Amman, the capital city of Jordan, is worth a visit.

It is a mix of modern and traditional. A vibrant city with a treasure trove of historical sites and cultural activities. 

Arabic is the most spoken language, but most people in Amman will have a basic knowledge of English.

GETTING THERE

Most international flight arrivals into Jordan is at Queen Alia International Airport. Jordan’s main and largest airport is located approximately 30km south of downtown. 

From the airport to Amman, there are taxi options (around USD 7) or the bus service, dropping off passengers at Abdali bus station each hour and costs about (USD 1). Alternatively, you can pre-arrange transport through any organized tour company.

We recommend getting the Jordan Pass. It saves you the $25 fee to get into the country into places like Petra, the Citadel, and a myriad of other locations around Jordan.

DRESS CODE 

Middle Eastern culture and dress are pretty conservative, so we recommend women not to wear anything too revealing or tight and shorts or short skirts. 

((Find more outfit inspiration in my packing guide for conservative countries here!))

GETTING AROUND IN AMMAN

Amman is separated into many districts and neighbourhoods, each offering the city’s unique flavour! 

Rainbow Street (or Jabal Amman): is a popular and modern area with cobbled streets, cafes and art galleries, embassies and impressive residences. 

El-Weibdeh: This is a modern city with many expats living here. It is also a historic district of Amman with new restaurants, less expensive bars, and lots of live music. 

The Abdoun area has some of the city’s most expensive homes and is one of the most affluent parts of the city. It is also known for bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Shmeisani: A modern district in Amman lined with up-market hotels.

Al-Balad – (Downtown ): Home to the old Citadel and the Roman Amphitheater, and the vibrant souqs that are great for shopping.

WHERE TO STAY IN AMMAN

Highlights of Amman

King Abdullah Blue Mosque

King Abdullah Mosque was built between 1982 to 1989, adorned by a magnificent blue mosaic dome. The mosque is located approximately 3kms east of Amman Citidel and is the only worshipping mosque that welcomes non-Muslim guests. 

Out of respect, Men must wear long trousers, and women must cover their heads, arms, and legs.

Amman Citadel

One of Amman’s highest hills: Jabal Al Qal’a, sits Amman’s Citadel offering 360-degree panoramic views, 850 meters above sea level. Here, various architectural remains are excavations for many civilizations that once inhabited the area. 

Signs of human inhabitants can be dated back to 1550 – 1650 BC (The Middle Bronze Age). The Roman Hercules Temple, The Umayyad Palace, and The Byzantine Church are three significant sites.

Hercules’s hand in front of the temple is an impressive ruin worth looking at to realize the power of the ancient Greek civilization.

If you like to walk, it is possible to walk down to the Roman Amphitheatre, which will take approximately 30minutes. Going back up will take around 45mins due to the steep steps.

The Roman Amphitheatre

The impressive Roman Amphitheatre was built during the reign of Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. The centrepiece seated up to 6,000 people and was built on three tiers where the rulers sat closest to the action; the military sat in the middle section, and the general public perched from the top rows. You can walk down from the Citadel to the Amphitheatre; otherwise, it’s a short 10 minutes drive.

Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum is worth visiting as it is the national centre for learning and knowledge. It reflects Jordan’s history and culture and takes you through the Kingdom’s historic, antique and heritage.

Rainbow Street (or Jabal Amman) and Souks

A popular and modern area with cobbled streets, cafes, and art galleries. Great for shopping or people watching!

Spice Souqs

Immerse yourself into a flavorful and colourful visit to the spice shop with countless spices, nuts, and unique aromas. The traditional Arabic spices are Za’atar and Sumak. 

Enjoy a Cup of Arabic Coffee

Arabic coffee is boiled and not filtered, usually made black and made from roasted coffee beans infused with either Cardamom, ginger, cloves, and saffron. Traditional Arabic coffee is typically unsweetened, but sugar can be added during the preparation, depending on the drinker’s preference. In Jordan, coffee is served in tiny teacups.

Indulge in Mezze

Mezze is Jordan’s most traditional eating style, consisting of an assortment of hummus, fattoush, falafel, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, olives, and pickles. 

Must try Knafeh

If you decide to come out to Shawarma street, make sure you stop by Nafisa too! Nafisa is a famous Arabic sweet shop renowned for their Knafeh, a Syrian dessert made with cheese, ground cashew, and pistachio.  

Kunafa Desert

Feeling peckish?

You must try Jordan’s famous traditional Arabic food, Falafel. Jordan has some of the world’s delicious Falafel, consisting of ground chickpeas and spices, deep-fried in little patties until golden brown and crispy. You can eat them plain or stuffed into a sandwich for typical street food snacks.

Falafel Wrap