Cost of Living in Damascus
How much does it cost to visit Damascus? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Sven Scheuermeier / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
SYP 75000
per day
Weekly: SYP 525000
Monthly: SYP 2250000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at a local guesthouse in the Old CitySYP 15000
- 🍽️Breakfast of foul medames and bread from a street vendor, lunch of falafel sandwich, dinner at a simple local eatery (shawarma or manakish)SYP 20000
- 🚌Walking within the Old City, occasional taxi for longer distances (negotiate fare)SYP 10000
- 🎟️Explore the Umayyad Mosque (entry is free, small donation appreciated), wander through the Souq al-Hamidiyah, visit the National Museum of Damascus (entry fee applies)SYP 30000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
SYP 200000
per day
Weekly: SYP 1400000
Monthly: SYP 6000000
Examples
- 🏨Private room at a mid-range hotel in the Old City like Beit ZamanSYP 70000
- 🍽️Breakfast at hotel, lunch at a popular local restaurant like Ninar Restaurant for traditional Syrian dishes, dinner at a slightly more upscale restaurant like Al-BaikSYP 60000
- 🚌Taxis for most journeys, possibly a pre-arranged car for a half-day tourSYP 40000
- 🎟️Guided tour of the Old City including the Umayyad Mosque and Azm Palace, visit to the National Museum, explore the Christian Quarter and churchesSYP 30000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
SYP 500000
per day
Weekly: SYP 3500000
Monthly: SYP 15000000
Examples
- 🏨Suite at a luxury hotel such as Four Seasons Hotel DamascusSYP 250000
- 🍽️Fine dining experience at the hotel's restaurant or a high-end establishment like Fouad Restaurant for a mix of traditional and modern Syrian cuisineSYP 150000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the entire daySYP 50000
- 🎟️Private guided tour of historical sites with an expert historian, including access to less public areas if possible, visit to the Sayyidna Zaynab shrine (respectful dress required), evening classical Arabic music performanceSYP 50000
Cost by Category
accommodation
30,000 - 100,000 SYP
food
20,000 - 50,000 SYP
Transport
5,000 - 15,000 SYP
activities
20,000 - 50,000 SYP
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old City | Mid-range | At center | culture, foodies |
| Mazza | Luxury | Slightly above center | luxury, families |
| Baramkeh | Budget | Below center | budget, solo travelers |
Money-Saving Tips for Damascus
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
Find the best hotel deals in Damascus
Compare prices from SYP 75000/night across thousands of hotels.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Damascus?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
FAQ: Damascus Costs
How much does it cost to visit Damascus?
Budget travellers can visit Damascus for around SYP 75000/day (SYP 525000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget SYP 200000/day, while luxury travel costs around SYP 500000/day.
Is Damascus expensive?
Damascus is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least SYP 75000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Damascus?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Damascus, budget SYP 200000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Damascus?
Budget travellers in Damascus can get by on SYP 75000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.