Amman: The top 11 sights in this amazing city
Amman is a great city to visit if you love traveling and discovering new places. Jordan’s capital has a rich history, a vibrant culture and beautiful views. Amman is a perfect introduction to Jordan for travelers looking for culture, hospitality and delicious food. Here are the top 11 sights in Amman that you should not miss.
Do more with the Jordan Pass
Order the Jordan Pass before you go to Jordan. This will immediately give you your tourist visa, access to 40 attractions and entrance tickets to Petra. Order this via the official website. To order the Jordan Pass you need a Visa or MasterCard credit card. The costs are approximately between 70 and 80 Jordanian Dinar. We highly recommended getting the Jordan Pass since it will costs you less than if you were to buy everything separately. We have researched everything you need to know about the Jordan Pass.
1: The Citadel of Amman
This is one of the oldest and most impressive archaeological sites in the city. Here you can admire the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Mosque, the Archaeological Museum and the Umayyad Palace. From the top of the hill you also have a beautiful view of the Roman amphitheater and the rest of the city.
2: The Roman amphitheater
This enormous theater from the 2nd century AD can accommodate around 6,000 spectators. It is still in use for concerts and performances. Climb to the top rows and enjoy the panorama over the theater and Amman’s many buildings.
3: The King Abdullah I Mosque
This mosque with the striking blue dome is a symbol of religious tolerance in Jordan. It is the only mosque in Amman that is open to non-Muslims. Here you can admire the beautiful interior, which is decorated with mosaics, calligraphy and marble. Woman are required to wear a robe (they loan them to you at the gift shop). Men must cover their arms and legs and avoid wearing shorts shorter than their ankles, otherwise men have to wear a robe as well.
4: The Jordan Museum
In this national museum you will find everything about Jordanian history and culture. Here you can see, among other things, the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are more than 2,000 years old religious manuscripts. You can also take a look at a Bedouin tent, have a computer write your name in Arabic and learn more about the different facets of Jordanian life.
5: Rainbow Street
This is one of the most modern streets in Amman, where you will find many nice shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries. You can stroll, shop, eat and drink there both during the day and in the evening. You can also discover a number of colorful stairs and alleys here, such as the Al Kalha Stairs and the Umbrella Stairs.
6: The Souks
You can find several Souks in Amman. These are traditional markets where you can find all kinds of local products, such as spices, clothing, jewelry and souvenirs. It’s a great place to bargain and soak up the atmosphere of Amman. The most famous souk in Amman is probably Souk Jara, an open-air market held every Friday near Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman. You can find all kinds of locally made products here, such as antiques, handicrafts, soaps and books. Another popular souk in Amman is Souk el-Sagha, a gold and jewelry market. You can find beautiful and artistic pieces here. It is wise to negotiate firmly with the sellers to get the best price. If you are looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, you can go to Souk el-Khodra, an organic produce market. Many of the products are local, seasonal and affordable.
7: Jabal Al-Weibdeh
This is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods of Amman. Here you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere, the historic buildings, the cozy cafes and the beautiful street art. You will also find Darat al Funun here, a center for contemporary art that is housed in three old villas.
8: The Roman Nymphaeum
The Roman Nymphaeum in Amman is a historical site that was once a public fountain and a gathering place for the ancient city of Philadelphia, as Amman was called by the Greeks and Romans. It was built in the 2nd century CE, around the same time as the nearby Roman Theater and Odeon. The Nymphaeum was named after the nymphs, who were mythical creatures associated with water and nature.
9: The Great Husseini Mosque
This mosque is the heart of religious life in Amman. It was built in 1924 on the site of an Umayyad-era mosque. The mosque has an elegant Ottoman style, with a large dome, four minarets and a spacious courtyard. It can only be visited when you are a Muslim. If you are not, then it is still an impressive site in one of the busiest streets of Amman.
10: The neighborhoods of Jabal Amman
These are some of Amman’s most atmospheric and authentic neighborhoods. You can walk here past the traditional houses, local markets, old churches and charming squares. You can also visit a number of museums here, such as the Jordan Folklore Museum, the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and the Children’s Museum.
11: Odeon Theatre
This is another important Roman landmark in Amman. It is a small theater with 500 seats. Try the acoustics and be amazed at the carrying capacity of your voice.
Visit Qasr al-Abd
If you have rented a car you can also visit the unknown Qasr al-Abd. Which is a mysterious palace from the 2nd century BC, located in the valley of Wadi as-Seer. It is about 15 kilometers from Amman. The palace is built of huge stone blocks and has an impressive facade with two lion heads.
From the airport to Amman
To get to the heart of the capital from Amman Queen Alia Airport, it is best to take a taxi. A ride will cost you about 20 JD and takes 45 minutes, but you can always try to haggle on the price. Another option is the Airport Express bus (or Sariya Shuttle Bus), which takes you from the airport to the Tabarbour bus station in the north of Amman. You can buy your bus ticket in advance, or pick it up on site at the Sariya Express ticket office near the arrivals hall. But from the Tabarbour terminal station you will need to take a taxi to your hotel, which will take some effort. A final, most relaxed option is to book a private transfer directly from the airport in advance, so you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel after a flight.
How to get around in Amman
Amman is a large city, fortunately many sights in the old center are within walking distance of each other. You can also find a number of attractions outside the center that are simply too far to walk. The easiest way is to take a taxi, there are plenty of them. The official taxis in Amman are yellow in color.
Hotels
- Nomads Hotel Amman is a cozy and affordable hotel which is located near Rainbow Street. Here you will find good restaurants and nice shops. We recommend to book in advance, as it is very popular.
- If you want more luxury we recommend the Khan Khediwe Hotel, which is located right next to the Grand Husseini Mosque.
Restaurants
- Sekrab is ideal if you are going for some drinks.
- Hashem restaurant is very popular with the locals, this the best place to try some local food.
- If you are in the mood for something more luxurious than Sufra Restaurant is the best place to go.
Amman is a city full of surprises, where you can experience both the past and the present. It is full of contrasts that will surely amaze you.
