Explore the Ancient City
Amman, the capital city of Jordan, is steeped in history. From the iconic Citadel to the theater, the city is full of ancient ruins that tell the epic stories of the old.
Walk through the old city and visit the famous landmarks while learning about the city’s vibrant past. Soak in the city’s rich culture and traditions, and check out some of the city’s best-kept secrets. Let’s explore one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Visit the Citadel
No visit to the Jordanian capital Amman is complete without spending a day at the ancient Citadel in the city’s heart. This sprawling fortress sits atop the highest hill in Amman, providing breathtaking views of this vibrant city and its towering mountains.
The Citadel is home to many important archaeological sites, with artifacts and ruins spanning thousands of years, from prehistory to the Islamic period.
Notable attractions within the Citadel include:
- A well-preserved Roman theater dating back to the 2nd century BC.
- Foundations from a Temple of Hercules built in 165 AD.
- Several Ottoman-era buildings.
Walking around these ruins gives an insight into Amman’s rich history and place as a central crossroads between East and West. Plenty of souvenir shops sell local handicrafts around the site so visitors can bring home some memories of their trip too!
Check out the Roman Theatre
Established when the Roman Emperor Hadrian founded the city in 129 AD, the famous Amman Roman Theatre is one of Jordan’s most remarkable ancient sites. The stunning theatre is a gorgeous reminder of Amman’s storied past and is a must-see for any traveler.
The theatre was designed to fit 15,000 people during its heyday, and recent renovations have preserved its amphitheater shape. Today, it’s used for events, festivals, and concerts all year round, making it a popular tourist attraction. When visiting this ancient site, visitors will be able to experience the following:
- Incredible views of Amman’s Old City from atop the theatre’s semicircular seating area
- Unique cultural performances that frequently occur at the site
- A variety of works of art inspired by Amman’s heyday as an important center for Hellenic culture
- The opportunity to take pictures of this breathtaking piece of archaeological history
- Interesting historical facts from both literary sources and inscriptions found at the site
Visiting the Roman Theatre is an excellent way to learn more about Jordan’s unique history and gain insight into one of Middle Eastern civilization’s greatest cities.
Explore the Amman Archaeological Museum
For visitors interested in the history of Amman, the Amman Archaeological Museum is a great place to explore. Established in 1951, this museum showcases artifacts dating back as far as 7500 BCE. Representatives from Middle Eastern civilizations are represented, with displays dedicated to Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and early Bronze age cultures. The museum’s centerpiece is the awe-inspiring collection of mosaics from two Roman churches in Jerash.
In addition to its primary exhibit, the museum offers guided tours through its collections focusing on Egyptian archaeology and Jordanian history. These tours provide deeper insight into each civilization’s way of life and customs within their respective regions during their respective periods. For those unable to take a guided tour or even those who do take one for additional information, there are books for visitors to peruse inside the museum and an on-site computer lab with interactive tours available.
Overall, visiting this museum is a great way to learn about the rich history of Amman and some of its predecessors that have lived inside its boundaries.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a vibrant and bustling city that offers travelers plenty of outdoor activities. Whether exploring the city’s ancient history, visiting Jordan’s renowned natural wonders, or taking in the culture, there is something for everyone outside Amman.
From visiting the ancient ruins of Jerash to taking a hike in the mountains, let’s explore all the outdoor activities you can do in Amman:
Go Hiking in the Mountains
Go Hiking in the Mountains – Amman, Jordan, has some impressive mountain ranges offering stunningly beautiful views. One of the best ways to experience them and their breathtaking panoramas is by taking a refreshing hike. Amman is located in a region with excellent weather year-round, so there’s no need to wait for winter or summer – you can trek anytime!
Wadi Shu’eib, Tumm Haydar, and Al Raxma Nature Reserve are the most popular hiking sites. Wadi Shu’eib has several trails offering different difficulty levels – perfect for seasoned trekkers and novices alike. Tumm Haydar boasts a vista that can’t be seen anywhere else due to its unique geography – you’ll have the chance to explore pastures, meadows, forests, and more. Finally, Al Raxma Nature Reserve provides several beginners’ paths zigzagging through pine forests, limestone peaks, and ravines so that you can take it all in at your own pace.
Whether you’re paying homage to nature’s grandest sites or just looking for an escape from city life, go hiking in the mountains of Amman! Once you’ve experienced it firsthand, there’s no doubt that it will leave an inspiring mark on you forever.
Visit the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is one of the most revered natural attractions in the world. Located less than an hour’s drive from Amman, Jordan, it has several resorts and unique accommodations that provide guests with excellent beach and water sports activities.
The water from the Dead Sea is believed by many to possess regenerative properties due to its extremely high salt content. Visitors can enjoy traditional shoreline experiences like swimming and sun-tanning; however, mud baths are also popular thanks to the deep texture that provides soothing relief for those who suffer from aches and pains.
Not only can visitors enjoy the therapeutic experience of wading in this ancient body of water, but they can also take part in boat tours, view Tel Arad National Park, or even explore nearby tourist attractions such as Mount Nebo or Madaba Mosaic City. Although access to the Dead Sea may be limited during peak times due to its popularity among visitors, travelers should plan their trips accordingly. This extraordinary natural wonder will surely provide them with an unforgettable experience!
Go Camping in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, a protected desert valley in southern Jordan, is a magical destination and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The rugged, orange cliffs that rise from the empty valleys create an atmosphere of hush and ambiance. Camping in Wadi Rum allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of traditional Bedouins and enjoy activities such as trekking, off-roading, and rock climbing.
Plenty of guided trips bring visitors to Wadi Rum from Amman, so exploring this natural wonder is easy without much planning or packing. On these trips, you can expect a variety of activities tailored to each group. So whether you are looking for an active adventure or a peaceful night under the stars, visiting Wadi Rum is conveniently achievable and unforgettable. In addition, guests can choose their own camping experience – pick a quiet spot away from other tourists or join an organized car-camping safari with other adventurers like yourself.
At nightfall, watch out for the spectacular dome of stars overhead! If you’re looking for something special during your trip, take advantage of the low light pollution in this area: Stargazing usually offers incredible views! With magnificent landscapes everywhere you turn and plenty of opportunities for discovery – Wadi Rum provides an incredible backdrop for visitors who wish to escape the city life and refresh their spirit with its unique beauty. It’s an experience not to be missed when visiting Amman!
Visit Religious Sites
Visiting religious sites is one of the most popular activities among Amman, Jordan, tourists. You can visit places such as the King Hussein Mosque, the Citadel of Amman, the Church of Saint George, and the Church of Saint Paul. These places offer insight into the religious culture of Jordan and allow visitors to learn more about the country’s history.
Explore the King Hussein Mosque
The King Hussein Mosque is an iconic religious site in Amman, Jordan. It covered an area of approximately 5 acres and was built on a slightly sloping hill overlooking the city and the Dead Sea. The Bank al-Sharq, founded by the late King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan and contains his remains, is inside the mosque complex.
The mosque is noted for its unique design that combines a modern Jordanian style with traditional Islamic architecture. The marble walls are decorated with elegant calligraphy and ornamental tile work; you can admire more than 1600 stained glass windows inside. Also, check out the golden dome at the top of the building, which rises 45 meters above ground level and offers stunning views over Amman city.
Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of King Hussein Mosque at any time, but it’s best to make advance arrangements with your hotel or tour operator if you wish to take a guided tour. Also, visitors must dress modestly before entering (long-sleeved shirts for men; long dresses for women).
Visit the Al Husseini Mosque
The Al Husseini Mosque, or the Great Mosque of Amman, is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and one of the city’s oldest religious sites. It was first built in 707 AD by the Umayyads and later expanded by Mamelukes and Ottomans.
This breathtaking mosque has an elaborate courtyard surrounded by a beautifully carved gate with five domes, which give it a majestic air. It houses three room-sized prayer halls with intricate tilework and rich wooden furnishings. The walls and ceilings are adorned with colorful oil paintings depicting scenes from Prophet Mohammed’s life. Visitors can climb to the roof for magnificent views of Amman cityscape or visit the tomb of Mohammad Ibn Ali Al Husseini for spiritual blessings. For many longtime residents, visiting this mosque is essential to their spiritual journey in Jordan.
Explore the Church of St. George
The Church of St. George is a popular religious attraction in Amman, Jordan. Located in the city’s center, the Greek Orthodox church has an attractive and intricate façade that makes it worth a visit. In addition, some images and artifacts dating back to the 19th century indicate Christianity and Jordanian culture.
The Church of St. George was named after Saint George’s Latin Basilica in Jerusalem and is regarded as one of Jordan’s most important Christian sites. Every year, Christians from all walks of life celebrate Saint George’s martyrdom on April 23rd by decorating his shrine with fresh flowers and burning incense.
Visitors exploring Amman’s churches can also discover more about Christianity during their visit to the Church of St. George. Several educational tours offer insights into Christian tradition and belief throughout Jordan’s history. The iconic building is open to visitors for prayer or sightseeing throughout the day but closes for worship sessions on Sundays when more faithful Christians come to worship here.
Consider taking some time off from your busy schedule and exploring this fascinating religious site with its roots deep within traditional Christianity – a trip you won’t regret!
Enjoy the Nightlife
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone. So whether you’re looking for exciting nightlife venues, live music, or just a laid-back night out, you can find it in Amman. There are plenty of clubs and pubs, each offering its unique atmosphere and music.
Let’s take a look at some of the top nightlife spots in Amman:
Visit the Rainbow Street
The vibrant cultural hub of Amman, Rainbow Street, is renowned for its buzzing nightlife. The streets are lined with restaurants, bars, cafés, and lounges – making it the perfect spot to sample local foods and drinks or hear live street performers.
Take a stroll down the street, and stop by Zoomy Café – a trendy restaurant at the top end of Rainbow Street. Zoomy Cafe serves traditional Jordanian cuisine in modern settings and has a beautiful rooftop terrace perfect for enjoying meals under the night sky.
As you make your way down Rainbow Street, you will also come across some great bars like The London Bar, AnQi Cocktail Bar, and G-Lounge, all of which have live DJs spinning music late into the night. If you tire of walking, plenty of taxis are available – head over to the main square at Safi Mukhtar Station for easy access to cabs anytime.
Whether you’re looking for mouthwatering food or an exciting night out on the town, Rainbow Street is an absolute must when in Amman!
Check out the Amman Jazz Festival
The Amman Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in Jordan’s capital city of Amman, has been hailed as one of the best jazz festivals in the Middle East. Since its launch in 2012, it has brought together over 300 local and international musicians worldwide.
Over four nights of live music, the festival features performances from artists representing a variety of genres, including big bands, orchestral jazz, funk, and even world music. In addition to the stages nestled along downtown Amman’s Rainbow Street, several other venues throughout the city host special event concerts showcasing up-and-coming jazz musicians from across Jordan and beyond.
The festival atmosphere is electric, with bookstores and cultural centers hosting lectures and workshops for budding musicians looking to hone their craft. And during the day, a colorful street bazaar fills with vendors selling local crafts and wares from different parts of the Middle East – including vintage instruments sent straight from Cairo!
On top of all that excitement is an array of delicious dining options ranging from cozy cafes serving fresh-brewed coffee to upscale restaurants serving mouthwatering seafood dishes to satisfy both budget eaters and connoisseurs alike.
The Amman Jazz Festival is truly an experience; come out to explore rising stars and established talent while soaking up all that one of Jordan’s most vibrant cities has to offer!
Enjoy the Food Scene
Enjoy a memorable night in Amman, Jordan, by visiting some of its delicious restaurants featuring worldwide cuisine. If you’re looking for a casual dinner, don’t miss out on one of the many street food carts serving traditional Jordanian dishes such as shawarma or kabseh.
For adventurous palates, experimental fusion restaurants such as Libertine and Siddharta Lounge merge Middle Eastern flavors with European and Asian ingredients for an exciting new take on traditional global cuisines.
Relax with friends and colleagues over drinks at one of Amman’s many bars and pubs, such as The Roman Theater Pub, a popular spot among locals. Enjoy plays, music performances, art galleries, and more while unwinding with a few glasses of wine or beer.
Other popular drinks outings include:
- Enjoying locally brewed brews at Beer Bunker
- Cocktails at Habiba Lounge – both established favorites among visitors and locals alike.
Shopping
If you are looking for a shopping experience like no other, Amman is the place to go. This vibrant Jordanian city is home to colorful bazaars, bustling souks, and modern shopping centers. Let’s look at the shopping opportunities that await you when you visit Amman!
Visit the Souq Al-Asr
The Souq Al-Asr, which translates to the Market of Time, is located in the heart of Amman, Jordan. This bustling outdoor bazaar is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It is one of the oldest markets in the city, with an intense atmosphere and plenty of exciting items to purchase.
Offerings include traditional handcrafted jewelry, carpets, textiles, and souvenirs. You’ll also find an array of spices, fruit, and vegetables on sale at lower prices than if you purchased them elsewhere in town. So visiting Souq Al-Asr will surely be memorable if you’re looking for a unique gift or want to experience market life firsthand.
Explore the Al-Husseini Grand Souq
The Al-Husseini Grand Souq, or the souq al-aghnam, is a must-see destination in Amman. Located in the heart of downtown near Rainbow Street and Hashimi Street, it is the largest souq in Amman and has something for everyone. Grand souqs are more than just markets; they are places where conversations occur and cultures mix.
The souq consists of alleys that divide it into quarters. The first quarter is devoted to spices, herbs, and dried fruits from all over the Middle East; it’s also home to some of Amman’s best falafel stands. You’ll find an array of nuts, seeds, olives, and candied fruits, and many stalls will let you sample them before purchasing. In addition to cuisine ingredients and spices, you can buy incense sticks (bukhoor), jars of oils used for perfumes (attar), and herbal remedies sold by pharmacists – a tradition from ancient times known as Unani or traditional medicine.
The second quarter houses some fabric shops where women can choose fabrics to be stitched into dresses with traditional custom designs – perfect gifts for family members back home! The third quarter is generally devoted to haberdashery; zips, buttons, and craft materials can be bought along with some old dried flowers like ‘marine’ (shahm). Finally, the fourth quarter specializes mainly in kitchenware such as dishes (maajeen) and pottery (al-foolia) as well as handmade incenses holders called “maqlabah” (incense burners) plus shopkeepers sell household tools such as equipment for cleaning or lighting lamps are available there too.
Whether looking for exotic flavors or traditional items handcrafted using time-honored techniques passed down through generations, the Al-Husseini Grand Souq will satisfy your shopping needs!
Check Out the Amman Mall
Amman Mall is located in the bustling city center of Amman and is one of Jordan’s largest contemporary malls. Covering 120,000 square meters, the mall is a perfect shopping destination with over 180 international brands.
Whether it’s your preferred designer labels, reasonably priced classics, or electronics and gadgets you want to take back home – you’ll find them all at Rock City Mall. Chic clothing and footwear stores combine with an impressive food court offering unique cuisines worldwide, ensuring that all your retail needs are met in one place in Amman.
Apart from the shopping outlets, the place also has cinema halls with state-of-the-art digital projection systems and sound technology, bringing Hollywood to Jordan! So if you want entertainment after your shopping spree, don’t worry! There is plenty of activity going on here at all times, like fashion shows and celebrity appearances, making it even more exciting for shoppers. There is something to enjoy here as this mall is arranged on four levels so everyone can get lost in their little world while exploring this beautiful shopping paradise!