An impressive warehouse of human history, the Damascus National Museum has everything from clay tablets with the world’s first alphabet to sculptures from a variety of civilisations and a stunningly decorated 3rd-century underground tomb from Palmyra. The museum was protected reasonably well during the years of civil war, with fighters guarding it immediately after the fall of the regime in 2024. It has now reopened with a limited exhibition displaying the collection highlights, some signposted in English. Nevertheless, the museum remains vulnerable, with several Roman statues stolen after a break-in in 2025. The highlight of the museum is the spectacular 2nd-century Dura-Europos synagogue, painstakingly moved here and reassembled with its vibrant frescoes intact. Set in a separate courtyard just off the large room with mosaics, it is often closed for individual visitors; you could try asking and tagging along with a tour group to view it. Even if your patience for glass cases is thin, the reconstructed facade of the 8th-century Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi desert castle is worth the price of admission alone. The lush, statue-filled museum gardens are great for a break under the palm trees and to wander around assorted archaeological finds – don't miss the restored Lion of al-Lat, a huge statue which was removed from Palmyra's museum for safety. The museum gardens house a charming little cafe serving hot and cold drinks.