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Capital city of Jordan
Photo: (WT-en) Mrdrummond at English Wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Amman (Arabic: عمان ʻammān) is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with a population of about 4 million as of 2020. Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, despite popular belief, hold a few items of interest to the traveler. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveller, reasonably well-organized, and the people are very friendly.
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It was founded in 1982 and developed into an active group in August 2007 by a former Jordanian National Team cyclist. They provide fun active weekend cycling and hiking trips, supporting all levels of fitness all around Jordan.
Offers tours and weekly trips to the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea.
جبل القلعة, Jabal al-Qal'a
A national historic site at the center of downtown Amman. Its history represents significant civilizations that stretched across continents and prospered for centuries, as one empire gave rise to the next. Settlement at the Citadel extends over 7,000 years.
The museum hosts a small but interesting collection of antiquities from all over Jordan. Fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls which used to be housed here are now being transferred to the new National Museum of Jordan (see below).
Roman period remains.
In the northern portion of the Citadel, it offers a great view of Amman.
Dating to the 5th-6th centuries.
Built during the reign of Antonius Pius, 138-161AD, this impressive theater could seat up to 6,000 people. Next to it are a folklore museum and a popular culture museum which the entrance fee also covers. Next to it is the Odeon theater, a smaller theater built at the same time. There are two small museums (Folklore and Popular Traditions) to the right and left as you enter.
A partly-preserved Roman fountain.
Rujm Al-Malfouf
A circular watchtower built by the Ammonite kingdom some time between 500-1000 BC.
Near the 1st Circle in Jabal Amman, this is an interesting area to walk around and explore, it is named after the old Rainbow Cinema which is now out of use, but the area has experienced a revival with many of the old houses being restored and put into use, in the area there are some cafes and bars including Books@cafe and Wild Jordan, both with great views, a Caribbean restaurant, an Indian restaurant, a sushi joint, and an ice cream shop. There is a hammam, and the Royal Film Commission which sometimes holds outdoor screenings on its patio and some interesting small shops. Across the street from the British Council on Rainbow St., there is the refreshing Turtle Green Tea Bar where everything is in English and you can borrow a laptop to access the internet while enjoying your snack.
The Khalid Shoman Foundation
The 'small house of the arts' in Jabal el Weibdeh, overlooking the heart of Amman, is housed in three adjacent villas from the 1920s (and the remains of a sixth-century Byzantine church built over a Roman Temple), it has a permanent collection and also holds changing exhibitions. In the same area there are other small art galleries and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.
Situated in two separate buildings and in between a (open to the) public park of sculptures, it is showing international, contemporary art with a focus though on regional work.
Jordan National Museum
This is a modern and well-preserved museum. Many of the artifacts from the citadel have been moved here. A great summary of Jordan's history. The entrance to the museum can be hard to find as the pedestrian entrance is sometimes closed so you must enter through the parking entrance. The current Google Maps location is slightly inaccurate: the museum and entrance are just south of the mosque.
Built in the 1920s by a private donor called Hasan Mustafa Sharkas and situated on a hill, this mosque impresses through its black and white striped walls.
Impressive new mosque, with a church opposite. Together, they give an interesting view.
Arabic: كهف الرقيم, Kahf ar-Raqīm
These caverns are part of a Byzantine necropolis 10 km east of city centre. In legend they contained the Seven Sleepers, persecuted true believers hiding or immured here circa 250 AD, and emerging 300 years later to find Christianity the official religion, glory hallelujah. The same legend attaches to seven sites from China to Tunisia - Turkey has 3 - but this one is described in the 18th Surah of the Qu'ran and has an adjacent mosque.
A collection of cars, from the 100-year-old royal dynasty vehicles, to modern sports cars, to the Rover from the movie The Martian.
A region to the west of Amman, it is a small valley leading down towards the Dead Sea. Nearby is the al-Bassa Springs, the source of the valley's river. Above the spring is the al-Deir monastery. It's a 20-minute climb up to the monastery.
15 km from Wadi al-Seer, the Caves of the Prince, close to Al Qasr, are southwest of Amman and are great for a day tour.
The biggest water park in Jordan (80,000 m²), opened in 2004.
Gilgamesh Art Cafe
Art studio and cafe in a 1930s house. Hands-on workshops in pottery, Raku, Kurinuki, stained glass, glass painting, acrylic painting and Kintsugi (traditional Japanese repair with lacquer and metal powder), taught in English or Arabic. Sessions last about two to three hours and no experience is needed. Coffee, tea and snacks are included in the price. Booking in advance is recommended.
The allegedly best shawarma in Amman is found in this street-side kiosk. It is very famous and there are even lines at 02:00.
This is a great place to eat Middle Eastern sandwiches, delicious ice cream and cocktails.
During meal times, the place is swarming with locals and tourists. Wash this classic Arab meal down with a glass of mint tea.
A quaint Lebanese restaurant that also offers pizza and shisha.
An impressive French restaurant, with excellent food and excellent ambience. A must go to place. Moderate to pricey, but it's worth it; the atmosphere alone is worth it, it's quite fancy yet very cozy. Their house specialities include "Entrecote", various steaks and a variety of sea food.
A very comfortable restaurant with excellent service, excellent English and excellent food. They serve "gourmet" Arabic food, which means fresh local ingredients in surprising and delicious combinations. For more information you can view their website.
A fairly trendy restaurant and cocktail bar with terrace impressively overlooking the city. Salads and fish are good, steaks are excellent. Regional and local wines are remarkably good. Service is excellent and unobtrusive. A little loud as the evening progresses.
فخر الدين
A real classical of Amman's Lebanese-oriented restaurant. Quite pricey but worth it, especially if you're in the terrace on a warm evening. For local wine, try their "Gerasa" red wine. Reservation highly advised. Great place, but beware of waiters who deliver unordered food to your table. Don't accept anything you don't order.
It serves traditional Jordanian and Bedouin food with some more modern stylings. The restaurant is located in a traditional Jordanian villa with beautiful garden seating. Garden seating will likely require advance reservations. The food is more expensive than you can likely find elsewhere but is well-known, and is known for being a frequent favourite of the Jordanian Royal Family. Though, travellers have also been known to consequently have their reservations pushed back or cancelled for a last-minute appearance of members of the Jordanian Royal Family.
Nothing to do with Arabic food, as the menu handles the whole map of Asia, from Thailand to China, through Japan (good sushis) and Indonesia. Nice place, excellent service and good food for the money, but no alcohol served.
Impressive medieval castle on a hilltop turned into a beautiful restaurant. The place is worth the visit. The food is pretty basic but ok. Ask for their local "Kan Zaman" red wine. Hopefully, the prices are not proportional to the size of the hall.
Piccadilly Pop
Friendly place that serves alcohol, food, and complimentary snacks
This multi-level bar is known for its half-price happy hour specials.
A great spot right in the heart of the downtown area. It has an old, rustic feel to it with more young locals than tourists. They have a great selection of nargileh (water pipe) and the entire menu is reasonably priced. Expect to pay about 10 JD for dinner, including an appetizer, kebab, fresh juice and nargileh. Live music starts at 21:00 most night. There is another one near Paris circle in Jebel Al Webdeh.
Jazz and pub. There have been complaints about their entry policy.
Al-Mawardi Coffee and Hooka Cafe
Coffee shop with traditional hookah, a wide selection of coffee and beverages. Offers Backgammon boards but no card games.
An option for low budget travellers. In the winter it can get very chilly, make sure that you ask for more blankets. Sometimes they heat your room if you ask for that.
Good backpacker option, has common area with satellite TV & movies, organises tours & very friendly English speaking staff.
Shared trips at reasonable rates to all tourist sites. Dorm rooms male & female - 2-, 3- & 4-bed rooms some with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning and satellite TV. Friendly English-speaking staff. Cheap light snacks and airport pick ups.
One-star hotel with good location near Abdali station. Safe area, near Capitol Police Center. TV, free internet, free WiFi and air cond or fan in the room; rooms are very basic, those in the back are colder.
Nice people, clean and safe.
Super friendly and helpful, clean and safe.
Wi-Fi, hot shower, great view from the rooms on the back side.
Clean and well-run. Good staff, knowledgeable and helpful. Price includes breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and internet. Free tea.
Seems to be more catered to males and locals
Organizes free walking tours of Amman, and paid group tours to Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany Baptism site, Dead Sea, and Jerash. Tours are open to non-guests.
Standard hotel with reasonable facilities. Wi-Fi in reception (3 JD/hour). Indoor swimming pool, restaurant (but no bar). You can easily take a taxi down the road to the Regency Palace if you want a bar. Taxi cost is less than 1 JD. Hot water can be a problem.
Good location, nice big rooms, including Middle Eastern breakfast.
In the progressive district of Shmeisani, next to the Royal Cultural Centre and the Amman Stock Market. Friendly hotel in an attractive setting.
Nice suites hotel in a prestigious area opposite to the Four Seasons and Sheraton, comfortable for short and long stays, mainly one and two bedroom suites, some studios
Friendly hotel in nice and very quiet neighbourhood
Two-star hotel offering rooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air-con, and central heating.
Nice small hotel in a good location, only a few meters to the old center. The host speaks English and takes care of his guests. Roof terrace for the evening, WiFi, air conditioning and airport shuttle.
Very good hotel if you can put up with the ever present smell of cigarette smoke (even in the non-smoking rooms). Wireless internet works well.
A wonderful luxury hotel.
A favourite of the expat set for its laid back ambiance, terrace views and quality restaurants.
Another hotel popular with foreign professionals.
All the luxury of a 5-star with interesting modern art features in the designer building.
Popular 4-star hotel. Some areas need updating, but rooms are comfortable. There is a very good breakfast buffet. Internet access is available in the rooms.
Another five-star.
By plane
Early arrival: If you have an early arrival flight and don't want to pay a full-day hotel for just 4 or 5 hr staying there, you can wait in the baggage claim hall at the airport.
By bus
By train
Scheduled services within Jordan and to Damascus have been suspended by Hedjaz Jordan Railway, and they are unlikely to resume. Train excursions run occasionally, as do local services to Zarqa.
By taxi
A taxi from the Palestinian border crossing bridge can cost 25 JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use.
By taxi
Yellow and grey taxis are readily available and can be easily found anywhere in Amman. Hail them in the street as Jordanians do.
By car rental
There are several car rental companies located in Jordan some will even give you a driver for free if you book a car rental with them. Some of these are Hertz, Sixt Rental Cars, and National.
By bus
Big, municipal buses serve many parts of Amman. They are used by low-income workers, working-class youth and foreign workers, but are perfectly safe. As of January 2011, the fare was 380 fils.
By bicycle
Bike tours are a good way to see the local scenery and meet local cyclists. There are a couple of bicycling tour firms in Amman.
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Amman · International · ADJ
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