Ultimate 3-Day Damascus Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Begin your adventure at the majestic Umayyad Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture dating back to the 8th century and a spiritual heart of Damascus. Wander its vast courtyard and admire the intricate mosaics and the shrine of John the Baptist.

Umayyad Mosque

Stroll through the bustling Al Hamidiyah Souq, Damascus’s most famous market, filled with the aroma of spices, sweets, and traditional crafts. Don’t miss tasting local pistachio ice cream at Bakdash.

Al Hamidiyah Souq

Enjoy a traditional Syrian dinner at Beit Sitti, a charming restaurant set in a beautifully restored Damascene house offering authentic home-cooked dishes and a warm, atmospheric courtyard.

Beit Sitti

Start your day at the fascinating National Museum of Damascus, home to priceless artifacts from Syria’s rich past, including Ugaritic tablets, Roman mosaics, and the reconstructed Dura-Europos synagogue.

National Museum of Damascus

Explore the historic Straight Street (Via Recta), a legendary Roman thoroughfare lined with antique shops, old churches, and hidden courtyards. Pause for a coffee at one of the local cafés.

Straight Street

Dine at Al Khawn Restaurant, a celebrated eatery known for its exquisite Damascene specialties and its setting inside a centuries-old mansion with ornate wooden ceilings and gentle fountains.

Al Khawn Restaurant

Visit the tranquil Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque, an architectural gem revered by Shia Muslims and renowned for its stunning silver dome and intricate tilework.

Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque

Discover the hidden courtyard museum Azem Palace, an 18th-century Ottoman-era residence showcasing Damascene art, furnishings, and the daily life of the city’s aristocracy.

Azem Palace

End your journey with sunset views from Mount Qasioun, overlooking the city’s skyline. Enjoy a cup of tea at a local café on the slopes while the city lights shimmer below.

Mount Qasioun