Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and its markets and workshops reflect that long history. Shopping here mixes edible goods, handcrafted objects, and traditional crafts that travelers often want to bring home.

This guide covers items you can find across the city rather than one specific street or shop. It focuses on things that show local techniques, travel well, and are easy to check for quality.

1. Olive‑oil soap

• Why it’s worth buying: These soaps are made from local olive oil and have a mild, natural scent. They last longer than supermarket bars and make practical gifts.
• Where to look: Look for them in markets and at small food stalls selling toiletries.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Check for a simple ingredient list with mostly olive oil and little added fragrance.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bars in a cloth and tuck them between clothes to cushion them.

2. Za’atar spice blend

• Why it’s worth buying: Za’atar captures regional flavors useful for breads and salads at home. It’s compact and stays flavorful when sealed.
• Where to look: You’ll find sealed packets at food halls and spice counters.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Prefer blends with visible sumac, sesame seeds, and oregano rather than fine powder only.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep packets in a zip-top bag to prevent any accidental spills.

3. Pomegranate molasses

• Why it’s worth buying: This tart syrup is central to local cooking and adds a distinct tang to dressings. A small bottle goes a long way.
• Where to look: Bottled syrups are sold at covered markets among preserves and condiments.
• Price range: $5–$18
• How to spot a good one: Choose darker, viscous bottles labeled simply as reduced pomegranate juice.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap the bottle in clothing and seal it inside a leakproof plastic bag.

4. Handmade ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Local potters produce glazes and patterns linked to regional traditions. Functional pieces like mugs or small plates are practical to use.
• Where to look: Independent shops often carry a curated selection from local studios.
• Price range: $12–$60
• How to spot a good one: Inspect the glaze for even coverage and a stable foot without wobble.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack ceramics between rolled shirts and carry fragile pieces in your hand luggage.

5. Inlaid metalwork (Damascene-style)

• Why it’s worth buying: Inlay techniques create decorative trays and small boxes with visual contrast. These items show skilled metalworking and last for years.
• Where to look: Small galleries display fine examples and can explain the techniques.
• Price range: $25–$150
• How to spot a good one: Look for tight inlay lines and consistent surface finishing without loose pieces.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Cushion metal pieces with bubble wrap and place them in the center of checked luggage.

6. Embroidered textiles

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand-stitched scarves or table runners demonstrate regional patterns and dye choices. Textiles are lightweight and versatile.
• Where to look: Find them in covered markets and at artisan cooperatives that sell handwork.
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Examine stitching density and even thread tension; uneven gaps mean lower quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold textiles flat and place them in a compression bag to save space.

7. Handmade silver or beaded jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local jewelers often use traditional motifs and simple construction that travel well. Small pieces make personal, wearable souvenirs.
• Where to look: Small independent shops stock a range of locally made pieces.
• Price range: $10–$120
• How to spot a good one: Check clasps and settings for secure joins; loose stones or weak chains are warning signs.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store jewelry in a padded pouch or pillbox to avoid tangling.

8. Copper coffee pot (ibrik)

• Why it’s worth buying: A traditional coffee pot is useful for brewing and offers decorative value. It represents local coffee culture and craftsmanship.
• Where to look: Kitchenware stalls in covered markets typically sell these pots.
• Price range: $20–$90
• How to spot a good one: Inspect soldered seams and the handle join for solid construction and no gaps.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack with soft padding and put the spout inward to reduce damage from impacts.

9. Ma’amoul and other packaged sweets

• Why it’s worth buying: These filled cookies offer a direct taste of local baking traditions and travel well when vacuum-sealed. They make simple gifts.
• Where to look: You can purchase sealed boxes at food halls or bakery counters.
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Check packaging date and ingredient list; avoid unlabelled boxes with no storage information.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep them in their sealed box and place in carry-on if you want to control temperature.

10. Calligraphy prints and reproductions

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints showcase regional scripts and make lightweight wall art. They’re easy to frame at home.
• Where to look: Museum galleries and print cooperatives sell framed reproductions and posters.
• Price range: $8–$70
• How to spot a good one: Choose prints on heavier paper with clear ink edges, not blurry reproductions.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll larger prints in a sturdy tube or take smaller ones flat in your carry-on.

11. Leather wallet or cardholder

• Why it’s worth buying: Well-made leather accessories are practical and age well. Small leather goods are often hand-stitched locally.
• Where to look: Artisan cooperatives and stalls in markets offer hand-cut leather pieces.
• Price range: $12–$55
• How to spot a good one: Inspect stitching and edge finishing; raw edges or loose threads indicate lower quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip leather goods inside clothing to preserve shape and avoid scratches.

12. Sumac or Aleppo pepper

• Why it’s worth buying: These spices add identifiable regional flavors to home cooking and are compact. They’re useful in small jars or sealed bags.
• Where to look: Spice counters in food halls and market stalls sell them in measured packets.
• Price range: $3–$20
• How to spot a good one: Fresh spices have vibrant color and a strong, clear aroma when you open the package.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep spices in original sealed packets and place them in a zip-top bag for airline travel.

Quick buying tips for Damascus

• Carry small bills; many stalls prefer cash, and cards may not be accepted.
• Haggling is common at markets; start lower and be polite about offers.
• Wrap ceramics and glass in clothing, then place in carry-on for protection.
• Many shops can ship abroad, but expect extra paperwork and slower delivery.
• Look for artisan signatures, natural materials, or hand-tool marks indicating made locally.
• Pack oils and liquids in checked bags with leakproof seals, declare at security.

Where to shop in Damascus

Shopping for souvenirs is spread across historic marketplaces, museum shops, and modern retail streets. Look for districts where artisans work and where food sellers package products for travelers.

• Old City souks (Souq al-Hamidiyya) for spices, sweets, and traditional metalware.
• Covered market halls near major landmarks for ceramics, glass, and kitchen items.
• Museum shops at cultural institutions for books, prints, and carefully reproduced art pieces.
• Artisan cooperatives and craft centers for textiles, hand-stitched leather, and jewelry.
• Food halls and spice alleys for packaged condiments, nuts, and regional blends.
• Streets around historic quarters for small galleries selling contemporary ceramics and prints.
• Seasonal bazaars during holidays for specialty sweets and limited-run crafts.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap plated “silver” labeled as sterling with no hallmark; avoid without proper marks.
• Lightweight, molded trinkets claiming to be handmade when they are injection-molded plastic.
• Unlabeled perfume oils sold in unmarked bottles without ingredient information.
• Pre-packed foods with no date or origin information; freshness is uncertain.
• Overly polished or artificially aged metalware that hides poor construction.
• Tourist stalls next to major monuments selling identical mass-produced goods at high prices.

If you only buy three things

Olive‑oil soap — Practical, light, and genuinely local in technique.
Za’atar spice blend — Brings a clear taste of the region to your kitchen.
Inlaid metalwork — A distinctive craft item that represents local metalworking skills.

FAQ

1. What is Damascus known for making?
   Damascus is known for traditional crafts like metalwork, textiles, ceramics, and hand-stitched leather. Food items such as spice blends and preserved sweets are also widely associated with the city.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Damascus?
   Packaged spices, sealed boxes of sweets, and bottled syrups are good choices. Look for labeled packaging with production dates and sealed containers for travel.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Damascus?
   Prices vary widely; small items like spices or soaps are inexpensive, while handcrafted metalwork and larger ceramics cost more. Bargaining is common in markets and can significantly change final prices.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Damascus?
   Spices and small textiles are the easiest to pack because they’re light and compressible. They take up little space and are less likely to break than ceramics or metalware.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask about materials and technique and look for artisan marks, hand-tooling evidence, or a simple ingredient list. Shops that show the item’s origin or offer a maker’s story are usually more reliable.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

Let us know in the comments if this has been useful or if you’ve got suggestions we can include