Damascus
Syria
- Safety rating
- 2.5/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) historically offered the mildest weather, security permitting.
- Population
- 2.5M
Overview
Damascus claims to be among the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, with a labyrinthine walled old city, the magnificent Umayyad Mosque, and ancient covered souqs. Centuries of layered history radiate from its narrow lanes and courtyard houses.
Top attractions
The old city centers on the Umayyad Mosque, the Azem Palace, the Al-Hamidiyah Souq, and the Street Called Straight.
Getting around
Shared taxis and minibuses operate within the city, but private arranged transport is safer; the old city is walkable.