Things To Do
in Qaţanā

Assorted cold and hot starters — hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh — and manakish (flatbread topped with za'atar, cheese or meat); found at bakeries and small eateries.

Must-Try!

Skewered lamb or chicken and vertically roasted shawarma, commonly sold at local grills and family restaurants.

Comfort dishes of lentils and rice (mujaddara) or layered bread and yogurt (fatteh), available in modest local restaurants and homes.

Honey‑soaked pastries and date‑filled cookies from patisseries and bakeries — perfect after a strong coffee or tea.

The weekly/local market sells seasonal fruits, vegetables, olives, cheeses and breads; ideal for tasting fresh produce and buying local olive oil.

Small bakeries offer fresh manakish and flatbreads in the morning; street grills serve shawarma and kebabs at lunchtime and into the evening.

Dress conservatively in town and especially near religious sites — cover shoulders and knees; women may choose to carry a scarf for visits to mosques or conservative households.

Polite greetings (handshake among men, sometimes a kiss on each cheek among acquaintances) are common. It’s customary to accept tea when offered as a sign of friendship; decline politely if you must.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and interior religious spaces. Avoid photographing security installations or checkpoints.

Respect prayer times and religious observances; during Ramadan eating or drinking in public daytime areas may be frowned upon in conservative settings.

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. For waitstaff a small tip (5–10% in restaurants) is common if service is good; round up taxi fares and leave small change for helpers and hotel staff.

Cash (Syrian pound, SYP) is the dominant payment method in towns like Qaţanā. Banks, ATM availability and card acceptance can be unreliable across Syria; carrying some USD or euros in small denominations is useful for emergency situations. Always check current exchange rates and local availability before travel.

Hot and dry on the plain with daytime highs often in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F). Afternoons are best for indoor rest; mornings and evenings are ideal for walking or visiting markets. Bring sun protection, light clothing and stay hydrated.

Mild temperatures and clearer skies make this a pleasant time for outdoor activities; harvest season (including olives) creates lively market scenes. Evenings cool down, so pack a light jacket.

Winters are cool and wetter, with occasional cold snaps and rain; higher elevations in the Anti‑Lebanon can see snow. Roads may be slippery; bring warm clothing and check travel conditions before heading into the hills.

Often the most pleasant season: mild temperatures, blossoming fields and green landscapes. Ideal for hiking and photography, though occasional rains can occur.

Primary international airport serving Damascus — approximately 30–50 km by road depending on route and traffic; main gateway for those traveling into the region when flights and borders are operating normally.

Major international airport in Beirut, Lebanon — roughly 100–150 km away. Crossing international borders requires appropriate visas and awareness of border crossing regulations; overland travel can be lengthy and may be affected by regional conditions.

Vegetarian choices are common (mezze, breads, lentil and vegetable dishes). Ask for dishes without meat or clarified butter; many places are accommodating but always confirm ingredients.

Vegan options exist in mezze and salads but dairy appears in many traditional dishes; request olive oil instead of butter/yogurt and confirm at smaller eateries.

Most meat in the region is prepared according to Islamic dietary laws; pork is uncommon. Observant visitors will find halal food widely available.

Street food and small kitchens may have variable hygiene standards; those with severe allergies or sensitive stomachs should be cautious, carry medication, and prefer well‑cooked foods and bottled water.