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IMPORTANT NOTE This report was written in 2010. There is currently a Travel Warning on Syria issued by the U.S. State Department, which reads in part: “The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Syria and strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria depart immediately… the security situation remains volatile and unpredictable as an armed conflict between government and anti-government armed groups continues throughout the country, with an increased risk of kidnappings, bombings, murder, and terrorism… No part of Syria should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, including kidnappings. Indiscriminate shelling and aerial bombardment, including of densely populated urban areas across the country, have significantly increased the risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, power and water utilities has also exacerbated hardships inside the country. ” Read the updated travel warning here.

Damascus—even its name evokes romance, poetry, intrigue and history. Dating back to prehistoric times, Syria’s capital has been called the oldest capital city in the world; today it is vibrant, bustling and enthralling.

In this report: The city’s best hotels under Where to Stay, authentic restaurants under Where to Eat, sights not to miss under What to See & Do and unique boutiques under Where to Shop.

INDAGARE TOP TEN

SLEEP…at the Four Seasons Damascus for its top amenities and service

EXPERIENCE…lovely Beit Zafran, a boutique hotel in the Old Town

SPLURGE…on a spa treatment at the Four Seasons

EAT…at Al-Halabi for authentic cuisine inspired by Syria’s ancient city of Aleppo

DRINK…at the cool Zen Lounge, the rooftop bar of the Omayad Hotel

SAVOR…the fresh sweets at noon at venerable pastry emporium Semiramis

VISIT…the fascinating sights outside of Damascus

SHOP…at The Khan, the city’s first concept store, for a combination of high-end fashion and local crafts

SEE…such Ottoman masterpieces as the Umayyad Mosque

KNOW…how to navigate the Old Town’s many colorful marketplaces (souqs)