Details for Amman

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Discover Amman's Wonders
Amman is Jordan’s dynamic capital, where ancient history meets modern Middle Eastern culture. Travelers explore Roman ruins at the Citadel, stroll Rainbow Street’s cafés, and enjoy world-class dining and museums. As the country’s main transport hub, Amman is the ideal base for exploring Petra, the Dead Sea, and Jerash. Lively, welcoming, and culturally rich, it offers an excellent introduction to Jordan. 
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Description

Although things have been rough for some of Jordan's immediate neighbours, the country itself has managed to largely avoid political unrest in recent history, making today's Amman a pleasant and perfectly safe city to visit. The locals are famously welcoming, and many speak English, but a surprising few identify as originally Jordanian, belonging rather to various other ethnicities, such as Iraqi, Circassian or Palestinian. Nowhere is Amman's eclectic mix of cultures and youthful spirit more apparent than on Rainbow Street, one of the city's most happening locations lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, playing host to the weekly open-air Jara Souk during the summer. There is plenty to do and see in the city itself, but Amman also makes for an excellent base from which to explore the country further.

Useful information
Population:

4 million

Currency:

1 Jordanian Dinar = 100 qirsh (also called piastres)

Emergency Info:

Fire/Medical: 199
Police: 191
Tourist Police: 196 ext. 4661
Traffic: 190

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).

Do & See

Archaeological Site of Jerash

Archaeological Site of Jerash

Jerash (Ancient Gerasa) looks like Rome in the Middle East. It's a sprawling Greco-Roman city where chariot ruts still groove the 800-metre Colonnaded Street. Start at Hadrian’s Arch (AD 129), then explore the Oval Plaza, ringed by 56 Ionic columns, and the Temple of Artemis looming above. Don’t miss the South Theatre: climb to the top tiers to test acoustics so sharp you’ll hear coins drop on stage. Unlike Petra, Jerash feels blissfully crowd-free. Expert guides help decode the ruins, telling you stories of chariot races, temple intrigues and bubbling marble fountains.

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.

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

Darat Al Funun unites contemporary Arab art with layered history. Housed in a gracefully restored 1920s complex, its rotating exhibitions unfold alongside Byzantine ruins, including a 6th-century church at the entrance. The hillside gardens frame panoramic views of Amman, making this as much an architectural pilgrimage as an art destination.

Jordan Museum

Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum offers a chronological journey through 1.5 million years of history, from Paleolithic tools to modern Jordanian culture. As the country’s premier cultural institution, it houses globally significant artefacts like the 9,700-year-old ‘Ain Ghazal statues — the world’s oldest human figurines — and fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Exhibits pair these treasures with bilingual (English/Arabic) narratives that contextualise Jordan’s archaeological legacy without overwhelming casual visitors. The museum’s modern galleries balance education and aesthetics, with interactive displays and temporary exhibitions ensuring fresh perspectives. Allot two hours to appreciate its dual role as research hub and national showcase.

Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts

Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts

The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts offers a refreshing counterpoint to Amman’s ancient ruins. It showcases contemporary works from across the Islamic world in two airy buildings that flank a sculpture-dotted park. Founded in 1980 under royal patronage, its collection spans 2,000 pieces: from provocative Palestinian installations to delicate Sudanese weavings. Be sure to check the rotating exhibitions in Building 1. Building 2 anchors the experience. Start at the ground-floor, then work your way up through bold Jordanian abstracts before rewarding yourself at the top-floor café. Its terrace overlooks Jabal al-Luweibdeh’s artsy rooftops, perfect for reflecting over mint tea after browsing the art library’s curated books. Free from crowds (and mercifully air-conditioned), it’s where Amman’s creative pulse feels most immediate.

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.

King Faisal Street

King Faisal Street

King Faisal Street is one of the main thoroughfares of Amman. On this palm-fringed strip, gold dealers from the Gold Souq weigh bracelets under neon lights, while juice vendors press pomegranates nearby and old men play backgammon at pavement cafés. The street’s charm lies in its contrasts: the 1924 post office (now The Duke’s Diwan) overlooks a row of buzzing local businesses, and the call to prayer from Al Hussein Mosque competes with taxi horns. At night, the air thickens with the scent of sizzling lamb from decades-old shawarma stands, and crowds gather at Habibah Sweets for knafeh so fresh it crackles.

Dining

Chestnut Restaurant & Pub

Chestnut Restaurant & Pub

One of the latest additions to Amman's dining and nightlife scenes, Chestnut is a well-liked pub run by an enthusiastic, warm team that brought in expertise from businesses local and international. Evening vibes are conducive to a great night, and food restaurant-worthy, not limited to pub grub alone. Happy hour brings 50% discounts on selected menu items and drinks.

District Urban Rooftop

District Urban Rooftop

District belongs somewhere on the bar/restaurant spectrum, and, along with serving excellent international fusion cuisine, is also a pleasant place to spend the evening having drinks in good company. It's a conceptually one-of-a-kind establishment in Amman, with a welcoming outdoor terrace and views to die for.

Fakhreldin

Fakhreldin

Occupying the building once owned by Jordan's first prime minister, Fakhreldin is an upscale affair — a reputable Lebanese restaurant serving a variety of dishes developed from the Levantine cuisine. There is a spacious outdoor seating area with elegant white-tableclothed tables.

Hashem

Hashem

This wildly popular local eatery gathers ravenous crowds no matter the time of day, but securing a seat is most likely to happen outside of peak hours of lunch and dinner. Hashem's absolute must is the falafel, accompanied by hummus, fava bean paste, and freshly baked bread. Prices are startlingly low.

Pizza Roma Cafe

Pizza Roma Cafe

One of international visitors' hangout spots of choice, Pizza Roma is a rooftop space stylised to resemble a Bedouin tent, with a scenic breezy terrace and guest musical performances by talented local youths. The cafe serves far more than just pizza, extending its offerings to dishes likely to appear rather extraordinary to some, such as the lesser-consumed parts of a sheep: the head, stomach, and even testicles.

Sufra

Sufra

Sufra is synonymous with fine, yet affordable, Jordanian dining. Apart from staples like fukharat (clay pots with slow-cooked meat and vegetables) and mansaf (a traditional dish of lamb cooked in yoghurt on rice), there is a traditional special which varies by day.

Tawaheen al-Hawa

Tawaheen al-Hawa

A word of advice: do not go all in with the scrumptious starters and home-baked bread, and leave some room for Tawaheen al-Hawa's Middle Eastern/Jordanian mains, including the mansaf and varied grilled meats. This one is popular with both visitors and locals, the latter often seen enjoying a leisurely shisha pipe in the evenings.

Cafes

Blue Fig

Blue Fig

Blue Fig delivers where it counts: solid brunches and lively nights. Morning regulars swear by their fluffy omelettes, served with proper sourdough toast, avocado toast, pizzas and baguettes. When the sun sets, DJs and live bands take over — a well-executed transition from café to nightspot.

Books@cafe

Books@cafe

Books@cafe carved history as the Middle East’s first internet café, blending literary culture with progressive ideals. This café-bookshop hybrid became a haven for dialogue, bridging Amman’s diverse communities, from expatriates to LGBTQ patrons, through its shelves of curated titles and egalitarian ethos. By night, Books@cafe becomes a low-key bar where conversations outlast drinks.

Fann Wa Chai

Fann Wa Chai

Fann Wa Chai art gallery and tea bar is a tranquil hideaway in the hip, bohemian Jabal Al Weibdeh district. The establishment has been serving tea, coffee and small bites in the art-filled environment since 1988. Enjoy a quiet afternoon on the terrace or in the garden.

Habibah Sweets

Habibah Sweets

Local tour guides consider a visit to Habibah a city tour essential, and for good reason: this legendary sweets shop, originating in 1947 Jerusalem, has made its way across to Jordan, where it continues to sell and serve some of the finest Palestinian Kunafa (cheese pastry drenched in sweet syrup) for miles around.

Rumi Cafe

Rumi Cafe

Rumi is as close as it gets to an Ammani take on a hipster coffee shop. This gem of a cafe attracts with-it locals, who thoroughly enjoy the shaded outdoor seating and Rumi's extensive selection of international teas. Snacks and breakfasts are also on offer; you can always opt for the excellent coffee.

Shams El Balad

Shams El Balad

The delightful hip cafe is a rare find in Amman. Set on a hilltop overlooking the downtown's cream-coloured buildings, Shams El Balad is much more than its scenic location. The dishes served here are deliciously experimental twists on Middle Eastern classics, and quite possibly warrant a cook book of their own.

Bars & Nightlife

Cantaloupe Gastro Pub

Cantaloupe Gastro Pub

Cantaloupe's swanky rooftop is one of the city's finest vantage points, affording views of the entire city and the environs, including the Jabal al-Qal'a with the Citadel perched on its top. The first floor is given over to an Italian-leaning restaurant, while the open-air second floor is arguably the location of Amman's best open-air bar.

Carakale Brewing Company

Carakale Brewing Company

It's worth finding your way to Jordan's own craft brewery hidden amidst the rolling hills west of the city. Visitors will get the chance to try several drafts (full glasses or samplers, varieties from IPA through porter) and peek at the factory floor below. The brewery doesn't serve food but bringing in your own is allowed. There are grilling facilities outside that guests are encouraged to make use of.

Murphy's — House of Rock

Murphy's — House of Rock

Murphy’s packs in crowds nightly with its winning formula: loud rock bands (Tuesdays), a battered but beloved pool table, and some of the cheapest pints in town. The beer garden offers respite when the indoor revelry gets too boisterous. Happy hour turns the volume up further — expect sticky floors, shout-along choruses, and zero pretension.

Sekrab

Sekrab

Sekrab is a creative hangout spot in every way out of the ordinary, with a VW hippy van perched on its top, and an interior dominated by recycled car parts and other creatively re-purposed pieces. The rooftop offers fantastic views, and there are a few things to choose from in terms of drinks.

Shopping

Al Afghani Bazaar

Al Afghani Bazaar

This long-standing souvenir store's roots go back to late 19th century Palestine, where the owning family first established a shop. It's packed to capacity with ceramics, jewellery, lamps, and all manner of tinkles born to make excellent gifts; a trip out of downtown to come here is certainly in order.

Al Balad

Al Balad

The downtown, or Al Balad, is one's best bet for finding great bargains in Amman. The area is packed with all manner of shops and businesses, selling clothing, accessories, intricate jewellery, herbs, and various edibles. Haggling is expected — count on bringing the original price down by at least half, unless the specific locale has a fixed-price policy.

Jordan River Designs Showroom

Jordan River Designs Showroom

The Jordan River Foundation Design showroom stocks exquisite home decor pieces, rugs, accessories and Dead Sea cosmetics, along with a plethora of other pieces, all of the highest quality. Prices here are steep for good reason: the foundation supports women and youths from local communities, and all profits made are put towards development projects.

Soap House Trinitae

Soap House Trinitae

Trinitae's cosmetics offering extends beyond soaps to include a few other skincare products, all made with organic local ingredients, from plants and oils to salts of the Dead Sea. It's a heaven of luxurious organic goods of the highest quality. Gift sets are available.

Souq Jara

Souq Jara

Souq Jara enlivens Fawzi Malouf Street, adjacent to Rainbow Street’s terminus, every Friday from May to September. This weekly market channels profits back into the community while showcasing Jordanian crafts. Under canvas awnings, vendors display handwoven textiles, olive-wood carvings, and aromatic spice blends — all ripe for good-natured bargaining. The souq’s magic lies in its convivial rhythm: live oud music accompanies haggling, while sizzling shawarma and sesame-studded kaek bread scent the air. Families gravitate toward the children’s play area or evening film screenings projected between stalls. Arrive by mid-morning to browse at leisure, or stay past sunset when cultural performances animate the cobbled street. Cash remains king for securing those one-of-a-kind finds, from silver Bedouin jewellery to hand-painted ceramics.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

The summer months of July and August tend to get quite hot and heavy, so if avoiding extreme heat is something you're interested in, we recommend planning your visit for some time during the spring (March to May) or autumn (October to November).

Passport & Visa

Passport & Visa

Nationals of most countries are eligible for a single-entry visa upon arrival. The visa process is normally quick and uncomplicated, with no paperwork involved. The upon-arrival visas are not issued at King Hussein Bridge or Wadi Araba land border crossing points. Having Israeli border crossing stamps can possibly complicate coming into or leaving Jordan. The Jordan Pass is recognised universally, and entitles the holder to a waiving of the visa fee. For multiple-entry visas, travellers will need to apply in advance prior to travel. Consult the link below to find out whether a visa is required for you.

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

The Queen Alia International Airport is Jordan's primary international air hub. Passengers can take the Sariyah shuttle bus connecting the airport to Tabarbour (North) Bus Station via the Seventh Circle. These buses run every half hour from 6am to 6pm and every hour from 6pm to midnight. Journey time is normally somewhere between 45 and 60 minutes. Taxis operate on a 24/7 basis and may be easily hired at the airport. Fares are fixed and current prices displayed at the taxi park.

Public Transport

Public Transport

Amman’s public transport system operates through a combination of service taxis, microbuses, and intercity buses. Yellow service taxis follow fixed numbered routes with standard fares, stopping informally at the base of hills. They offer the most efficient urban transport but lack marked stops. For longer journeys, JETT buses provide affordable and comfortable connections to major cities, though departures are limited to a few daily trips. Within the city, microbuses (shared minivans) are the cheapest option. Unfortunately, they run unpredictably, departing only when full. Since 2023, Amman’s Bus Rapid Transit system has introduced two routes: the Red Line from Sweileh to Ras Al-Ain downtown, and the Blue Line from Sweileh to Mahatta Terminal, intersecting at Sports City. The BRT offers air-conditioned reliability, though microbuses remain essential for local routes.

Taxi

Taxi

There are plenty of yellow cabs circulating around the city. You can easily flag them down, and they are generally inexpensive. That said, it is important that you take note of the cab meter being reset and functioning when you get in. There have been reports of drivers trying to avoid turning the meter on for reasons of heavy traffic or bad weather, so do insist the meter be used regardless of any possible circumstance. Uber is widely used in Amman, and so is its Middle Eastern counterpart Careem.

Electricity

Electricity

Jordan uses a mix of socket types (both two- and three-pin plugs). The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz, but actual numbers are rather inconsistent. Bringing a power plug adaptor and voltage converter is recommended.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Pharmacy One is a drug store chain with several branches across the city, which all operate on a round-the-clock basis. Drug Center Pharmacy is also well-reputed.

Post

Post

There are several post offices across the city, but stamps can be bought at most souvenir shops without the need to locate one. For shipping valuables, using a private postage service like DHL or FedEx is recommended.

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