Damascus and Alleppo offer numerous choices of restaurants offering European and Oriental cuisine. The suburbs of Damascus also offer cuisine of excellent standards in state of the art restaurants. You will find hotels and restaurants near Martyr’s Square in the city of Damascus.

Pubs, casinos, nightclubs and movie theatres make up the entertainment scene in Damascus and Alleppo. Some nightclubs border on the sleazy, so check on the reputation of the place you intend to visit.

Shopping

Syria's shopping experience offers excellent value for money. In every town, you can shop for souvenirs at the local souk (market). Damascus and Aleppo offer excellent bargains in their huge souks. You can buy anything ranging from rugs and kilims, gold and silver jewellery to copper and brassware. Damascus is known for its superb silk, brocade and fine cotton textiles. The mother of pearl and olive wood carving, weaving and embroidery of Syria are famous. Inlaid backgammon boards and jewellery boxes are a good buy. You can also buy the embroidered tablecloth and traditional clothing such as kaffiyeh (head scarf) and iqal (black cord) that is characteristic of this region. Buying jewelry in Damascus is suggested since the craftsmanship is very fine and the quality is high and guaranteed. Prices are extremely reasonable.

Bargaining is expected and you must always bargain as the price is always inflated. Shops are open Saturday to Thursday from 9.30 am to 2 pm and from 4.30 pm to 9 pm (or 8 pm in winter). Most shops are closed on Friday, but markets remain open. Shopping hours can be shorter in the fasting month of Ramadan.