Do's

• At night, taxi drivers do not usually use the meter, so you may be best off negotiating the price before you get in.
• ATMs are a little difficult to spot. So always carry adequate cash in hand.
• Sale of alcoholic beverages is very limited during the holy month of Ramadan. Many restaurants and cafes are closed during this time. Do check with your hotel in advance if alcohol is served.
• Take a copy of your identity document when you are stepping outside. Always leave the original in your room or at a safe spot.
• Wear neutral and modest clothes, especially when you are touring sacred and religious places in the city. Flashy and sexy clothes are frowned upon.
• The majority of shops are open every day except Friday. Plan your shopping accordingly.

Dont's

• You can take photos of everything you want except for military checkpoints and government buildings. You will get questioned or even arrested.
• If you hear sounds of fighter jets, don't panic. It is common here.
• It isn't a very good idea to rent a car in Damascus. There is almost always a traffic jam and parking tends to be difficult too.

Damascus has been primal to the country's ongoing civil war since 2011. But, if you expect Damascus to be a ghost town like many other major Syrian cities, you are mistaken. Over the past few years, a fresh nightlife culture has emerged especially among the younger citizens; new bars, pubs, and cafes have opened everywhere. The number of nightspots is on the rise and it is the major diversion for the locals to feel normal again despite the security risks of the war. Due to constant conflicts in the country, going to outskirts of the city or cultural institutions are not very popular especially during the late hours. You can spend a whole night in the city’s bars or pubs, drinking, dining, dancing and making friends. If you are not a typical party animal, there are other options to keep you entertained. You can go shopping in the popular souk or smoke a 'nargileh' at one of the cafes. Indulge in some tasty treats at local restaurants or head to Mount Qassioun to see the city lights.

• Visit the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest in the world, and feel the calmness and spirituality around as you admire its beautiful architecture and amazing interiors.
• Shop at the famous Souq Al-hamidiyeh, eat some ice-cream and sip an Arabian coffee. This place is rich in history. You can spend hours here just sitting and observing the people and the shops around you.
• Visit the National Museum of Damascus and learn about the historical heritage of Syria. This place will interest both adults and kids alike.
• See the amazing Al Azem Palace, enjoy an evening on the green grounds surrounding it and relax after a long day.
• Take a walk in the Old city,  explore the extraordinary buildings, shop some antiques and eat at the charming local restaurants, because old is beautiful and the old city of Damascus is no exception.
• Hike atop Mount Qassioun and enjoy the beautiful city from the hilltop. Spot all the major landmarks and take lots of pictures with the amazing Damascus city at the backdrop. The view at night is even more magical with beautiful shining lights and a glittering skyline.

• View the city from a high-rise at night when the whole city is lit up and the minarets of mosques are bathed in green light.
• Bathe in a Hammam (Turkish bath). The experience is one of a kind.
• Enjoy some Arabic music and dine at local restaurants in the old city.
• Drink the famous Syrian coffee and shop at the busy street markets.
• Relax at a Hooka cafe, sip tea and make new friends.
• Eat the famous vegetarian falafel sandwich, chicken shawarma, and manakeesh.
• Explore the ruins of ancient buildings, take a walk in old streets and travel back in time.
• Take a train ride and see all the beautiful natural places in the region.
• Stroll through the beautiful alleys of the city's parks and relax in the shade of huge old trees.

• Purses
• Handbags
• Table cloth
• Potholders
• Wooden engravings
• Hand embroidered
• Shawls
• Carved boxes
• Damascus A‘abas( Kaftans)
• Silverware
• Precious stones
• Coffee pots
• Arabian coffee cups
• Olive oil-based cosmetics
• Spices