A booming tourist city, Amman shines throughout Jordan! A typical example of a Middle Eastern city, Amman welcomes you in complete privacy to show you its wonders from another time. Ruins, stairs, balconies, remains, a citadel and an ancient theater face an immense modern urban area. Amman is a city of contrasts and paradoxes, nonetheless a jewel of Jordan!
So, if visiting Amman appeals to you, here are the 10 essential things to do in Amman!
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1. The Al Abdali district and the Abdali Mall shopping center
The Al Abdali district is one of the most touristy places in the city. In the heart of the city, this is THE shopping destination not to be missed! Spectacular, modern, and refined, the Abdali Mall shopping center dominates the neighborhood. With more than 20,000 m² dedicated to shopping and entertainment, this space offers visitors an extraordinary shopping experience!
Like an oasis of consumerism, Abadi Mall is home to local, regional, and international fashion brands. Thriving and dynamic, this shopping center also hosts a cinema, restaurants, a supermarket, and grocery stores.
2. Rainbow Street
Shopaholics will be delighted to visit Amman! Indeed, after the Al-Abdali district and the Abdali Mall shopping center, take a look at Rainbow Street! Located in the lower town called Jabal Amman, this street is one of the liveliest in the city. A stunning mix of modernity and tradition, this chic neighborhood is home to numerous restaurants, art galleries, and fashion boutiques.
A must-do: visit the house of Bani Hamida, the headquarters of an association that defends Bedouin crafts. Within it, you will find many curtains, fabrics, kilims, and cushions made by residents of Makawir. Low prices and exceptional quality!
3. King Abdullah Mosque
Visiting Amman also means discovering historical sites full of history. The King Abdullah Mosque, erected between 1982 and 1986, is an emblem of the country. Impressive and modern, this building in honor of His Majesty as-Sayyid Abdullah I is a place of worship that can be visited (even for non-practitioners).
You will undoubtedly be captivated by the gigantic blue dome covered with patterns, but also the ceiling of the azure dome which is streaked with fine golden bands, the enormous three-branched chandelier, and the impressive red carpet. We also discover an Islamic museum and some pieces of Islamic art within it.
4. The Roman theater
Backed by Jebel El-Taj, the Roman theater is the main ancient monument to visit in Amman. Built in cut stone in the 2nd century under Marcus Aurelius, it accommodated 6,000 spectators. Stands and statues are some relics of its glorious past.
Today, it is a vast excavation site in which archaeologists are trying to retrace the customs of the time. Mostly restored, it sometimes hosts dance and traditional music shows in summer.
5. Amman Citadel
The Aman Citadel is the archaeological site to visit in Amman! Emblem of the Jordanian capital, it bears witness to the city’s rich past. Touring its ruins is quite quick because few buildings remain. Only the Umayyad palace and the Temple of Hercules (built by Marcus Aurelius) still stand before you.
A must-do to best visit Amman, the ruins allow you to immortalize a bygone and prosperous era.
Duration of the visit: approximately 2 hours
6. Outdoor activities
Do you want to visit Amman originally? The many outdoor activities are sure to appeal to you! Whether you are passionate about walking, dancing, or animal excursions, Amman makes all your dreams come true!
Indeed, you can visit Amman via hiking trails and discover the Jordanian panorama differently. However, camel or dromedary rides are also possible if you want to find the country more traditionally. Try traditional dance if you prefer to visit Amman while immersing yourself in local habits and customs!
7. Try Local gastronomy
Delicious and original, Jordanian gastronomy is largely influenced by Egyptian, Lebanese and Turkish cuisines. Visiting Amman also means discovering the local gastronomy.
- The kebab: if there’s one place where you have to enjoy a kebab, it’s here! Visiting Amman with a kebab in hand is part of local customs.
- Mensaf: less known than the kebab, it is nevertheless the Jordanian festive dish. Inherited from the Bedouins, mensaf is a kind of stew made with rice, pine nuts, lamb, and goat cheese sauce. The first time, it’s a little strange for Westerners but, in the end, it’s a real delight for the taste buds!
- Chai: it’s THE national drink in Jordan! It is simply a traditional tea containing a lot of sugar and sometimes added to miramiyé (sage). Slightly bitter but delicious!
8. Nightlife
After your long days of sightseeing and walking, take advantage of lively and entertaining evenings in Amman.
So, if you like to party and want to discover the local atmosphere, head to the tourist streets of the capital in the evening! Visiting Amman also means enjoying, the locals, bars, restaurants, and clubs.
9. Go further
Once you have visited Amman, set off to discover Jordan! This magical country is full of surprises, sumptuous panoramas, historic buildings, modern cities, and small picturesque villages.
So, if visiting Amman is not enough for you, here are some ideas for excursions:
- The Dead Sea: As the lowest point on earth (430 meters below sea level) this place seems magical. Although tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the therapeutic effects of the mineral-rich Dead Sea water, it is impossible to swim in it. In fact, due to its high salt content, you can only do a plank.
- Petra: classified among “the Seven Wonders of the World”, the city of Petra is one of the most tourist destinations in Jordan! Don’t miss the famous Sîq, the Nabatean necropolis of the current village of Wadi Moussa or even Khazneh. In short, there are many historical nuggets in this fabulous city!
How to get to Amman?
Once you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, you have several options:
- Car rental: simple, quick, and practical, you get the keys to your vehicle directly at the airport. After a few explanations and a complete check-up of the vehicle, all you have to do is reach the city in just 30 minutes (around 38 kilometers ).
- The bus: both practical and economical, a bus takes you to Amman for €6 in 45 minutes. However, make sure not to miss this shuttle otherwise you will have to wait 1 hour.
- The taxi: of course, this is the most expensive solution, however, it is also the most pleasant because you don’t have to worry about anything! In 35 minutes, a taxi takes you to Amman for around €45. Similar to the taxi, because it is very comfortable, you also have the possibility of going to Amman in a luxury car!
Where to stay in Amman?
Choosing the right accommodation in Amman is essential to enjoying your stay in this beautiful city of Jordan. So where to sleep in Amman? To help you prepare for your trip, we prepared you with some tips!
We recommend staying in the historic center if you want to visit Amman and are looking for excitement. However, if you prefer to enjoy a “village” atmosphere, we suggest the Weibdeh district. Here you discover real Jordanian life off the beaten track.
If you are looking for a modern and commercial area, the modern city of Al Abdali is where you need to stay.
