Discover Amman, Jordan’s amazing capital

Amazing Amman

When you visit Jordan, take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Amman, the capital city. While the allure of famous attractions like Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and the Dead Sea is undeniable, Amman offers a unique and authentic experience of Jordan that’s waiting to be explored.

Amman sightseeing

In Amman, you can take in the vibrant atmosphere of the souks, wander through historical sites like the Roman citadel and the Umayyad Palace, and soak in the beauty of the Blue Mosque. If you’re staying in the city centre and feeling up for it, you can even explore most of these sights on foot, though navigating the bustling streets might be a bit of an adventure.

Exploring Amman

If you’d rather avoid the hustle and bustle, consider joining an organized tour that will take you to these attractions in comfort. Walking in Amman can be challenging, with obstacles like overhanging branches and uneven sidewalks, but the experience is worth it.

No matter how you choose to explore Amman, whether on foot or a tour, you’re sure to encounter the delightful mix of scents, from fragrant cardamom and jasmine to the less-than-pleasant smells of traffic. So, take your time and savour everything this charming city offers!

Souqs

When you wander the souqs in the city centre, you’ll find interesting jewellery stores, clothing boutiques, and perfumeries. You can even try to haggle for that perfect price—it’s all part of the experience.

Amman Citadel and Umayyad Palace

Like most Roman ruins, the Roman ruins are in a prime location in the city’s centre on top of a hill, offering breathtaking views of Amman—a real estate agent’s dream. Still, as a property developer, you think twice before adding the mess of fallen columns, collapsed buildings and headless statues to your fixer-upper assets.

Enjoy the view of countless sand-coloured houses stacked together like LEGO bricks across the hills of Amman. The scent of rosemary accompanies the singing of competing muezzins, calling for prayers from different angles. You can wander freely here to see the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine Church, and the Ayyubid Watchtower.

Entrance is three dinars per person – unless you have the Jordan Pass, it’s free!

Roman Theatre

The hustle and bustle near the Roman theatre shouldn’t stop you from visiting. If you’re not keen on getting a ticket, you can still enjoy the view from the gate. The visit to the theatre is included in the Jordan Pass.

Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts

The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts has a fine collection of modern art by Arab artists. The exhibition is spread over two buildings and a garden. The first floor is dedicated to Palestinian artists in solidarity with the Palestinians. Amman is only sixty kilometres from the West Bank, as visitors will notice in several ways.

There is a café at the top of the museum. The terrace overlooks the blue mosque, where birds are chirping. It is an oasis of peace in the middle of the Arab chaos.

Entrance is seven dinars for foreigners but just one dinar for Jordanians.

The Blue Mosque

The King Abdullah Mosque, a.k.a the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiled dome, It’s pretty new, so it’s not an old historical monument. It has a small Islamic museum and an on-site shop.
Just a heads up, female visitors should wear an abaya. You can borrow one on-site! The entrance fee is seven dinars for foreigners.

Duke’s Diwan

Step into the past at the Duke’s Diwan and experience Jordanian life in the 20th century. And the best part? Admission is totally free! It’s a great little place for a coffee stop.

The Duke’s Diwan, on King Faisal Street, is the oldest house in Amman. It was built in 1924 as Amman’s first post office, later functioning as the Ministry of Finance and then as the Haifa Hotel from 1948 to 1998. In 2001, Mamdouh Bisharat, a Jordanian heritage conservationist and businessman, rented it for double the price to prevent its owners from tearing it down.

Bisharat turned the building into a Diwan, a meeting place for artists, thinkers and poets. The Diwan’s rooms, filled with antiques, photographs and old furniture, are decorated to show visitors how Jordanians lived in the 20th century.

Practical Tips for Jordan

Jordan Pass

Exploring Jordan’s attractions just got a whole lot easier with the Jordan Pass. This convenient pass not only grants you access to a wide range of attractions but also could save you some cash and even waive visa fees under specific conditions, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

With the Jordan Pass, you can focus on the experiences and not worry about the logistics.

Jordan Visa

To enter Jordan, you can buy a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport or the land border. The cost varies depending on the length of your stay.

If you’re leaving Jordan by land, you’ll need to pay exit fees at the border. These fees are usually a few dinars and can be paid in local currency.

Accommodation and Dining

Enjoy a cosy stay at the Lemon Tree Residence. The place has nice clean big and quiet rooms, friendly staff and is located in an upmarket neighbourhood.

For dining, Amman offers a wide range of options to suit every palate. Amman’s dining scene is sure to excite your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

• Enjoy delicious local cuisine at Restaurant Dali,
• Try a taste of the Mediterranean at Thalati Restaurant,
• Alternatively go fo authentic Jordanian dishes at Nabteh Fatteh Restaurant,
• and for relaxing coffee break visit Rumi café.

Abdali Shopping Centre

Need some retail therapy? The modern Abdali shopping centre is the place to go for Western products.

Transportation in Amman

• Take a bus from the airport to the city for just three dinars
• or book an airport transfer in advance, so you won’t have to worry about logistics upon arrival.
• Taxi drivers often charge tourists high prices, so be prepared to negotiate firmly to avoid paying inflated rates. Additionally, even if you agree on a price, it might be per person, not for the entire group.
• Use the Careem and Uber taxi apps might be more manageable.
• Walking is an option, but remember that Amman has several hills and sometimes impassable sidewalks. The traffic is also chaotic, making it challenging to cross busy roads. Only walk if you have good mobility.

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