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Amman Travel Blog
The online frenzy said, “Travel to Amman just because it is the only gateway to Jordan. There aren’t many things to do in Amman.”And I believed them!
Getting disappointed after visiting a place or grieving later for underestimating a place is part of travelling. You can’t make it perfect, although you plan well. Being known for fair reviews and honest stories, I am admitting my mistake: Spending a day in Amman was a bad idea! The city is so layered; it needs more than a day to get the feel of it
Discover why the old city of Amman is underrated and why you should savor the layers of Jordan’s capital in our Amman Travel Blog! For those who believe one day in Jordan is sufficient, this story is tailor-made for you. And for those questioning the greatness of Amman, wondering why it deserves more than a day – fear not, we’ll unveil the truth to save you from the same mistake we made
Index
- Why visit Amaan
- Best time to visit and How many days to spend here
- Getting around Amman
- Where to Stay in Amman
- Things to do in Amman
You may want to check our post “How to Plan Your Trip to Jordan for 7 Days.” It includes tips on obtaining a Jordan Tourist Visa, budgeting, packing and clothing, which SIM card to buy, and the plug adapter to carry to Jordan. Additionally, it covers local customs to know before going – a comprehensive overview of Jordan along with a perfect one-week itinerary.
1. Is Amman worth a visit?
Oh, yes! Amman has its mojo – two-faced ( in a positive way) and multi-layered. Let’s kick off with the spiritual vibes. Our driver, Yusuf Jaber, or Joseph as he coolly called himself, spilled the beans on the mind-blowing mix of Christianity and Islam in Amman.
Jordanians, conservative in religion, express it in their attire. Jordan is a constitutional monarchy where ladies drive and casually hit the street cafes for Shisha. Amman’s a patchwork quilt, from swanky glass towers to downtown vibes, Roman theatrics to mosque coolness. It’s a culture rollercoaster for history buffs and wanderers.
Alcohol isn’t a part of Amman or Jordanian culture, but there’s a unique party vibe in the streets. You can catch a natural high without relying on alcohol. The locals in Amman know how to create that uplifting vibe – It doesn’t mean they like to hangout with tarvellers like Persians do. Amman is modern, but also traditional! And you got to visit Amman to savour their cardamom coffee. It’s thick and legit.
What is the historical information about Amman?
Amman’s charm lies in its rich history spanning Nabatean, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods. The Citadel, atop a hill in the bustling city, showcases the ruins from these eras, offering a unique glimpse into three distinct cultures. Did you know? Romans dubbed Amman as “Philadelphia,” a historical tidbit worth sharing!
Until I visited the Amman Citadel, I knew only one Philadelphia (USA), but now I know one more – Amman was called Philadelphia by the Romans
Amman’s charm lies in its rich history spanning Nabatean, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods. The Citadel, atop a hill in the bustling city, showcases the ruins from these eras, offering a unique glimpse into three distinct cultures. Did you know? Romans dubbed Amman as “Philadelphia,” a historical tidbit worth sharing!
Until I visited the Amman Citadel, I knew only one Philadelphia (USA), but now I know one more – Amman was called Philadelphia by the Romans
Common mistake tourists make in Amman
Don’t just breeze in and out of Amman; it’s an experience of a lifetime in this multilayered city. Sure, Amman traffic can be chaotic, but it’s worth your time. Exercise a bit of patience and witness the artistry of Jordanians transforming four-lane roads into six. The ruins here aren’t mere remnants; they’re eloquent storytellers.
Amman isn’t just a gateway to the enchanting Petra; think of it as a crash course in understanding Jordanian culture and heritage.
We made a similar mistake in Athens by spending just a day. Despite suggestions that Athens wasn’t worth the time, we had learned our lesson. However, once we experienced Amman and realized the list of places to see and experience there is much more than what blogs suggest, we became certain of one thing – reading blogs is a helpful way to plan your trip.
But take a moment to consider if the blogger’s perspective aligns with your thoughts. If unsure, visit, explore, and discover for yourself?there are far more things to do in Amman than what you might read or hear online.
2. How many days do I need in Amman?
Two days in Amman is a great time to explore famous sites in and near the city. Three days is what I recommend. Anything beyond 4 days would be too much for Amman, unless you are planning multiple day trips to rural areas.
Bes time to visit in Amman
March to May is the best time to visit Amman in terms of weather?cooler with no rain, but expensive. So expect crowds and higher prices on accommodations during this period. To avoid these, we recommend visiting Jordan and Amman post-Christmas, before March. You’ll encounter fewer crowds and lower prices. Trust me, Jordan is an expensive country to travel.
Our experience of traveling in Amman during the third week of January was truly blissful. A thick jacket and denim kept us warm in the evenings. The sunshine hours aren’t too short. Additionally, while Amman’s cafe scenes may not match up to Vienna’s, they are definitely good and better than Cairo’s. So, cafe hopping on cold evenings in Amman during January is one of the finest things to do.
Don’t visit Amman in summer, from June to August. The sunshine hours may be longer, but temperatures can go up to 40°C. Being a fairly reserved Islamic country, you can’t try to beat the heat wearing shorts or cotton dresses. So, the dry conditions, warm weather, and high humidity in summer make it a bad time to visit Amman during this season.
3. How to get around Amman?
The best way to explore Amman and the whole of Jordan is by taxi – the omnipresent yellow taxis with fixed rates. The bus lines are limited – they don’t connect every area.
Uber works perfectly in Amman – Ensure you use google translator to converse with taxi drivers if you don’t speak/read Arabic.
We used an Uber taxi to the Citadel from the hotel in the evening; it cost us 2 JD/200 INR for 7 km. Taking a taxi at night is absolutely safe. We reached our hotel at 11 PM by taxi from Rainbow Street and saw a few visitors and locals alike doing it. There was nothing to worry about.
4. Hotels to Stay in Amman, Jordan.
Amman isn’t a gigantic city but is built on seven hills. So, though neighborhoods are closer, you need to walk uphill/downhill on winding roads. In fact, Amman is a city connected with staircases.
Generally, I recommend staying in areas where locals reside. But if you’re visiting Amman for the first time, I suggest otherwise – get closer to places of tourist interest. Taxis being the main mode of transportation, staying away from tourist interest places can make your Amman travel experience more expensive!
If you choose to stay in neighborhoods amidst local residences, it’s essential to learn the local ways and respect Jordanian conservative culture to avoid conflicts.
What is the best area of Amman to stay?
- Jabal Amman: This area is a haven for backpackers and solo adventurers, offers budget-friendly options like the famous Battuta Hostel and Julia’s Hotel Suites.
- Shumaysani : This is the neighbourhood where we stayed. It is good for budget-conscious travelers, offers tranquility in residential area. However, relying on taxis is necessary. We enjoyed a comfortable stay at the mid-range Al Qasr Metropole Hotel with excellent breakfast. For budget options, Celino Hotel is affordable.
- Old Downtown Amman (Wasat Al Balad): The ancient heart of Amman, enduring time and close to all traveller’s favourite attractions. Consider Arab Tower Hotel for budget stays or Beirut Hotel for a mid-range option with added comfort.
5. Best things to do in Amman
There are plenty of things to do in Amman. Before I dive into that, let me highlight what you shouldn’t do in Amman. Don’t just make a day trip to Petra or Wadi Rum! Petra deserves three days, while Wadi Rum requires a minimum of two days.
Some might suggest a day trip to the Dead Sea from Amman, but we say don’t. For the true Dead Sea experience , you should stay at a seaside resort, indulge in a mud bath, float at your leisure, and witness the mesmerizing sunset and sunrise.
Tailor your Amman travel itinerary based on the number of days you have. If you’re here for just a day, concentrate on exploring the city. With two days, consider delving into museums and planning a day trip. Reserve the third day for exploring rural areas.
Overview of One day Amman Travel Itinerary
- Visit Souq Mango
- Al Baland Street for Graffiti
- Roman Theatre
- Watch sunset at Amman Citadel
- Rainbow street for cafe and Shisha
A quick reminder: All the spots listed under “Cool Things to Do in Amman” on other blogs, such as the Umayyad Palace and Hercules Temple, are situated on Amman Citadel. Click on the image to get Google Map directions
To stick to this plan, simply hop on an Uber to Souq Mango or Rainbow Street. The rest is a leisurely walk. Conclude the day with Shisha by the roadside, accompanied by some sipping hot Jordanian coffee. When it’s time to call it a night, grab a taxi back to your room.
5a. Visit Mango Souq
Traveling in Amman and skipping Mango Souq leaves your trip incomplete. “Souq” means “Street Market” in Arabic. The Mango Souq in Amman stands as one of the oldest markets in the city. From perfumes to groceries, gold to clothing – I don’t think there’s anything that doesn’t exist here. To witness how local Jordanians haggle( Just like us, Indians) and observe sellers’ reactions when tourists join in, kickstarting your day at Mango Souq is one of the best things to do in Amman
Don’t expect the grandeur of Isfahan bazaars with beautiful ceilings or the vaulted roofs of Istanbul Grand Bazaar – but the maze-like alleys creating mysteries in every corner exist in Mango Souq. The place is not only bustling but buzzing – it’s not a tourist spot but a place for locals to shop.
Visitors like us keep smelling each thing, inhaling the aroma. Amman may not have a bazaar kind of a Souq, but the Mango Souq gives you old-town vibe gives you the true lively essence of the city.
If you walk about a km from here, you can visit Al Afghani store – one of the well-known souvenir shops in Amman, famous for selling Palestinian-Jordanian souvenirs. They are expensive, but nothing can hurt if you’re window shopping.
Before you proceed to Rainbow Street, have falafels at Hashem – they are supposedly the best in Amman and were good (I prefer Egyptian falafels, honestly). This is one of the cheapest and delicious places to eat in Amman, for sure!
5b. Wander in Al Baland Street for Graffiti
Who would think that looking for fine graffiti is a thing to do in Amman? Considering Islamic law, you wouldn’t expect street art, but Amman’s Al Baland Street is full of it. They get a makeover in summers, but winters have different charms for these wall arts. The most beautiful places are the stairs that connect Jabal Qalaa with Al-Hashemi.
The best part about street art in Amman is that it isn’t just random swear words or the frustration of young folks (there are some, but not too much). Some of them are as good as real paintings, reflecting local Jordanian daily life and culture.
5c. Experience Rome at Amman Roman theatre.
So, if you know about Roman gladiator fights and want to hear the echoes of ancient applause, you must visit the Roman Theatre in Amman, located in the heart of Jordan’s capital city. While you may not hear Romans chatting, you’ll surely hear the sounds of vehicles – Today’s Amman has expanded around the theatre, and you might even be puzzled if those beige-colored buildings existed before the theatre. Old has truly merged with the new here
It has become a popular place to hang out among locals because the theatre is oriented to the North ( and entry fees for Jordanians is very less). The highest part of the theatre shades the visitor at the bottom, shielding them from southern light. So, the sun doesn’t really hurt if you visit the Roman Theatre during the afternoon – had to bring in some architectural detail as an architect!
How old is the Roman Theater in Amman?
The Roman Theatre in Amman is estimated to be around 2,000 years old, dating back to the 2nd century AD. During its glory, it could accommodate about a whopping 6,000 people!
Amman’s Roman Theatre now hosts music festivals. In the past, there were shows with Jordanian men as Roman soldiers driving horse carriages, reenacting gladiator fights. Unfortunately, none of that was happening during our visit.
I could really imagine gladiator fights, two swords clanging until a young Amman couple started giggling. Spend an hour here and you will need to buy an entry ticket for 2JD as a foreign visitor
5d. Best of all the Things to do in Amman – Go to Citadel before sunset
If you want to spend an evening among the locals watching the city from above, a stunning view, Amman citadel is the ultimate place. It’s not too touristy, but many domestic and foreign visitors love to spend their evenings here. Hence, it is the best place to people-watch and also wonder at the history all at once!
Out of the historical ruins I have visited around the globe, Amman Citadel stands out. Here, you can see the ruins of three different ages at once – Bronze Age to Umayyad era towering over modern Amman. It’s delightful, posing questions that tickle our intellect, daring us to unravel its riddles.
The entrance fee for Amman Citadel for foreigners is about 2 JD – Trust me, it is beyond worth it. A small museum at the hilltop has entry fees included in your ticket.
Why is the Amman Citadel important?
Located at the heart of Amman, the Citadel commands attention on one of the seven hills shaping Jordan’s capital. As you climb the stone steps, anticipation swirls in the air – What stone am I stepping on? Does it belong to Bronze era or Ottomans? – It blends with the whispers of ancient tales echoing through the ruins. With its remarkable mix of Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad remnants, the Citadel is a treasure trove of historical significance.
The sight of Amman from the Citadel is fantastic – You spot the Roman Theatre in one corner. The cube-bright beige-painted houses are stacked across the hill like someone planted them! The entire city silhouette is geometric – like a Rubix cube or Lego Blocks.
You can’t help but wonder, why it’s painted beige? When we asked Yusuf the next day, he explained, “The wealthy use the abundant local stones for construction, while those who can’t afford them opt for a similar-colored paint. It’s practical for Jordan’s summer heat.”
But best of Amman Citadel is …The Hercules Temple.
As an architect, I’ve delved into countless tales of Roman cities on books and their gods. My admiration for Hercules grew, especially after Dwayne Johnson’s Hercules movie in 2014. Standing amidst the ruins of Hercules temple, I was transported back in time, envisioning him descending the steps with the lion skin on his chest!
The temple is dedicated to Hercules, but it’s not where he lived or was born. The steps I stood on that day weren’t the exact ones Hercules walked – But I felt as if Hercules had stood there once. The question lingered: did Hercules exist in reality, or is he a mythical demi-god? Researchers are still on their quest to discover the truth. Anyways, I love Hercules + Dwayne Johnson and Amman Citadel.
What makes Amman Citadel lively?
Romancing young couples, older people sharing good laughter – This place feels like the happiest place in Amman. Then there are those schoolgirls wearing hijab checking us out – tourists (they were carefully observing what we tourists wore) and approaching tourists for a photo! Indeed, watching people is the best thing to do sitting on a bench or even on the citadel wall.
You get the view of surrounding hills. There are Umayyad palace ruins behind which tall glass skyscrapers stand – Saying, “Hey ya, I am Amman, not Philadelphia anymore.” The cats begin to own those column ruins of 160 AD as sun goes down. Girls giggle, boys laugh – Sun sets down. The beige-painted town transforms into a golden yellow hue as the sun sets.
5e. Go Cafe hopping in Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street in Amman is the go-to for cafes with fantastic city views. Even in winter, it has this lively vibe with stalls serving up delicious “Knafeh” and falafels. And it’s not just about Jordanian food – you can find pizzas and burgers at these cozy little shops. Prices are a bit steeper than downtown, but you know, it’s the lively heart of Amman.
Why is Rainbow Street famous?
Rainbow Street in Amman is known for being the most colourful neighbourhood in Amman. The lights, street decor, and sidewalk cafes make it the most happening area of Jordan’s capital city. In January, it wasn’t as colourful it would be in peak season – But it was more vibrant that the rest of Amman.
When I say happening, don’t think of it like a beer garden in Munich or the Old Phuket Streets. The crowd, especially during winter on Rainbow Street was super small – mainly locals who knew which cafe served what and which one was the best.
Cool Things to do in Amman Rainbow Street
Cafe hopping is the thing to do on Rainbow Street if you’re okay with spending. Situated on one of the highest points of the city, most cafes provide sidewalk seating and terrace options. The food prices stay the same, but choosing terrace seating will cost you more. There are only a few places that sell alcohol here, and all this comes with an extra cost.
And if you’re thinking of just walking into the terrace to click pictures and coming back, it’s very likely you’ll be invited by the waiter to place an order first before taking a seat. So, strolling into their terraces without ordering food may not be possible – we tried it and failed.
Famous cafes to try in Amman Rainbow Street
Shams El-Balad, which serves alcohol, is among the most popular places for both tourists and locals. Keep in mind that one Mezze tray (an assorted starter collection) costs about 15 JD (1500 Rs or 19 USD). Salam Kanaan Gallery is an art cafe that is equally expensive.
It didn’t take long to realize how expensive Jordan was after checking the menus outside these places! A meal for two in a cafe here would cost a minimum of 30 JD, more than 3000 INR! So, we kept looking for smaller cafes with lower prices, but we weren’t ready to pay 5 JD for a coffee. Luckily, a friendly host in front of an expensive restaurant answered two poor souls’ request. When asked where to find cheaper coffee and Shisha, he suggested a square at the junction of Rainbow and Shukri Street near the Jordan Tourism Police building. A 10-minute walk, and we were at a square where a Jordanian coffee seller offered coffee for 2 JD along with Shisha!
Cheapest Coffee and Shisha in Amman
Perhaps the square at Rainbow and Shukri Street junction is the most affordable place in Amman for sipping Jordanian coffee. Hearing locals chat in Arabic, and the glittering view of Amman shining at night – all at an affordable price in an open square. Plus, we got to see how liberally Jordanian women gather in public spaces for Shisha despite being in an Islamic country.
Scam alert: A guy making coffee initially asked us for 0.5 JD per coffee. However, after a while, another guy took over, speaking something in Arabic. When paying, he insisted on 1 JD!!! We were, like you said, 0.5 JD. He was reluctant to accept anything less than a JD. Later, we observed locals paying 0.5 JD.
Shisha and coffee were good, but not enough to fill our stomachs. Honestly, we approached one of the women to ask for a recommendation for the cheapest place to eat. She was right! One of the most affordable places in Amman to eat is McDonald’s. We are usually not into hitting these food chains, but having a burger (I had to take out the patty as I am vegetarian, and Jordan McD doesn’t sell veg burgers) became the topic of discussion among us, contemplating selling a kidney to experience traditional Jordanian food in the next seven days or to indulge in the cafe culture in Amman.
Things to do in Amman on Second Day
If you’re in Amman on the second day, explore the northern part, known for its contemporary art galleries and museums. After lunch, head to Jerash, home to the best-preserved Roman ruins in Asia.
Initially, we considered visiting Jerash instead of street wandering on day 1, but the bus options are limited – only one bus departs to Jerash from Amman daily. Booking a taxi is the more convenient option. We arranged our taxi with a driver from Select Jordan Tours, and they were excellent. Public transportation in Jordan is minimal, so they can arrange car with driver for your entire trip or day trips to Jerash+Ajlun.
Found our Amman Travel Blog and list of Things to do in Amman useful? Would you spend more than a day in Amman after reading our story? Let us know in the comment section below.