Why visit
Damascus is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with the Umayyad Mosque, old souqs, courtyard houses, and deep layers of Islamic, Christian, and Roman history. War has severely limited ordinary travel.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Damascus is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Syria. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Damascus, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Syria better matches the trip style.
Damascus at a glance
City population
1.6 million
Elevation
701 m
2,300 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Asia/Damascus
Airport
DAM
Damascus International Airport
Syria at a glance
Country center
35.0°, 38.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
185,180 km²
71,498 mi²
Country population
23.2 million
125/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Syrian pound (£)
SYP
Dial
+963
Language
Arabic
Demonym
Syrian
Internet
.sy
UN
Member state
ISO code
SY / SYR
Where in the world
35.0° - 38.0°
Syria
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Damascus is often described as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
- The Umayyad Mosque stands on a site that held earlier Roman and Christian religious buildings.
- Straight Street, mentioned in the Bible's Book of Acts, still runs east to west across the old city.
- Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world: settled for ~11,000 years.
- Syria's ancient city of Palmyra was a key trading hub on the Silk Road.
Bordering Syria
Traveler notes
- The Umayyad Mosque anchors the old city
- Straight Street preserves a Roman-era urban line
- The old city of Damascus is UNESCO-listed
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Damascus
What currency is used in Damascus?
Damascus uses the Syrian pound (£), ISO code SYP.
What languages are spoken in Syria?
The primary language is Arabic.
What is the international calling code for Syria?
The calling code is +963.
When is the best time to visit Damascus?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Damascus?
Damascus International Airport (IATA: DAM).
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