Damascus is not simply the capital of Syria — it is widely described as the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world, layered by Aramaean, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic civilisations over thousands of years. Each left its mark on the streets, the souqs, the houses and the kitchen. This guide walks through what Damascus is famous for, as a starting point for your next trip to Al-Sham.
The historic landmarks Damascus is famous for
The Great Umayyad Mosque
The Umayyad Mosque is one of the greatest mosques in Islamic history, built under Caliph al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik at the start of the eighth century on a site that had been an Aramaean temple, then Roman, then a church. It is famous for the golden mosaics depicting scenes of paradise, its three minarets, the Dome of the Eagle, and the shrine of the head of the Prophet John the Baptist inside the courtyard. Visiting at sunset, when the marble walls take on the colours of the sky, is unforgettable.
The Citadel of Damascus
The citadel stands at the north-western corner of the Old City and is one of the few fortresses in the world built on flat ground rather than a height. Raised in the Seljuk period and rebuilt by the Ayyubids, its twelve towers and massive walls still testify to a long history of defending the city.
Azm Palace
Azm Palace represents the height of Damascene architecture under the Ottomans, built by governor As’ad Pasha al-Azm in 1749. It is divided between the haramlek, the salamlek and the khadamlek, decorated with fountains, trees and painted woodwork, and today houses the Museum of Popular Traditions with scenes of old Damascene life.
Straight Street, Bab Sharqi and Bab Touma
Straight Street is mentioned in the Bible — the Roman road running through the Old City from west to east. Along it stand the Chapel of Ananias, the Roman arch and Bab Sharqi, and off it branch the alleys of the Bab Touma quarter, home to the finest Damascene houses, many now converted into restaurants, cafés and heritage hotels.
Mount Qasioun
Mount Qasioun overlooks Damascus from the north and is the best place to see the whole city glittering at night. A great deal of popular lore attaches to it, including the Cave of Blood, said to be the site of the first murder in history.
The souqs and crafts of Damascus
Al-Hamidiyah Souq
The most famous market in Syria runs from Al-Nasr Street to the gate of the Umayyad Mosque, under a metal roof still perforated by French aircraft fire from 1925. It is lined with fabric shops, abayas, gifts and copperware — and Bakdash, the celebrated Arabic ice-cream parlour, is a compulsory stop for every visitor.
Midhat Pasha Souq and Al-Bzourieh
Al-Bzourieh is known for the smell of spices, herbs and sweets, and contains Khan As’ad Pasha, an architectural masterpiece with its nine domes. Midhat Pasha Souq is the continuation of Straight Street and is known for fabrics and textiles.
Damascene brocade and mosaic
The name of the city is bound up with damask cloth, known worldwide, and brocade embroidered with gold and silver thread is the most luxurious of Damascene textiles — a piece was presented to Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day. The city is also famous for wooden mosaic inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the Damascus sword, engraved copperware and blown glass.
The food and sweets Damascus is famous for
The Damascene kitchen is among the richest in the Middle East. The city is known for:
- Arabic ice cream: hand-pounded booza rolled in Aleppo pistachios, at Bakdash in Al-Hamidiyah.
- Damascene shawarma: wrapped in thin bread with garlic and pickles.
- Kibbeh, mahashi and fatteh: fatteh with chickpeas, oil and ghee is a classic Damascene breakfast.
- Sweets: Damascene barazek, ghraybeh, maamoul, pistachio baklava and Nabulsi kunafa with cheese.
- Damascus preserves: Damask rose jam, apricot and citron.
- Drinks: liquorice, tamarind and Damascene mulberry sold by street vendors.
Flowers and nature: jasmine, roses and the Ghouta
Damascenes call their city the City of Jasmine — jasmine climbs the walls of the old houses and scents the alleys. Damascus is also famous for the Damask rose (Rosa damascena), which spread from here to the rest of the world and is turned into rose water, jam and perfume. Surrounding the city is the Ghouta, the green oasis that was historically the fruit and vegetable basket of Damascus.
The Damascene house
The traditional Damascene house is closed to the street and opens instead onto an inner courtyard — the ard al-diyar — with a water basin at its centre and lemon, bitter-orange and jasmine trees around it, framed by ablaq stonework, carved wood and painted ajami panels. Many of these houses in Bab Touma, Qaymariyya and Sarouja are now heritage hotels and restaurants.
Tips for visiting Damascus
- The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
- Set aside at least one full day for the Old City on foot.
- Start the morning with a fuul and fatteh breakfast in Shaghour or Midan, and end the day in the cafés of Bab Touma or up on Qasioun.
- Head to Souq al-Sagha for silver, Souq al-Harir for brocade, and Al-Bzourieh for spices and Aleppo soap.
Frequently asked questions about Damascus
What is Damascus famous for?
Damascus is famous for being the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world, and for the Umayyad Mosque, Al-Hamidiyah Souq, brocade, jasmine, the Damask rose and Damascene sweets.
What is the nickname of Damascus?
Damascus is known as the City of Jasmine, Al-Fayha, and Al-Sham.
How many days are enough to visit Damascus?
Two to three days are enough to explore the Old City and its main landmarks, plus an extra day for Maaloula and Saidnaya in the Damascus countryside.
What food should I try in Damascus?
Bakdash Arabic ice cream, Damascene shawarma, fatteh, kibbeh and mahashi, and sweets such as barazek, maamoul and pistachio baklava.
When is the best time to visit Damascus?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild for walking through the Old City.
Plan your visit
Continue with 14 things to do on a first visit to Damascus, find a place to stay in our guide to cheap hotels in Damascus, and eat well with the best restaurants in Damascus.
