Luxury Travel Guide: Damascus

Accommodation

$120-300 per night

Upscale hotels, restored traditional palaces, premium boutique properties with full amenities

Food & Dining

$40-100 per day

Fine dining restaurants, hotel restaurants, premium Syrian cuisine experiences, private dining arrangements

Transportation

$30-80 per day

Private drivers, luxury car services, organized premium transfers, chartered vehicles for excursions

Activities

$60-150 per day

Private guided tours, exclusive cultural experiences, premium day trips, specialized workshops and classes

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

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