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Damascus

Damascus is the capital and largest city of Syria, and holds the distinction of being 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 the Arab world.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Syrian pound (SYP)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
11:46:22

Hotels in Damascus

Damascus offers a range of accommodation options for visitors exploring Syria's historic capital. From traditional guesthouses like بيت روز and بيت زمان to established hotels such as Agenor Hotel and بيت الوالي, there are choices available for different preferences and needs. 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 airports and aviation facilities. Damascus International Airport (مطار دمشق الدولي) is the primary civilian airport, alongside military installations including مطار المزة العسكري and 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 alike. Local rental services such as سيارتي, عمر بيطار, and other established companies provide vehicle rental solutions across the city. 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 historic landmarks and cultural sites to explore. From ancient gates like باب السلام and باب المعبد الشرقي to significant religious monuments such as قبر السيدة رقية بنت الحسين and الأمويين, the city's attractions reflect its rich 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 rich culinary scene with traditional restaurants serving authentic Syrian cuisine. Visitors can explore local dining establishments such as مطعم وكافيه بيت العيلة, باب الحارة, بما إنو, نعنع, and بيت الياسمين, each providing a taste of the city's gastronomic 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 pools for residents and visitors seeking aquatic recreation. Notable facilities include مسبح تروبيكانا العائلي (Tropicana Family Pool), نادي ضباط الشرطة (Police Officers Club), مسبح المواز, مسبح الروضة, and مسبح روضة دمشق, each serving the community's water sports and leisure needs. 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 a selection of nightlife venues where visitors can experience the city's evening entertainment scene. Establishments such as لاترنا and الهمام reflect the local social culture in Syria's 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 and nightlife venues for visitors and locals. Establishments like The Barbershop Damascus, Tao Bar, القصيدة الدمشقية, أفتر سفن, and radio beirut provide different atmospheres 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 locals and visitors can experience the city's coffee culture. From traditional establishments to modern venues like Novara Cafe, مطعم وكافيه باب الحارة, موليا, غزل, and النوفرة, there are options to suit different tastes and atmospheres. 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 blending traditional and modern retail. From historic markets such as خان الجمرك to contemporary shopping centres like اي تي مول and لاميرادا مول, visitors can find everything from everyday goods to specialty items throughout the city. 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 natural spaces for visitors to enjoy green areas and wildlife. Parks such as Burj al rus park 2, حديقة خولة بنت الأزور, and الحديقة البيئية والنباتية في دمشق provide opportunities to experience nature within the city. 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 plenty of sunshine throughout the year, though rainfall is concentrated in the winter months.

Interesting Facts About Damascus — Weird & Wonderful

  • Damascus is the oldest capital city in the world, with a history spanning millennia.
  • The city is nicknamed the "City of Jasmine" in poetic tradition, reflecting its cultural significance.
  • Damascus serves as a major cultural center for the Levant and the broader Arab world.
  • Known colloquially in Syria as aš-Šām, the city has deep roots in local and regional identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Damascus

What currency is used in Damascus?

The currency used in Syria, including Damascus, is the Syrian Pound (SYP).

What language is spoken in Damascus?

Arabic is the primary language spoken in Damascus, the capital of Syria.

Why is Damascus historically significant?

Damascus is the oldest capital city in the world, making it one of the most historically significant cities globally.

What is Damascus known for culturally?

Damascus is a major cultural center of the Levant and the Arab world, earning it the poetic title of the "City of Jasmine".

What region is Damascus located in?

Damascus is located in the Levant region and serves as the capital of Syria in Western Asia.

Map of Damascus

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