Amman
Where Roman ruins crown seven hills, falafel costs less than a dollar, and the road to Petra begins.
1 day in Amman
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Amman in a single action-packed day.
Best of Amman in 24 Hours
The Citadel & Roman Theatre
Start your day at the Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) — Amman's ancient hilltop fortress with ruins spanning the Bronze Age to the Islamic era. The Temple of Hercules columns frame the city beautifully, and the Umayyad Palace gives a sense of Amman's historical importance. Entry is JOD 2. Walk down the steep hill to the 6,000-seat Roman Theatre (JOD 1), built in the 2nd century AD and still used for events today. The acoustics are remarkable — test them from the top row. Both sites take around 2 hours together. Grab a fresh orange juice from the street vendors outside (JOD 0.25).
Downtown Amman & Rainbow Street
Explore downtown (Al-Balad) — the chaotic, authentic heart of Amman. Walk through the gold souq, spice market, and clothing bazaars along King Faisal Street. Lunch at Hashem Restaurant — a legendary open-air falafel joint that's been serving since 1952. A full plate of falafel, hummus, ful, and bread costs JOD 2–3 and it's among the best you'll ever eat. Then climb up to Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman — the trendy neighbourhood with cafes, art galleries, independent bookshops, and street art. Stop at Turtle Green for specialty coffee (JOD 3).
Sunset Views & Mansaf Dinner
Walk to the Wild Jordan Centre on Rainbow Street for sunset views over downtown Amman — the call to prayer echoing across the seven hills as the city turns golden is unforgettable. The centre has a terrace cafe with organic food and panoramic views (mains JOD 6–10). For dinner, try mansaf — Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) over rice. Sufra Restaurant on Rainbow Street serves an excellent version (JOD 8–12). Eat with your right hand for the traditional experience. After dinner, walk the lit-up streets of Jabal Amman.
3 days in Amman
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure — designed for younger travelers.
Ancient Amman & Downtown
The Citadel & Archaeological Museum
Begin at the Citadel (JOD 2) — Amman's ancient hilltop fortress with layers of civilisation from the Bronze Age through Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods. The Temple of Hercules is the showpiece — two massive columns framing the city below. The Umayyad Palace complex includes a domed audience hall with beautiful stone carvings. The on-site Jordan Archaeological Museum houses the Dead Sea Scrolls fragments and the Ain Ghazal statues — some of the oldest human figures ever found (9,000 years old). Allow 1.5–2 hours for everything.
Roman Theatre & Downtown Souqs
Walk downhill to the 2nd-century Roman Theatre (JOD 1) — carved into the hillside and seating 6,000 spectators. The acoustics are extraordinary. The small Museum of Popular Traditions inside has traditional Jordanian costumes and jewellery. Then explore downtown Amman — King Faisal Street and the surrounding souqs sell gold, spices, perfumes, and household goods at local prices. Lunch at Hashem Restaurant — Amman's most famous falafel spot since 1952. A feast of falafel, hummus, ful, pickles, and unlimited bread costs JOD 2–3 per person.
Rainbow Street & Sunset
Climb up to Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman — the city's trendiest neighbourhood. Browse Books@Cafe (Amman's original independent bookshop-cafe, JOD 3–5 for coffee and cake), explore the street art, and visit the Darat al Funun art gallery (free) set in a 1920s villa with gardens overlooking downtown. Head to the Wild Jordan Centre for sunset — the terrace has panoramic views and organic food (JOD 6–10 mains). For dinner, Sufra Restaurant serves superb Jordanian home cooking — mansaf (JOD 8), musakhan (JOD 7), and maqluba (JOD 7).
Neighbourhoods, Food & Culture
Jabal al-Weibdeh & Art Scene
Explore Jabal al-Weibdeh — Amman's bohemian hilltop neighbourhood. Start with breakfast at Shams El Balad (JOD 5–8 for shakshuka and fresh juice) — a farm-to-table cafe in a beautiful old stone house. Walk to the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts (JOD 1) showcasing contemporary Arab art. The Paris Circle area has vintage shops, independent cafes, and a creative community. Visit Rumi Cafe for Arabic coffee in a cozy literary atmosphere (JOD 2). The neighbourhood has a completely different energy from downtown — quieter, artier, more European-feeling.
King Abdullah Mosque & Local Life
Visit the King Abdullah I Mosque (JOD 2) — the blue-domed landmark visible across Amman. Non-Muslims are welcome and free abayas are provided. The interior is beautiful with blue-tile calligraphy and a massive chandelier. Then head to the Sweifieh or Abdoun neighbourhoods — Amman's modern side with malls, restaurants, and street cafes. Lunch at Beit Sitti — a cooking class and meal in a traditional Amman home (JOD 35, book ahead). You'll learn to make hummus, fattoush, and maqluba with a Jordanian grandmother. Worth every dinar.
Fuheis Village & Night Views
If you have transport, drive 20 minutes to Fuheis — a Christian village with excellent restaurants and a peaceful atmosphere. Al Quds Restaurant serves huge mixed grills and mezze for JOD 8–12 per person. Otherwise, stay in Amman for dinner at Fakhr el-Din — an upscale restaurant in a 1920s villa with outstanding Levantine cuisine (JOD 15–25). End the evening at one of Amman's rooftop bars — Canvas Lounge in Abdoun has craft cocktails and city views (drinks JOD 8–12). The lit-up city across seven hills is gorgeous at night.
Day Trip & Farewell
Dead Sea Day Trip
Drive or taxi to the Dead Sea — 45 minutes from Amman (JOD 25–30 one-way by taxi). The lowest point on earth (430m below sea level) with water so salty you float effortlessly. Amman Beach (JOD 20 entry) is the main public beach with showers, pools, and a restaurant. The sensation of floating is surreal — your body just bobs on the surface. Slather yourself in the mineral-rich black mud (provided free) and let it dry for 15 minutes before rinsing. Your skin will feel incredible afterwards.
Mount Nebo & Madaba
From the Dead Sea, drive 30 minutes uphill to Mount Nebo — where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. On clear days, the panoramic view stretches across the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and into Israel/Palestine. The memorial church has stunning 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. Entry is JOD 2. Continue 10 minutes to Madaba — the "City of Mosaics." Visit St. George's Church (JOD 1) to see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land — the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of Jerusalem and the region.
Return to Amman & Farewell Dinner
Drive back to Amman (35 minutes from Madaba). For a farewell meal, head to Tawaheen al-Hawa — a beautiful stone restaurant overlooking Amman with traditional Jordanian food served family-style. Try the zarb (Bedouin underground barbecue, JOD 10–15) if available, or the mixed grill platter (JOD 12). Finish with knafeh — the iconic Levantine dessert of warm cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup topped with pistachios (JOD 2–3 from Habibah Sweets downtown, always a queue). Amman rewards you more the deeper you dig.
Budget tips
Jordan Pass
Buy the Jordan Pass online (JOD 70–80) before arrival — it includes your visa fee (JOD 40) plus entry to Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and 40+ sites. Saves JOD 50+ if visiting Petra and pays for itself instantly.
Downtown street food
Amman's downtown is one of the cheapest eating destinations in the Middle East. Falafel wraps for JOD 0.50, shawarma for JOD 1, and full meals at Hashem for JOD 2–3. You'll eat like royalty on a backpacker budget.
Shared taxis
Yellow shared taxis (servees) run fixed routes across Amman for JOD 0.25–0.50 per ride. They leave when full. Ask locals which route number you need — much cheaper than private taxis.
Free attractions
The Darat al Funun art gallery, Jordan National Gallery, King Hussein Mosque, and many neighbourhood walks are completely free. Friday mornings at Souk Jara (summer) is a free market with live music.
Cook at your hostel
Most Amman hostels have kitchens. Fresh vegetables, bread, and hummus from downtown markets cost almost nothing — JOD 2–3 feeds you for a day if you self-cater some meals.
Negotiate taxis
Always agree on a taxi fare before getting in or insist on the meter. From the airport, the fixed taxi fare to downtown is JOD 20–25. Uber and Careem work well and are usually cheaper than street taxis.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in JOD. Amman is one of the Middle East's best-value capitals — street food is absurdly cheap, hostels are plentiful, and the Jordan Pass bundles visa and entry fees.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury | JOD 7–15 | JOD 25–50 | JOD 80+ |
| Food Street food & falafel → restaurants → fine dining | JOD 5–10 | JOD 15–25 | JOD 40+ |
| Transport Servees & walking → taxi/Uber → rental car | JOD 1–3 | JOD 5–15 | JOD 25+ |
| Activities Citadel & theatre → cooking class → Dead Sea resorts | JOD 2–5 | JOD 10–25 | JOD 50+ |
| Drinks Arabic coffee & tea → cafe coffee → rooftop cocktails | JOD 1–3 | JOD 5–10 | JOD 15+ |
| Daily Total $23–51 → $85–176 → $296+ | JOD 16–36 | JOD 60–125 | JOD 210+ |
Practical info
Getting Around
- Amman has no metro or tram. Yellow shared taxis (servees) run fixed routes for JOD 0.25–0.50. White private taxis use meters — flag fall JOD 0.25
- Uber and Careem work well and are the most convenient option. Most rides within Amman cost JOD 2–5
- Amman is extremely hilly — walking between neighbourhoods involves steep climbs. Taxis are essential for longer distances
Connectivity
- Buy a Zain or Orange SIM at Queen Alia Airport — JOD 5–10 for data and calls. Bring your passport for registration
- WiFi available at most cafes, restaurants, and hostels. Speed is generally good in central Amman
- WhatsApp and social media work without restrictions. VoIP calls work normally in Jordan
Money
- The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is one of the world's highest-value currencies. 1 JOD = 1.41 USD. ATMs are everywhere in Amman
- Cards accepted at hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants. Carry cash for taxis, downtown markets, and street food
- Tipping 10% at restaurants is customary. Round up taxi fares. Small tips (JOD 0.50–1) for hotel staff
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities get visa on arrival at Queen Alia Airport — JOD 40 (free with Jordan Pass purchased in advance)
- Queen Alia Airport (AMM) is 35km south of downtown. Airport taxi to city: JOD 20–25 (fixed rate). Airport Express bus: JOD 3.30
- Jordan shares borders with Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. Border crossings to Israel/Palestine are straightforward
Health & Safety
- No required vaccinations. Tap water is safe in Amman but bottled is recommended. Excellent private hospitals and pharmacies
- Amman is very safe for tourists — Jordanians are famously hospitable. Petty crime is rare. Solo female travelers report feeling comfortable
- Summer (Jun–Aug) reaches 35–40°C with dry heat. Winter (Dec–Feb) can be cold and rainy — Amman sits at 800m elevation
Packing Tips
- Modest clothing recommended — cover shoulders and knees, especially in downtown and mosques. Women: pack a headscarf for mosque visits
- Comfortable walking shoes essential — Amman's hills are steep and sidewalks uneven. Sandals for the Dead Sea
- Layers for evenings — Amman can be cool at night even in summer due to elevation. A light jacket is useful year-round
Cultural tips
Jordanians are among the most hospitable people you'll meet anywhere. Amman is progressive by regional standards, but modest dress and respect for Islamic customs are appreciated.
Mansaf Etiquette
Mansaf is Jordan's national dish — lamb in fermented yogurt over rice. Traditionally eaten communally with your right hand, standing around a large platter. Roll the rice into balls against the side of the dish. Your host will insist you eat more — accept graciously.
Mosque Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering mosques. Women should cover their hair, arms, and legs. The King Abdullah Mosque provides free abayas. Don't walk in front of someone praying. Friday midday prayer time means many shops close for 1–2 hours.
Arabic Coffee Ritual
When offered Arabic coffee (qahwa) or tea, always accept — it's a sign of hospitality. The small cups are refilled repeatedly. Tilt the cup side to side when you've had enough. Refusing the first cup is considered impolite.
Warmth & Hospitality
Jordanians are extraordinarily welcoming. Don't be surprised if strangers invite you for tea or a meal — it's genuine. "Ahlan wa sahlan" (welcome) is said constantly. Greeting people warmly and asking about their family is important.
Photography
Always ask before photographing people, especially women. Jordanians are generally happy to be photographed but consent matters. No photos of military or police installations. Tourist sites and food are fair game everywhere.
Bargaining
Haggling is expected in souqs and with taxi drivers (if not using the meter). Start at 50% of the asking price and work up. Be friendly and smile — it's a social exchange. Fixed prices in restaurants, malls, and modern shops.
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