10 things to do in Al-Hamidiyah Souq Damascus Syria
The Al-Hamidiyah Souq in Damascus, Syria is a bustling and vibrant marketplace full of sights, sounds, and smells. It has been a part of Damascus since the Ottoman Empire and is a great place to explore and experience the culture of Syria. Here are 10 things to do in Al-Hamidiyah Souq:
1. Shop for Bargains: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is a great place to find bargains on clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. You can find everything from traditional Syrian garments to modern fashion accessories. Be sure to haggle with the shopkeepers to get the best deals.
2. Sample Local Cuisine: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is home to a variety of stalls and restaurants where you can sample traditional Syrian dishes. Try the kibbeh, a dish of fried ground beef, bulgur wheat, and spices, or the shawarma, a sandwich of thinly-sliced lamb or beef.
3. Explore the History: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is a great place to learn about Syrian history. The souq is full of monuments and artifacts from the past, including a 15th century mosque and a 16th century Ottoman bathhouse.
4. Buy Spices and Herbs: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is home to a variety of spice and herb stalls, where you can buy freshly-ground spices and dried herbs. Be sure to sample the different varieties before you buy.
5. Try Local Sweets: Al-Hamidiyah Souq has a number of stalls selling traditional Syrian sweets, such as baklava, ma'amoul, and knafeh. Be sure to try a few of these delicious treats.
6. Visit the Carpet Stalls: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is home to a number of stalls selling traditional Syrian carpets. These carpets are made by hand using natural dyes and are beautiful works of art.
7. Find Unique Gifts: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is a great place to find unique gifts for friends and family. You can find everything from traditional Syrian pottery to handmade jewelry.
8. Experience the Atmosphere: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is a great place to experience the atmosphere of Damascus. The souq is full of life, with vendors shouting out their wares and hawkers selling their goods.
9. Take a Break: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is home to a number of cafes and restaurants, where you can take a break from exploring the souq. Try a traditional Syrian coffee or sample a local dish.
10. Take a Tour: Al-Hamidiyah Souq is a great place to take a tour. There are a number of tour companies offering guided tours of the souq, which will give you an insight into the culture and history of Damascus.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq is a great place to explore and experience the culture of Syria. Whether you’re looking for bargains, sampling local cuisine, or taking a tour, this vibrant marketplace has something for everyone.