Damascus

Damascus (دمشق) is the capital of Syria and its largest city, with about 4.5 million people.

Demonstration for Palestine and Gaza in Damascus

Dear Supporters of the Palestinian Cause in Damascus, We are excited to announce a peaceful demonstration in support of the People of Palestine, set to take place in Damascus over the next three days. This event is an opportunity for us to come together and raise our voices and the Palestinian Flag for a just and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. We want to emphasize that this demonstration is intended to be a peaceful and respectful gathering. Our goal is to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and call for a peaceful solution to the conflict. It is crucial that we maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere throughout the event. Important Guidelines: To ensure the success of our demonstration and to maintain a peaceful environment, we kindly ask all participants to adhere to the following guidelines: Peaceful Protest: Thit is a non-violent demonstration. We do not condone any form of violence or vandalism. Respect for Law Enforcement: Please treat law enforcement officers in Damascus with respect and follow their instructions. Do not engage in confrontations with them. Leave No Trace: Dispose of any trash responsibly and leave the demonstration area clean. Thank you for your commitment to our peaceful demonstration in Damascus, and let us stand together for a better future for all. In solidarity, eHalal Damascus

Damascus Halal Travel Guide

Established between 10,000 to 8,000 BC, Damascus is credited with being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The world legacy listed old-walled city, in particular, feels very ancient and largely consists of a maze of narrow alleys, punctuated by enigmatic doors that lead into pleasing, verdant courtyards and blank-faced houses. The old city still has an authentic medieval feel to it, although this was quickly vanishing due to the increasing tourist traffic as the city continued to be highlighted as an attraction. Life, however, goes on in the old-walled city, which is still the religious and social centre of the city. Due to the Western backed Syrian Civil War which began in 2011, many services in the city, including transportation, lodging and consular services, have been severely disrupted. Power interruptions are frequent and the Syrian pound currency has been subject to hyperinflation and the war is not far from mind even during the brief moments when life goes on normally. Many have left the nation, been drafted into military service or killed in action. Large parts of the article describes the situation before the war. As of October 2023, travel to most of Damascus is now once again possible

How to travel to Damascus

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Damascus

• Damascus International Airport IATA Flight Code: DAM 33.411112, 36.512560 - Syria's busiest airport, but as of 2022, Flights to and from Damascus are very limited. SyrianAir and FlyDamas offers Flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, Dubai, Doha and Kuwait City several times per week and twice weekly Flights from Moscow and Tehran. The only domestic route open for traffic is from Al-Qamishli.

The airport is relatively well-equipped with most standard services. The tax-free assortment is limited, but prices are very low, especially on perfume. Getting Syrian pounds at Damascus International Airport might be tricky, as the change counters only accept US dollars. There are two ATMS in the main lobby that accept credit cards and foreign debit cards, but they tend to be unreliable. Your best option is to bring a small amount of US dollars with you into Syria, and change it at the airport until you can withdraw from Damascus ATMs. The average fare from the airport to the city is 1500 SP. the prices became that high because nowadays only Taxi Companies are allowed to pickup clients from the Airport, Fares are typically about 500 SP going from the city to the airport by Taxi, however, may vary depending on your bargaining skills. There are also buses departing to and from Baramkeh bus station in the centre of town (airport buses are the only ones which serve this bus station now - all other services have moved to the new out of town Soumaria bus station). The price is 45 SP + 25 for your luggage and there are departures every half an hour, 24 hours a day. At the airport, come out of the terminal and turn right - you will find the bus at the end of the building. There is a small ticket office. The buses have been upgraded in recent years and have become very good. The bus will drop you a bit far from the Old City, but there many taxis around to get you there. Make sure to ask for the meter, and you should pay less than 50 SP, depending on traffic.

Travel by train to Damascus

As of fall 2023, all long-distance train services to Damascus are still suspended, including the once-weekly sleeper trains from Istanbul and Tehran. However, reconstruction is under way and some commuter and short intercity services are expected to return in 2019. The historic Hejaz station in the downtown remains closed and future services will depart and arrive at Al-Qadam station GPS 33.476576,36.290508.

By car

Service Taxis are available to Amman and Irbid in Jordan. Depending on the political situation and these also service Beirut and other points in Lebanon, as well as points in Iraq. Since the closure of the more central Baramkeh Station and these service taxis leave from Soumaria (pronounced like the girls' names "Sue Maria"), which is a 10-15 minutes taxi ride from central Damascus, along Autostrade Mezzeh. The bus number 15 and 21 will take you to Soumaria station from the bus stop next to Matry's place.

Travel on a Bus in Damascus

Damascus is well served by buses internally in the nation. There are two bus stations: the western bus station serves destinations west and south (including Amman and Beirut), while the northern bus station serves destinations north (including Aleppo). Regular buses to Damascus leave Amman, Jordan and the trip including crossing the border takes about 4 hours and cost roughly 6-9JD. Hatay Turizm from Antakya/Turkey has regular buses to the city. You can board on these in Istanbul as well. Normally, you will have to reserve a seat one day or more in advance, and although prices may vary, you can get a busticket for 80 YTL. When arriving into Damascus by bus, make sure to move away from the bus hub to find a taxi to the centre of town. Otherwise, you run the risk of paying several times the going rate, which should be around SYP150-200, as cars posing as taxis operate next to the terminal. Thit is normally a two-man operation, with one person trying to distract you, while the driver puts your suitcase into the trunk of the "taxi" and locks it. Upon arrival at the western bus station, city bus #15 will take you to Al-Marjeh Plaza in Souq Sarouja\Old Town (where you can find many hotels) for 10 SYP.

How to get around in Damascus

At rush hours (10AM Monday - 4PM) and the best way of transport is on foot. Smoking is absolutely forbidden on all public transport.

By foot

A very good idea is to go on foot especially for a sightseeing, and it's the only way to get around in Old Damascus. Walking in the new city however, should be reserved to the nicer areas of Maliki and Abu-Rumaneh, as the new city tends to be pollution clogged. The driving culture in Damascus is not the safest, so beware as a pedestrian, especially in the new city. Cars will not hesitate to come extremely close to pedestrians or other cars in order to pass.

By car

It isn't a very good idea to hire a vehicle in Damascus. There is almost always a traffic jam, especially in summer, and parking tends to be difficult too; although that isn't the situation in suburbs.

Travel on a Bus in Damascus

Micro buses, commonly called servees, are one of the main sources of transportation in Damascus. All journeys inside the city costs 10 Syrian Pounds. You can go from one place to another in Damascus with at most one or two journeys. When on the bus, give any passenger a coin and he will pass it to the driver and return the change, just remember to tell that passenger how many Muslim you are paying for, whether you are in a group, or tell him that you are paying "for one" ("waahid") if you are alone. The route is written (in Arabic only) on the roof sign. Micro buses do not generally have fixed stops except at very busy points, just beckon to the driver and he will stop near you (Al yameen, andak iza samaht). There are also many city buses that likewise cost 10 SYP. One useful bus is #15, which runs from Al-Marjeh Plaza (Souq Sarouja\Old Town) to the Western Bus Station, which serves Beirut and Amman.

Best way to travel in Damascus by a Taxi

Taxis are plentiful in Damascus, making them a great mode of transportation. The taxis of Star Taxi, a new private company, are more expensive than normal taxis, but they are also more comfortable and safer. You can call their headquarters and they will send the nearest taxi to your door. Taxis with the Damascus Governorate logo on the side and a number on the roof sign are normally equipped with a meter, and it is best to use only these when hailing a taxi on the street. You should normally leave a 10-pound tip as well as the fare on the meter. At night, taxi drivers do not use the meter, so you may be best off negotiating the price before you get in. A service taxi to Amman or Beirut cost 700 Syrian pounds and takes around 4 hours and run 24 hours. Do not hesitate to take them; they are new, clean vehicles with air conditioning.

What to see in Damascus

The Souq al-Hamidiyya, a broad street packed with tiny shops, is entered through columns from a Roman temple built on a site that had been occupied by an even older temple. The souqs themselves smell of cumin and other distinctive spices and you can find passages dedicated to everything from leather and copper goods to inlaid boxes and silk scarves. At the end of Souq al-Hamidiyya stands the great Umayyad mosque; this building with three minarets is an architectural wonder. It was an Assyrian temple and then a Roman temple to Jupiter, a church when Rome converted to Christianity and then a mosque and a church together, and finally a mosque until now. All the symbols are still pretty much there and some Christian drawings can still be very clearly seen on the walls inside. The mosque contains the grave of John the Baptist (for Muslims, prophet Yahya) inside the main lounge. Women are asked to be to cover their hair, arms and legs. Abayas (full-body covers)are provided with the entrance ticket price of 50SP. It is one of the most sacred sites of Islam, and it welcomes foreign tourists, who are allowed to walk around the prayer area. At the other end of Souq al-Hamidiyya is a fort-like section of the extant city wall that is the Citadel (but make sure to visit Aleppo's Citadel for a truly amazing experience). Nearby, you can visit the Mausoleum of Salah al-Din, known in the west as Saladin and the chief anti-crusader. There's a great statue of him on horseback right next to the fortress, which will make you gasp. If you walk all the way around it and there are two dejected Frankish knights underneath the horse's slightly lifted tail. These two knights are identified by inscriptions as Guy de Lusignan, King of Occupied Jerusalem, and Reynald de Chatillon, lord of Kerak, an important fortress in the Holy Land. Both were captured during Salah al-Din's definitive victory at Hattin; Guy was imprisoned in Damascus and eventually released, but Reynald was executed as punishment for his many atrocities.

• Azm Palace 33.510278, 36.306944 - Azm Palace Built in 1749 includes a museum describing the life of royal families.
• National Museum of Damascus - المتحف الوطني بدمشق | Shukri al-Quwatli Street 33.512572, 36.290044 - National Museum of Damascus
• October War Panorama 33.5354, 36.3207 - October War Panorama Out in the suburbs but accessible by shuttle van or taxi. It's about US$7 to get in and well worth it. It was built with the help of the North Korean Government and the influence shows. There is an exhibit of military hardware outside. English-speaking guides are available.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Damascus

• View the city from Mount Qasioun is a must-do activity in Damascus as it offers a panoramic view. The peak is accessible at any time, although the view is perhaps most spectacular at night when the whole city is lit up and the minarets of masjids are bathed in green light. The Umayyad Mosque in the old town is particularly impressive when viewed from the mountain. There is a wide range of food and refreshment available on the peak from stalls to fancy restaurants that serve good local cuisine and alcohol. Check the price before you get too comfortable though- it is a well-known scam for local cab drivers to take you to their 'favorite' cafe, where you'll end up paying anything up to 500SP for a cup of tea.
• Visit a restaurant in old Damascus. There are some Halal restaurants in the old quarter each with their own unique character, but perhaps the most famous (and tourist) is "Beit Jabri", although "Al-Khawali" is considered by many to be the best dining experience in the old city. Another restaurant in the old city, Narcissus Palace, located close to Maktab Anbar, would offer an enlightening experience. Every night, a singer and band play old Arabic music and create an amazing atmosphere in the restaurant. A good idea, when considering these restaurants, is to go for breakfast, and then go sightseeing. The breakfast is very cheap and the bill will amount to 1000 SP for about four people.
• Bathe in a Hammam, i.e., a Turkish bath. The Nur-al-Din Bath (between the Azem Palace and Straight Street) and the Bakri Bath (first street on the right after entering the Old City at Bab Touma) are two baths that are familiar with Western tourists. A visit to either costs about 500 SP, and includes towels, soap, scrub, a private massage and a tea. The price is typically composed of bath entry (300 SP), scrub (50 SP), private secluded sauna (100 SP), private massage (100 SP) and extras such as tea or soap. Nur-al-Din is for men only, Bakri might be able to accommodate women or mixed groups upon prior arrangement. Bakri Bath: for women each day except Friday 10 - 5PM
• Relax at a Hooka cafe "Narjelah" Hooka cafe's are popular in Damascus and are easy to find. When visiting the old city, you'll get a more cultural or traditional experience. You'll probably find a crowd of tea-drinking, backgammon-playing men all smoking hooka. In the modern city, most cafe's cater to a younger crowd and are a big part of the night life offering a huge variety of flavored tobacco ranging from double apple which is the most common, to cappuccino. In almost every major restaurant, hookas are available, including the restaurants in the old city.

Study in Damascus

Arabic

There are several institutions in Damascus that teach Arabic:

• Language Institute at Damascus University - The Language Institute fully immerse their students in Arabic; the course materials and all interaction between students and teachers are done in Arabic. Students are placed in beginning, intermediate or advanced courses based on a placement test.
• Ma'had - This state-run language academy is in the Mezze neighborhood of Damascus. It is the cheapest option, although the courses are not as good as those at Damascus University.
• The British Council - While the classes may be expensive and they are mainly aimed toward diplomats and businessmen.
• DSA - Damascus Language School for Standard Arabic- The school provides basic courses for beginners and advanced courses also on certain topics as for journalists, physicians, diplomats, engineers etc. Normal classes have maximum 4 Students. Lessons with private teachers are even feasible. Twice a year and there are certain courses for students available at half price. Teachers are well experienced in teaching foreigners. Basic courses start every Saturday.
• Arabesk Studies in Damascus- The institute offers extensive classes in Arabic. Aide with living arrangement provided.
• TikaTrip - Travels and Studies in Syria- Providing private Arabic tutors as well as professional language teachers and all important services: starting with the pickup service at the airport, arranging lodging and advices on how to tackle the bureaucratic procedures.

Tour Guide : You can get an English speaking guide by emailing : zenab71@

Shopping in Damascus

Damascus offers some of the best shopping in the Middle East. Prices are cheap, and since very few stores depend on tourists for their income, most will leave you alone to browse until you are ready to buy. Small stores are located throughout the old city, although the Souq al-Hamidiyya, located along the Roman straight street, offers the highest density of shops. The souq is a fantastic experience, but be prepared for the crowds.

Halal Restaurants in Damascus

The famous Vegetarian falafel sandwiches (15-30 SP), Chicken shawarma (30-50 SP) and manakeesh (10-20 SP), bread filled with zatar, spinach, Meat, pizza-style tomato and Cheese or other fillings are widely available and affordable. Less common but still widely spread are places which sell foul (boiled fava beans with sauce) and hummus. A typical Damascene dish is fatteh, made up of soaked bread, chickpeas and yogurt. Delicious and extremely filling, it is excellent on a cold winter's day. Try it with lamb or sheep's tongue, or plain with the typical garnish of a little pickle and nuts. There is a foul restaurant on Souq Saroujah and the same street as hotel Al-Haramein and one at the bab touma square. Also in this "backpacker neighborhood" on Souq Sarouja is Mr Pizzas serving good Pizzas, sandwiches, Burgers and fries. A large plate of fries is 50 SP, a sandwiches filled with Chicken is 75 SP and a Pizzas for one person is 110 SP. Shawarma is, of course, popular in Damascus. It comes in different varieties, including Chicken and beef. Station One (near the Noura Supermarket in Abu Rumaneh) is one of some Halal restaurants that serve shawarma throughout the city. In order to really experience local Syrian cuisine, be sure to visit a section of Damascus called Midan. It lies south of the old city and can easily be reached by walking south from the western entrance to Souq al-Hamadiyya or from Bab Saghir. There is a main street there called Jazmatiya which offers an unlimited amount of shawerma & falafel stands, butcher shops/restaurants and plenty of Syrian pastry shops which are clearly marked by 2.5 metre high towers of sweets stacked on top of each other. Be sure to try Shawarma from "Anas," which makes some of the best sandwiches in Damascus. This main street is best to visit at night and doesn't close till around 03:00. The street is very safe and is always very busy. Another unusual treat is a camel kebab, available tasty and fresh from the camel butchers outside Bab Saghir. As they typically advertise their wares by hanging a camel head and neck outside the premises, you're unlikely to miss them. Fresh juice stalls are available all over the city. Orange juice (aasir Coladan) starts at 30-50 SP, other fruits are slightly more expensive. Many fruit stalls also have a range of dishes like Hot Dogs, sojouq (Armenian sausage), liver (soda) and Meat (kebab etc.). These may not always be the safest to eat. Fruits and vegetables which are not peeled might cause infections, but are still very good. Select places that have a steady stream of clients. The area around Martyr's square has a lot of pastry shops selling sweet, tasty and affordable baklava. Do not try to eat in empty places only crowded restaurants and food places are safe otherwise you may get food poisoning from Shawerma sandwiches or any other product (especially in summer) so beware!

• Bakdash - بكداش | Al-Hamidiyah Street 33.511271, 36.303714 Within Al-Hamidiyah Souq - Bakdash (ice cream parlor) - Bakdash ice-cream shop in the old souk in Damascus - The oldest ice cream parlor in the Middle East, open since 1885. They are most famous for the Booza, a pistachio-covered ice cream with an elastic texture made of mastic and sahlab.
• Al-Sehhi Restaurant | Sharia al-Abed, Central Damascus ☎ +963 11 221-1555 - This restaurant offers the basics in Middle Eastern cooking, including mezze and a variety of grilled meats. There is a separate family section for diners and women. Alcohol is not served, and credit cards are not accepted.
• Il Forno Pizzeria | Najmeh PlazaAfter Dar Salam School, First to the left, 3rd shop ☎ +963113331427 $6–$15 Thit is a very cozy restaurant that serves Authentic Italian Pizzas baked in wood fired oven. The interior decoration is very charming and warm. The restaurant speciality is wood fired authentic Italian Pizzas and serves salads, appetizers, Pastas dishes and deserts as well.
• Pizza Pasta, sharia medhat pasha, at the turn to Bab Kisan. This place serves descent Pastas and good Pizzas, and also antipasta and alcohol. The service is often less than good, but it's worth to put up with for some of the real stuff. No menu, just ask for whatever Italian dish you fancy and chances are they will have it.
• Nadil, a little closer to bab sharqi than Pizzas Pasta this place serves up typical Arabic Meat dishes and very good broasted, and does it well and affordable. Takeaway.
• Beit Sitti, close to beit jabri in the old city (the street that runs parallel to the street of al-noufara down from the ommayad mosque). Opinions are diverse on the food. But there is no doubt that they have the best lemon and mint juice in damascus and it’s OK just to drink.
• Inhouse Coffee, at the airport, in the bab touma shopping street on the way to sahet abbasin and in the shopping street of abu romanih (souq al-kheir, close to benetton Shopping Centre). Thit is the place for great Coffee.
• Cafe Vienna, close to cham palace, follow the street towards Jisr-al-rais, turn right in the alley opposite of the Adidas store. This place is great. They do sandwiches on brown bread and apfelstrudel!
• Vino Rosso, in bab touma walk up the stairs beside the police station and ask your way. You can obtain food fried at the table and they got French Cheese. Rather cheap, very cosy.
• Chinese Restaurant, opposite of Cafe Narcissius close to Beit Jabri. Mom and Pop operation, although the chef's wife is back in China to raise their baby. Does standard Americanized Chinese food. Reasonably priced and good Chinese food, full of foreigners or Chinese students. The sweet and sour Chicken and beef "hot pan" are highly recommended.
• Fish place, bourj el-roos. This place is more or less male only, a little rough and does very good fish. about 500 SL per person. Not cheap, but it’s Damascus, it’s fish and it’s good. The same place runs a good place for foul and hommous next by.
• Spicy, at the abu-roumanih side of jisr al-abiad, first street to the left if your back is faced to the bridge. Daily dishes, "home-made" style Arabic food. Excellent. No alcohol.
• Caffe Latte, a small, warmhearted cafe with the best coffee in town. Serves great muffins and pancakes. A very nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Damascus. Located near the Italian hospital.
• Scoozi. It’s close to Noura Supermarket in Abu Rumanneh, if you walk from jisr al-rais towards jebel qasioun it is on your right. Best Pizzas in Damascus and the rest of the dishes are excellent too. No alcohol.
• Haretna (bab touma area, take the stairs beside the police station and follow the sign) serves excellent mezze No alcohol during Ramadan.
• Nadi al Sharq, close to hotel Four seasons, thit is the best Indian in Damascus. They do an excellent set meal for 600 S.P.
• Rotana Cafe, a theme cafe built at the end of Damascus Boulevard by the Four Seasonsand is part of the Rotana Audio Visuals company which is probably the most famous music records company in the Arabic world. The head of Rotana is Prince Walid bin Talal. The food is good, as well as the hookah The view from this cafe is great, Mount Kassyoun is visible and the rest of Beirut Street. There is also a souviner shop and a music store located on the first level.
• Cafe Trattoria is located right by the United Colors of Benneton in Abu Rummaneh. It is a beautiful pavement cafe that offers Italian food, hookas, and western coffees, as well as the traditional Turkish Coffee.
• Beit Jabri Restaurant - 14 Sharia as-Sawwaf, Central Old City 33.510452, 36.308510 ☎ +963 11 544-3200 - A favorite with both local residents and tourists, and offers the Syrian classics. It is located in the courtyard of a beautiful Damascene house.
• Arabesque Restaurant | Sharia al-Kineesa, Central Damascus ☎ +963 11 543-3999 - The restaurant offers a combination of Syrian and French classics. While alcohol is served, credit cards are not accepted. Arabesque is on the more elegant side, so semi-formal dress may be more appropriate.
• Downtown | Sharia al-Amar Izzedin al-Jazzari, Central Damascus ☎ +963 11 332-2321 - This contemporary restaurant offers a wide array of sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit juices. French is more likely to be spoken than Arabic. The interior is filled with Scandinavian decor.

The coffee houses of Old Damascus were something to experience. Hours could dissolve over a cup of shay (tea) or ahwa (coffee) among the smoke of a nargileh (water pipe) . An-Naufara (which means 'The Fountain') was a wonderful place to do this, just east of the Umayyad Mosque. There was even a Hakawati (a traditional story teller) present at 19:00 most nights.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Damascus

Damascus - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Damascus, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Damascus. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Damascus and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Damascus. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Damascus. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Damascus: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Damascus. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Damascus: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Damascus, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Damascus. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Damascus, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Damascus, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Damascus and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Damascus, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Damascus, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Damascus without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Damascus is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Damascus. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Damascus is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Damascus, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Damascus Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Damascus

eHalal Group Damascus is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Damascus. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Damascus. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Damascus ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Damascus. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Damascus, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Damascus are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Damascus

Souq-Al-Saroujah is where you find the cluster of backpacker hotels. Martyr's Plaza or "Merjeh" in Arabic is the other place worth considering if you're on a tight budget, though many of the places double as brothels. However, at least the hotels below can be recommended. Women alone should avoid hotels at Merjeh Plaza, because it's the red light neighborhood of Damascus. Most hotels in Damascus claiming to be 5 stars are actually closer to what Western travellers know as 2 stars. The Syrian government runs its own accreditation agency that gives highly suspect inflated ratings to hotels owned by Syrian chains and those that have paid "baksheesh" (bribes) to the authorities. Due to the American sanctions of Syria, credit cards linked to US Banks will not be accepted (thit is pretty much every credit card in the world).

• Al-Rabie Hotel | Sharia bahsa, Souq saroujah on an attractive side street about a 5-10 minutes walk from the fortress ☎ +963 11 231-8374 600 SP for a shared room (april 2010), 1200 SP for double with shared bath, 1600 SP for double with ensuite (as of January 2009). You can also sleep on a mattress on the partially enclosed roof in summer for 400 SP. It has an attractive courtyard, and clean rooms. Breakfast is included in the price. Some of the rooms that share a bath are a bit of a hike from the bath and shower rooms. No alcohol allowed on the premises. The design of the hotel is beautiful but staff can be very rude and don't expect to be made to feel welcome.
• Hotel Al-Ghazal | Sharia souq saroujah in souq Saroujah, at the street turning out towards Jisr-Al-Thawra and the revolution bridge ☎ +963 11 231-3736 900 SP for a double with shared bathroom and 400 SP for a dorm room. Also known as Ghazal Hotel, this hotel is a newcomer in the Saroujah hotels. It has a very attractive, typical Damascus courtyard. For breakfast and they serve the usual range of teas and coffeea and good water pipe free of charge. You can bring alcohol to drink in the courtyard if you like. Rooms and facilities are new. Several new, clean bathrooms with hot water and also a hostel portion in the same structure. Managers keep a safe on the premises for valuables. Owners are helpful and service-minded, but they speak less English than their competitors and don't arrange tours or otherwise on a regular basis (but could still probably help out if you ask). English spoken enough to arrange rooms, get/give directions and special circumstances. For foreign students of Arabic and the hotel staff is very accommodating and surprisingly insightful with the limited English they speak. If you are a light sleeper, you should avoid rooms close to the kitchen, bathrooms, and reception area. The rooms facing onto the courtyard are peaceful.
• Al-Haramain Hotel | Sharia bahsa, Souq saroujah next to the Al-Rabie Hotel ☎ +963 11 231-9489 Prices are more expensive than nearby hostels - 560 SP for shared. 700 SP for a single, 1225 SP for a double, 1700 SP for a double with bathroom. Breakfast is always included in the price. Some of the rooms on the upper floors lack heaters and can be very cold in the winter unless the door to the common space is left open. The courtyard is smaller than in Al-Rabie, but the staff is nice and friendly. Showers are in the basement. Helpful staff that can arrange tours and otherwise cater to tourist needs. No alcohol allowed on the premises. Be sure to get a reservation in advance. SCAM WARNING: Their email has been hacked. If someone responds to your email asking for money up front. Do not send it! Al Haramain is not a low budget hotel, please check their prices before booking.
• Sultan Hotel | almost opposite Hejaz Train Station $55 per day for a double room including breakfast, but most currencies are accepted. Checkout: 12 noon - In a good location, 10–15 minutes' walk from the Old Town in one direction and the National Museum in the other.
• Al-Madinah City Hotel @sy.com 33.513065, 36.294109 ☎ +963 963 11 2219375 +963 112453817
• Al Majed Hotel | @roup.com 29th May Street above Yusef Al-'Azmeh Plaza, behind the Assufara (Ambassadors') Cinema ☎ +963 11 232-3300 +963 11 232-3304 completely renovated in 2001, this family-run 60-room hotel remains a very popular, secure and central place to stay for Muslim travellers of all sorts - from businessmen to visitors. The Al Majed Restaurant, open 24 hours, is on the top floor of the Hotel with a variety of dishes, from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to Continental cuisine.
• Damascus Hostel | Al Abbara Street from Straight Street, or rope ladder on city walls 100m from Bab Sharqi ☎ +963 11 541-4115 - This hostel has a unique location, with some rooms in a tower on the city wall. While the location is excellent and the rooms are decent. Laundry service with an automatic washer is 200SYP. Satellite television is available in the common area but there is no on-site Internet access. The website has both a printable map with directions and GPS coordinates.
• Dana Residence | Qudssaya Suburb around 10 kilometers from Damascus centre ☎ +963 11 323 56 61 Prices starts at $US50 Offers various-sized apartments, suitable for all numbers of persons. Each apartment has its own balcony with breath-taking views of the mountains.
• Fallouh House | in the heart of The old city of Damascus-Bab Touma ☎ +963 933 356955 Prices start from $US35 Has air-conditioned rooms (singles, doubles) with satellite TV, telephone and Minibar with alcohol removed. You can ask for a vehicle to pick you up from the airport. The courtyard contains fountain and is full of plants.
• House of Damascus | rents a rooms for students studying in Damascus in a beautiful, traditional Arabic house situated in the heart of the Old City of Damascus. The house includes seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, two kitchens, a beautiful courtyard and a rooftop terrace with a great view over Old Damascus. Each bedroom is furnished with a TV, bed, wardrobe, dresser and heater (air-con in some rooms). The kitchens are fully equipped (gas stove, microwave, kettle, oven etc.) and the modern bathrooms have hot water 24 hours a day. Washing machine, internet access (dial-up) and fixed telephone (landline) are also available.
• Hotel Old Damascus | Bab Tuma Plaza near Haretna Restaurant ☎ +963 11 541-4042 is in the Old City, near the St. Thomas gate, on one of those two-metre-wide pedestrian-only streets that are so common in the older neighbourhoods. The Old Damascus has about a dozen rooms and was formerly a typical Arab home of the sort common among prosperous merchants in the early 1900s. A Syrian-Arab family owns and operates the hotel.
• Orient Gate Hotel | opposite Venesia Hotel, beginning of Saroujah Entrance, Bahsa St. within walking distance of the commercial markets and some Halal restaurants ☎ +963 11 231 6224 +963 933 226 012 Prices start from $US36 The hotel has 25 air-conditioned rooms (doubles, twins, and triples) with satellite TV, telephone and Minibar with alcohol removed. Safe deposit box at the reception. Staff are available to assist guests 24 hours a day. Summer terrace looking out over Damascus city.
• Sah al Naum Bed and Breakfast Baghdad street, Ekeibeh neighbourhood, Amara ☎ +963 11 231 0884 Starting from €45 Offers long- as well as short-term stays. The 400-year old house was newly renovated. The two-storey house prides has 27 furnished rooms restored in Ottoman decorative styles. With wireless internet access, laundry facilities and a fully equipped kitchen. The house has two open courtyards with view of Qasiun mountain.
• Beit Al Mamlouka Bab Touma 33.512701, 36.313778 in front of Hammam Bakri ☎ +963 11 543 0445 $US150-300 Amazing little boutique hotel on a quiet alleyway, behind an unmarked doorway. The rooms and courtyard are part of a beautiful old Damascus house.
• Cham Hotel | ☎ +963 11'223-2300 +963 11 221-2398 - Syria's national hotel chain, and one of the largest business-class hotels in the city.
• Four Seasons Hotel Damascus - فندق فور سيزنز دمشق | Shukri Al Quatli Street 33.514046, 36.291161 ☎ +963 11 339-1000 +963 11 339-0900 - The Four Seasons, located in the downtown, offers many services, such as spa, baby-sitting, and fitness facilities. This hotel houses the Al Halabi restaurant, which features the Aleppo cuisine of northern Syria.
• Blue Tower Hotel | Hamra Street ☎ +963 11 3340240 +963 11 3342112 - Offers all the services of a four-star international hotel; Presidential suite, bathrooms are provided with jacuzzi, comfortable rooms equipped with the modern technology services; communication facilities including free high speed internet (wireless in the lobby and wired in the rooms). Additional facilities include an international restaurant, and café.
• Baik Bash hotel and restaurant | Straight Street ☎ +963 11 5436007 +963 11 5436008 - Offers all the services of a five-star hotel, double king sized beds, modern equipment, terrace cafe, basement cinema cafe, reading lounges, restaurant, salon, VIP area, Wi-Fi.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Damascus

Israel frequently bombs Damascus.

Telecommunications in Damascus

Most hotels can arrange international phone calls, but prices are expensive. Most internet cafes are set up for VOIP, and offer a much cheaper alternative, although the price does reflect the quality of the connection. Internet access is widely available, although the Syrian government censors traffic, which can cause some interesting quirks in connectivity.

Cope in Damascus

The first ATMs were introduced into Syria in 2003, and thus are still a rare novelty in many parts, and are not always in operation. Change houses exist in many areas in Damascus, especially near the large Souks. The Euro, British Pound, and American Dollar can be changed at these shops, commission-free. Be sure to look up the current exchange rate before changing money so you do not get cheated. Many shops, especially in the old city), also change money. Though officially illegal, it is a handy option when you're already shopping in the old city and need to change some cash quickly. Just ask around the shopkeepers for a money changer and you will soon be directed to a store that does currency exchange.

Embassies & Consulates in Damascus

• India | 3455, Sharkassiyeh, Ibn Al Haitham St, Abu Rumaneh (P.O. Box: 685) ☎ +963 11 334-73-51 +963 11 334-57-11
• Indonesia | Mazzech, Eastern Villas, Madina Al-Munawwara Street 132, Block No. 270/A Building No. 26 (P.O.BOX 3530) ☎ +963 11 611-9630, +963 11 611-9631
• Serbia | @mask.org Abu Romane 18. Al-Jalaa street, P.O.Box: 739 ☎ +963 11 3336222 +963 11 3333690
• Türkiye | - ☎ +963 11 335 01 930 +963 11 333 92 43

Consulates in Damascus

• Ireland | PO Box 46,Damascus ☎ +963 11-3342144 +963 11-2221320

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Damascus

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