Old City of Damascus (Ancient City)

About

Quick facts: Winding alleys reveal a patchwork of stone, carved wood and mosaic, where more than a dozen historic mosques and churches peek over rooftops. Markets brim with rosewater, hammered copper, and hand-blown glass, and many family stalls still follow recipes and techniques passed down across five generations.

Highlights: Slip through a low-arched doorway into a candlelit courtyard where a shopkeeper named Ahmad keeps a handwritten ledger of every lantern he repaired since 1978. Evening brings a cloud of rosewater and spiced coffee, and an elderly storyteller counts precisely seven tales reserved for guests who settle on the courtyard cushions.

Insider tips

• Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and conservative areas, and carry a light scarf.
• Arrive early to catch the souks opening, get the best light for photos and avoid midday heat.
• Avoid Friday mid-day around the Umayyad Mosque when prayers restrict visitor access and many shops close.
• Bargain politely in the souks, carry small cash notes, and keep bags zipped in crowded alleys.

Practical info

Directions

More attractions in Damascus

Umayyad Mosque (Great Mosque of Damascus)

Al-Hamidiyah Souq

Azm Palace (Beit al-Azem)

National Museum of Damascus