Best Things to Do in Amman Jordan
Jordan is a favorite Middle Eastern destination among travelers, both new and experienced. People from all over the world dream about visiting dramatic landscapes like the Wadi Rum desert or the Dead Sea. The ancient city of Petra is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, and is Jordan’s most visited attraction. But Jordan has so much more to offer, and travelers will be able to experience a world full of art, traditions, and a fascinating culture. And it all starts right in Amman!
Before visiting, I heard nothing but wonderful things about Amman from every visitor that I spoke with. And once there, the city definitely didn’t disappoint! Amman has an incredible mix of old architecture, tons of amazing historical places, friendly and respectful locals, and newer and more hipster neighborhoods!
Amman is the capital of Jordan, and is a very alluring and attractive destination. It is one the oldest still inhabited cities in the world, and there's just so much history worth learning about in Amman! Excavations and archeological studies have found proof of the city’s existence that dates back to around 4000– 3000 BCE.
The city has evolved like no other. Since its early days, it has seen many civilizations and cultures. Amman went from just a few small settlements to being a large and flourishing place under king David's son Solomon. And in subsequent years it was conquered by the Egyptians, rebuilt by the Romans, and eventually captured by the Arabs. Most recently, it has become the prosperous capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Amman is the kind of unique destination that draws visitors and leaves them forever wanting to come back. There are truly just a few cities in the world where that much history and civilization collide in one place, and the Jordanian capital is among those lucky few!
Amman is the largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom, and there’s just so much to explore in and around the city! There are plenty of different areas and unique neighborhoods to escape to while taking an afternoon walk, lots of cute cafes to relax in, and plenty of incredible day trip destinations to go nearby.
One of the first questions many people ask when visiting Amman (or any city in that case) is: What to do in Amman? Is Amman worth visiting? I think Amman is such a fun destination with so much to offer to tourists and locals alike that it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s the kind of place where just about everyone will be able to find something to do or enjoy. That’s why I felt so excited to share all of the best things to do in Amman, my favorite travel tips, the most interesting places to visit, some of the great restaurants, and the most happening neighborhoods. Hopefully these things will make you fall in love with the city!
With unique Middle Eastern art, lots of traditional textiles, plenty of magic lamps, and even ancient ruins, Amman is just a really cool place to go!
The 8 Best Things to do in Amman
Amman was first built over a group of 7 hills, and now occupies a total of 19... so expect lots of climbing up and down while exploring the city! The downtown area, Jabal Amman, and Jabal Al Weibdeh are probably the most popular neighborhoods nowadays, so make sure they’re on your list.
Visit Amman Citadel
Standing right in the center of Amman is the Amman Citadel, or Jabal al-Qal’ as the locals call it. Located in the downtown area, this is one of the most important heritage sites you’ll find in the capital of Jordan and one of the coolest things to do in Amman. Occupied since at least the Neolithic period, this ancient L-shaped hill is one of the original 7 hills of the city, and it's considered one of the oldest continuously lived places in the entire world. The Citadel is a large archeological site, and history loving visitors will be excited to find plenty to explore. In the middle you’ll find the Archeological Museum. While most of the other different structures are today left in big part to the imagination, there are still some admiration worthy places left standing. The most spectacular of these ancient ruins are the Roman Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church.
Temple of Hercules: Two imposing columns, a podium, and a stone-carved hand are some of the incredible vestiges that still remain in the citadel from its glory days as the Roman Temple of Hercules. The Temple was originally constructed around AD 162-166 during the Roman occupation, under the governance of Geminius Marcianus in the Province of Arabia. If anyone is a fan of this era of history, the Temple might just be your favorite part of Amman!
Umayyad Palace: Behind the archeological museum is the much better preserved Umayyad Palace. The palace was constructed around the 8th century by the Umayyad dynasty, a family of the Muslim caliphate that ruled between AD 661-750. It also served as the home of the governor of Amman until its destruction by an earthquake around the year AD 749. Besides the palace, there were several other structures in the Umayyad Complex that were a fundamental part of most Islamic cities at the time: mosque, hammam, souk and a few residential buildings in which the governor's employees and staff lived. With a bit of imagination, you can go back in time and explore what life in Amman would have been like over 1000 years ago!
Byzantine Church: South of the Archeological Museum, visitors can find the smaller Byzantine Basilica. The basilica itself was constructed between the 5th and 7th centuries. Most of the church was unfortunately also destroyed by earthquakes, but it’s still worth a visit when you’re in Amman.
The church structure itself was fully excavated in the 1990s, though the original discovery and partial unearthing was over 100 years before that. The majority of the remaining church consists of two rows of fantastic ancient columns, which are notable for their stonework and Greek inscriptions. In between the rows of columns, the remnants of an intricate mosaic floor can be seen. This is a great opportunity to appreciate some of the unique and exquisite craftsmanship that the Byzantine period is known for. It’s amazing to think that something as delicate and beautiful could have been built so long ago and still survive today.
Different worlds and different time periods blend together seamlessly in Amman: an ancient Roman amphitheater, a modern mosque, and limestone houses of all sizes and ages stand side by side on the horizon surrounding the Citadel on all sides. The Citadel itself is a great place to visit during the early morning or late evening, when the soft rays of the rising or setting sun will illuminate the ruins and transport you to a different time. You can easily spend several hours at this archeological site getting swept up by the views of ancient remains and the background vista of the city’s downtown. Make sure to visit the small museum on the premises while you’re there, and go inside the Umayyad palace!
Walk around the city and Al Balad
Amman is a very busy city, but for the most part it’s totally safe to walk all along the winding streets. Walk up and down the hills and around every corner until you get to the famous area of Al Balad. Along the way, travelers will find plenty of local artists selling their paintings, bohemian shops displaying ethnic carpets and pillows, and small food stands serving everything from fresh juices to the best falafel sandwiches. Once in Al Balad you’ll get to experience the oldest neighborhood in Amman, which is filled with authentic souvenir shops, delicious restaurants, busy souks, and the well known mosque of Al-Husseini.
Al-Husseini is one of the oldest mosques in the capital city. Its construction was first ordered by the second Caliph, Omar Bin Al-Khattab, around the year 640 AD, and it was later reconstructed and updated in 1932 by King Abdullah I. There’s a great blend of ancient and more recent history in the building.
Walking around the city is definitely one of the greatest things to do in Amman. You’ll fall in love with the capital's street vibes, especially those close to the Citadel and Al Balad!
Souks in Amman
Not far from the Al-Husseini mosque, travelers can find two of the most visited souks in Amman: Souk Al-Sukar and Souk Bukharia.
Souk Al-Sukar is one of the food markets located in the downtown. Imagine a Jordanian style farmers market, where local producers and farmers sell fresh and organic vegetables and fruits. For travelers staying in an airbnb, the Souk Al-Sukar is the perfect place to buy some home grown produce for your home made meals. There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as cooking with fresh ingredients, and it’s one of the best ways to get to know a country when you’re visiting.
Souk Bukharia used to be a trading site located just outside Al-Hussein mosque, although it later moved away to the nearby location where it can be found today. It started out as just a few members of the Bukhara Uzbekistan community getting together to sell and trade, and it has since then developed into 21 stores. It's the perfect place to find lamps, lanterns, and some great decorative pieces.
Other souks we recommend stopping by are:
The Amman Gold Market, or Souk el-Sagha, is a must-visit for all gold lovers and jewelry collectors. The market is full of shops that offer the highest quality gold and beautifully crafted jewelry. From large extravagant bracelets to more simple classic pieces, you can find anything and everything in this gold paradise. Definitely put your haggling skills to good use to strike the best deal! A new pair of golden earrings or a small necklace will make a perfect souvenir to bring home with you.
Note: Amman actually has one of the lowest prices for gold jewelry in the nature world. It’s almost impossible to find this quality of craftsmanship and purity of gold [21ct(875)-18ct(750] in any other place for the same range of prices. Check out Imseeh if you are looking for great quality and beautiful pieces. The shops in the gold district will include a certificate stating the purity of the gold, so you always know what you’re buying. This is taken very seriously in Amman, so visitors can feel confident with their purchases.
Souk el-Joumea is a large second-hand clothing market found near Ras el-Ain on the edge of the downtown. The market is vast, so if you want to make it all the way around you may want to reserve at least half a day. If you have a keen eye, you’ll find a few gems every time you visit, from shoes to wedding dresses and everything in between. This was one of my favorite places to go shopping in Jordan!
Souk el-Atareen is the spice Market, located Between King Talal Street and Prince Muhammad Street. Here you’ll be surrounded by beautiful colors, exotic scents, and some of the true spirit of the country and it’s flavors.
Head to Souk Jara to acquire some of the best Antiques and Souvenirs in the city. They open on Fridays only, and are located just off Rainbow street. For lovers of old things and antiques, Souk Jara is a must go!
Explore the Roman Theater
The Jordanian Roman Theater is probably one of Jordan’s most impressive archeological attractions and one of the best things to do in Amman. In its heyday, the Theater could host up to 6000 people at any given time. The structure of the amphitheater was originally divided into three sections that were oriented to the north, so that the spectators would avoid being blinded by the sun during shows. The upper area, also known as the Gods, held the best seats in the house and offered a view that couldn’t be beat while also letting occupants hear perfectly, thanks to the acoustic design of the theater.
The Roman Theater was originally built around 138-161CE, in the midst of the Roman Emperor Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius' reign. It was later restored in 1957. None of the materials used during the restoration process were original, but visitors can still experience the magnitude of the place to its fullest. Travelers who are lucky enough to visit the city during a musical event shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go see a concert in the theater, which still functions today as a cultural venue.
Note: The Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions and The Jordan Folklore Museum are also located near the amphitheater entrance. Stop by for a few minutes for a unique chance to learn more about the country’s culture and traditions.
Walk along Rainbow Street
Jabal Amman is another of the historic areas of Amman, and is found very close to the downtown. It’s a very well known destination among visitors and locals alike, in a big part due to the popular neighborhood. Weibdeh is very well connected to the Roman Theater area and other popular tourist attractions of the city. The neighborhood is renowned for its young and modern vibe, mixed very organically with the old and traditional Amman. It’s probably best known for the highly visited Rainbow Street. Travelers who decide to explore the area will find themselves walking along the winding roads and up plenty of stairs to get there, so you might want to wear your tennis shoes!
There is plenty to do while walking down Rainbow st. You’ll find lots of rooftop bars, fun eateries, shopping and restaurants, so no one will be bored. You can spend hours wandering up and down the street, exploring shops and sampling great Jordanian food. The street also showcases beautiful historic architecture, as well as modern Jordanian culture, in places like Teta Alice’s House and al-Mufti House. There are many amazing local stores and boutiques to stop into. You could spend an entire day shopping and strolling around if you want! With so many dining and rooftop bars options along Rainbow Street, you’ll have many local places to stop, take a break and enjoy the view along the way.
It’s always worth a visit to Cantaloupe Gastro Pub for those awesome Citadel/downtown views from the rooftop!
After the rooftop, buy some souvenirs and take the chance to drink a fresh lemon mint juice (one of my favorites) before heading to one of the area’s famous restaurants to enjoy a truly authentic Jordanian meal.
Eat at Sufra
Hidden behind the facade of an old Ottoman style house with a beautiful front garden is Sufra, one of the better known restaurants in Amman Jordan. Sit on the patio to enjoy the cool refreshing breeze while tasting some delicious dishes . The place doesn’t serve alcohol, so order plenty of freshly squeezed orange juices! This is one of the best places in the country to get an introduction to traditional Jordanian food in an elevated and enjoyable style. For those that prefer a lighter lunch, head to Al Quds Falafel and get one of their amazing falafel sandwiches. It’s a treat you won’t want to miss!
Spend an afternoon in the Jordan Museum
A flight of stairs or two away from Rainbow St, visitors will find themselves in front of The Jordan Museum. The Jordan Museum is located in a very contemporary building in the more modern downtown district of Ras Al-Ein.The museum was built in 2014 under the supervision of a special committee headed by Queen Rania herself. The museum is the perfect afternoon destination, showcasing Jordan’s main archeological findings and historical pieces. There are many ancient artifacts, including the incredible collection of 'Ain Ghazal statues (dated to 7500 BC) and a selection of the actual Dead Sea Scrolls!
There are very few places in the world where you can actually view these famous artifacts, so everyone should take advantage of the opportunity to do so while you are in Amman. Overall, a visit to the Jordan Museum is another of the great things to do in Amman. The museum collections are organized chronologically, and the archeological findings are breathtaking. It’s most definitely a walk through of human civilization, and it highlights many important events in history for Christians, Jews and Muslims alike.
Amman Day Trip
There are lots of great destinations to add to your list of top things to do in Amman, Jordan, so you have plenty of options if you want to go on a day trip outside the capital. Do you want to spend a day visiting a castle and being transported back in time, or would you rather go floating in the Dead Sea?
One of the amazing destinations in the nearby area is Al-Karak castle. About a 1 hour and 40 minute drive away from Amman, visitors will find the city of Al-Karak (or Kerak) and the magnificent ruins of a crusader era castle, Kerak Castle, rising up at the top of the ridge high above the town. Many things have been written about the town of Al-karak, which was regularly mentioned in history books and the Bible as the Kingdom of Moab.
The Castle itself is a very impressive Crusader fortification complex that later became a Mamluk fortress. Its construction began in the mid 12th century, and it has since then had many names such as Karak in Moab or Krak of the Desert. The castle survived many sieges throughout its history, and was known as a very strong position to control the surrounding land. The castle has been ruled by Christians and Muslims alike at different times, and was the site of many battles and historical events. One of the most well-known things that happened in the castle was an attack by the famous Saladin himself. This was one of few successful attacks, and the castle fell into his hands in 1187. Part of the history of the castle was included in the plot of the epic 2005 Ridley Scott film, Kingdom of Heaven.
Drive through the narrow hilly streets and all the way up to the top of the city in order to get to the castle. You’ll be rewarded with some beautiful panoramic valley views, so make sure to take memorable pics. You can easily get lost in thought imagining the castle’s historical occupants gazing out at the same views, all the way to the Dead Sea.
Speaking of which, the next destination on this list of best places to go on a day trip from Amman is the Dead Sea!
Sitting at about 430m below sea level, The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. It is actually a lake with extremely high salinity levels, and its waters are known to be rich in minerals and salts that have been praised for a long time for their skin friendly and healing properties. It’s located in the Jordan Rift valley bordering Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank area. The trip from Amman can be done in under 3 hours in a private car, which is probably the best way to make the journey.
The scenic drive there is simply breathtaking, and you will also be able to explore ancient Biblical sites like Lot’s Cave and the believed Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ. We especially recommend these stops if you are a religious person, or simply a huge history fan. Some other great things to do while taking this day trip are a visit to Ashab Al Kahf (The Cave of the Seven Sleepers) before leaving Amman, so you can fully immerse yourself in the religious history of the region.
Once arriving at the Dead Sea, travelers can head to Amman Beach for just a small entrance fee, or to the breathtaking canyon of Wadi Mujib. Here, you can participate in all the eco-friendly and outdoor activities that they host, such as ropes courses and hiking.
For travelers interested in experiencing the Dead Sea to its fullest, we have a complete travel guide here. It’s a great idea to spend a night or two by the sea, so that you have the chance to relax and completely enjoy the refreshing qualities of the unique mud, water, and air. There are several fabulous hotels found right by the water, so you’ll have a few options if you decide to spend the night.
A Few More Tips On Things To Do In Amman Jordan
I hope this guide of 8 best things to do in Amman has convinced you to explore the Jordanian capital and learn to love every part of it. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days, you will definitely have a great time! For travelers planning a longer visit to the country, I am sharing a few extra tips and recommendations as a bonus, so you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime!
Travelers looking to wind down and immerse themselves into the country’s culture can visit one of the city's popular hammams. Hammams are a kind of Middle Eastern-style wellness bathhouse that normally incorporate steam rooms, saunas and relaxing private and communal treatment facilities. It’s the perfect way to calm your mind and body after a long day.
Car lovers should pay a visit to the Royal Automobile Museum, which exhibits some collectors' dream cars and motorbikes. The vehicles include a 1952 Aston Martin, an armored custom Rolls Royce, a Porsche Carrera GT, a Bugatti Veyron, and some very cool vintage motorcycles.
If you are visiting Jordan for at least a week and you are planning some longer road trips throughout the country, an overnight glamping stay in the Wadi Rum is a must! Travelers visiting during the summer months should stop by the coastal city of Aqaba for at least a day, and no trip to Jordan is really complete without experiencing the grandiosity and magic of the Lost City of Petra!
Best Time To Visit
The spring months, specifically from the beginning of March to the end of May, are usually considered the best times to visit Amman. Temperatures are pleasant, normally staying consistently between 60 and 80 degrees F. Days are warm without seeing the explosive hot summer temperatures, which at times can go up to 105F.
Winter months will usually feature colder days, with temperatures averaging from 35 to 55 degrees F. These temperatures can drop to considerably less when in the desert areas of the country, so it’s a good idea to be prepared if your trip falls around this time.
Planning your trip to Amman during the fall is also a great option, as the temperature averages are similar to those in the Spring, especially during the months of September and October.
Transportation Tips
To get to the Amman city center from the airport, the best options are a hotel shuttle, a taxi, or a rental car. I always recommend renting a car, except in big cities where parking availability and accessibility could be hard to navigate. Unfortunately, Amman fits that bill. Driving in the Jordan capital can be quite hectic, especially for non-experienced drivers or those visiting the region for the first time. While in Amman, taxis are definitely the easiest way to get around. We hailed them from the streets twice, and we actually got better prices than when we called it from the hotel (2JD-4JD) It’s totally safe to do it!
Heading outside the capital after visiting Amman? Amman is quite the busy city as we already mentioned, but once outside the capital area you’ll have no problems with busy roads. Highways and smaller streets are very well maintained and easy to access, and all road signs are in both English and Arabic. Renting a car in Amman is also very economical! Those planning a road trip to Petra, Wadi Rum, or the Dead Sea will definitely want to look into renting a car.
Hotel Recommendations
Choosing the right place to stay in Amman, as in most cities, is really important when planning for the best travel experience and being close to major destinations!
We stayed in the Bristol Amman Hotel. The hotel has nice facilities, and is very reasonably priced for a 5-star hotel. There’s a relaxing outdoor pool as well, where you can enjoy breakfast in the morning. Downfalls: you might be able to hear loud music from the rooftop club during the night.
For the baller traveler: Four Seasons Hotel Amman would be an amazing choice. Well located, this hotel offers a spa, pools, great dining options, and beautiful gardens.
For the traveler on a budget: Sydney Hotel Amman is a great alternative. This place offers comfortable accommodations geared towards backpackers, and you’ll still find yourself near everywhere you want to see.
General Travel Tips
Get the Jordan Pass! This deal gives you access to dozens of historical sites all across Jordan (including Petra itself) and also includes the Jordan entry visa... it’s truly a great deal!
Whether you’re on a solo trip or with friends and family, Jordan is the perfect beginner’s country in the Middle East. The locals are friendly and respectful, the country is easy to get around, and there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions! To know more about our time in Jordan and our recent Middle Eastern travel destinations, click here
To read our Floating in the Dead Sea blog, go (here)
For Petra and Wadi Rum best places to stay and eat, what to do during the day (here), make sure to subscribe below. More detailed blogs are coming very soon!
Have you traveled to Jordan before? Share with us below your own favorite experiences, including those can’t-miss destinations, awesome places to stay and restaurants to eat, and all of the best things to do in Amman!
Besitos from the Jordanian Capital,
Laura
Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves. All opinions are our own. This post may contain some affiliate links and if you choose to purchase some services or products using these links, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for being part of our community and prance around the world with us!