Old Damascus

Old Damascus is the first place that comes to mind when Damascus is mentioned. Stone-paved streets, ancient buildings, the scent of spices and jasmine, and the sounds of people and markets from morning until late at night. In a small area, you’ll find the city’s most important landmarks: walk through Al-Hamidiyah Souq, reach the Umayyad Mosque Square directly, visit Azem Palace, then continue your day between cafés, restaurants, and popular markets.

Visiting Old Damascus suits all kinds of travelers: people who love history, photography lovers, and anyone looking for things to do in Damascus like shopping, tasting Damascene food, and enjoying coffee in the heart of the city. Here you see the real Damascus: a city living with its history, yet still full of life every day.

The beauty of architecture in Old Damascus

The moment you enter Old Damascus, you feel like you stepped into another world: old stone, narrow streets, and wooden doors that are hundreds of years old. Every corner looks like a perfect photo spot.

Narrow, stone-paved alleys

The old city streets are winding and narrow, paved with dark basalt stones. Walking there genuinely feels like going back centuries. In these alleys you’ll find small shops, perfumes, spices, sweets, and old stores that still preserve the spirit of the place.

Traditional Damascene houses

Damascene houses are among the most beautiful things you can see in Damascus. From the outside: a simple door. From the inside: a wide courtyard with a fountain, orange and jasmine trees, and rooms opening onto the courtyard. Black-and-white stone, decorated wooden windows, and a calm atmosphere that makes you feel welcomed from the first moment.

Covered markets

One of the most famous features of the old city is its markets: high ceilings, small openings above for light, and constant movement of locals and visitors all day long. In these markets, you’ll find everything you need—especially distinctive Damascene gifts and souvenirs.

Coexistence of Islamic and Christian architecture

As you walk through Old Damascus, you’ll notice mosques close to churches, buildings side by side without barriers. This is visible in the architecture itself and gives a real sense of the coexistence the city has lived through across history.

Historic walls and gates

Around Old Damascus, parts of the old wall still remain, along with famous gates like Bab Sharqi and Bab Touma. Today, they are major entrances to the old city and an ideal starting point for any tour through the markets and landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque and Azem Palace.

Must-visit places in Old Damascus

The Great Umayyad Mosque

The Umayyad Mosque is the most famous landmark in Damascus and one of the most important mosques in the Islamic world. You enter through a large courtyard—wide marble floors, tall columns, and mosaics on the walls that give the place a feeling of grandeur and calm at the same time.

Al-Hamidiyah Souq

What people remember most about Al-Hamidiyah is walking under its long iron roof, with the sound of shoppers and vendors around you. Here you can buy fabrics, oriental perfumes, spices, sweets, and souvenirs. Many travelers consider Al-Hamidiyah one of the top things to do in Damascus—especially with a must-stop at Bakdash ice cream.

Azem Palace: a Damascene home on a palace scale

Just minutes away from the Umayyad Mosque, Azem Palace is one of the best examples of a grand Damascene house. A spacious courtyard with a fountain and plants, rooms decorated with carved wood and stone, and sections that showcase how Damascene families used to live. It’s perfect for photography lovers and for anyone who wants to see the details of old Damascene life from the inside.

The Citadel of Damascus

On the northern edge of the old city, the Citadel of Damascus rises with its walls and towers. In the past it was a defensive center; today, it creates a strong background for photos and sometimes hosts events and exhibitions. Passing by the citadel gives you a glimpse of the military side of the city’s history.

The seven gates of Damascus

One of the nicest ways to enter the old city is through one of its historic gates. Bab Sharqi leads you directly toward Straight Street and the old Christian quarters. Bab Touma is now known for restaurants, cafés, and relaxed evenings—an excellent option to end your day in Old Damascus.

Old churches

Near Bab Sharqi, you can visit the Chapel of Saint Ananias, located almost below street level, giving you a strong sense of the place’s age and the early Christian history of Damascus. Also, Al-Mariamiyah Church in the heart of Damascus is an important center for the Orthodox community, and visiting it is part of the city’s picture of religious coexistence.

Traditional Damascene hammams

If you want to add a different experience to your list of things to do in Damascus, try an old Damascene hammam like Hammam Nur al-Din. Steam, laurel soap, traditional massage, and a relaxing session after a long day of walking through the alleys and markets.

Every corner and landmark in Old Damascus carries a unique charm and a story worth discovering.

Frequently asked questions about Old Damascus

1. How old is Old Damascus?
   Old Damascus is estimated to be thousands of years old and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world.
2. How much time do I need to visit Old Damascus?
   Half a day is enough for a quick tour, but it’s better to dedicate a full day to visit Al-Hamidiyah, the Umayyad Mosque, Azem Palace, and the rest of the landmarks at a relaxed pace.
3. Is Old Damascus suitable for families and children?
   Yes. The atmosphere is family-friendly, landmarks are close to each other, and there are activities children enjoy, like shopping and tasting sweets and ice cream.
4. What is the best time of day to visit Old Damascus?
   Morning is ideal for visiting landmarks and taking photos. Evening is better for walking through the markets and sitting in cafés inside the old city.
5. What souvenirs can I buy from Old Damascus?
   You can buy Damascene fabric and silk, copperware, laurel soap, and Syrian sweets from Al-Hamidiyah Souq and Midhat Pasha Souq.
6. What are the most famous neighborhoods in Old Damascus?
   Some of the most well-known areas are Bab Touma, Bab Sharqi, Al-Qaymariyah, Al-Qassaa, and Al-Amara—each with its own character, combining Damascene houses, markets, and old cafés.

If you’re planning to visit Damascus and stay there, you can benefit from our article: Syria Hotels: The Best Accommodation Options in Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia.

In Conclusion

Visiting the old city in Damascus is like opening a living history book—without boredom or complicated details. In one place, you can live one of the most memorable experiences and activities you’ll carry for years.

If you’re planning a trip to Syria, set aside at least one full day for Old Damascus. That day alone is enough to make you feel close to the city: its people, markets, landmarks, and stories told in every corner. This is truly where the story begins—and most visitors leave with one feeling: they want to come back again.