Top Local Tips for Damascus

Late dinner Do not hesitate to go out late at night in the Old Damascus, near the Ummayad mosque, for a great late night dinner at Elissar or other great courtyard restaurants. The streets of Damascus are very safe any time.

5 Star in Damascus We made the mistake of booking the Meridien when just up teh street is the far superior and cheaper Four Seasons Hotel - it's just a few minutes walk away so do yourself a favour ......

Taxi Prices in Damascus Locals pay 300 SYP (roughly £4) to get to or from the International Airport but a fair rate for tourists is 500 SYP (roughly £6.70). For a ride across town a local might pay 50 SYP (£0.70) and a fair price for tourist is 100 SYP (£1.30). Of course most taxis don't have meters and where they do they often don't work so you will have to bargain hard at the start of the journey (preferably before getting in). Don't be afraid to walk away and approach another driver. There are stories of unsuspecting tourists not negotiating a price and paying 3000 SYP (£40) for a 20 minute ride across town - under no circumstances is this normal or acceptable.

Other names for Le Meridien Damascus Hotel

• le meridien damascus
• damascus le meridien
• Address: Ave Choukry Kouatly - Damascus - 5531 - Syria