The Best Travel Guide to Amman (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Amman

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Overview

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Amman The guide was updated: 2024-07-04

Amman was first mentioned as Rabbath Ammon in the Hebrew Bible around the 10th century BCE. Although the Jordanian capital has its fair share of ancient remnants, it is the way Amman experiences modernity that fascinates the most. Often listed among the most progressive cities in the Middle East, Amman is a flourishing capital growing by the hour, inhabited by a culturally diverse and rather liberal populace.

Facts

Population:	4 million
Currency:	1 Jordanian Dinar = 100 qirsh (also called piastres)
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Fire/Medical: 199 Police: 191 Tourist Police: 196 ext. 4661 Traffic: 190
Newspapers:	The Jordan Times: www.jordantimes.com
Website:	www.visitjordan.com
Opening hours:	In Jordan, Friday and Saturday are weekends, which means businesses may be closed or have shorter days. Opening hours may vary, but most businesses operate between roughly from 9:30am to 1:30pm and from 3:30pm to 6pm. Mind that the month of Ramadan often brings schedule changes and business hours may be affected (shortened).
Tourist information:	Ministry of Tourism Off Zahran Street, Amman +962 6 460 3360 Open Sun–Thu 8:30am–3:30pm, Fri & Sat closed

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Section in Amman

There is a surprising lot to do in the Jordanian capital, from remnants of Roman (and even pre-Roman), Byzantine and Umayyad presence, to a couple of well-regarded galleries and cultural centres showcasing what Amman's cultural scene has to offer. Throw in affordable, delicious dining and a plethora of bargain shopping opportunities, and you'll be set for an eventful few days.

Citadel Hill

Citadel Hill

The capital's most important historic landmark is an entire area known as the Citadel, perched on top of Amman's highest elevation — the Jabal al-Qal'a hill. Its story dates back to as early as the Bronze Age, with various epochs bringing cultures and peoples who have all left their mark here. The Citadel's two primary attractions are the ancient Temple of Hercules (162-166 AD) and the Ummayad Palace dating back to the 8th century.

Darat Al Funun

Darat Al Funun

An art centre and architectural landmark in its own right, Darat Al Funun contains a frequently updated selection of exhibitions. Its serene setting making for a pleasant excursion, and hillside location affording panoramic city views. Archaeological remains of a 6th century Byzantine church can be observed at the entry.

Royal Automobile Museum

Royal Automobile Museum

One of Amman's most entertaining attractions is the Royal Automobile Museum, mostly containing (nearly a hundred!) vehicles from the collection of late King Hussein of Jordan. Models spanning the second half of the 20th century make for an interesting look around, the latest hit addition being the very vehicle used in the filming of acclaimed "The Martian".

Roman Theatre

Roman Theatre

The spectacular Roman Theatre, although restored in the late 20th century, remains largely true to the way it was once conceptualised in as early as 2nd century AD. It's a highlight for most visitors to Amman, used as a venue to house open-air concerts and shows in the summer.

King Abdullah I Mosque

King Abdullah I Mosque

The iconic blue-domed mosque is one of the country's most recognisable attractions, a place of worship as much as a national landmark and even somewhat of a museum: a few archaeological finds and personal items of King Abdullah, who inaugurated the mosque, are also displayed here. Unlike at most other mosques, non-Muslim visitors are welcome inside, provided they follow the rules of attendance.

Children's Museum

Children's Museum

Amman's Children's Museum is surprisingly delightful. There are plenty of interactive exhibits allowing the young ones to get a hands-on approach to learning about the world, from the inner workings of the human digestive system to the mechanics of a car. Adults will enjoy continuing on to the Royal Automobile Museum next door.

Qasr al-Abd

Qasr al-Abd

As opposed to the omnipresent in Jordan remains of Roman and Umayyad structures, Qasr al-Abd is a rare example of architecture pre-dating the Roman era. Its exact origins remain unknown, which only adds to the fascination. Qasr al-Abd is usually described as a large Hellenistic palace from the first quarter of the second century BCE. Not too far from here are the ancient caves dating back to roughly the same time period.

Jordan Museum

Jordan Museum

The country's largest museum containing some of its most important archaeological artefacts is certainly worth a visit. Exhibits are accompanied by both English- and Arabic-language explanations, making for an informative excursion into the country's ancient and recent past.

Rainbow Street

Rainbow Street

The Rainbow Street is in close proximity to some of the city’s must-see sites and acts as the tourist hub of Jordan. The sidewalks are wide enough for to accommodate long walks. It is an excellent destination for shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as delicious, quick bites. The weekend starts Thursday night here, with slowly cruising cars and strolling pedestrians. The street runs east from the First Circle to Mango Street, opposite the neighbourhood of Lweibdeh. Friday during the summer, Fawzi Al Maalouf Street, just off Rainbow street, becomes the Souk Jara.

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