Best Things To Do In Amman
Jordan’s capital city, Amman, is often overlooked as a travel destination in the Middle East and simply used as an airport base or a stop-off for visiting the more famous site of Petra.
In this article, we outline the best things to do in Amman while providing handy travel tips for Amman.
We go on to show you some of the best day trips from Amman before outlining the best places to stay in Amman.
So, let’s get into the best things to do in Amman:
Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
Amman Overview
Language: Arabic is the main language in Amman, though English is widely spoken by the locals
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (1JD = roughly £1.06/$1.40)
Population: 4 Million
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) is the main and largest airport in Jordan, 30km south of Amman.
Clothing: Dress moderately when visiting Amman - though you won’t necessarily get into trouble, it is best to cover shoulders and knees at all times as a mark of respect for Jordanian culture.
Safety: As with any major city you should use your judgement, but on the whole the city is very safe and the locals are very friendly and hospitable.
Can I drink the tap water? Not advised unless you are using a LifeStraw to filter the water.
Best Hotel to stay in: St. Regis Amman Hotel
Best Hostel to stay in: Cabin Hostel
Best things to do in Amman
Firstly, let’s quickly address a question we get asked a lot - Is Amman worth visiting? Well, Amman is one of our favourite cities in the world, so we may be biased, but we absolutely think it is worth visiting!
Amman is the perfect place to begin your trip in Jordan. Our 1-week Jordan Road Trip Itinerary began in Amman, and we wish we had spent more time in the fascinating place. It’s certainly a city that we would love to return to one day in the future.
Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheatre in Amman is an imposing 6000-seater theatre that dates back to the 2nd century Roman Period. While the theatre has quite obviously been restored, it still remains as one of the most notable remnants of Amman’s Roman past.
On top of entry into the Amphitheatre itself, the Jordan Pass also allows you to visit the modest Folklore Museum and Museum of Popular Traditions that are also located at the site.
Tip: get there first thing in the morning to get the best lighting for photos.
Roman Amphitheatre
Experience a traditional Mezze style meal at Hashem Restaurant
Amman has a rich culinary heritage that boasts some of the most flavoursome food in the entire Middle East, and nowhere can this be seen better than at the very popular Hashem Restaurant in Downtown Amman.
Popular with locals, always a surefire sign of quality, the Hashem restaurant does not have a menu. Instead, you simply sit down at a table and the servers will bring you over a wonderful concoction of Jordanian staples.
Plates of delicious hummus, flatbreads, falafel and moutabel are brought to your table before you’ve barely had a chance to sit down. The dishes, as is customary in Amman, are accompanied by a wonderfully comforting glass of fresh mint tea.
The best part? You will only pay around 6/7JD (£8/$10) per table for all that food.
Mezze Food - Hashem Restaurant
Where to find Hashem?
The restaurant is located in the heart of Downtown Amman, just off of Shaaban Street. Address: Complex No 4, Prince Mohammad St 4, Amman 11151, Jordan
Wander down Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street is a street in the historic district of Jabal, not too far from Downtown Amman. As the name suggests, the street is brimming with colourful cafes, restaurants and rooftop bars.
Popular with tourists and locals alike, Rainbow Street is definitely the place to be in the evenings in Amman. The sit-down meal options are endless and if it's just a drink or coffee you’re looking for, then you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Heads up: the prices of meals and coffees are generally much more expensive in Rainbow Street and the surrounding area, though the quality is likely to make up for the price difference.
Rainbow Street
Explore Amman’s Bazaars/Souks
Amman is a city that is famous for its markets, bazaars and souks, and getting lost in the intricate network of stalls is a fascinating way to spend an afternoon.
Whether it’s dried herbs and spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, or a selection of authentic sweet treats, the souks in Amman will have you covered.
Interestingly, rather than being in one place, souks are scattered throughout Downtown Amman and often bunched together based on what the vendors are selling. You can walk down one street and find several souks selling meat produce side-by-side, and then turn a corner and find a row of souks selling guns and ammo (licensed hunting is a popular venture in Jordan).
One of the many souks selling spices in Amman
Visit Grand Husseini Mosque
The Grand Husseini Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Amman and is impossible to miss when you’re in Downtown Amman. Often described as the ‘Nexus’ of Downtown Amman, Grand Husseini has become the city's focal point for all Amman residents.
The Mosque is particularly significant given that rebuilding the original mosque in 1924 represented the first major architectural project in Jordan’s new capital city - Amman.
While tourists are not allowed to go inside the Grand old mosque, it is still a pretty magical experience to be standing outside when the Noon call to prayer is blasting out.
Amman Citadel
The Citadel sits on top of the largest hill in the city - Jebel Al Qala'a - and overlooks the whole of Downtown Amman. The site is home to a number of significant pieces of historical architecture that make the Citadel one of the best things to see in Amman.
Arguably, the most impressive part of the Citadel site is the iconic Temple of Hercules. Two 30-foot tall pillars remain in place and it is believed the temple would have reached about 13m in height - a remarkable feat for such an old building.
Inside the Citadel site, you will also find the Jordanian Archaeological Museum, where you will learn about the history of both Jordan and Amman.
Entry to the Citadel is only 2JD (£2/$3) but is free with the Jordan Pass.
Hercules Temple - Amman Citadel
Pro tip: try and plan your trip to coincide with ‘call to prayer’ - you will be able to hear the sound reverberating around the entire city.
Free Amman Walking Tour
There is arguably no better way to discover a city for the first time than embarking on a free walking tour. Locals are able to guide you through the city, showing you an aspect of their home that you would have probably just walked right past.
In Amman, the best free walking tour can be found here. The guide, Mohammed, grew up in Amman and has called the city his home for over 50 years, he knows a thing or two when it comes to Downtown Amman.
The walking tour will take you through countless souks, where the guide will show you Amman's best produce. Not only that, you will also be shown around the main historical sites in the city.
You learn so much on a walking tour of Amman. For example, did you know the city has only been reoccupied since the late 1800s, despite having buildings dating as far back as the Roman era?
The walking tour starts from the Pesha Hotel, a 2-minute walk from the Roman Amphitheatre, and can be organised through the hotel directly or simply via WhatsApp.
View of Amman from the Roman Citadel
Jordan Travel Tip: when in Amman, or anywhere in Jordan for that matter, don’t be afraid to reach out to guides and hotels via whatsapp instead of the more traditional email route. Jordanians like to offer a more personal experience and as a result you often get the best deals through whatsapp.
Try Traditional Arabic Coffee
It may seem bizarre to encourage somebody to try Turkish coffee when in Amman, but it is the drink of choice for many Amman residents (second only to traditional tea) and is a must-try when you first arrive in the city.
Unlike a latte or cappuccino you may get at home, Turkish coffee is served in a traditional cezve, a copper, long-handled vessel, which adds to the authentic feel of the coffee.
Turkish coffee in Amman is not filtered, so expect to have a few ground coffee beans left at the bottom of your cup once you’ve finished drinking. The distinct cardamom-flavoured coffee is usually best washed down with a sweet Jordanian treat.
Pro tip: if you’re not a fan of bitter coffee, it is best to ask for sweetened coffee when ordering to take some of the edge off.
Turkish Coffee served in a Cezve
Sample Jordanian Sweets and Treats
As previously mentioned, one of the famous Jordanian sweets is the best thing to accompany a traditional Arabic coffee in Amman.
One of the key components of Levantine cuisine is Baklava. Baklava is a delicious little treat you must try when visiting Amman, made from thin sheets of filo pastry and often covered in honey, sugar syrup, and crushed nuts.
Perhaps better known for being a staple in countries further north, such as Syria and Turkey, Amman boasts many shops dedicated to making and selling the famous sweet treat.
If there were one dessert that Jordanians prize the most, however, it would definitely be Kunafeh. The rich and creamy treat is made using thin pastry that looks rather like thin, dried noodles. It is then topped with honey or syrup and then filled with a healthy portion of cheese.
Pastry, honey and cheese - not a combination we would usually go for, but it works surprisingly well and is definitely one of the treats you have to try when visiting Amman.
A selection of Jordanian Sweets from Habibah
Pro tip: for the best Kunafeh in Amman, head to Habibah Sweets, a long-standing family-run sweet shop found here: Marwan Madi Complex, Al-Azhar St. 2, Amman. The queues are usually very long in the evenings so try and get there a little earlier in the day.
Roman Nymphaeum
The Nymphaeum is a partially preserved Roman fountain found in the heart of Downtown Amman. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, the nymphaeum has been undergoing a restoration project and has recently been opened up to the public again.
While modest in size, the Nymphaeum is a brilliant stop for photos and the central location, just off the main road that runs through Downtown Amman, makes it an ideal place to explore before tackling the labyrinth of souks that surround it.
The Nymphaeum in Downtown Amman
Pop into the Wild Jordan Center
The Wild Jordan Center, which has magnificent views overlooking the old city of Amman, is owned by the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature and specialises in eco-tourism.
The centre aims to produce income through tourism for some rural communities living within the 8 nature reserves throughout Jordan.
The handicraft store in the centre sells crafts and wares made by the rural communities and the centre also boasts modern workspaces and a delightful little cafe/restaurant.
Wild Jordan Center can be found slightly uphill from the main downtown area at: Othman Ben Affan St., Amman.
Tips for visiting Amman
A lot of places in Amman are cash-only
Always have cash on you in Amman - many places only accept cash and not card, so be sure to keep topping up your funds at one of many ATMs dotted around the city
How should I dress in Amman?
Dress appropriately - while Jordan is one of the most progressive nations in the Middle East, their culture does encourage people to dress modestly. In the super-touristy areas of the country like Wadi Rum and Petra, you will get away with wearing shorts and a T-shirt. But for many areas, particularly for women, it is best to cover your knees and shoulders.
When we visited Amman, we decided it was best to cover our shoulders and knees at all times to avoid causing offence to any Jordanians and on the whole, our modesty was well received.
Is Amman expensive?
Know that Amman is going to be expensive - Jordan as a whole is not the cheapest of destinations and this is particularly true in Amman. Most prices are akin to what you would expect in the UK or US.
What are the rules in Amman for couples?
Unmarried couples should not be staying in the same room together - in Jordan it is frowned upon to stay in the same room together if you are unmarried. This is why you will find many hotel rooms in Amman with 2 single beds, rather than 1 double bed.
Is there quality wifi in Amman?
Wifi quality isn’t great in general - in Amman, if you want to find good wifi, you will have to stay in a more expensive hotel. Elsewhere, the quality of wifi can be questionable.
What are some basic Arabic phrases to use in Amman?
Learn please and thank you in Arabic - it will go a long way in Amman if you attempt to use some very basic Arabic phrases when interacting with locals.
Some very basic phrases to start with:
Please - MinFadlak
Thank you - Shukran
Hello - Marhaba
Yes - NaAm
No - La
Sorry - Asef
Best Day Trips from Amman
Jerash
Although Jerash is a modern Jordanian city in its own right, the majority of visitors to the city head straight for the famous Roman Ruins. Widely considered one of the best and most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy, Jerash is a fascinating visit for history buffs or anybody who likes to explore ancient sites while travelling.
Roman Architecture in Jerash
How to visit Jerash?
Jerash is a 40-minute drive North of Amman. There are a few options available, but the easiest is probably hiring a car and driving yourself (Driving in Jordan is relatively safe and straightforward once you are outside Amman).
Alternatively, make your way to the North Terminal Bus Station, where buses to Jerash start from as little as 1JD (£1/$1.5). The buses can be inconsistent and typically will only run once they are full, so it’s best to get there earlier in the morning to avoid missing time in Jerash.
Wadi Mujib
Wadi Mujib is an incredibly beautiful area within the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the World. The remarkable Wadi Mujib Slot Canyon is among the countless things to see in the reserve.
Travellers looking for adventure on their day trip from Amman should head to the Wadi Mujib Adventure Centre and embark on one of the guided or unguided excursions through the canyon. We paid 20JD each for an unguided excursion on the Siq Trail and it was a completely thrilling experience.
Pro tip: Wadi Mujib lies right next to the Dead Sea so you can combine a slot-canyon excursion with an hour floating in the very salty water.
Wadi Mujib Slot Canyon
How to visit Wadi Mujib?
There is no direct bus connection between Amman and Wadi Mujib so again, the easiest option is to hire a car for a day. This will likely cost in the region of between 25-40JD from most rentals in Amman.
Alternatively, you can catch a public bus from Amman to Rame for around 1JD each (£1/$1.5) and then get a taxi to the visitor centre at Wadi Mujib for around 5JD (£5/$7).
Petra
It would be impossible to contemplate a trip to Jordan without visiting the famous Nabataean site of Petra. Dating back to around 300 BC, Petra is a sophisticated network of temples, ruins and tombs all carved into the giant sandstone cliffs. It really is a breathtaking sight to behold - Is Petra worth visiting? Absolutely!
While the majority of people will have already factored in a multi-day trip down to Wadi Musa and the site of Petra, it is possible to visit in a day from Amman. One of the best things to see in Petra is the Treasury (the one you see all the photos of), but there is much more to see than that.
Orla in front of the Treasury at Petra
How to visit Petra?
There is a single daily public bus that takes you from Amman to Petra operated by Jett Coaches. The bus leaves the Northern Bus Terminal in Amman around 6am, with arrival into Petra around 10am. The journey costs 20JD (£22/$30) for a return, with the bus back to Amman leaving around 4pm.
Another option that many consider is to go on an organised day-trip tour from Amman to Petra. The Private Day-trip to Petra with Hotel Pick-up Tour is a great option for those who want to guarantee an easy and stress-free day trip down to Petra from Amman.
Our review of the best places to stay in Petra goes through all the best options when you’re considering where to book for the night in Wadi Musa, the town the ancient site of Petra can be found in.
Al-Karak Castle
Karak Castle is one of the largest Crusader Castles in the entire Levant area and was believed to have been constructed in the early 1100s. The castle is a great trip to make from Amman, particularly if you want to get out of the city and explore further into the Jordanian desert.
Al-Karak Castle - one of the oldest Crusader castles in the Levant
How to visit Al-Karak Castle?
Without doubt, the best way to visit Al-Karak is to drive along the mightily impressive King’s Highway. The incredibly scenic road is a tourist favourite thanks largely in part to the spectacular landscapes you drive through on your way down to Al-Karak.
The drive will likely take around 2 hours from Amman, but be sure to factor in a few photo stops along the way.
Where to stay in Amman?
As with any major city, Amman has hundreds of different accommodation options. Whether you are looking for an affordable hostel to meet other backpackers, or if it’s a luxury resort fit with a pool and sauna, we have got you covered.
Accommodation in Downtown
The Cabin Hostel - right in the centre of Downtown, The Cabin Hostel is a brilliant option for people looking to meet young backpackers while travelling in Amman. The hostel offers both dorm-room and private options and is within walking distance of the major attractions in Amman.
The Nomads Hotel is only 400m away from the famous Rainbow Street, making it an excellent option for those who like to have plenty of restaurants and bars on their doorstep.
Our advice: we often come across couples that are hesitant to stay in hostels when travelling together, but if you follow our handy tips for staying in hostels as a couple you may actually learn to prefer the hostel-life.
Accommodation on the Outskirts of the City
Panorama Amman Hotel - Downtown Amman can be pretty chaotic, so if you’re looking to stay a little further away from the centre and day trip into the city, then the 3* Panorama Resort is a brilliant, affordable option.
St. Regis Amman Hotel - one of the most luxurious stays in Amman. Perfect for those looking to stay in a more resort-style hotel, fit with a swimming pool, gym and sauna/spa options.
Accommodation near the Airport
Amman Airport Hotel - the closest hotel to the international airport in Amman. 24-hour shuttle to and from the airport. Restaurant and gym on site.
Faraseen Apartments - recently moved from one apartment block to another. The owner is very friendly and will set you up in your own individual apartment for the night, including tea and coffee services, wifi and a free airport shuttle.
How to get from the airport to Downtown Amman?
Taxi or Uber from the airport
There is a designated airport taxi stand as you exit the terminal building and it is the most reliable option. You’ll be looking at a fare of roughly 20JD (£21/$28) to get you into the centre of Downtown.
Uber is a very popular option in Amman, but unlike many cities where Uber is generally cheaper than a regular taxi, most fares in Amman are based on set prices and there will not be a difference. Having said that, Uber still remains one of the best apps to have while travelling because you are less likely to haggle a price or get scammed.
Bus into Amman
The Sariya Shuttle Bus takes you as far as the Tabarbour Bus Station in Downtown Amman for as little as 3.3 JD (£4/$5). From here, there are a number of different buses to other areas of Downton Amman, as well as easy access to taxis. The Shuttle Bus can be booked on arrival at the kiosk inside the terminal building.
Private Transfer from the airport
The most hassle-free way of getting into Downtown Amman, although naturally the most expensive, is to pre-arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. This is best done through your individual hotel and the price will vary greatly depending on where you are staying.
That concludes our article on the best things to do in Amman. As we discussed earlier, Amman is a fascinating destination in the Middle East and can often get overlooked in favour of Petra or Wadi Rum.
We feel the city has so much to offer and hopefully this article has inspired you to make sure you factor Amman into your Jordan travel itinerary.
