Amman
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Jordan
Did you know?
- The Citadel, Roman Theater, and Jordan Museum are named among the major sights.
- Hashem serves hummus, falafel, and fuul together for 3 JD.
- Downtown slopes are walkable, but insist taxis use the meter.
See also
Overview
Jordan’s white-stone capital has ancient roots and serves as a base for exploring the country. Its Citadel and Roman Theater add major historical sights to a busy modern city.
Languages: Arabic
Why go?
Amman is Jordan's capital, a bustling metropolis built of white stone with ancient roots dating to biblical times. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the country while offering its own historical sights like the Citadel and Roman Theater. The city is safe, friendly, and has a mix of traditional and modern attractions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Most travelers arrive via Queen Alia International Airport, 35 km south. JETT buses and taxis connect to the city. The Raghadan and Tabarbour bus stations serve domestic routes. Visa on arrival costs 40 JD, can be paid by card.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Amman has a bus network, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), and shared taxis called Serviis. Downtown is walkable but hilly. Taxis are affordable; always insist on meter.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are best with mild temperatures. Summers are hot and dry, winters cold with occasional snow. During Ramadan, food availability is limited during daylight.
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Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget dorms (3-10 JD) in downtown hostels like Cliff Hostel and Jordan Tower Hotel, to luxury hotels in West Amman. Downtown is convenient for budget travelers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Arabic food is cheap and widely available. Hashem restaurant serves hummus, falafel, and fuul for 3 JD. Habibah has excellent knafeh. Street food like shawarma at Shawermat Reem is famous. Alcohol available in liquor stores and bars.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Major sights include the Amman Citadel (3 JD), Roman Theater (2 JD), and the Jordan Museum (5 JD). Also visit Rainbow Street, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, and Byzantine churches. For activities, Amman Waves Aqua Park or cycling clubs.
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Safety
Amman is very safe, with low crime. Police presence is strong. LGBTQ travelers should exercise discretion as society is conservative. Avoid areas near protests, though rare.
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Go next
Day trips to Jerash (1 hr, 0.75 JD by bus), Madaba (0.75 JD), Dead Sea (JETT shuttle 10 JD), and Mount Nebo. Longer trips to Petra and Wadi Rum are possible.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Auberge restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cantaloupe
A fairly trendy restaurant and cocktail bar with terrace impressively overlooking the city. Salads and fish are good, steaks are excellent. Regional and local wines are remarkably good. Service is excellent and unobtrusive. A little loud as the evening progresses.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Fakhr al Din
A real classical of Amman's Lebanese-oriented restaurant. Quite pricey but worth it, especially if you're in the terrace on a warm evening. For local wine, try their "Gerasa" red wine. Reservation highly advised. Great place, but beware of waiters who deliver unordered food to your table. Don't accept anything you don't order.
Recorded price: 15-30 JD for a complete meal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Habibah
Famous for knafeh nabelseyyeh and other Middle Eastern sweets; 800 fils for a serving.
Recorded price: 800 fils per serving
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hashem
During meal times, the place is swarming with locals and tourists. Wash this classic Arab meal down with a glass of mint tea.
Recorded price: For 3 JD per person (Oct 2018), you get the "mix" -- bowls of hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, fuul, fries, salad and pita
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Jafra Restaurant & Cafe
A quaint Lebanese restaurant that also offers pizza and shisha.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Kan Zaman
Impressive medieval castle on a hilltop turned into a beautiful restaurant. The place is worth the visit. The food is pretty basic but ok. Ask for their local "Kan Zaman" red wine. Hopefully, the prices are not proportional to the size of the hall.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
La Maison Verte
An impressive French restaurant, with excellent food and excellent ambience. A must go to place. Moderate to pricey, but it's worth it; the atmosphere alone is worth it, it's quite fancy yet very cozy. Their house specialities include "Entrecote", various steaks and a variety of sea food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Entry
Visa on arrival for many nationalities costs 40 JD; Jordan Pass may waive fee and include entry to many sites.
Food
Cheap street food like falafel and hummus is abundant; a meal costs 2-3 JD.
Language
English is limited; Arabic is main. Knowing a few phrases helps.
Money
ATMs charge high fees; use Alawneh Exchange for low-fee cash advances from credit cards.
Safety
Amman is very safe with low crime; police maintain tight order.