For many people, the city of Amman is just a stop over on the way to the more famous sites of Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum.

But Amman has so much to offer visitors! It’s a mix of old world and new world with its modern cafes, art galleries, ancient ruins, hip bars and bustling souks. I would recommend spending atleast two days exploring the city during your time in Jordan. It’s also a great jumping off point for a lot of days trips. Check out my 2-week itinerary for visiting Jordan which includes day trips from Amman, as well as other tips.

20 Things to Do in Amman, Jordan:

1. Watch the sunset from the Citadel

One of my favorite things to do in Amman is to watch the sunset from atop the Citadel, which provides expansive views across the city. The view is particularly beautiful at golden hour and sunset when the sun shines soft orange, red and pink hues across the ruins of the Citadel and the surrounding city-scape. One of the most historic sites in Amman, the Citadel sits on the highest of the seven hills that make up Amman, Jabal al-Qal’a. It is a short walk from downtown, albeit a steep one. Don’t miss the Jordan Archaelogical Museum while you’re there as well!

Entrance cost: 3 JD ($4)

Opening hours: Depends on the time of the year – check this website for hours.

Location: Jabal al-Qal’a (near downtown)

2. Sit on the steps of the Roman Amphitheater

Near the Citadel and downtown area of Amman is the Roman Amphitheater, which is another historic site that you should not miss on a visit to Amman. The 6,000 seat theater dates back to Roman times when Amman was known as Philadelphia. During my time living in Amman, I loved to sit on the steps on a sunny winter day and read. In the summer there are sometimes concerts in the theater itself. It’s worth checking with the Jordan Tourism office before your trip to see if any will be on.

Entrance cost: 2 JD ($3)

Opening hours: Depends on the time of the year – check this website for hours.

Location: Downtown

3. Watch an outdoor film

In the summer months, the Royal Film Commission in Amman screens films from all over the world in an outdoor amphitheater. Located on Jabal Amman, the location provides a beautiful backdrop of downtown and the Citadel. Following the screenings, the Royal Film Commission usually host discussions and debates with the public and sometimes even the film directors themselves. Check their website for the most up to date information on film screenings.

Location: Royal Film Commission, Jabal Amman

4.  Check out the street art of downtown Amman

Street art is a relatively new thing in Jordan, but amazing works have started to pop up all over the city. A lot of great pieces are located in downtown Amman and can be easily found while seeing other sites in the area. Some of the messages behind pieces are thought provoking, while others are purely aesthetically appealing and add vibrancy to a city filled with beige colored buildings. While street art is increasingly becoming more accepted in Amman, it’s still a region steeped in tradition and artists have to steer away from anything religious, political or controversial.

Check out this interactive map to find street art around the city. 

5. Eat Shawerma at Reem

You can’t visit Jordan without trying shawerma and one of the favorite spots among locals in Amman is Reem. Located in “the second circle”, this tiny family run joint, with its open-air storefront, is always pumping out shawerma. Confused about what shawerma is? Originally Greek or Turkish, it’s basically marinated meat grilled on an upright skewer, then shaved off in bits and rolled in a pita with other fillings. What makes it so unique at Reem is the marinade for the meat, which is a secret family restaurant that only the sons now know. For only about $1, you too can experience the famous  Shawerma at Reem!

Location: In the second circle, look for a tiny red building with a line out front

6. Visit the Mosque Abu Darwish

My favorite mosque in Amman is the Ted Burton-esque, Abu Darwish mosque. It is located on one of the city”s seven hills, Jebel al-Ashrafiyeh, and it was commissioned by King Hussein and built in 1961. It’s been built in a traditional Levantine style, but it is the black and white alternating striped stone that makes it so unique. Non-Muslims are not usually permitted inside but the views from outside are enough to make it worth visiting.

Location: Jabal al-Ashrafiyeh

7. Soak at a Turkish bath

While soaking in Turkish baths (or Hammams as they are also known) is a common tradition in many Middle Eastern cities, there aren’t actually very many in Amman. The best place to get scrubbed and pampered in Amman is at the Al Pasha Turkish Bath. There are separate times for male and female access, though you can book ahead as a mixed group or a couple. Call for details (06 463 3002) or send them a message on Facebook.

Cost: From 25 JD ($35)

Hours: 9 am – 2 am (last booking at midnight)

Location: Al Pasha Turkish Bath, Al Mahmoud Taha St. Near Jabal Amman and Rainbow Street.

Curious about what happens during a Turkish Bath experience, read about my time at one in Palestine!

8. Wander the shops of downtown Amman

Downtown Amman, or Al Balad as it’s also known, is no short of shops and cafes. You can buy traditionally embroidered clothes, make your own perfume, buy spices, eat sweets, or simply just people watch. Like the downtown areas of many middle eastern cities, it is beautifully chaotic, sensory overload and all encompassing. There are so many shops to discover that my best advice is to just wander throughout the downtown area and let yourself get lost in it all!

9. Explore the Duke’s Diwan

One of my favorite things to do in Amman is to visit the Duke’s Diwan, the oldest residence in the city. Leaving the bustling souks of downtown Amman and stepping up the uneven stairs of the house, you enter Amman in the 1920s. Everything sits as it always has – chipped paint, vintage radios and the smell of old books and dust. Every inch of the house filled with old reminders and stories from all the artists and visionaries who passed through to meet and celebrate over the years.

"Blessed be the curious for they will have adventures" // I have been curious about the Duke's Diwan (which is reference to the Arabic word for the room of the house always open to guests) for quite some time since I moved to Amman. I finally went in search of it this weekend, and as I stepped off of the bustling souks of downtown and up the steep uneven stairs of the house I entered Amman in the 1920s. Everything was sitting as it had–chipped paint, vintage radios, and the smell of old books and dust. Every inch of the house filled with old reminders and stories from all the artists and visionaries who had passed through to meet and celebrate over the years. #explore #shareyourjordan #vscocam #wanderlust #mytinyatlas

A post shared by Eleonore (@eleonoreeverywhere) on Dec 12, 2015 at 12:25am PST

10. Eat Knafeh at Habibah Sweets

The Middle East is no short of overly sweet and decadent deserts and you should probably go ahead and plan to try them all! One of the most popular sweets in Jordan and the Middle East is Knafeh (spelled in a variety of ways). It’s a warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup with a thread like crust and often sprinkled with pistachio. There is a lot of debate as to WHO exactly makes the best knafeh in Amman. But there is no doubt that Habibah Sweets is definitely up there as one of the bests. This can be seen in the lines of people waiting to try a bite!

Location: The original shop is downtown, in an alley near the Duke’s Diwan and Arab Bank (look for the line of people)

11. Visit Al-Husseini Mosque

Another great mosque to visit in Amman is the grand Al-Husseini mosque in downtown. The mosque was built in ottoman style in 1924 by King Abdullah. If you are exploring the downtown area, you won’t be able to miss this mosque. It is the oldest mosque in Amman and has been a main gathering point in the heart of the city.

Tip: Avoid the mosque and this area on Fridays, the main day of worship in Islam, until after prayer time. The area gets very busy and there are sometimes protests going on there.

12. Eat falafel at Hashem or Al-Quds

A Jordanian favorite is definitely falafel and you are most likely to have it many times during your time in the country. Like Knafeh and many other Jordanian specialties, it is highly debated as to just WHO serves the best falafel in the city. A favorite among locals and tourists is Hashem in downtown Amman. It’s a great spot to also people watch and sit among the hustle and bustle of the city. Another famous spot is Al-Quds falafel which is located on Jabal Amman on Rainbow Street. Not sure which one to try? Go to both!

13. Visit the Jordan Museum

If museums are your thing, then the Jordan Museum is a must see in Amman. Located in the Ras Al Ain area of Amman, the museum is the largest in Jordan and houses some of it’s most interesting artifacts. One of the museums most interesting artifacts are the Ain Ghazal statues (7500 BC) which are thought to be the oldest human statues every made.

Entrance cost: 2 JD ($3)

Opening hours: Depends on the time of year you are visiting, visit their site for the most up to date information.

Location: Ras Al Ain area

14. Wander Jabal Amman

While Rainbow street is well known and comes well recommended to visit, it’s not my favorite spot on Jabal Amman so I’m going to recommend some alternative places to visit. One of my favorite spots for lunch is Shams El Balad which is on the side of Jabal Amman closer to downtown. It has an amazing outdoor seating area and the BEST food and coffee. Another great spot is Trinitae soap house, which has great Dead Sea products. There is also a nice terrace to have a tea with a view! Wild Jordan is another nice spot to eat with a view. Nearby is the Nabad Gallery which has temporary art exhibitions that are worth checking out.

15. Wander Jabal Al-Weibdeh

Jabal Al-Weibdeh is one of my favorite neighborhoods and an area I spent a year living in! It’s easily reached from downtown or Jabal Amman and is a great area to spend a morning or afternoon exploring. You’ll notice a different atmosphere here than in some other parts of the city – a lot of expats, a lot of women that are not covered, quieter streets, and you’ll even hear church bells. It’s an area that attracts writers, artists and the more progressive crowd of Amman.

For this reason you’ll find quite a few trendy cafes like Rumi or Fann wa Chai (they have a great Saturday brunch!). Oliva Pizza is a great place to eat if you need something other than Jordanian food. If you’re not over it, head to Abu Mahjoob or Al Khal. I also LOVE Jasmine House for finer dining. For contemporary Arab art, head over to Darat Al Funun (“little house of the arts”), which consists of three 1920s villas in a beautiful lush garden. There is also a great little cafe inside!

16. Enjoy happy hour at Copas Central

Lots of people seem to think that no one drinks in the Middle East, which definitely isn’t true. There are some nice bars in Amman if you are in need of a cold one after a long day of walking and exploring. One of my favorite spots in Amman is Copas Central, which has a great 2 for 1 happy hour special on cocktails. I love the lychee mojito! It’s a really funky place that has a latin vibe to it – with distinctive Martinique wallpaper and Mediterranean tapas.

Quench your thirst with our Cocktail of the Day! #LoveCopasCentral #LoveAtico

A post shared by Copas Central (@copascentral) on Feb 4, 2018 at 9:31am PST

17. Try argeeleh at Books @ Cafe

No trip to the Middle East or Amman is complete without smoking some argeeleh (also referred to hubbly bubbly, shisha, or hookah) at a cafe like Books @ Cafe. It’s a social activity that you will see lots of Jordanian friends sharing together at cafes and restaurants around the city. My favorite flavors are apple, mint or watermelon!

Location: Books @ Cafe, Jabal Amman

18. Spend an afternoon in Iraq Al-Amir

Visiting Iraq Al-Amir (“Cave of the Prince”) is an off the beaten path thing to do in Amman. You won’t find many tourists around! Located  in the Jordan Valley, 35 km (21 miles) from downtown Amman, near the village of Iraq al-Amir are a series of caves with Hebrew script linking them to the Tobaid dynasty in the Old Testament. From the caves is a local women’s cooperative that is part of the Queen Noor Foundation that helps women in local communities in Jordan. Here you can buy pottery, rugs and other beautiful handicrafts – which you know are made locally (unlike many things downtown). Another highlight in Iraq Al-Amir is Qasr al-Abd which represents a rare example of Hellenistic Architecture in Jordan. It’s also a nice spot to stop and have a picnic, especially in the spring when all of the wild flowers are blooming.

19. Visit a second hand market

The Friday Market, or Souk el-Joumea, is a large outdoor second hand flea market located at the edge of downtown in Ras Al Ain. It’s most easily accessed by taxi. Visiting this market is a bit “off the beaten path” for tourists visiting Amman but if you have the time it is an interesting spot to visit. Certainly a place to daily life in Amman. And if finding random second hand clothing is your thing then you can pick up anything in the market – from lingerie to sneakers or fur coats. I got my favorite pair of Steve Madden leather sandals here!

Location: Ras Al Ain area

20. Take a day trip to the Dead Sea

Amman is a great jumping off point for a lot of amazing day trips and one of the best is to the Dead Sea. Located just 45 minutes from Amman, the Dead Sea can easily be reached by taxi or bus. The Dead Sea is the lowest spot on earth at 400 meters below sea level and a must see on any trip to Jordan. The public beach is free but tends to be less clean, and I’ve generally not enjoyed being in my bathing suit so publicly there. Head to the Kempinski or Dead Sea Spa Hotel and use their beach and facilities for the day.

Where to Stay

I lived in the Jabal Weibdeh area of Amman so I always recommend people stay in that area. It’s a safe neighborhood with nice cafes and is easily walkable from downtown. La Locanda Boutique Hotel (from $100) is a reasonably priced hotel in Jabal Weibdeh that I recommend. Other accommodation options throughout the city include:

• Heritage House (from $90)
• InterContinental Hotel (from $150)
• Four Seasons Hotel (from $250)

Getting Around Amman

The easiest way to get around Amman is by Taxi. Taxis are all over and relatively cheap. Make sure the driver turns on the meter or you negotiate the price (usually between 1-3 JD a journey) beforehand. It can also help to know the name of your destination in Arabic. Street addresses are rarely used and most taxis work my landmarks in specific locations. Amman is spread out over seven hills (“jabals”) so if you know which one you need to get to this often helps with directions.

If you want to avoid having to potentially negotiate the price and also be able to make sure you know where you are going, then Uber is the easiest way to go. I also love to use Uber if I am traveling alone at night.

While Amman isn’t the most walkable of cities, if you are exploring the downtown area, much of it can be done by foot. A lot of the downtown area is hilly and has lots of stairs so you might find it easier to take a shared taxi (up to JD 1) up to some of the sites, like the Citadel. The shared taxis are usually waiting on some of the steeper hills to take people up. Check your country’s travel advice before visiting for the most up to date information. 

Safety in Jordan

I’ve read a variety of crazy misconceptions about Jordan on some other blogs, and I often get asked if it is safe to visit Jordan given that it is situated in a part of the world that is currently fraught with political challenges and humanitarian needs. In my experience, I’ve felt very safe living in and traveling throughout the country. Jordan has a strong culture of hospitality – and from the hectic streets of urban Amman to the quieter more rural villages, I’m sure you’ll feel welcome wherever you go. Just use the same common sense you would use in any new place you visit. Watch your valuables, don’t wander alone late at night and dress and act in a manner appropriate to where you are visiting.

Jordan Pass

If you will be visiting several sites while you are in Jordan (in and outside of Amman), I would recommend getting the Jordan Pass before you start your trip. You can get the pass online and it costs between $99-113, which covers the cost of your visa (40 JD, $55), and entry into Petra (from 50 JD, $70) and other places around the country. A few of the sites in Amman listed in this post are included in the Jordan Pass. You can see the full list on the Jordan Pass website.

Another useful resource is this site for opening and closing times of various sites around Jordan.

Read More:

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Jordan

The Ultimate Itinerary for Two Weeks in Jordan