Damascus walking route: Mount Qasioun to Al-Hamidiyyeh souk
Explore modern Damascus on this 25-minute route through the Syrian capital's contemporary neighborhoods and landmarks. Visit Mount Qasioun for panoramic city views, wander through the Malki neighborhood's tree-lined streets, explore Sham City Centre mall, and experience local culture at Al-Hamidiyyeh souk and Al-Ghabra perfumes.
- Distance
- 15.4 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Coming up, Damascus modern side
- End
- Malki Neighborhood
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Coming up, Damascus modern side — Contemporary commercial and residential district featuring glass towers, upscale restaurants, and modern architecture reflecting Syria's urban development.
- بلدية ركن الدين, سوريا — Mountain overlook offering panoramic vistas of Damascus's sprawling cityscape, minarets, and surrounding plains from elevated vantage point.
- بلدية كفر سوسة, سوريا — Large-scale modern shopping mall in Damascus offering international brands, dining establishments, and contemporary retail experiences.
- Al-Hamidiyyeh souk in damascus
- Wonderful Al-Ghabra perfumes, Damascus — Renowned perfume shop specializing in traditional and contemporary fragrances, including local scents and oriental essences.
- Malki Neighborhood — One of the wealthier neighborhoods in Damascus; formerly Assad's old neighborhood
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Mount Qasioun viewpoint was closed to public for 14 years but is now open. Visit to see panoramic views of entire Damascus; currently has pop-up stalls and tables.
- Food
- Try smoothies at Abo Abdo, famous smoothie shop in Damascus. Popular flavors include avocado with condensed milk and honey, banana, carrot, and apple combinations.
- Food
- Visit Roadhouse diner for burgers and American-style food. Coca-Cola recently returned to Syria and is available at some restaurants.
- Tip
- Al-Hamidiyyeh Souk is about 250 years old with starlit ceiling (holes in roof creating light effect). Very busy with locals selling wedding dresses, clothes, and jewelry. Oldest ice cream shop operating since 1895.
- Tip
- Al-Ghabra Perfumes is a family business founded by grandfather Muhammad Khair. They create custom perfumes matching world brands and have own Damascus collection. Products available worldwide via website and Instagram.
- Tip
- Sham City Center is a modern 3-floor mall with toy shops, barbers, beauty salons, and clothing stores. Good for shopping in Damascus.
- Timing
- Malki neighborhood is one of wealthier areas in Damascus with tree-lined avenues and manicured appearance. Photography now permitted (was restricted when Assad lived there).
- Tip
- Visit Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, which contains the tomb with the head of John the Baptist (Prophet Yahya). Can view interiors and get drone videography of the structure.
- Food
- Tenbel market (called 'Lazy Market') has pre-chopped vegetables ready for cooking - Syrian convenience food option.
- Save money
- Many shops in Damascus are offering big discounts because taxes were very high under previous regime and people have limited spending power.
Video on this route
Modern Syria is INCREDIBLE! Could this be the Next NEW YORK? 🇸🇾