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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.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Syrian pound (SYP)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
00:01:30

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 فندق بيت الوالي, travelers can find places to stay that reflect the city's rich heritage and hospitality. 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 including Damascus International Airport (مطار دمشق الدولي), along with military aviation facilities 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 services for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Local providers such as سيارتي, عمر بيطار, السلطات, فورتي جرمانا, and شركة مللوك للصناعة operate throughout the city to meet 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 historic landmarks and cultural sites to explore. From ancient gates like Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Madina to sacred shrines including Qubr al-Sayyda Ruqayya, the city's attractions reflect its rich Islamic heritage and centuries-old significance. 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 local restaurants serving traditional Syrian cuisine and contemporary dishes. Notable establishments including مطعم وكافيه بيت العيلة, باب الحارة, نعنع, and بيت الياسمين provide dining experiences across the city. 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), مسبح الروضة (Al-Rawda Pool), مسبح روضة دمشق (Rawda Damascus Pool), مسبح المواز, and نادي ضباط الشرطة (Police Officers Club). 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 for visitors and locals seeking evening entertainment. Establishments such as لاترنا and الهمام provide options for those looking to experience the city's social scene 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 bar venues for visitors and locals alike. Notable establishments include The Barbershop Damascus, Tao Bar, القصيدة الدمشقية, أفتر سفن, and Radio Beirut, each providing different atmospheres for evening entertainment. 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 rich cafe culture where locals and visitors gather to enjoy traditional Syrian hospitality. From مطعم وكافيه باب الحارة to Novara Cafe, the city's cafes provide authentic spaces to experience the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient capital. 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 diverse shopping experiences across traditional markets and modern retail spaces. Visitors can explore established venues like خان الجمرك, Aurora Gallery, IT Mall, and لاميرادا مول, alongside specialized retailers such as مركز تخفيضات النور للتجارة جميع انواع المنظفات. 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 green spaces where visitors can experience nature within the city. Parks such as Burj al rus park 2, حديقة خولة بنت الأزور, and the Ecological and Botanical Garden (الحديقة البيئية والنباتية في دمشق) provide opportunities to enjoy outdoor settings and local flora. 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 distinct seasonal variations. Winters are mild and wet, while summers are hot and dry, with spring and autumn offering pleasant, moderate weather.

Interesting Facts About Damascus — Weird & Wonderful

  • Damascus is the oldest capital city in the world.
  • The city is known colloquially in Syria as aš-Šām.
  • Damascus holds the poetic title of the "City of Jasmine".
  • It is a major cultural center of both the Levant and the Arab world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Damascus

What is the official language spoken in Damascus?

Arabic is the official language of Damascus, Syria.

What currency is used in Damascus?

The Syrian pound is the currency used in Damascus.

What is Damascus known for?

Damascus is known as the oldest capital city in the world and is poetically called the "City of Jasmine". It is a major cultural center of the Levant and the Arab world.

What region is Damascus located in?

Damascus is located in the Levant region of Asia, serving as the capital of Syria.

Map of Damascus

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