Where to Stay in Amman 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Amman is Jordan's capital and gateway to Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum. A city of seven hills (now 19+) with 8,000 years of history, from the Roman Theatre to modern café culture. Most travelers pass through for 1-2 days before Petra, but Amman rewards exploration. Downtown is historic but chaotic; Jabal Amman and Weibdeh offer atmosphere with comfort.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Jabal Amman (Rainbow Street area)

Best balance of atmosphere, restaurants, and access to historic downtown. Rainbow Street has Amman's best cafés and restaurants, with the Roman Theatre and Citadel walkable downhill. Book a hotel with views over the city for the full Amman experience.

History & Budget

Downtown

Cafés & Culture

Jabal Amman

Arts & Authentic

Weibdeh

Luxury & Modern

Abdoun

Business & Shopping

Sweifieh

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Downtown (Al-Balad): Roman ruins, souks, local food, budget stays, authentic Amman
Jabal Amman (1st Circle area): Rainbow Street, cafés, galleries, trendy dining, walkable culture
Abdoun: Upscale shopping, embassies, modern restaurants, expat scene
Sweifieh / Um Uthaina: Business hotels, shopping malls, modern Amman, practical base
Shmeisani: Business district, 5-star hotels, corporate travelers
Weibdeh: Arts scene, galleries, local cafés, authentic trendy Amman

Things to Know

  • Very cheap downtown hotels may have noise and hygiene issues
  • Western Amman (5th Circle+) is far from everything historic
  • Some budget areas have irregular water supply - check reviews
  • Amman is hilly - mobility-challenged travelers should verify accessibility

Understanding Amman Geography

Amman sprawls across many hills (jabals). Downtown (Al-Balad) is in the valley with the Roman Theatre and Citadel. Hills are numbered by 'circles' (traffic roundabouts) - 1st Circle (Jabal Amman) is most historic, higher numbers go west toward modern areas. Weibdeh is north of downtown.

Main Districts Downtown (historic valley), Jabal Amman/1st-3rd Circle (trendy), Weibdeh (artistic), Sweifieh/Shmeisani (business), Abdoun (luxury), Abdali (new downtown development).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Amman

Downtown (Al-Balad)

Best for: Roman ruins, souks, local food, budget stays, authentic Amman

$22+ $65+ $162+
Budget
History Budget Local life Culture

"Ancient heart of Amman with Roman ruins amid bustling markets"

Walk to downtown attractions
Nearest Stations
Taxi hub
Attractions
Roman Theatre Citadel Rainbow Street Al-Husseini Mosque Souks
8
Transit
High noise
Safe but busy. Watch belongings in crowded souks.

Pros

  • Historic sights
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Chaotic traffic
  • Limited upscale options
  • Hills everywhere

Jabal Amman (1st Circle area)

Best for: Rainbow Street, cafés, galleries, trendy dining, walkable culture

$32+ $86+ $216+
Mid-range
Hipsters Nightlife Dining Art

"Bohemian hillside neighborhood with Amman's best café culture"

10 min walk to downtown
Nearest Stations
Taxi
Attractions
Rainbow Street Wild Jordan Center Darat al Funun Cafés
7
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe, popular with expats and locals.

Pros

  • Best cafés
  • Trendy restaurants
  • Walkable to downtown

Cons

  • Very hilly
  • Limited hotels
  • Can be touristy

Abdoun

Best for: Upscale shopping, embassies, modern restaurants, expat scene

$54+ $130+ $324+
Luxury
Luxury Shopping Expats Modern

"Wealthy suburb with luxury malls, cafés, and diplomatic presence"

20 min taxi to downtown
Nearest Stations
Taxi
Attractions
Abdoun Mall Modern restaurants Embassy area
5
Transit
Low noise
Very safe, wealthy area.

Pros

  • Modern amenities
  • Safe
  • Good restaurants

Cons

  • No historic character
  • Far from sights
  • Need taxi everywhere

Sweifieh / Um Uthaina

Best for: Business hotels, shopping malls, modern Amman, practical base

$43+ $108+ $270+
Mid-range
Business Shopping Families Modern

"Commercial area with malls, hotels, and modern Jordan life"

25 min taxi to downtown
Nearest Stations
Taxi
Attractions
City Mall Mecca Mall Baraka Mall Modern restaurants
6
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe commercial area.

Pros

  • Modern hotels
  • Shopping
  • Good value

Cons

  • No character
  • Traffic congestion
  • Far from historic sights

Shmeisani

Best for: Business district, 5-star hotels, corporate travelers

$49+ $119+ $302+
Luxury
Business Luxury Conferences Modern

"Amman's main business district with international hotels"

20 min taxi to downtown
Nearest Stations
Taxi
Attractions
Jordan Museum Business district Royal Cultural Center
6.5
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe business area.

Pros

  • 5-star hotels
  • Near Jordan Museum
  • Business amenities

Cons

  • Soulless
  • Far from atmosphere
  • Traffic

Weibdeh

Best for: Arts scene, galleries, local cafés, authentic trendy Amman

$27+ $76+ $194+
Mid-range
Art lovers Local life Hipsters Authentic

"Artistic neighborhood with galleries, cafés, and Amman's creative class"

15 min walk to downtown
Nearest Stations
Walk to downtown
Attractions
Galleries Paris Circle cafés Street art Local restaurants
7
Transit
Low noise
Safe, bohemian area.

Pros

  • Most artistic
  • Authentic vibe
  • Near downtown

Cons

  • Hilly
  • Limited hotels
  • Quiet at night

Accommodation Budget in Amman

Budget

$31 /night
Typical Range: $27 – $38

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$72 /night
Typical Range: $59 – $81

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$154 /night
Typical Range: $130 – $178

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

Best Budget Hotels

Jordan Tower Hotel

Downtown

8.3

Legendary budget hotel with incredible rooftop views of the Citadel and downtown. Basic but unbeatable location and value.

Budget travelersViewsLocation
Check Availability

Sydney Hotel

Downtown

8.1

Clean, friendly budget option near Roman Theatre with helpful staff and travel advice.

Budget travelersSolo travelersLocal tips
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

The House Boutique Suites

Jabal Amman

9

Stylish serviced apartments on Rainbow Street with kitchens, terraces, and excellent location.

Extended staysFamiliesSelf-catering
Check Availability

Hisham Hotel

Jabal Amman

8.5

Well-established hotel near Rainbow Street with reliable service and good value for location.

Central locationValueReliable
Check Availability

Carob by Wander

Weibdeh

8.9

Charming boutique in restored building with artistic vibe and authentic Weibdeh atmosphere.

Art loversAuthentic staysCouples
Check Availability

Canvas Hotel

Rainbow Street

8.8

Design-forward boutique with art focus, rooftop views, and prime Rainbow Street location.

Design loversCentral locationRooftop
Check Availability

€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

The St. Regis Amman

5th Circle

9.4

Ultra-luxury hotel with stunning design, excellent restaurants, and butler service.

Ultimate luxuryBusinessSpecial occasions
Check Availability

Four Seasons Amman

5th Circle

9.5

Flagship luxury hotel with impeccable service, excellent spa, and refined atmosphere.

Luxury travelersFamiliesSpa
Check Availability

W Amman

Abdali

9.1

Trendy W hotel with bold design, rooftop bar, and modern Amman vibe.

Design loversNightlifeModern luxury
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Amman

  • 1 Jordan has no extreme tourist seasons - visit year-round
  • 2 Summer (June-August) is hot but less crowded
  • 3 Ramadan affects restaurant hours but creates special atmosphere
  • 4 Most travelers use Amman as Petra base - consider 2+ nights to explore
  • 5 Airport (Queen Alia) is 30km south - book transfer or arrange taxi
  • 6 The Jordan Pass includes visa and Petra entry - great value

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Amman?
Jabal Amman (Rainbow Street area). Best balance of atmosphere, restaurants, and access to historic downtown. Rainbow Street has Amman's best cafés and restaurants, with the Roman Theatre and Citadel walkable downhill. Book a hotel with views over the city for the full Amman experience.
How much does a hotel cost in Amman?
Hotels in Amman range from $31 per night for budget accommodation to $72 for mid-range and $154 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Amman?
Downtown (Al-Balad) (Roman ruins, souks, local food, budget stays, authentic Amman); Jabal Amman (1st Circle area) (Rainbow Street, cafés, galleries, trendy dining, walkable culture); Abdoun (Upscale shopping, embassies, modern restaurants, expat scene); Sweifieh / Um Uthaina (Business hotels, shopping malls, modern Amman, practical base)
Are there areas to avoid in Amman?
Very cheap downtown hotels may have noise and hygiene issues Western Amman (5th Circle+) is far from everything historic
When should I book a hotel in Amman?
Jordan has no extreme tourist seasons - visit year-round