City: Damascus
Top Things to do in Damascus
The 5 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Damascus, Syria
Having survived thousands of years of successive civilizations from the Egyptians, Greco-Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Mongols, Ottomans and French to the modern Arab era, Damascus is one of the most resilient and historic cities on Earth. Its ruins lay up to 8 feet deep under its surface and the Old City is home to Roman era ramparts, gates, the Umayyad Mosque and legendary churches including the Chapel of St. Paul. Bab Sharqi and the Souk Medhat Pasha lay on a street dating to biblical times.
Restaurants in Damascus
1. Damascus Opera House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By THOMASFROMDAMASCUS - Damascus, Syria
During the past twelve months the Damascus Opera House complex has been extremely busy and by the way there is still a civil war going on in some parts of the country! Last month we had the pleasure to hear a ten year old Syrian boy play the piano with the full orchestra! This young boy’s ability to play was outstanding and never seen before during my stay in Damascus. The Opera House was packed and everyone who attended really enjoyed that special evening! The Damascus Opera House complex still remains the only place for students to practice and people to enjoy great music both classical and contemporary music!
2. Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum
3. St Ananias Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By ArielRuffian - Singapore, null
In the Bible, the book of Acts, the story is told of a faithful Christian, Ananias, who while praying, heard from the Lord Jesus and was told to go down to the street called Straight and lay hands on a blind man, Saul of Tarsus, known for violently persecuting Christians or members of the Way as they were first known. Ananias balked but obeyed and the result of the obedience was launching St Paul the Apostle into his destiny. This chapel is where Ananias lived - he became the Bishop of Damascus (a public figure) so records were kept of his house. It is just off the Street called Straight. The chapel is serene and has beautiful paintings of the conversion of St Paul and one can sit and soak in the quiet spirit there. There is a small on site shop which sells books, postcards and maps. This is a site of great importance and Christian heritage. Well worth the visit.
4. Khan Asaad Basha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By THOMASFROMDAMASCUS - Damascus, Syria
The Khan Assad Basha Al Azem is located in the Old City of Damascus in the Al- Buzuriyah Souq. We visit this Khan often as they have many art exhibitions and a nice small coffee shop. It is always a nice ‘resting spot’ after a hectic day within the many old Souq’s within the Old City of Damascus. This Khan was built in 1751 under the Ottoman Empire and was always the largest Caravanserai in the Old City. When you sit within this famous Khan it is nice to rethink its’ glorious past with many Caravan’s stopping in the city of Damascus to trade. You look at the main entrance and you know its’ very high vaulted ceiling were built to accommodate the thousands of camels that had entered in over two hundred years. The Khan is between the famous Al-Hamidiyah Souq and the renowned Medhat Basha Souq and called Straight Street. I simply love the Ottoman architecture as they used many high domes throughout this large 2,500 square meter Caravanserai. So if you want to simply relax and indulge yourself in the ancient history of Damascus a stop by the Khan Assad Basha Al Azem is a must!
5. The National Museum of Damascus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By benmignardi - Toronto, Canada
It is well worth a visit if you’re in Damascus. Very interesting and old artifacts. The exhibits are historically significant. And, there is much to see and learn. If you can arrange a tour guide, it would make the visit that much more educational. By the way, the Museum is next door to the Turkish Mosque and a cute little market.
