Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Damascus
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $18-60 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Damascus
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Shared rooms in budget hostels, basic guesthouses, or staying with locals through homestay arrangements
Food & Dining
$5-15 per day
Street food, local bakeries, traditional Syrian restaurants in residential areas, shopping at local markets
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses, shared service taxis (servis), walking for short distances
Activities
$3-12 per day
Free walking tours of Old City, visiting mosques and churches, exploring traditional souks, occasional museum entries
Currency: SYP Syrian Pound (though USD is widely accepted and often preferred for tourism)
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local restaurants in residential neighborhoods rather than tourist areas - typically 40-60% cheaper than Old City establishments
Use public buses and shared service taxis instead of private taxis - usually 70-80% savings on transportation costs
Visit free religious sites like mosques and churches instead of paid attractions - many of Damascus's most beautiful sites have no entry fee
Shop for snacks and water at local markets rather than tourist areas - generally 50-70% less expensive
Book accommodation directly with smaller guesthouses rather than through international booking sites - often 15-25% cheaper
Take advantage of Syrian hospitality by accepting tea invitations - free cultural experiences and local insights
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating in tourist-focused restaurants in Old City - typically costs 100-200% more than local neighborhood eateries
Taking private taxis for all transportation instead of learning the public transport system - usually 3-5 times more expensive
Not carrying enough cash - many places don't accept cards, and ATMs can be limited, leading to expensive currency exchange