Damascus walking route: Umayyad Mosque to Al-Hamidiyah
A route through Tadmur District, Syria, 7 stops, from Syria reopening announcement to Old City of Damascus, filmed by travmap.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Syria reopening announcement
- End
- Old City of Damascus
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Syria reopening announcement — Symbolic marker of Syria's return to international connectivity and tourism after years of conflict, signaling renewed access to historical destinations.
- Al-Hamidiyah Market & Old City — Covered bazaar and UNESCO-listed medieval quarter featuring Ottoman architecture, traditional souks, and centuries-old mosques in Damascus's historic core.
- Mount Qasioun historical context — Mountain overlooking Damascus since antiquity, revered in Islamic tradition and offering panoramic views of the city's ancient landmarks and surrounding landscape.
- Latakia Mediterranean reference — Coastal port city on Syria's Mediterranean shore, historically significant as a Phoenician settlement and gateway to the country's seaside heritage.
- Damascus International Airport reopening — Major transportation hub resuming international operations, restoring direct travel access to one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited capitals.
- Umayyad Mosque — Greatest symbol of the Umayyad State; starting point for Damascus visit
- Old City of Damascus — Historic quarter containing Al-Hamidiyah Market and surrounding heritage sites
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- You can cross the border from Lebanon to Syria. Swap currencies before entering – $200 is exchanged for Syrian pounds at the border.
- Transport
- Damascus International Airport is on its way to reopening soon for everyone. Be prepared to visit Syria when it officially opens.
- Where to stay
- There are hotels in Damascus that you can stay in with great views. There are 300-year-old historic Damascus houses that can be stayed in.
- Tip
- Jebel Qasioun, which was previously forfeited, is now open to everyone. From the top you can see the entire city of Damascus.
- Food
- Try Damascus blackberry juice and creamy yogurt desserts – part of the ancient Damascus heritage.
- Tip
- Visit the Hamidiya market in the heart of the old city next to the Umayyad Mosque. It was built in 1780 and features an above-ground tunnel construction.
- Tip
- The Umayyad Mosque is the greatest symbol of the Umayyad state and has been a center of science, culture, and education in the Islamic world. It was built in 715 AD.
- Avoid
- Roads and cities on your way may contain traces of destruction from previous wars. Be prepared to see abandoned tanks and destroyed roads.
- Save money
- The Syrian pound is currently one of the weakest global currencies but is expected to improve over time. Exchange of money at the border.
- Tip
- 06:18 a.m. Damascus time is considered 'Freedom Time'. This time has symbolic significance in the new Syria.
- Tip
- Visit the People's Palace (the former presidential fort) which is located on top of a mountain in Damascus with a view of the entire city.
- Where to stay
- In Latakia there are palaces on the Mediterranean with gardens famous for growing citrus. The area is known as the 'Bride of the Coast'.
Video on this route
The New Syria Has Finally Arrived - Damascus | The oldest capital in the world