Damascus Sights & Attractions 2026: Complete Travel Guide
A complete guide to the best tourist attractions in Damascus in 2026 — the Umayyad Mosque, Old City souks, Azm Palace, Qasioun Mountain, and the best day trips by rental car.
Damascus — One of the World's Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities
Damascus, the capital of Syria, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, with a history stretching back over 10,000 years. Walking its streets is to walk through layer upon layer of civilisations — Aramean, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad, Ottoman. Today, the city pulses with a vibrant modern energy alongside its ancient heritage.
Exploring Damascus tourist attractions is best done with a rental car from ShomoX: you get the flexibility to visit the Old City on foot, then drive out to panoramic viewpoints and day-trip destinations at your leisure.
Top Tourist Attractions in Damascus
1. The Umayyad Mosque (Great Mosque of Damascus)
The Umayyad Mosque is one of the most significant Islamic monuments in the world and the centrepiece of the Old City. Built in the 8th century on the site of a Roman temple and a Byzantine cathedral, it dazzles visitors with its gold mosaics, marble courtyard, and the iconic "Treasury of Heaven" mosaic. Visitors of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome.
Tips: Modest dress required; abayas and scarves are provided at the entrance for a small fee. Best visited in the morning before tour groups arrive.
2. Damascus Old City (Al-Qadima) — UNESCO World Heritage
The UNESCO-listed Old City of Damascus is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, ancient caravanserais (khans), historic palaces, and buzzing souqs. Highlights include:
- Al-Hamidiyya Souq — the main covered bazaar, leading straight to the Umayyad Mosque
- Straight Street (Via Recta) — the Roman-era thoroughfare mentioned in the Bible
- Ananias Chapel — one of the oldest Christian places of worship in the world
- Al-Bzourieh Spice Market — a sensory explosion of herbs, spices, and rose water
Allow at least half a day to explore properly; a full day is even better.
3. Azm Palace
The Azm Palace, built in the 18th century, is a masterpiece of Ottoman-era Damascene architecture. Its courtyards shaded by lemon trees and jasmine, its intricately carved wooden ceilings, and its colourful tiled fountains make it one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the Middle East. Today it houses the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.
4. National Museum of Damascus
The National Museum holds one of the most important archaeological collections in the region, spanning prehistoric Syria, the ancient city of Ugarit (home to the world's first alphabet), the Roman period, and the Islamic era. The reconstructed frescoes from the Dura-Europos synagogue are particularly remarkable.
5. Qasioun Mountain — Panoramic View Over Damascus
Drive up to Qasioun Mountain (885 m) with your ShomoX rental for a panoramic view over the entire Syrian capital. At night, Damascus glitters like a sea of lights stretching to the horizon — an experience no travel guide can do justice to. Several cafés at the summit serve traditional tea and Arabic coffee.
6. Sayyida Zeinab Shrine
A major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, the Sayyida Zeinab Shrine (12 km south of central Damascus) is architecturally stunning — its golden dome and minarets shimmer against the sky. Even non-Muslim visitors are welcome to admire the exterior and the surrounding bazaar.
Activities & Experiences in Damascus
Beyond the classic sights, Damascus offers rich cultural experiences:
- Culinary tour of the Old City: Try kibbeh, shawarma, knafeh, and the famous Damascene jasmine tea
- Traditional hammam visit: Ottoman-era steam baths like Hammam Nur al-Din offer a centuries-old relaxation ritual
- Artisan workshops: Watch craftsmen create Damascene inlay (marquetry) and hand-painted textiles, then buy unique souvenirs
- Dinner in a historic riad restaurant: Places like Beit Jabri in the Old City serve traditional Syrian cuisine in beautifully restored courtyard mansions
- Evening stroll on Al-Rawda Street: The modern heart of Damascus, lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques
Day Trips from Damascus by Rental Car
With a ShomoX car, several spectacular destinations are within easy reach:
| Destination | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Ma'aloula | 60 km (1 h) | Village where Aramaic is still spoken |
| Bosra | 140 km (2 h) | World's best-preserved Roman amphitheatre |
| Palmyra (Tadmor) | 240 km (3 h) | Roman ruins in the Syrian desert |
| Krak des Chevaliers | 250 km (3 h) | The greatest Crusader castle in the world |
| Latakia | 350 km (4 h) | Mediterranean beaches & seafood |
Practical Travel Tips for Damascus
- Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild temperatures
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and religious sites; headscarves for women in mosques
- Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP); US Dollars widely accepted
- Getting around: The Old City is best explored on foot; a rental car is essential for day trips
- Safety: The city is calm and welcoming to tourists; always check current travel advisories before visiting
Explore Damascus with a ShomoX Rental Car
ShomoX delivers your rental car directly to your Damascus hotel, or you can pick it up at Damascus International Airport — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our fleet ranges from compact city cars to comfortable family SUVs and luxury vehicles.
Book your Damascus rental car today and discover one of the world's most fascinating cities on your own schedule.