Damascus, Syria: Old City Walking Tour

Tour Overview

$96 per person
5 Hours Duration
Damascus Governorate, Syria
Times: 12:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Basic

"The Day Damascus Held My Hand"

You don't visit Damascus. You surrender to it.

At 10:00 AM, we stood at Bab Sharqi - the Roman gate where saints once walked. The stones were warm under my feet, still carrying the weight of 2,000 years. Our guide smiled and said, "This is not a tour. This is a homecoming."

We descended into the House of Ananias - a crypt so silent I could hear my own heartbeat. In that dim, ancient cellar, I touched the wall where Paul was healed. I wasn't religious, but I wept. Not from faith - from witnessing.

Then the spice souq hit me like a prayer. Cinnamon, saffron, dried roses - the air was thick with centuries of recipes. An old vendor handed me mint tea without a word. His eyes said, "Drink. Remember."

Azem Palace stole my breath. Not because of its marble or mosaics - but because I sat in a courtyard where Ottoman pashas once dreamed, and I realized: they felt the same breeze I feel now. The fountains still sing the same song.

At 1:00 PM, the Umayyad Mosque opened its golden doors. I stood under its rainbow mosaics and felt small - not in a sad way, but in a liberating way. John the Baptist's shrine was there, quiet and humble, and I thought: holiness is not loud.

Then came Souq Al-Hamidiyeh - the oldest mall on earth. But it's not a mall. It's a river of humanity. I walked its 600-meter spine, dodging merchants and children, until I found Bakdash. The ice cream man pounded the sahlab with a wooden malle - thump, thump, thump like a heartbeat. He handed me a cone, sticky with pistachios. One bite, and I tasted childhood. I tasted Syria's soul chewy, sweet, unbroken.

At 3:00 PM, we finished at the Citadel. I looked back at the Old City - its minarets, its domes, its scars and I understood: Damascus is not ruined. It is resilient.

This was not a day.
This was a love letter - written in stone, spice, ice cream, and tears.

What to Expect

Walk through the ancient Roman gate of Bab Sharqi.
Visit the historic House of Ananias.
Explore the fragrant Spice Market of Damascus.
Discover the beauty of Azem Palace.
Experience the magnificent Umayyad Mosque.
Wander through Souq Al-Hamidiyeh, one of the world's oldest covered markets.
Taste the famous Bakdash Syrian ice cream.
Learn about the rich history and daily life of Damascus from a knowledgeable local guide.

Expect a mix of history, architecture, religion, local culture, and authentic Syrian hospitality.

What’s Included, What’s Not

Professional local guide.
Entrance fees to included sites.
Transportations from and to the meeting point
Souvenirs and personal shopping.
Additional services not mentioned.
Food and drinks.

Our Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

10:00 | Bab Sharqi (The East Gate)

Meet your guide at Bab Sharqi, the historic eastern entrance to the Old City of Damascus. Originally built during the Roman period, this ancient gateway has welcomed travelers for centuries and serves as the perfect introduction to the city's rich past.

10:15 | House of Ananias

Descend into one of Damascus's oldest Christian landmarks. Tradition holds that this underground chapel was the home of Ananias, who restored the sight of Saint Paul. Explore its peaceful stone chambers and learn about the city's early Christian heritage.

11:00 | Old Souq of Herbs & Spices

Stroll through the historic spice market, where merchants have traded herbs and spices for generations. Discover colorful displays of saffron, cinnamon, dried roses, cardamom, and traditional Syrian products.

11:15 | Azem Palace

Visit one of Damascus's finest examples of Ottoman architecture. Admire elegant courtyards, marble fountains, hand-painted wooden ceilings, and beautifully preserved reception halls while learning about life in historic Damascus.

Food note: You’ll be hungry here – the palace café sells small pastries (sfiha or fatayer)

13:00 | Umayyad Mosque

Explore one of the oldest and most important mosques in the world. Built on the site of a Roman temple and Byzantine church, the mosque is home to remarkable mosaics and the revered shrine of John the Baptist.

Dress code: Women must cover hair and arms, men wear long pants. Robes are available at the entrance.

14:00 | Souq Al-Hamidiyeh (Oldest & Largest Mall in the World)

Walk through the famous Souq Al-Hamidiyeh, one of the world's oldest continuously operating covered markets. Browse traditional shops, watch local craftsmen at work, and experience the lively atmosphere of Damascus.

14:30 | Bakdash Ice Cream

No visit is complete without stopping at the legendary Bakdash Ice Cream shop. Watch the famous Syrian ice cream being prepared with wooden mallets before tasting its unique stretchy texture, flavored with sahleb, mastic, and topped with pistachios.

15:00 | Tour Conclusion

The experience ends at the western exit of Souq Al-Hamidiyeh near the historic Damascus Citadel. Your guide will be happy to assist with directions back to your hotel or recommendations for exploring more of the city.

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

Syria Beyond The News

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YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

Syria Beyond The News

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Travelers

Please add at least 1 person

Max 10 Travelers

Adults

7+ Years Old $75

Set Date

Please select a date

Select Time

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Pickup point is required

Meeting Place

Any Location in: Damascus Governorate, Syria

LocationPickup: Bab Sharqi, Damascus, Syria

Package #2

Price Breakdown

2 Adults * $75.00

$150.00

Total Price

$96

Things to know

important Notes

Wear comfortable walking shoes. This is a walking tour through the Old City, including cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces.
Dress modestly. The visit to the Umayyad Mosque requires respectful attire. Women should cover their hair and arms, while men should wear long trousers. Robes are available at the entrance if needed.
Bring a reusable water bottle, especially during warmer months.
Don't forget your camera or phone. Damascus is full of historic architecture, vibrant markets, and beautiful courtyards.
Carry some cash. You may want to buy local sweets, spices, souvenirs, or enjoy the famous Bakdash ice cream.
Sun protection is recommended. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen can make the walk more comfortable.
This tour is suitable for travelers with a moderate level of fitness and involves several hours of walking with occasional stops.
Come curious. The best part of Damascus is often the unexpected conversations, local stories, and warm hospitality you'll encounter along the way.