Capital city in Damascus Governorate, Syria
Damascus
One of the world's oldest cities: the Umayyad Mosque, covered souks and Old City courtyards, reopening to a few visitors after Assad. High risk: bombings, kidnapping, cash only and little infrastructure.
At a glance
- Safety1/5Avoid travelDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 38°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unsafe and supplies are intermittent; drink sealed bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel1/5English: limitedDetails
- Getting aroundHired driver or guide carWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyCash only, in clean US dollars or euros.Details
Where to stay in Damascus
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old City (Bab Touma, Bab Sharqi) | Boutique guesthouses in courtyard houses; walkable at day |
| Qaimariyya and Souq Midhat Pasha | Atmospheric old alleys close to the Umayyad Mosque |
| Abu Rummaneh and Malki | Newer central districts with hotels and restaurants |
Apps that work in Damascus
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps; download offline maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps work for visitors. Ask your hotel for a driver and agree fares in dollars or new Syrian pounds before setting off.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Syria.
- Cash only Cash only, in clean US dollars or euros. A redenominated Syrian pound replaced old notes in 2026; refuse old banknotes. Foreign cards and ATMs don't work.
- Currency: Pound (SYP). US$1 ≈ £S121.81 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Withdrawals are limited and foreign cards rarely work; don't count on ATMs.
- Tipping: Rounding up and small tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff are appreciated.
- Paying by phone: Electronic payment is barely used; carry cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa required: apply on the e-visa portal; decisions take about 5–7 days.
- Israeli and Iranian citizens are barred; Israeli stamps can mean refusal.
- Only Damascus and Aleppo airports have international flights, and schedules are limited.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 110 · Fire 113
Plugs
Type C, E, L · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Syriatel sells prepaid SIMs at its shops with a passport; data works in cities, but power cuts disrupt coverage.
Going to Damascus solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Damascus meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.