Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan and a fascinating mixture of ancient and modern. The city is a commercial centre with modern hotels and good shopping opportunities in the numerous malls, most of them located in Western Amman, as well as museums and historical ruins from Roman, Byzantine and Arab origin. In addition, Amman is an ideal starting point to trips to other destinations in Jordan, like the Dead Sea or the famous ancient city of Petra.
King Abdullah Mosque in Amman
King Abdullah Mosque in Amman
Historic old town, colorful souq and modern facilities in lively Amman
Most tourism attractions in Amman are located in the Old town centered around the Souq, the colorful traditional marketplace of Amman. The beautiful Old Town of Amman, Balad, built of white stone is home to many wonderful museums, monuments and cultural sites like the Roman Amphitheatre and King Hussein Mosque. Amman’s Roman Amphitheatre which is one of the largest in the Middle East has been carved into a mountain. Other interesting sights in Amman include the Al-Qalah Castle surrounded by a Greek wall, the Umayyad Palace and an art gallery. They are all located on a top of the Citadel hill and offer great views over the city of Amman.
Amman cityscape at sunset
Shopping & culture. Amman is a modern metropolis with new highways and avenues, modern hotels and resorts. There are good opportunities for affordable shopping in Amman in the many modern shopping malls in the city. There are also interesting cultural centers, theatres and museums in Amman. Amman hosts the Jordan Short Film Festival in September. The city is also a good base for visiting nearby historical and biblical sites including Jerash,Petra and Mount Nebo, and mountain areas that are good for outdoor activities such as trekking. The shores of the Dead Sea are close to Amman as well.
Practical information for your stay in Amman
Located in a hilly area in the northwest of Jordan, Amman enjoys Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Although the weather in Amman is generally ideal for sightseeing year-round, the best times to visit Amman are in spring or in autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Amman city lights at night
How to get there. Most international flights to Amman arrive at the Queen Alia airport 35 kilometers south of the capital. This airport receives flights to Jordan from many countries around the world.
The new bus station in Northern Amman offers bus connections to Amman from major cities in Jordan and elsewhere in the Middle East.
Local transport. Taxis and buses are available for transportation inside Amman. Local taxis are cheap but do not have meters, so agree on a price beforehand. Car rental in Amman is a good option if you want to explore the country on your own, as the highways in the country are in a fairly good condition.
Nuts for sale in an Amman souq
Visitor services. There is a full range of hotels in Amman from budget hotels to luxurious five-star hotels. Therestaurants in Amman offer a wide range of cuisines representing all kinds of international and local Jordanian delicacies like Mansaf, Shwarma and roasted lamb. The majority of the friendly inhabitants of Amman consist of Palestinian and Iraqi refugees and they always welcome a visitor. English is spoken by many people in the city.
Safety. Amman is generally a safe city with no major crime problems, but due to some recent terrorist attacks, a bit of caution is advised. Watch out for the local traffic as well.
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