"Damascus" Damascus by PierreZA


Damascus Travel Guide: 940 reviews and 2,062 photos

Introduction

It is a city with the great Umayyad Mosque, extremely important to Muslims all over the world, but the same city where I experienced Easter Friday celebrations where a cross was carried by Christians through the winding streets of the old city. Damascus is a great experience.

I have been wanting to visit Syria and especially Damascus for quite some time now. I eventually did and Damascus did not disappoint me in any way.
It is a city easy to navigate, and getting lost in the Old City is part of exploring. The very friendly people make it even more enjoyable.
The heart of Damascus is the Old City. It is said that it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It is very interesting to see modernity incorporated into this city, in the same time age old traditions are still practiced.

Damascus is great for shopping. All over the Old City, not only the souqs, a variety of things will tempt you to get rid of those Syrian Pounds.

It is also worth venturing outside of the Old City, as there are interesting places to see, all within walking distance from the Old City.

The local culture

It is impossible to ignore the wonderful culture of the Damascenes. It is also almost impossible not to become part of the culture.
It is a very busy city, but still has a certain relaxed feeling to it.
Wandering around the Old City must be one of the most enjoying things to do in Damascus. Watching how flat breads are baked as it has been for many, many years, visiting a hammam after a day of walking around is such a relaxing experience.
Sitting in a traditional coffee shop, enjoying an apple tobacco nargileh with the locals ia another memorable experience.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:A wonderful culture in an ancient citty
  • Cons:The terrible driving in The Old City
  • Last visit to Damascus: Apr 2010
  • Intro Updated Apr 16, 2010
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Reviews (23)

Comments (7)

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  • GGorska Nov 4, 2010 at 12:07 PM Report Abuse

    Similar question: are there any coffee shops where middle-aged female tourist would feel comfortable? I would love to try the coffee!

  • ValbyDK's Profile Photo
    ValbyDK May 4, 2010 at 5:25 AM Report Abuse

    Hi Pierre. Great new tips. Damascus looks really amazing!

  • Doctor38's Profile Photo
    Doctor38 Apr 21, 2010 at 9:44 PM Report Abuse

    I love Damascus, Syria and the Syrian people. I go there every year. I LOVED your page, very will done

  • iaint's Profile Photo
    iaint Apr 18, 2010 at 10:08 AM Report Abuse

    Hi Pierre...I almost went to Syria at Christmas but Morocco was easier...very good pages

  • MM212's Profile Photo
    MM212 Apr 17, 2010 at 11:56 PM Report Abuse

    Great to see your photos and to read that you enjoyed Damascus! It is a wonderful city!!

  • Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Nemorino Apr 17, 2010 at 8:48 AM Report Abuse

    The oldest continuously inhabited city in the world! And from your tips it sounds like a fascinating place to visit.

  • jumpingnorman's Profile Photo
    jumpingnorman Apr 16, 2010 at 9:21 AM Report Abuse

    wonderful boutique hotel you found - will look it up if ever I go to Damascus!

PierreZA

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