8 Days in Syria: Damascus Old City and Beyond, 2025
An 8-day road trip across Syria starting from Damascus, covering approximately. The route explores various locations across the country, including the capital's historic old city and surrounding regions, showcasing areas that became accessible following the recent political transition in December 2024.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Crossing the border from Lebanon
- End
- Beirut
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Crossing the border from Lebanon — International frontier crossing where travelers transition from Lebanon into Syria, requiring documentation and customs procedures.
- Damascus — The oldest continuously inhabited city on Earth with over 5,000 years of history. Capital of Syria, now the center of newly independent nation.
- Into the souks — Historic covered bazaars featuring narrow passages lined with spice vendors, textile merchants, and artisans selling traditional handicrafts.
- Jobar
- Abu Saleh — Ancient Christian pilgrimage site housing a monastery dedicated to a venerated saint, significant to Eastern Orthodox religious heritage.
- Beirut
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Hire a local guide for your trip. Traveling Syria isn't simple and guides are essential for managing logistics and navigating safely.
- Save money
- Bring enough cash before arriving. Due to sanctions, ATMs don't work in Syria, so exchange money at arrival or border.
- Transport
- Border crossings may experience system shutdowns without notice. Allow flexible timing for border crossing from Lebanon into Syria.
- Where to stay
- Stay in 300-year-old restored hotels in Damascus Old City for authentic, comfortable accommodation with historical character.
- Food
- Try Syrian shawarma from local street vendors. It's a signature dish and widely available throughout Damascus.
- Tip
- Women can dress in Western clothes respectfully in Damascus. Hijab is not required; many women wear Western clothing.
- Tip
- Wear an abaya or headscarf when entering the Umayyad Mosque. Visitors must cover appropriately; abayas are provided if needed.
- Timing
- Visit in late November for pleasant weather conditions. This was when the traveler visited in 2025.
- Transport
- Road travel in Syria has fewer checkpoints now than under previous regime. Checkpoints are more relaxed and easier to pass.
- Tip
- Visit Jobar as a meaningful historical site. Many buildings remain destroyed from civil war but shows Syrian resilience.
- Tip
- Visit Maaloula, a Christian village in the mountains where Aramaic is still spoken today, accessible as a day trip.
Video on this route
8 Days in SYRIA in 2025 (as a female traveler)