Amman, Jordan’s lively capital, is a city that seamlessly blends rich ancient history with the fast-paced rhythm of modern urban life. Perched atop a series of hills, Amman is as much a visual feast as it is a cultural one, famous for its striking white limestone buildings cascading down slopes and its picturesque city views. The city is a gateway to both Jordan’s storied past and its contemporary energy, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking both culture and adventure.
One of Amman’s essential experiences is exploring its archaeological treasures. The Amman Citadel offers panoramic city vistas and millennia-old relics such as the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Just below, the Roman Theater stands as a testament to the city’s significance in the Roman Empire, still hosting concerts and festivals today. In vibrant downtown (Al-Balad), visitors can stroll through bustling markets, sample locally roasted coffee, and browse family-run shops selling spices, textiles, and antiques.
Amman’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with locals renowned for their hospitality. The city’s café culture is alive and well; don’t miss the chance to sip mint tea amid the lively chatter of Rainbow Street or try classic Jordanian dishes like mansaf and falafel in neighborhood eateries. As day turns to night, Amman’s nightlife emerges, offering everything from rooftop bars to shisha lounges and live music venues.
Getting around is relatively easy thanks to an abundance of taxis and ride-sharing apps, though traffic can get dense during rush hours. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to upscale hotels in areas like Abdoun and Shmeisani. For food lovers, Amman is a delight—whether you’re enjoying street food in the old city or dining in contemporary fusion restaurants. The city’s central location also makes day trips to sites like Jerash or the Dead Sea simple and convenient.
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the best times to visit, offering pleasant temperatures ideal for sightseeing. Remember to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or historic sites. A few words in Arabic go a long way, and taking time to chat with locals will often lead to unforgettable encounters and insider recommendations.
One of Amman’s essential experiences is exploring its archaeological treasures. The Amman Citadel offers panoramic city vistas and millennia-old relics such as the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Just below, the Roman Theater stands as a testament to the city’s significance in the Roman Empire, still hosting concerts and festivals today. In vibrant downtown (Al-Balad), visitors can stroll through bustling markets, sample locally roasted coffee, and browse family-run shops selling spices, textiles, and antiques.
Amman’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with locals renowned for their hospitality. The city’s café culture is alive and well; don’t miss the chance to sip mint tea amid the lively chatter of Rainbow Street or try classic Jordanian dishes like mansaf and falafel in neighborhood eateries. As day turns to night, Amman’s nightlife emerges, offering everything from rooftop bars to shisha lounges and live music venues.
Getting around is relatively easy thanks to an abundance of taxis and ride-sharing apps, though traffic can get dense during rush hours. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to upscale hotels in areas like Abdoun and Shmeisani. For food lovers, Amman is a delight—whether you’re enjoying street food in the old city or dining in contemporary fusion restaurants. The city’s central location also makes day trips to sites like Jerash or the Dead Sea simple and convenient.
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the best times to visit, offering pleasant temperatures ideal for sightseeing. Remember to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or historic sites. A few words in Arabic go a long way, and taking time to chat with locals will often lead to unforgettable encounters and insider recommendations.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Climb to the top of the Amman Citadel for sweeping city views
- Watch a live performance at the Roman Theater
- Wander the markets and souks in Al-Balad
- Indulge in Jordanian cuisine on Rainbow Street
- Sip tea or coffee at a local café
- Visit the Jordan Museum for cultural exhibits
- Discover street art and galleries in Jabal Al Lweibdeh
- Take a day trip to the ancient city of Jerash
Notable Sites
- Amman Citadel
- Roman Theater
- Rainbow Street
- Jordan Museum
- King Abdullah I Mosque
- Darat al Funun
- Souk Jara (seasonal market)
- Abdoun Bridge
General Advice
Amman is a welcoming destination for travelers and serves as an excellent base for exploring the rest of Jordan. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, and local people are generally eager to help visitors. The city is safe, but like any large urban area, it pays to be mindful in crowded markets and on public transport. Plan for lots of walking on hilly, uneven streets and bring comfortable shoes—many attractions are nestled within areas that are best explored on foot. Allow extra time for travel during rush hours, and embrace the city’s relaxed, social pace.
Security & Safety
Amman is considered one of the safest cities in the region, but always practice basic precautions: watch your belongings in busy areas, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods, and use only registered taxis or reputable ride apps. Dress modestly and be respectful in conservative areas and religious sites. Political demonstrations are rare but do occur; steer clear of gatherings or protests to avoid unnecessary risk. Keep photocopies of important travel documents and stay informed about local news during your visit.
Travel Tips
- Carry some cash for small purchases—many places accept cards, but cash is still useful in markets.
- Public transportation is limited; taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem are the most convenient ways to get around.
- Try local street foods like falafel, shawarma, and kanafeh for a budget-friendly way to experience Jordanian flavors.
- Buy a local SIM card for reliable mobile data and navigation.
- Tap water isn’t generally recommended for drinking—stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Friday is the holy day in Jordan, so some businesses may operate on limited hours or be closed.
- Dress in layers, especially during spring and autumn when temperatures fluctuate.
- Book popular attractions and performances in advance during holiday seasons.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in April 2024
Walking through the Citadel at sunset was a real highlight for me. Amman feels both ancient and very alive—so much happening in the cafés and markets. It can be a bit noisy and chaotic downtown, but that's part of the charm. I loved all the tea shops along Rainbow Street.
Stayed in March 2024
I'm Jordanian but live abroad, so revisiting Amman with my kids was amazing. The Roman Theater is still impressive after all these years! We enjoyed street food everywhere—don't miss falafel from Al-Quds. The traffic can get heavy on the main roads though.
Traveled here in November 2023
This city surprised me with its art scene and murals in Jabal Al Lweibdeh. People are super friendly, and I felt safe exploring solo. Some walking paths are steep, and sidewalks can be crowded, so just be ready for that. I’d absolutely return for the food alone!
Visited in February 2024
Loved the mix of old ruins and modern life. The view from the Amman Citadel is unbeatable. My friends and I had a great time exploring all the coffee shops—there’s a different vibe in each neighborhood. Wish I’d had one more day for a side trip to Jerash.
Traveled here in May 2024
Our family went during Eid, and it was so festive. Lots of delicious food and sweets everywhere. Some museums closed for the holidays, so planning ahead is important. The King Abdullah I Mosque was beautiful and peaceful.
Visited in December 2023
Amman was super welcoming. I liked exploring the old markets and trying mansaf. English got me everywhere, but picking up a few words of Arabic helped a lot with greetings. Bring comfy shoes—the hills are no joke!
Traveled here in January 2024
Rainbow Street is colorful and full of life, but it does get busy on weekends. I loved browsing tiny bookstores and sipping coffee while watching street life. Would recommend planning visits to popular sites early before crowds arrive.
Stayed in October 2023
Had a great business trip—used Careem to get around, which made life simple. Historic sites like the Roman Theater blew me away in person. Next time, I’d like to bring my wife—the city has a lot to offer off the beaten track.
Visited in March 2024
The art galleries at Darat al Funun were fantastic, and the view over the city was so pretty. Getting a taxi was always easy, and prices were reasonable. Be prepared for chilly evenings even in spring.
Visited in July 2023
It was very hot in July—walking around in the afternoon was tough. The nightlife scene was fun, especially the rooftop bars. Loved the street food but found the city’s layout tricky without a map.
Traveled in September 2023
I explored Amman as a solo female traveler and always felt safe. The food was amazing—especially the kanafeh. The traffic during busy times took some patience. Rainbow Street and the markets were my favorites.
Visited in May 2024
We took a half-day tour of the Citadel and Roman Theater—highly recommend with a local guide! Tried some great street falafel. The city is a little spread out, but taxis are everywhere. So much history everywhere you look.
Visited in March 2024
The architecture is fascinating, especially the old Roman columns at the Citadel. I went to several museums and even caught a concert at the Roman Theater. Restaurants stayed open late, which was great after long evenings.
Traveled here in April 2024
I loved everything about Amman—the history, the shopping, and the food. The traditional sweets were incredible. Taxi drivers were so helpful with recommendations. It’s now one of my favorite cities in the Middle East.
Visited in October 2023
I grew up here and always come back for the energy and the people. The city has changed a lot—more galleries, great restaurants, and nightlife. If you can, spend an evening at Souk Jara for a true local experience.
Stayed in February 2024
Amman in winter can be chilly but I found it cozy—lots of cafes to duck into. I took a day trip to the Dead Sea, which was easy to arrange from the city. The hills are steep, so it’s a bit of a workout!
Visited in December 2023
Good city for getting a feel of Jordanian life. Friday mornings are quiet and peaceful, but by afternoon the streets fill up. Loved the old mosques and the fresh arayes sandwiches in downtown.
Traveled here in September 2023
There’s a lot more to Amman than I expected—museums, parks, cool art down side streets. The people are open and curious. I wish public transportation was better, but taxis do the job.
Visited in August 2023
Visited during a busy festival and it was crowded, especially around Rainbow Street. Enjoyed the Roman ruins and local street food. Hotel prices were reasonable, but getting around during peak hours was slow because of traffic.
Traveled in March 2024
Staying in Abdoun was perfect for us—great cafes and walking distance to shops. The Jordan Museum’s Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit was something I’ll never forget. Local people made us feel truly welcomed.
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