Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, originally founded on seven hills, today it has spread over more than twenty hills. From the ruins of ancient Philadelphia to modern cafés and galleries, the city offers stunning contrasts to visitors. Amman is also a perfect base for visiting Petra, the Dead Sea and Jerash. Here are the 10 best sights and programmes you can discover in Amman and its surroundings.
1. Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Standing on the city's highest hill, the Citadel condenses several thousand years of history into a single site, from the Bronze Age to the Islamic era. The most impressive remains are the Umayyad Palace, the columns of the Temple of Hercules and the ruins of the Byzantine basilica. From the Citadel an unparalleled panorama opens over the whole city, especially at sunset, when the lights of the minarets come on. On the site is also the Jordan Archaeological Museum, which presents 8,000-year-old finds.
2. Roman Theatre
This 2nd-century Roman theatre stands in the heart of Amman's city centre and still preserves, in stunning condition, the memory of the ancient city of Philadelphia. The amphitheatre, able to hold about 6,000 people, is located at the foot of the Citadel and still hosts cultural events today. Next to the theatre, two small museums, the Jordan Folklore Museum and the Museum of Jordanian Popular Traditions, can also be seen. From the top of the steps there's a lovely view of the city and the Citadel.
3. Rainbow Street
Amman's trendiest street on Jabal Amman hill, where alongside traditional Ottoman-era houses stand modern cafés, galleries and boutiques. The street comes especially alive on Friday evenings, when locals and tourists alike sit out on the terraces. In the area, excellent restaurants offer local and international cuisine, try the Hashem restaurant, Amman's most famous falafel spot. A walk from Rainbow Street leads into the old city centre and the souks.
4. Jordan National Museum
Opened in 2014, this ultramodern museum presents Jordan's most comprehensive historical and cultural collection. Among the most valuable exhibits are the Ain Ghazal statues (9,000-year-old human figurines) and part of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The interactive exhibitions lead you chronologically through prehistory, the ancient civilisations and the Islamic era. The museum is located in the Ras al-Ain area, and 2–3 hours is enough for a thorough visit.
5. King Abdullah I Mosque
Built in 1989, this blue-domed mosque is one of Amman's most recognisable modern buildings, able to hold up to 7,000 worshippers. Non-Muslim visitors can enter too, for women, the abaya (cloak) is provided at the entrance. The mosque's interior is made stunning by the blue mosaics and gold decorations, and the huge dome is 35 metres in diameter. The visit takes about 20–30 minutes, and the local guides are happy to tell you about the basics of Islamic architecture and the religion.
6. King Hussein Park
Amman's largest green area stretches over the western part of the city and is the favourite spot of families, sportspeople and those wishing to relax. In the park are the Jordan Children's Museum, the Royal Automobile Museum (with the royal family's car collection) and the Royal Cultural Centre. The park fills with locals especially at weekends, a great chance to glimpse the everyday of Jordanian family life. The Automobile Museum's collection presents more than 70 vehicles, from vintage cars to royal limousines.
7. Jerash Roman ruins
Just 50 km from Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman ruin cities in the Middle East, and was a member of the Roman Empire's Decapolis league. The colonnaded main street (Cardo Maximus), the monumental Arch of Hadrian and the oval forum have survived in unparalleled condition. The site can be covered in 2–3 hours, but bring water and sun protection, as there's hardly any shade. Organised tours depart daily from Amman, but it's also easily reachable by taxi or rented car.
8. Day trip to the Dead Sea
The world's lowest point (about 430 metres below sea level) is reachable from Amman in barely an hour's drive. In the 34% salt-concentration water it's impossible to sink, the experience of floating is unforgettable, and the therapeutic mud has a beneficial effect on the skin. On the shore there are several public and paid beaches; Amman Beach is the best-known. Important: don't shave before the visit, and take care that the salty water doesn't get in your eyes.
9. Day trip to Petra (UNESCO, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World)
The 2,000-year-old rock city of the Nabataeans is reachable from Amman by about a 3-hour drive or by JETT bus, and is Jordan's absolute must-see sight. Walking through the Siq gorge (a 1.2-km-long narrow rock cleft), the pink facade of the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) emerges. Petra is huge, for a thorough exploration set aside at least two days, and set off in comfortable hiking shoes. The Jordan Pass includes admission, which otherwise costs 50 JOD (one day) or 55 JOD (two days).
10. Amman gastronomy
Jordanian cuisine is one of the richest and most varied gastronomic traditions in the Middle East, and Amman is the best place to explore it. Mansaf, lamb cooked in a yoghurt sauce on a bed of rice, is Jordan's national dish, served as a symbol of local hospitality. Falafel and hummus are available on every street corner, but do try kunafa too, a hot cheese-and-syrup dessert that is the speciality of Amman's street vendors. The souks of the city centre and the restaurants of Rainbow Street offer a wide selection from the traditional to modern Arab fusion cuisine.
Practical tips
- Jordan Pass: Be sure to buy the Jordan Pass (70–80 JOD), which includes the visa fee, admission to Petra and admission to 40+ further sites, a huge saving.
- Currency and payment: The official currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD). Bank cards are accepted at larger places, but in the souks and taxis you'll need cash.
- Dress: In Amman, Western clothing is accepted, but clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended for mosques and the more conservative districts. Comfortable shoes are essential because of the hills and steps.
- Transport within the country: The JETT bus company runs reliable services to Petra (about 11 JOD) and the Dead Sea. With a rental car you can explore the country with the greatest freedom.
- Using an eSIM: On arriving in Jordan, with an eSIM you can access the internet immediately, useful for hailing Careem/Uber, navigating and displaying the digital Jordan Pass at entry.