an evening out in the city. See all bars →

The Barbershop Damascus
486 m from centre
Tao Bar
554 m from centre
القصيدة الدمشقية
596 m from centre

Cafes in Damascus

Damascus offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy traditional Syrian coffee, tea, and refreshments. Notable establishments include Novara Cafe, موليا, غزل, and النوفرة, each providing a window into the city's café culture. See all cafes →

مطعم وكافيه باب الحارة
137 m from centre
Novara Cafe
205 m from centre
موليا
218 m from centre

Shopping in Damascus

Damascus offers a diverse shopping experience, from modern malls such as IT Mall and Lamiranda Mall to traditional markets and specialized retail centers. Whether you're looking for contemporary fashion and goods or exploring historic bazaars, the city's shopping districts provide options for every preference. See all shopping →

خان الجمرك
492 m from centre
مركز تخفيضات النور للتجارة جميع انواع المنظفات
1.0 km from centre
Aurora Gallery
1.1 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Damascus

Damascus offers several parks and green spaces for nature enthusiasts to explore. Visit attractions like Burj al rus park 2, حديقة القشلة, حديقة خولة بنت الأزور, الحديقة البيئية والنباتية في دمشق, and حديقة برج الروس to experience the city's natural environment and wildlife habitats. See all nature & wildlife →

Burj al rus park 2
574 m from centre
حديقة القشلة
624 m from centre
حديقة خولة بنت الأزور
646 m from centre
الحديقة البيئية والنباتية في دمشق
660 m from centre
حديقة برج الروس
721 m from centre
مثلث الرجاء
791 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Damascus experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The city enjoys generally pleasant weather throughout much of the year, though summers can be quite warm and the winter months are cooler.

Interesting Facts About Damascus — Weird & Wonderful

  • Damascus is the oldest capital city in the world, with a history spanning millennia.
  • The city is known colloquially in Syria as aš-Šām and carries the poetic title "City of Jasmine."
  • Damascus serves as a major cultural center not only of the Levant region but of the entire Arab world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Damascus

What is the capital of Syria?

Damascus is the capital and largest city of Syria.

Why is Damascus called the 'City of Jasmine'?

Damascus is dubbed poetically as the "City of Jasmine," reflecting its cultural significance and beauty.

Is Damascus the oldest capital in the world?

Yes, Damascus is recognized as the oldest capital city in the world.

What region is Damascus in?

Damascus is located in the Levant and is a major cultural center of both the Levantine region and the Arab world.

What timezone is Damascus in?

Damascus operates on Asia/Damascus timezone.

Map of Damascus

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