Top 5 Must Do's in Damascus

Damascus is not only the capital of Syria, but also the cultural and religious center of the Levant. The ancient city has many things that must be on any visitor's Damascus Must Do's list.

1. Azem Palace

Azem Palace, also called the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, was built in the mid 18th century for the Governor of Damascus' private home and office. Today it is used to show how the Governor and his staff worked and lived. Each room has been carefully remodelled to match the 18th century, showing the elaborate gardens, offices, living quarters and even the bathhouse of the Ottoman Empire period. It costs 150SYP to enter.

2. Umayyad Mosque

Completed in 715 A.D., the Umayyad Mosque is made of enormous limestone blocks that had formerly belonged to a Roman temple of Jupiter. Visitors are welcome to enter and view the ornate carpets, mosaics and artfully designed windows. A Christian Shrine of the Head of St. John the Baptist is inside the mosque and Christians may pray at it. A small garden is maintained by the mosque that contains the tomb of Saladin, a must do for any Damascus visit.

3. The National Museum of Damascus

A large must-see museum with an impressive garden surrounding the main building, the National Museum was named one of the top 10 world museums in 2009. With artifacts from all over Syria, the ages range from the Neolithic to the early 20th century. Most of the exhibits are not explained very well and most of the language is in French and Arabic. Work has begun to add more English language signs and to modernize the structure.

4. Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum

A novelty in Syria, this Mausoleum is built using a Persian-Iraqi architectural style, which is almost unheard of in Syria. Built in the 7th century for the youngest daughter of a noble Shiaa leader who died after being held prisoner in Damascus, it is beautifully decorated with gold, mirrors and glass mosaics on the walls and ceiling. The architecture and colours automatically places the Mausoleum on the Damascus must do list.

5. Souq al-Bizuriyyah

Also called the Spice Bazaar, this market is close to Azem Palace and Umayyad Mosque. Many different spices, some of which are only available in the region, are on sale along the myriad of alleyways and streets that form the bazaar.  Herbs, sweets and food are also sold to interested travelers.

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About US...

Here at Yalla House we provide unique services -- all dedicated to ensure that you find living and traveling in the warm lands of Syria easy, fun, and pleasantly unforgettable.

Our main service is to help you to get settled and make Damascus home in the shortest time possible. If you are looking to find housing, Yalla House offers a wide range of habitations options that matches your budget and preferences. In our website you can search for a room, flat, apartment, or an Arab family who hosts you during your stay. Remember, not all houses are listed in the website. Just tell us what you need, be it a tent under the blue skies or a pent house in most luxurious neighborhoods, we will give our best to find it for you!

Explore all our other services too. If you are new to Syria, we can arrange for you to be picked up from the airport and take you straight to your chosen place. To make your transition smooth, we can purchase a SIM card for your mobile, get you a map, and give you a general idea about the community and life in Damascus.

If you are here to study Arabic, we can connect you with universities and institutions or refer you to excellent private Arabic teachers. We will be happy to introduce you to friendly locals or get you involved with exciting sport activities such as Capoeira. Based on your interests, we’ll give you travel tips and help you choose rare, exciting, and educational travel destinations.

Make sure you check out our Forums: there you can find new friends and all sorts of information about favorite café and bookstores to must-do activities and must-see secret spots.

If you have any questions or need help planning your travels to Syria contact us or go to our forum and post your query.

Finally, ask anyone who has been here. You will not need much convincing. Syria is a lovely place to explore and live. And we are here to make your experience even better.
So Yalla! Come and visit us!

And always, Ahlan va Sahlan Be Syria!
 


A common story…

I got the idea of YALLA HOUSE the first time I was in Damascus looking for a place to stay. My Arabic was very poor and I didn't have a clue about locations, prices and the habits of locals. I began by asking people on the street.

After the first 10 –very friendly- locals I was eventually introduced to Amar who knew someone, who knew someone, who knew someone else…I ended up in his house, waiting for this friend of a friend.

After 2 or 3 hours, being filled with sweets and cups of coffee, someone finally knocked at the door - It was his grandma..
And she also knew someone who had a house. So, she phoned someone and he also knew someone who knew someone who knew someone and so on.

The Sunset was very nice, but I was still “homeless” in DAMASCUS…

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