Hostels in DAMASCUS, SYRIA

Damascus – The Bustling Syrian Capital

Damascus, also called as the City of Jasmine, is Syria’s capital as well as largest city. It is believed to be the world’s oldest inhabited city, proofs of which can be seen all over the city’s rich historical heritage.

History
Archaeological findings indicate that the city has been inhabited from 10,000 B.C. Its ancient glory lies in its association with the Arameans during the 2nd millennium B.C. It later fell into the hands of Babylonians and Persians during the later part of 1st millennium B.C. The Romans ruled the city between 323 B.C and 634 A.D when it got conquered by the Umayyads. Till the coming of the 16th century, the Seljuks, Ayubids, Mamluks and Mongols had also ruled the city following which the Ottomans had its control till the 20th century.

Popular Places and Attractions
The Umayyad Mosque is considered to be an ancient architectural wonder. During its course of history it has also been a temple for the Aramaics and Romans, and a Cathedral for the Byzantines. The influences of these religions can be seen on the Mosque’s carvings and drawings.  It is one of those few Islamic world mosques where foreigners are allowed entry. The mosque also contains the head of St. John the Baptist. The Saladin Mausoleum features the statue of the great anti-crusader Salah al-Din.

The National Museum contains Syria’s archaeological treasures in the form of jewellery, sculptures, priest statues, and interiors of the 2nd century Dura Europos Synagogue and Ugarit tablets featuring the world’s foremost alphabet. Some other popular attractions in the city are the Military Museum, Tekkiye Mosque, Martyr’s Square, Arab Epigraphy Museum, Jupiter Temple, Citadel, Archaeological Park, October War Panorama, Al Azem Palace and Al-Zahiriyah library.

Getting Around
Buses, microbuses, taxis and car rentals are available in the city for serving the people’s transportation needs, a good guide is to have money handy in small notes to pay for your travel.

Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, coffee houses, bars, art-houses, galleries, nightclubs and shopping centres are the usual places for entertainment in the city. Many of these venues, especially the coffee houses, arrange for live music or traditional storytelling. Mount Qasioun contains several good cafes and restaurants and offers spectacular views of the city, especially during nights when the entire city gets engulfed by lights. Turkish baths can be enjoyed in the Hammams of Bakri Bath and Nur-al-Din Bath. Hookas can be found in almost all the major restaurants of the city. The Souq al-Hamidiyya is a broad market street with passages dedicated exclusively for leather items, copper goods, silk scarves, inlaid boxes, cumin as well as other spices.

Accommodation
Budget Hotels, guesthouses, B&B’s (bed and breakfast), hostels, dormitories, budget hotels and apartments are available in the city for taking care of its tourists’ accommodation requirements.

Currency
The Syrian Pound (SYP) is Syria’s official currency.  Currency exchange services are provided by the Syrian Commercial Bank office and local change houses. Local news publications can be seen for knowing the latest exchange rates. Acceptability of credit cards, U.S Dollar and traveller’s cheques is limited.

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