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Damascus

Damascus is the capital and largest city of Syria, holding the distinction of being the world's oldest capital city. Known poetically as the 'City of Jasmine,' it stands as a major cultural center of the Levant and the Arab world.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Syrian pound (SYP)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
22:07:24

Hotels in Damascus

Damascus offers a range of accommodation options for visitors. Hotels and guesthouses in the city include properties such as فندق بيت المملوكة, بيت روز, فندق بيت الوالي, Agenor Hotel, and بيت زمان, each providing different experiences for travellers. 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 مطار دمشق الدولي (Damascus International Airport), along with military installations such as مطار المزة العسكري and قاعدة مرج رهيل الجوية. These airports connect the Syrian capital to regional and international destinations. 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. Local providers such as سيارتي, عمر بيطار, السلطات, فورتي جرمانا, and شركة مللوك للصناعة serve the city's 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 remarkable array of historic attractions spanning centuries of culture and architecture. From the iconic الأمويين to ancient gates and religious sites like قبر السيدة رقية بنت الحسين and باب السلام, the city's landmarks reflect its enduring significance as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited capitals. 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 variety of dining establishments reflecting the city's rich culinary traditions. From casual cafes to traditional restaurants like مطعم وكافيه بيت العيلة and باب الحارة, visitors can experience authentic local cuisine and hospitality. 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 options for residents and visitors. Notable facilities include مسبح تروبيكانا العائلي (Tropicana Family Pool), نادي ضباط الشرطة (Police Officers Club), مسبح المواز, مسبح الروضة, and مسبح روضة دمشق, providing various recreational swimming 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 a selection of nightlife venues where locals and visitors can enjoy evening entertainment. Notable establishments in the city include لاترنا and الهمام, which are among the options available for those seeking social and recreational activities after dark. See all nightlife →

لاترنا
1.5 km from centre
الهمام
1.9 km from centre

Bars in Damascus

Damascus offers a selection of bars for visitors and locals seeking evening entertainment. Notable venues include The Barbershop Damascus, Tao Bar, القصيدة الدمشقية, أفتر سفن, and radio beirut, providing various atmospheres for social gatherings. 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 can enjoy traditional Syrian hospitality. From established venues like Novara Cafe and النوفرة to local favorites such as غزل and موليا, the city's cafe culture provides comfortable spaces to relax with coffee, tea, and local refreshments. 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 variety of shopping experiences, from modern malls such as IT Mall and Lamiranda Mall to traditional retail centers. Visitors can explore خان الجمرك, مركز تخفيضات النور للتجارة جميع انواع المنظفات, and Aurora Gallery among other shopping destinations 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 parks and natural spaces for visitors to enjoy. Notable green areas include Burj al rus park 2, حديقة خولة بنت الأزور, حديقة القشلة, and the ecological and botanical garden الحديقة البيئية والنباتية في دمشق, providing peaceful retreats 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 sees most of its rainfall during the winter months, while summers are typically warm and pleasant with clear skies.

Interesting Facts About Damascus — Weird & Wonderful

  • Damascus is recognized as the oldest capital city in the world.
  • The city is known poetically as the 'City of Jasmine,' reflecting its cultural significance.
  • Damascus is colloquially known as aš-Šām by locals in Syria.
  • It serves as a major cultural center for both the Levant region and the broader Arab world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Damascus

What is the official language spoken in Damascus?

Arabic is the official language spoken in Damascus, Syria.

What currency is used in Damascus?

The Syrian pound is the currency used in Damascus.

What region is Damascus located in?

Damascus is located in Asia, specifically in the Levant region of the Middle East.

Why is Damascus historically significant?

Damascus is the oldest capital city in the world, making it of immense historical and cultural importance.

What is Damascus known for culturally?

Damascus is known as a major cultural center of the Levant and the Arab world, and is poetically called the 'City of Jasmine.'

Map of Damascus

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