Damascus Hostels

Damascus is the capital of Syria and one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East with it Old Damascene Houses, the old city center which is listed as UNESCO World Heritage, and an abundance of interesting museums.

If you are looking for a hostel in Damascus, it is best to stay in one of the central suburbs (Saruja, Hijaz or Salhiyeh) or stay in the old city center. Staying at a hostel in the old city will be more expensive than staying outside, but it is also the most beautiful part of Damascus and this is where most of the sights are located.

If you are arriving by intercity bus, it will drop you off outside of the city and you will have to take a taxi (300 Syrian pounds) or a bus (10 Syrian pounds, bus no. 15) to take you to the center or to your Damascus hostel. If you are arriving at the airport, a taxi will take about 30 – 40 minutes depending on traffic, cost will depend on your negotiation skills. The public transport system is of very limited use for tourists, there are public buses but they do not have a fixed schedule and it is difficult to figure out which route they are going, plus they are very crowded. You can easily walk around the old city; the best time to do so is in the morning or late afternoon when it is not so hot. If you do not want to walk, the easiest way to get around are taxis, but they cannot go everywhere in the old city. They are inexpensive but make sure to ask a local what your fare should be and agree on it before entering the taxi; tourists tend to be overcharged by the drivers. You can also rent a car but be aware that traffic is quite chaotic and roads are often in a rather bad condition.

While you are there, make sure to walk around the city center, must-sees are the Great Umayyad Mosque, the terrific Azem Palace and the recently renovated Khan As’ad Pasha. Get lost in the souqs and do some great bargain shopping here. Visit the National Museum which hosts an extensive collection of Syrian treasures and cultural exhibits, explore the Christian Quarter and enjoy homemade Baklava.