Travel Guide

Majority of the inhabitants of Damascus are Muslims, with Christians making up 10% of the population. There are roughly 2000 mosques in Damascus itself. As such, it is recommended for tourists to dress modestly while travelling in Damascus. It is mandatory for women to cover their hair, arms and legs before entering any of the mosques. At the Umayyed Mosque, abayas (full-body covers) are provided with the entrance ticket.

The best way to see Damascus is on foot, as it is the only way to get around Old Damascus. In the New City, pedestrians are warned to be vigilant at all times as the driving culture in Damascus is not entirely safe – drivers will not hesitate to come extremely close to pedestrians or other cars. Getting around in cars is not considered a good idea as traffic jams are the norm (especially in summer) and parking is a problem in urban areas. Micro buses, or servees, are the main form of transportation in Damascus, and there is an abundance of taxis as well.