Are you planning a trip to Jordan? Most travelers treat the capital city, Amman, as a quick transit point on their way to Petra or the Dead Sea. But that is a huge mistake. Amman is a fascinating mix of ancient ruins, bustling street markets, modern cafes, and incredible street art. It is a city built on hills (known as jebels), where every corner reveals a new story, a friendly smile, and the smell of freshly baked bread.
In this guide, we will cover the absolute best things to do in Amman, answer your most common travel questions, and give you practical tips to help you blend in like a local.
Is Amman, Jordan worth visiting on your trip?
Absolutely! Amman is the beating heart of modern Jordan. It gives you a true taste of Middle Eastern hospitality before you head off to the desert. It is incredibly safe—frequently ranking high on global safety indexes for solo and family travelers alike.
Whether you want to climb 2,000-year-old Roman ruins, eat your weight in warm falafel, or shop for handmade spices in historic alleys, Amman offers an authentic experience. If you are traveling with loved ones, just make sure to secure your Jordan family visa ahead of time so you can bypass long airport queues and start your adventure immediately. It is best to dedicate at least two full days to exploring the capital before heading south.
What is the best thing to do at the Amman Citadel?
Perched on top of Jabal al-Qala’a, the highest hill in the city, the Amman Citadel is the absolute must-see highlight of the capital. People have lived on this hill since the Bronze Age, and it has been ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, and Umayyads.
When you visit, make sure you check out these spots:
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The Temple of Hercules: Look up at the giant pillars built by the Romans. Don’t miss the massive carved stone hand nearby—it is all that remains of what would have been a colossal 40-foot statue of Hercules.
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The Umayyad Palace: Walk inside the beautifully restored blue-domed audience hall, which dates back to the 8th century.
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The Panoramic View: This is the best place in town to watch the sunset. You can look down over the entire sprawling city, see the thousands of beige-colored houses built into the hills, and listen to the beautiful evening call to prayer echoing across the valley.
Local Tip: Entry to the Citadel is included in the Jordan Pass. If you don’t have the pass, entry is 3 JOD (about $4.20 USD).
How do you explore the history of downtown Amman?
Just below the Citadel lies Al-Balad, the historic downtown center of Amman. It is chaotic, noisy, colorful, and completely intoxicating. This is where real life happens.
To explore the area, start at the Roman Theatre. Built in the 2nd century AD, this massive amphitheater is carved directly into the hillside and can hold up to 6,000 people. If you climb all the way to the top tier, you will get incredible views (just watch your step, as the stairs are quite steep!).
After the theatre, wander through the nearby Roman Nymphaeum, an ancient public fountain. Then, dive straight into the local markets, particularly Souq Al-Sukar (the Sugar Market). This is where locals buy fresh mint, dates, figs, spices, and household goods. The vendors are incredibly friendly and will often offer you a piece of fruit or a warm “Ahlan wa sahlan” (Welcome to Jordan!).
Where can you find the best street food in Amman?
Amman is a paradise for food lovers, and you do not need to spend a lot of money to eat like royalty. There are two legendary, low-cost culinary institutions in downtown Amman that you absolutely cannot miss:
1. Hashem Restaurant
This is a legendary, no-frills, open-air spot in a downtown alleyway. There is no physical menu. You simply sit down at a plastic table, and the waiters will quickly bring you plates of the freshest, fluffiest hummus, hot falafel stuffed with onions and sumac, foul moudamas (mashed fava beans), and warm flatbread, all washed down with hot sweet mint tea. It is cheap, packed with both locals and tourists, and open 24 hours a day.
2. Habibah Sweets
After your savory meal at Hashem, walk over to the tiny Habibah alleyway next to the Arab Bank. You will easily spot it by the long queue of people waiting on the sidewalk. They are waiting for knafeh—a traditional Palestinian dessert made of warm, stretchy goat cheese topped with crispy pastry shreds, soaked in sweet sugar syrup, and sprinkled with crushed pistachios. Order a small plate, stand on the street with the locals, and eat it while it is hot and melty.
Why is Rainbow Street a must-visit spot in Amman?
If downtown is historic and traditional, Rainbow Street (located in the historic Jabal Amman neighborhood) is where you go to experience Amman’s modern, trendy side.
This cobblestone street is lined with beautifully restored stone houses that have been converted into trendy cafes, rooftop bars, art galleries, and souvenir shops. It is the perfect place to stroll in the late afternoon. You can grab a freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, browse for handmade Jordanian pottery, or sit on a rooftop terrace with a cold local craft beer or a shisha pipe while looking out over the illuminated Citadel hill.
Planning Tip: If you visit on a Friday during the warmer months, check out Souk Jara, a lively open-air street market just off Rainbow Street featuring local handicrafts, food stalls, and live music.
Can you learn to cook authentic Jordanian food from locals?
If you want to go beyond just eating the food and actually learn how to make it, book a class at Beit Sitti (which means “My Grandmother’s House”).
Located in the artistic neighborhood of Jabal Al-Weibdeh, this wonderful initiative was started by three sisters to keep their grandmother’s cooking legacy alive. In a warm, homey kitchen, local women will teach you how to prepare a full, traditional Jordanian meal from scratch—including dishes like Maqluba (a spiced chicken and rice dish flipped upside down), fresh tabbouleh salad, and flatbread. Afterward, you all sit out on the beautiful terrace overlooking the hills of Amman to eat the feast you just created. It is an unforgettable, human-to-human cultural exchange.
What are the rules for visiting the King Abdullah I Mosque?
Easily recognizable by its magnificent, giant blue mosaic dome, the King Abdullah I Mosque is one of the most famous landmarks in Amman. Built in the 1980s, it can hold over 7,000 worshippers.
Unlike many mosques in the region, this one is open to non-Muslim visitors outside of prayer times. Here is what you need to know before you go:
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Dress Code: Both men and women must dress conservatively. Men should wear long trousers. Women must cover their heads, arms, and legs.
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Abaya Rental: Don’t worry if you don’t have the right clothing—the mosque has a visitor center where women can borrow a traditional black hooded cloak (abaya) free of charge.
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Shoes: You will need to take off your shoes before stepping onto the beautiful red carpets inside the main prayer hall.
Is the Jordan Museum actually worth your time?
Yes, especially if you want context before traveling to historic sites like Petra or Jerash. The Jordan Museum, located in the Ras Al-Ayn district, is a world-class, ultra-modern museum that tells the story of Jordan’s history through interactive exhibits.
The absolute highlight of the museum is the exhibition of the Dead Sea Scrolls. These ancient leather and papyrus religious texts were found by Bedouin shepherds in caves near the Dead Sea in the mid-20th century. Seeing these fragile, ancient manuscripts in person is a surreal experience. The museum also houses the ‘Ain Ghazal statues, which are among the oldest human statues ever discovered, dating back over 9,000 years!
Where is the best neighborhood in Amman for a creative vibe?
If you want to escape the crowded tourist traps, head straight to Jabal Al-Weibdeh. This is Amman’s coolest, most bohemian neighborhood.
It is a quiet, leafy residential area popular with local artists, writers, and digital nomads. Here, you can spend a quiet afternoon:
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Sipping specialty coffee at Rumi Cafe, a popular local hangout spot.
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Hunting for vibrant street art and political murals painted on the sides of old stone buildings.
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Visiting Darat al Funun, a stunning complex of renovated historical villas that hosts free contemporary Arab art exhibitions, surrounded by quiet, shady gardens and old Byzantine ruins.
What makes Duke’s Diwan a unique historical stop?
Tucked away on a busy street in downtown Amman, Duke’s Diwan is one of the oldest preserved stone buildings in the city. Built in 1924, it originally served as a post office, then a hotel, and later became a gathering space for artists, writers, and thinkers.
When you step inside and climb the old stone stairs, it feels like walking into a time capsule. The rooms are filled with vintage wooden furniture, antique typewriters, old black-and-white photographs of Amman, and retro radios. There is no entrance fee, but you are welcome to sit down, buy a cup of hot tea with mint, and chat with the friendly caretaker about the city’s history.
Where can you see Jordan’s royal car collection?
If you love cars or are traveling with kids, the Royal Automobile Museum is a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours. Located in the beautiful Al Hussein Public Parks on the outskirts of the city, this museum was established by the late King Hussein.
It showcases an incredible, sparkling collection of rare classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and modern sports cars owned by the Jordanian royal family. You can see everything from 1950s classic roadsters to the futuristic rover vehicle used in the Hollywood movie The Martian (which was filmed in Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert!). Each vehicle comes with historical stories showing how it was used during important moments in Jordan’s history.
How many days should you spend exploring Amman?
To truly appreciate Amman without rushing, we recommend spending 2 to 3 days in the capital.
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Day 1: Explore the historic sights. Climb the Citadel in the morning, visit the Roman Theatre, wander the downtown souks, eat lunch at Hashem, and grab knafeh at Habibah.
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Day 2: Experience the modern, creative neighborhoods. Walk around Jabal Al-Weibdeh, take a cooking class at Beit Sitti, visit the King Abdullah Mosque, and spend your evening walking down Rainbow Street.
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Day 3: Use Amman as a base for an easy day trip. You can take a 1-hour taxi ride north to explore the incredibly preserved Roman city of Jerash, or head west to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea before returning to Amman for dinner.
How do you get a Jordan visa for your family or group?
Planning a trip to Jordan with your family or friends? Before you pack your bags and book your flights to Amman, you need to ensure that your entry documents are in order. Navigating embassy appointments, language barriers, and confusing visa portals can be stressful, especially when traveling in a group.
That is where we come in. To ensure a smooth, stress-free start to your holiday, you can easily apply for Jordan visa online to secure your travel documents in just a few clicks.
Why Choose Us?
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Reliable Travel Visa Services Our global approach has assisted numerous travelers in obtaining their visas successfully, eliminating the guesswork from international travel regulations.
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Experienced Visa Consultants Receive expert guidance throughout your application to ensure that your documents are fully compliant, maximizing the chances of your application being accepted.
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Efficient Visa Application Process Don’t waste hours dealing with paperwork. You can apply for your official Jordan visa in minutes using our highly simplified and user-friendly online form.
Prepare your trip today, secure your entry smoothly, and get ready to experience the incredible warmth and history of Amman, Jordan!