Jordan is known for its tourist destinations that anyone could be amazed by just looking at them. The best things to do in Amman are no exception and you’ll definitely enjoy the city with the amazing tourist attractions in Amman.
If you want to have some fun in Jordan, discover the local culture, and get a local insight into daily Jordanian life, make sure to follow this Amman itinerary. I didn’t get to spend much time in Amman, but it was enough for me to experience the awesomeness of Jordan’s capital city!
While Petra is one of the Seven World Wonders and Jordan’s most popular monument, there are many other things to do in Jordan, especially in the Capital, Amman.
So without any further ado, let’s jump right into the best things to do in Amman, Jordan!
Best Things to Do in Amman – Summary
Before discussing the things to see in Amman, let’s cover some essentials that you should know before visiting, such as Amman’s location, getting there, and more.
Where is Amman?
Amman is the capital of Jordan, located in the north of the country and bordering Israel, Palestine, and Syria.
Picture a city full of amazing history and cool modern spots. It’s perched on hills, offering great views. Amman is a mix of old traditions and new vibes, all in one place!
How to Get to Amman?
To get into Amman, you have to fly to Queen Alia International Airport. It’s just a short ride from the city, and you can then get a ride to your hotel, which I recommend pre-booking online to avoid pressure as soon as you land.
Best Time to Visit Amman
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit Amman. The weather is super comfy – not too hot or cold.
It’s perfect for exploring and enjoying outdoor fun. Plus, the city looks beautiful with spring flowers or autumn leaves!
Best-Rated Tour
Street Food and Walking Tour in Amman
- Enjoy the day with a private guide
- See the most famous spots in 5 hours
- Best and affordable way to visit Amman
Includes
- Expert guide full of stories
- Lots of delicious food and drinks
- Entrance fee Citadel and Amman Roman Theater
15 Best Things to Do in Amman, Jordan
Now that you have some essential information, let’s go through the best activities in Amman to make the most of your time. From exploring the downtown area to taking a day trip to Petra, you’re in for a treat.
Admire the Sunrise from Amman Citadel
Amman Citadel is one of the most important historical places in the middle of downtown Amman. This hill, one of the seven major hills in Amman, was the capital of the Kingdom of Ammon after 1200 BC.
Amman Citadel is an ancient archaeological site that offers breathtaking views of the city. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the sun is just starting to rise. The light casts a beautiful glow on the cityscape, and you can see for miles.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Jordanian flag flying in the breeze. So make sure to add Amman Citadel to your list of must-see attractions. Additionally, the Jordan Archaeological Museum, which showcases life-size statues, skulls from the archaeological site of Jericho, and various other artifacts, provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich history of Jordan.
In regards to its history, the Citadel has been home to a number of significant civilizations for a long time. Traces of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period have been discovered, and the hill was fortified during the Bronze Age (1800 BCE).
After about 1200 BCE, Amman became the capital of Ammon’s Kingdom. It subsequently got under the control of empires such as:
- The Neo-Assyrian Empire (8th century BCE)
- The Neo-Babylonian Empire (6th century BC)
- The Seleucids (3rd century BCE)
- The Romans (1st century CE)
- The Byzantines (3rd century CE)
- And the Umayyads (7th century CE).
The period after the Umayyads was a period of decline, during which much of Amman became an abandoned ruin. Despite this gap, Amman’s Citadel is regarded as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited locations.
Join a Street Food and Walking Tour
If there’s one way to understand a culture and try the best food in town, it’s to join a street food tour. And when it includes a walking tour of Amman, like in this case, you know you’re in for a treat.
This guided tour is not just about tasting the best of local cuisine – falafel, hummus, mansaf, and mouth-watering kunafa – but also about connecting with the city’s heartbeat.
You’ll discover the souks and historical neighborhoods, as well as the Citadel, the Roman Theater, and the famous Rainbow Street.
It’s an intimate experience that offers a unique perspective on Amman’s culture and history. Plus, it’s affordable, which is a really cool way to explore the city!
Visit the Roman Theater
The Roman Theatre is merely a group of gigantic, circular, and open-air Roman theatres that were built by the ancient Romans. The Romans used the theater for events such as gladiator combats and execution.
The latter used to be done over a massive piece of wood where the perpetrator’s neck was cut in front of all of the audience. If you ever go there, rub a piece of white paper on that piece of wood, and you’ll notice how it gets red immediately.
The Roman Theatre is made up of three major parts; namely, the cavea, the vomitorium, and the arena.
The cavea is the seating area, the arena is the fighting area, and the vomitorium is the passing area that is situated between the seats.
Take a Tour to Wadi Rum Desert and Petra
Wadi Rum is a valley that is divided into sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan. You don’t need to drive too much from Amman to get there; it’s about 200 km away.
Going to Wadi Rum is not only about camping there and having fun with your group, but also you can do a lot of activities. For instance, you could spend the night at one of the Wadi Rum bubble hotels, which is a unique experience I can’t recommend enough.
Regarding Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I guess there’s no need to introduce the world wonder. I took a tour from Jerusalem and it took a few hours by bus. The trip was incredible, let alone the ancient city!
While I’d personally recommend joining a tour to travel to Petra, you’ll only have 4 hours inside the ancient city, and you probably want to stay more.
You’ll have the chance to sleep in a bedouin camp, ride a horse, and visit the incredible site with a guide. If you have the opportunity, visit Petra at night, as many candles will be lit in front of the treasury and that’s certainly a moment to remember.
The journey from Amman to Petra takes approximately 3 hours, and joining a tour is definitely one of the best things in Amman you can do! Plus, if you plan to spend 10 days in Jordan or more, you could take a tour that covers Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba.
Discover King Abdullah Mosque
King Abdullah Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Amman, Jordan. It’s named after the late King Abdullah II and it’s surely one of the most beautiful in the Middle East.
The mosque has a capacity of 10,000 worshippers and features a huge courtyard and a towering minaret. It’s definitely worth a visit!
If you’re interested in learning more about Islam and Jordanian culture, the King Abdullah Mosque is a great place to start. The mosque offers tours and there are often cultural events and exhibitions taking place.
Last but not least, I also recommend checking out Grand Husseini mosque, also called Al Husseini mosque, when visiting Amman.
Take a Day Trip to Jerash
Jerash is a city in the northern part of Jordan. It’s very near to the capital city, Amman; it’s only 48 kilometers away. This city prospered during the Roman period until the mid-eighth century CE.
Over 200,000 tourists visit the city of Jerash every year, and it’s simply one of the most interesting sights in the Middle East. During the summer months of every year, the celebration of the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts takes place.
The well-preserved ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into life in the ancient world, and the gorgeous mountain scenery is a refreshing change from the desert landscape. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.
And don’t forget to bargain with the local vendors for souvenirs! With its rich history and beautiful setting, Jerash is a must-see for any visitor to Jordan.
Discover the Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan
Take a step back in time with a visit to the Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan, another one of the best things to do in Amman. These are simply architectural marvels and are remnants of the Umayyad dynasty, in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Explore castles like Qasr Amra, with its stunning frescoes, and Qasr Kharana, a fortress-like castle with intriguing rooms.
You’ll also stop at Azraq Castle, which is an awesome addition.
The best way to visit is with a local, and the tour below not only includes lunch and transportation but also the entrance fees, WiFi on board, and countless memories to be made.
Spend Some Time at the Souk
Here are the names of the best shops in downtown Amman where you can enjoy your time.
Souk El-Bukharia
This is literally the oldest market in Jordan; it’s an open-air market where you can satisfy all your needs. There you can find lace trimmings, fabrics, clothes, and accessories for affordable prices.
Souk Mango
Here, you many find dresses, suits, all kinds of clothes, and rare traditional Jordanian and eastern accessories
Souk El-Khodra
This is your best destination if you want to buy fresh vegetables. Most of the crops are locally grown-up and the prices are much more affordable than any market or mall. Enjoy walking around there with the promotion songs of the traders!
Explore Downtown Amman and its Street Art
Street art has been one of the most common and admirable kinds of art in all countries and cities around the world. Street art in Amman is unique due to the representation that every portrait holds.
The famous street art is certainly one of the things to do in Amman that you should visit.
This picture, in Sweifieh, Amman, by Hind Al- Far, represents women’s freedom and independence. “I want to open minds” refers to women’s essential role in enlightenment, education, and their right to participate in different types of social and political activities.
Visit Amman at Night
The choice is yours! Sleeping at night in Amman is not a good idea. Nights at Amman are very active and full of life. You can reward yourself after a long day of working by just driving around in Amman streets at night.
There are tens of streets to spend your nights in Amman such as Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman or Wakalat Street in Sweifieh. Even if you’re alone, you’d purify your mind by just walking around. You can literally get rid of all of your negative energy there!
Last but not least, downtown streets remain vibrant all night long; you can walk, eat, drink, laugh, and so much more. Keep your watch in your car, spend your time walking around, and take some night shots to feed your Insta!
Head to Wadi Mujib Siq Trail
If you’re up for a real adventure, you must check out the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail. It’s like Jordan’s version of a mini Grand Canyon!
Imagine a hike where you’re not just walking on a trail, but also wading through streams, climbing over rocks, and even sliding down natural water slides.
The canyon walls are so high and close together, it’s like being in another world. The best part? Along the way, you’ll come across these little waterfalls where you can just stop and cool off.
It’s an absolute blast and a workout, but totally worth it. Plus, the views? Absolutely unreal. You’ll feel like an explorer discovering an untouched paradise!
Join a Day Trip to the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is an incredible salt lake about 1300 feet below sea level. Another reason why you should visit the Dead Sea is that it’s the lowest place on Earth. The high salt concentration results in natural buoyancy that makes anything float as you’ve never seen before.
Also, if you’re not that good at swimming, you can still trust the salt percentage there; it will carry you without even moving. In addition, there are tons of fancy and luxurious hotels around the Dead Sea where you can enjoy your time.
Lastly, thousands of people go there in order to benefit from the natural mineral-rich waters. It’s scientifically proven that the clay of the Dead Sea is the best natural skin-softening resource.
It purifies and cleans your skin within minutes, so if you’re a lady, you know what to do in Amman!
Learn About History at the Jordan Museum
The Jordan Museum is located in the East of Amman and is the largest museum in Jordan. It hosts the most important archaeological findings in the country. The museum displays artifacts from different archaeological places in Jordan.
The Children’s Museum Jordan, with its interactive exhibits for children, is another wonderful place for families to visit in Amman.
This museum was built by a committee headed by Queen Rania Abdullah. While the entrance fee will cost you 5JOD, or $7, it is definitely worth coming in and seeing what the country’s history is like.
Go Visit Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street is one of the essential places to see not only in Jabal Amman but in the city center in general. This street must be one of your first destinations whenever you think of walking around.
All kinds of restaurants, coffees with singers, supermarkets, sweets, and ice-cream stores are all available 24/7.
All you have to do is to go to one of the coffees, specifically on the upper floor, and you’ll love it if you are a smoker! Sweet breezes with soft music can literally get you to another world. To sum up, it’s one of the most pleasant things to do in Amman that you definitely shouldn’t miss!
Sign Up for Half-Day Tour to Madaba and Mount Nebo
for a change of pace, how about a half-day tour to Madaba and Mount Nebo? Madaba is this super cool town known for its ancient mosaics, especially the famous map of the Holy Land. You’ll feel like stepping back in time when you see these artworks.
They’re not just beautiful; they tell stories of the past. And Mount Nebo is just unbelievable.
It’s said to be the spot where Moses saw the Promised Land. When you stand there, looking out over the valley with the Dead Sea in the distance, it’s so peaceful and humbling, and you’ll quickly understand why taking a trip here is one of the best things to do in Amman.
The whole trip is not just about seeing cool spots; it’s about connecting with history and maybe even a bit of self-discovery. Plus, the drive through the Jordanian landscape is pretty sweet too!
Attractions in Amman, Jordan – FAQ
Now that you have a better understanding and overview of the things to do in Amman Jordan, let’s go through some questions that first-timers have and that you may have too.
Is Amman Worth Visiting?
Jordan’s capital city, Amman, is a must-see. You can easily spend some pleasants in Amman because there are so many must-see sites and activities that you haven’t seen anywhere else.
The locals are very friendly, and the atmosphere is simply unique. Whether you decide to enjoy the sunrise from the Citadel, take a stroll at the market, or enjoy some delicacies, you will immediately fall in love with Amman
Amman is definitely worth visiting, and I’d recommend stopping for a few days before going to Petra.
How Long Should You Spend in Amman?
There are endless things to do in Amman, and you surely won’t get bored for a second. If you plan to experience the real Jordan hospitality and see everything the city has to offer, I recommend staying 3 to 4 full days.
In fact, there are simply too many things to do in Amman, and staying at least 3 nights will allow you to see the best.
Is Amman Safe?
As a whole, Amman is one of the safest cities in the middle east. Of course, just like everywhere else in the world, there are some risks. Just be careful with pickpockets when going to crowded areas, for instance, at the Souk.
But apart from that, you shouldn’t worry about serious crimes when you visit Amman. All in all, you can enjoy the capital of Jordan even walking at night while grabbing some Arabic food on the street or going to one of the numerous restaurants.
Is Amman Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
As mentioned previously, Amman is a safe place and modern city. However, it’s always riskier for solo female travelers. While female travelers shouldn’t worry too much when staying in Amman, it is better if they remain in the central areas:
- Al Balad
- Jabal Hussein
- Jabal Amman
- Rainbow Street
- Jabal al-Weibdeh
Where to Stay in Amman
Last but not least, let’s talk about the accommodation options in Amman, whether you travel on a budget or have the means for a premium property.
Luxury: Hilton Amman
Located in Shmeisani, this contemporary hotel is near shopping centers. Features include an indoor pool, gym, spa, restaurant, and personalized room service.
Rooms offer city views, flat-screen TV, minibar, and ironing facilities, with suites including a living room. The SKY Lounge offers panoramic city views, ideal for events. The hotel is close to Amman Citadel and a short drive from the airport.
Mid-Range: Shams Alweibdeh Hotel
Situated near Rainbow Street and Al Hussainy Mosque in Amman, this aparthotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool and air-conditioned units with kitchenettes. Amenities include free WiFi, parking, and facilities for disabled guests. Units have satellite TV, safety deposit boxes, and private bathrooms.
Continental breakfast, a lounge, and grocery delivery service are available, alongside garden relaxation and sightseeing tours.
Budget: Carob Hostel
This Amman hostel features a garden, lounge, terrace, bar, and BBQ facilities. Offering room service, airport transfers, and a shared kitchen with free WiFi.
Rooms include wardrobes, and selected rooms have kitchens. The hostel serves various breakfast options and has a restaurant offering diverse cuisines. Activities include table tennis, darts, and cycling, with nearby attractions like Temple of Hercules and Rainbow Street.
Conclusion
There are many things to do in Amman, Jordan. You can visit ancient archaeological sites like the Temple of Hercules or the Citadel. There are also plenty of modern attractions, like King Abdullah I Mosque or the Royal Automobile Museum. With its blend of old and new, Amman is a city that has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a place to relax, there are plenty of parks and gardens, or you can take a dip in one of the city’s many public pools. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find something to do in Amman. Thanks for reading!
