What to See and Visit in Amman, Jordan

“Amman is one of the oldest cities in the world. Strategically located in the heart of the Middle East, all kinds of civilisations have left their marks there. However, although it’s the capital city of Jordan, it’s also relatively unknown. If you’re visiting Jordan, it’s well worth setting aside a couple of days to explore one of the most open and modern Arab cities.

The majority of travellers visiting Jordan will arrive through Queen Alia International Airport, unless arriving by cruise. So, whatever your destination in the Hashemite Kingdom, you’ll need to pass through Amman. Since we’ve recommended you devote some time to exploring the city, we’re going to offer you some ideas of things to do in the Jordanian capital. Now, let’s take a look at what there is to see in the city, along with some of its more curious customs!

Book your trip to Jordan and make sure you don’t miss any of the treasures it has to offer!

Amman, the Land of Hospitality
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Almost half the country’s population lives in the capital city of Jordan. Visitors can expect to find a melting pot of cultures, where the joy and kindness of its people really stand out. Not for nothing is the country known as the “Land of Hospitality”.

Jordan can boast some impressive treasures. Better-known places such as Petra, the Dead Sea and the desert of Wadi Rum may have stolen some of the limelight from the great unknown Amman, but it’s well worth spending a few days touring the most important sites of the city, where the old and the modern combine to offer a unique setting.

### What to see in Amman

Amman boasts a long history, dating back as far as 8500 years BC. Traces of local settlements have been found there dating from the Neolithic times. Since then, the city has been enriched by the contributions made by the many peoples who have passed through, including the Romans and the Ptolemaic dynasty. There’s a lot to see.

### The Roman Theatre

To this day, the city of seven hills still preserves its Roman Theatre in very good condition. It’s worth bearing in mind that the ticket also gives you access to two museums and the Odeon. The theatre itself is something quite impressive. With seating capacity for 6,000, it’s a challenge to make your way to the very highest grandstands. It’s well worth it, though, as from there you can enjoy some splendid views from above.

### The Citadel

On the nearby hill of Jebel al-Qala’a we find the Citadel, a place brimming with 7,000 years of history. Archaeological remains from the Bronze and Iron Ages can be found alongside the ruins left by the Roman Empire or the Umayyads. It also happens to be the best place to enjoy the most spectacular panoramic views of the city.

### The Archaeological Museum

Both of these sites are inside the Citadel facilities. The Archaeological Museum has a highly valuable collection, with prehistoric pieces and remains with findings that date all the way back to the 15th century.

### The Temple of Hercules

The Temple of Hercules is another of the jewels left by the Romans. The columns and the enormous hand, the only remains of a statue that was about 17 metres high, are sure to take your breath away.

What to do in Amman
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Now it’s time to go for a walk and stroll through Jordan’s capital. You’ll find a charming city full of contrasts. Here are just a few places and certain areas that you’ll definitely want to see.

### Stroll down Rainbow Street

This street is located in the highest part of the city. It’s also one of the more modern and luxurious neighbourhoods in Amman. It’s full of terraces and places to stop for a drink.

You’ll be glad of it by the time you get there: Rainbow Street is famous for its steep slopes, so although the streets are well paved, you’ll be happy to take a break and get a drink.

#### A tour of Downtown

Downtown is the very centre of the city. It is the heart of old Amman, hustling and bustling with a certain chaotic ambiance. Here you can really take in the daily life of Jordanians.

It’s time to wander the streets, visit the souqs and markets, look for handicrafts and souvenirs, have a go at haggling and see for yourself the kindness of the merchants who will be happy to offer you some tea or coffee before starting to negotiate.

#### Check out the graffiti

You probably weren’t expecting this much urban art in a Muslim-majority country, yet here it is. Make sure you set aside some time to see these façades and walls, a real explosion of colours. There are many to be seen on your way around Downtown and also on the entries to the hills.

Shopping in the Capital of Jordan
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Amman also offers a glut of shops where you can enjoy shopping. The city’s most traditional retail areas include the more modern, western areas.

#### The Gold Market

You have to visit this street where you’ll find a lot of shops dedicated to the sale of gold. The prices are cheaper than in Europe, with an enormous variety of models and designs.

#### The souqs

Forget everything you think you know about Arab souks. You won’t see a web of covered alleys here. These markets are more similar to European flea markets. Of course, you can find everything you could imagine here: typical crafts, carpets, popular sweets, food stalls, spices… Get ready to haggle!

#### Visiting the sweifieh

This is the chicest neighbourhood in the city. Here you can find fashionable shops and international brand stores. If you’re looking to buy luxury items, this is the place to go.

### Food and drink

As an Arab country, the food is as excellent as you’d imagine. The options are quite varied and you’ll be able to combine snacks from street stalls with more curious cuisine and first-class restaurants. There are some dishes and products you should definitely try.

– nMansaf. This delicious dish is the most typical ofnJordan. You’re sure to love this rice with saffron and lamb chops bathed in ankind of yoghurt called jameed.
– nArab sweets. Forget your American-inspired brownies andnpancakes. Arab pastries are centuries old. Enjoy such sweets as faisaliah,nma’moul and bazarek, and help yourself to the many treats to be discovered.
– nKanafeh. Speaking of traditional sweet, whennvisiting any of the bakeries in the centre of Amman, make sure you order one ofnthese spiral-shaped snacks. They’re covered with delicious fresh cheese andnorange tartan paste. The final touch of sugar syrup topping is to die for.
– n**Visit the Wild Jordan Café. Apart from thenspectacular views on offer here, the Café belongs to the Royal Society for thenConservation of Nature. It offers a menu focussing on healthy food and productsnharvested from the orchard of the nature reserves. This income is then used tonpreserve Jordan’s biodiversity.
– n**Amman’s oldest falafel. If you want tontaste true falafel, you’ll need to drop by Al-Quds. This is the oldest suppliernin the Jordanian capital and is located in Jabal Amman. Definitely a must-see.
– nSalah Ad-Dine. This time we’re going to see one of Amman’s oldest spots: a bakery where they give you the chance to prepare your own fresh ka’ak.n
– n**Sugar cane juice. This is a very typicalnlocal drink. If you drop by one of the many kiosks and stalls, they willnextract the juice from the cane before your very eyes.
– n**Jordanian coffee and shisha. Take anrelaxing break and try some exquisite Jordanian-style coffee, with a pinch ofncardamom. Then, relax as you try smoking a flavoured shisha. You can do this innany of the many cafés with terraces to be found throughout the city.n****
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Of course, these are just some of the many activities awaiting you on your trip to Amman. You can bet that, as one of the oldest cities in the world, there’s plenty more besides. You’ll find no end of varied activities and surprising sites to visit that will help make your trip to the capital of Jordan an unforgettable one. What are you waiting for? Enjoy your trip!”