Why Visit Amman?
Amman surprises as Jordan's modern yet historical capital where seven hills (originally) host Roman Theater's 6,000-seat amphitheater carved into hillside, Rainbow Street's trendy cafés serve third-wave coffee beside traditional kunafa shops, and the Citadel's Temple of Hercules overlooks sprawling city that grew from 30,000 in 1948 to 4+ million today absorbing Palestinian, Iraqi, and Syrian refugees. Jordan's welcoming gateway serves primarily as base for Petra (3 hours), Dead Sea (45 min), Jerash (45 min), and Wadi Rum (4 hours)—yet the capital rewards 1-2 days exploration. The Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) crowns downtown's highest hill: Umayyad Palace ruins, Byzantine church, and panoramic views over the city's white limestone buildings spreading across multiple hills.
Roman Theater (AD 170, JOD2 entry) amazes with preservation—still used for concerts, flanked by folklore and costume museums. Yet Amman's energy pulses in neighborhoods: Rainbow Street's hipster galleries and restaurants, Downtown's gold souq and spice vendors, Jabal Weibdeh's art scene, and Abdali's modern towers hosting rooftop restaurants. The food scene celebrates Levantine cuisine: hummus pools drowned in olive oil, falafel sandwiches for JOD1, mansaf (lamb with fermented yogurt on rice, national dish), and kunafa's sweet cheese dessert dripping syrup.
Jerash day trips (45 min north, JOD10 entry) reveal one of best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy—colonnaded streets, Oval Plaza, and chariot race reenactments. Dead Sea floating (45 min west) lets visitors bob in hypersaline water 430m below sea level. With moderate climate (15-32°C), English widely spoken, safe streets (Jordan most stable Arab country), and Jordan Pass covering visa + sites, Amman delivers Middle Eastern authenticity before Petra's wonders.
What to Do
Ancient History
The Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Hilltop fortress with 360° views over Amman. Entry JOD 3 (included in Jordan Pass). Explore Umayyad Palace ruins, Byzantine church remains, and Temple of Hercules. Best at sunset (5–7pm) when golden light hits the white limestone city. Allow 1–2 hours. Combine with Roman Theater just downhill.
Roman Theater
Massive 6,000-seat amphitheater from AD 170 carved into hillside. Entry JOD 2 (or Jordan Pass). Still used for concerts and events. Climb to top tiers for Citadel views. Two small museums flank the theater (folklore and traditional costume). Best morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
Jerash Roman Ruins
45 minutes north—one of best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy. Entry JOD 10 (or Jordan Pass). Walk colonnaded streets, see Oval Plaza, Hadrian's Arch. Chariot race reenactments some days. Half-day trip: leave Amman 9am, return 2pm. Hire driver (JOD 30–40) or join tour. Don't miss it—better than anything in Amman itself.
Modern Amman & Neighborhoods
Rainbow Street & Jabal Weibdeh
Trendy pedestrian street with cafés, galleries, and restaurants. Old houses converted into hipster spaces. Best evening 6–10pm when locals stroll and outdoor seating fills. Jabal Weibdeh nearby has art galleries and Book@Cafe. Safe, walkable, atmospheric—Amman's coolest neighborhood.
Downtown Souqs & Gold Market
Wander bustling downtown between Roman Theater and King Hussein Mosque. Gold souq glitters with jewelry shops, spice vendors sell za'atar and sumac, and street stalls offer fresh juice (JOD 1). Authentic local life. Morning (9–11am) busiest. Dress modestly. Watch belongings.
Food & Local Experiences
Street Food & Traditional Meals
Falafel sandwiches JOD 1 from street vendors—crispy and hot. Kunafa (sweet cheese dessert soaked in syrup) at Habibah. Mansaf (national dish: lamb with fermented yogurt on rice) at Sufra restaurant. Hummus at Hashem downtown (open 24hrs, simple but beloved). Eat with right hand, tear bread to scoop.
Dead Sea & Desert Castles
Dead Sea 45 minutes west—float in hypersaline water 430m below sea level. Day passes at private beaches or resorts typically run 25–65 JOD per adult depending on hotel and whether lunch is included; budget options start around 20–25 JOD. Desert castles (Qasr Kharana, Qasr Amra with frescoes) 1–2 hours east—Umayyad palaces in desert. Half-day trip. Both easily done from Amman.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: AMM
Best Time to Visit
March, April, May, October, November
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 5°C | 18 | Wet |
| February | 12°C | 6°C | 13 | Wet |
| March | 16°C | 8°C | 15 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 20°C | 11°C | 6 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 27°C | 16°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 29°C | 17°C | 0 | Good |
| July | 33°C | 21°C | 0 | Good |
| August | 31°C | 20°C | 0 | Good |
| September | 34°C | 23°C | 0 | Good |
| October | 29°C | 19°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 18°C | 12°C | 11 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 15°C | 9°C | 8 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for EU citizens
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Amman!
Practical Information
Getting There
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is 32km south. Airport buses JOD3.30/$5 (45 min). Taxis JOD20-25/$28–$35 (metered). Uber works (JOD15-20). Amman is Jordan's hub—international flights from Gulf, Middle East, and major cities. Buses connect Petra (3.5hr, JOD10), Dead Sea, Israel border (King Hussein Bridge).
Getting Around
Uber/Careem apps essential—JOD2-8 typical rides. Yellow taxis metered but try tricks—insist meter. Buses cheap (JOD0.5) but complex routes. Rent cars for Petra/Dead Sea circuit ($40–$70/day). Downtown walkable but hilly—seven hills exhaust walkers. Most tourists use apps for transport. JETT buses to Petra comfortable.
Money & Payments
Jordanian Dinar (JOD, JD). Exchange $1 ≈ 0.77-0.78 JOD, $1 ≈ 0.71 JOD. Note: dinar is strong currency. Cards at hotels/restaurants, cash needed for souqs, taxis, street food. ATMs widespread. Tipping: 10% restaurants often included, round up taxis, JOD5-10 for guides.
Language
Arabic is official. English widely spoken—former British mandate, educated population. Younger Jordanians speak excellent English. Signs often English/Arabic. Communication easy. Arabic phrases appreciated (Marhaba = hello, Shukran = thanks).
Cultural Tips
Conservative but liberal for Arab world: modest dress (shoulders/knees covered), but Amman more relaxed than Gulf. Ramadan: respect fasting (don't eat publicly). Friday holy day—some businesses closed. Hospitality: Jordanians extremely welcoming—tea/coffee offered constantly. Haggling: less aggressive than Egypt. Mansaf: eat with right hand, form rice balls. Alcohol available at hotels/bars (unlike Gulf). Jordan Pass: buy before arrival online. Traffic chaotic—patience. Hilly city: walking exhausting. Sunset: Citadel views magnificent. Falafel breakfast common.
Perfect 3-Day Amman & Jordan Highlights
Day 1: Amman City
Day 2: Jerash & Dead Sea
Day 3: Depart for Petra
Where to Stay in Amman
Downtown (Balad)
Best for: Roman Theater, souqs, cheap eats, authentic, local life, crowded, traditional
Rainbow Street & Jabal Weibdeh
Best for: Trendy cafés, restaurants, art galleries, nightlife, expats, hipster, gentrified
Abdali & Modern Amman
Best for: New development, malls, rooftop restaurants, business district, upscale, modern
Sweifieh
Best for: Upscale residential, malls, expat area, Western restaurants, safer, quieter, affluent
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