Quick View   The Old City The Bazaars The Mosque The Museum Excursions Restaurants By Night   A mountain, crowned with an observatory and a broad casting station for Syrian radio and TV., is a convenient landmark. This mountain, The Djebel Qassioun, dominates the city from the north. Casting a glance at the map of Damascus will reveal that most centers of interest are located within the old walled city, where you can find the famous Omayyad Mosque, and the river Barada (which flows under the city center), following the Beirut highway. Popular quarters most frequented by tourists are generally located south of the river. However, ministries, cinemas, hotels, and restaurants, are located in the north. For shopping, Damascus visitors have the choice of the souks of the old city, which cannot be missed en route to the Omayyad Mosque, or the Western style shops in the areas from the Hedjaz railway station to Salhiyeh. Transportation Buses and taxis (sharing or not) are at your disposal for your transportation throughout the city. The best way to fully enjoy the sights of the city is by foot. The city is not too big, especially the tourist area, and is worth discovering on foot (except when going to visit the quarter of Salhiyeh, at the foot of the Djebel Qassioun), although traffic, dense and somewhat anarchic, would make some trips unpleasant, especially where the sidewalks are too narrow for pedestrians. Collective taxis to Beirut and Amman, as well as state buses to Palmyra, Horns, Hama, Aleppo, and Latakia depart from Baramkeh square. For other departures, inquiry can be made at any tourist information office or hotel reception desk. Accommodation Until a relatively recent date, Damascus was in great need of luxurious hotels with Western standards. There are now many good hotels in Damascus of both 5 stars and normal category. They do a thriving business, in particular during the international trade fair and international or inter-Arab conferences frequently taking place in the Syrian capital. On such occasions, be prudent and make your bookings in advance.     Previous
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