For travellers in the know, Syria's ancient and vibrant capital is fast becoming the hot new must-visit destination. As the oldest continuously-inhabited city on the planet, Damascus has a history of popularity, and it's just now coming in to its modern day stride.

First occupied almost 10,000 years ago, the city is a bustling metropolis that is rich in culture. A wander through the labyrinthine side streets is like exploring history in motion, with a patchwork of crumbling churches and magnificent mosques buffered by teeming bazaars and lively cafes.

Given Damascus' unparalleled lineage, it's only a matter of time before the tour group masses wise up to the city's phenomenal appeal, meaning that now's the time to visit. With so much on offer it can be difficult to know where to start so read on for the inside track on how to make sure you sample the best of this city's immense heritage.

See the Sights

Damascus is a city that rewards the relaxed traveller: a languid amble through shaded boulevards will allow you to observe daily life as it unfurls. Idle strolls on balmy evenings will unearth age-old shrines juxtaposed with buzzing bars. But if you're looking to tick off the top attractions then one sight that should on no accounts be missed is the vast Umayyad mosque. This is one of the world's most significant and architecturally impressive mosques and (fittingly for a city renowned for its religious tolerance) foreigners are welcome to visit and appreciate its awe-inspiring splendour.

For magnificent Islamic architecture, be sure to visit the tomb of the Mamluk Sultan Baibars – the famous leader who defeated the Mongols. Alternatively, for an altogether different perspective on the city, negotiate your way into the Damascus citadel, which was closed to the public for almost 1,000 years.

Feed Your Senses

Nicknamed ‘Al Fayhaa' – the fragrant city – Damascus is a sensory feast. Explore streets laden with exotic spices and enticing fruits and soak up the invigorating aroma. Then escape the midday sun by retreating to a hammam for an afternoon of lazy massages and indulgent pampering.

As a reward for all that strenuous activity, visit one of the city's excellent restaurants for a feast of fresh falafel, mezze and shawarma – the truly adventurous can sample a camel kebab. Finish your evening with a nightcap in one of the city's fashionable bars and clubs. Z-Bar on Brazil Street, where nights on the rooftop terrace can get surprisingly raucous, is definitely worth a visit.

Take the Feeling Home

It's unlikely you'll be able to resist leaving Damascus without taking a few souvenirs back with you. Luckily the city is a shoppers' paradise – its souks and markets host a treasure-trove of beautiful mementos and handmade crafts at a fraction of what you'd pay back home. The city's premier shopping destination is the fascinating Souq al-Hanidiyeh, a weaving, two-storey, 600-metre long bazaar crammed with beautiful fabrics, hand-embroidered shawls and intricately carved silverware.

Whatever it is you desire, you're likely to find it here. Even more satisfyingly, stallholders are so famously nonchalant here that you can browse for hours undisturbed. Away from the Souq, quaint Damascene shops provide an array of charming trinkets as well as a host of unfathomable curios; all in all a stroll through the city's innumerable markets could well be the most intriguing shopping trip you ever undertake.

Where to stay

For truly authentic Damascene luxury, book in for a stay at Beit Al Mamlouka (LINK http://www.almamlouka.com/), the city's first boutique hotel. On the other hand, if international Five-star is more your speed, then you can't go wrong with the stunning Four Seasons, located beside a lovely public garden and an ancient mosque in a prime area of downtown Damascus .

How to get there

Syrian Airlines flies direct to Damascus from London Heathrow. BMI is also an option, although the flight does include a touch-down in Turkey en route.

By Black Tomato

Black Tomato is a luxury bespoke travel company that specialises in unique and unforgettable experiences around the globe. See www.blacktomato.co.uk for more details. Looking for a little escape from the city? Black Tomato can organise private tours to the historic sites of Aleppo and Palmyra.