City: Syria
Top Things to do in Syria
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Syria, Syria
Coordinates: 35°N 38°E / 35°N 38°E / 35; 38
Restaurants in Syria
1. Takiyya Suleimaniah Souq
2. Saint Simon Citadel (Sam’an Citadel, Qalat Samaan)
3. Old City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By jetdude787 - New York City, United States
The old town still beautiful and attractive with all its history and exoticism. Taking into consideration what the city and its population has been going through since 2011, the city is still safe, very safe. I would walk from my hotel to the souq and back late at night, shop owners leave their merchandise exposed, open, and there is zero crime, everybody's friendly and helpful, and yes, there are some instances when you have no idea what you're walking into, but, that's just the way things are right now in the whole of Syria.
4. Damascus Umayyad Mosque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By ArielRuffian - Singapore, null
This place is filled with history - it used to be the Basilica of St John the Baptist before the conquest of the Ummayad Caliphate. There is a green clothed covered tomb inside which apparently contains John the Baptist's head. There is also a so-called "Jesus Minaret" where, distinct from Christian belief, the Muslims believe "Isa" will return in the last days. On the outside walls, there is a stone with a greek inscription with words from Psalm 145 verse 13 which says of the Lord: "13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all [a]generations. Definitely a top level attraction in Damascus, a world class site.
5. Omayad Mosque
6. Deir Mar Musa El-Habashi
7. Damascus Center
8. Ma'alula Village (Maaloula)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By THOMASFROMDAMASCUS - Damascus, Syria
The old village of Maaloula is still one of the only towns in the world that the local inhabitants still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Maaloula is located northeast of Damascus at an altitude of 1,600 meters or about 5,000 feet under the mountainous region of Qalamoun. The village of Maaloula is isolated and naturally protected, which may largely explain its inhabitants’ continuing adherence to Christianity and the Aramaic language. In Aramaic language Ma’lula means: ‘entrance’ or ‘passage’ and this is well noted as there is a narrow passageway between two steep mountains. The majority of the village houses were built on these steep slopes of the two mountains, thus making Maaloula a very picturesque and beautiful village to visit. There is a famous Greek Orthodox Convent and a Roman Catholic Monastery up on the top of the hill above the city for anyone to visit. Unfortunately the only large hotel has been destroyed during the Syrian Civil conflict. Nevertheless Maaloula is a very interesting town to visit. Maaloula also has a nice restaurant for one to enjoy a great lunch or dinner after you complete your touring of this great old city of Maaloula. Trust me you will enjoy yourself while visiting this old and very historic village.
9. Deir Mar Takla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Yucef-GB - Beirut, Lebanon
Nested in the mountain and overlooking Maaloula old town, this old christian orthodox monastery offers a feeling of faith and serenity , pay it a visit while in rif-damascus area.
10. Souq al-Hamidiyyeh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By jetdude787 - New York City, United States
It was a good thing to see the old souq back to life after the country has pass through what it has. Merchants and their products and all kinds of colorful merchandise, a paradise for a photographer! Loved it.
