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This press trip was organised by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB). The opinions expressed within this article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of JTB.
Amman is the wonderful capital city of Jordan and one of the oldest cities in the world. Positioned on the eastern edge of the Jordan River, Amman has changed hands over thousands of years to long-lost civilisations.
The city of Amman is spread across seven hills, expanding beyond its original boundary to home over 4 million residents living in harmony, many escaping conflict. As the capital, Amman surprisingly exudes an air of calm and has relaxing parks and spectacular viewpoints.
It’s well worth spending a few days exploring all the city has to offer, Amman is a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces, culinary feasts and artistic expression.
Our guide will share the best things to do in Amman, enough to cover at least 2 to 3 days of exploring the capital city. This Amman city guide includes where to eat, unmissable experiences, and places to explore and stay in Amman. We’d recommend at least 10 days in Jordan and if it’s your first time in Jordan you are in for a treat!
relax at RUMI CAFÉ
Rumi café is found in the vibrant Jabal Al Luweibdeh neighbourhood, one of our favourite places in Amman. The café is named after the famous Persian Poet, Jalaluddin Rumi who gained global recognition for his work and shared wisdom about spirituality and love.
This wonderful coffee shop is located at the corner of Al-Shariaah College Street and Jarir Street. Rumi Café's success can be seen in its transformation from a little window serving coffee to a vibrant café with a lovely outdoor patio.
Rumi café welcomes everyone to enjoy its coffee scene, from digital nomads, locals and visitors from all over the world, it’s a place that feels familiar, shaded by the hot sun and even showers you in bursts of water mist.
The café serves various coffees, teas, fresh juices, homemade cakes and lunch options. We’d recommend trying the watermelon and cheese, a match made in heaven and taken to the next level with fresh mint leaves. The Turkey sandwich is also a must at Rumi, served with a secret creamy sauce and fresh rustic bread, leaving you more than satisfied.
Opposite the café is a lovely bookshop housed by a blue VW campervan, where the books overspill onto nearby walls and chairs, attracting avid readers across the city.
Wander around WEIBDEH
If you’re limited with time in Amman, head to the neighbourhood of Jabal Al Luweibdeh (Weibdeh), with strong boho vibes, a captivating art scene, coffee culture and endless charm around each corner. Jabal Al Luweibdeh sits between east and west Amman, a bridge between the opulent, modern west with the more historical east.
Jabal Al Luweibdeh feels authentic, elegant and expressive, quickly becoming more popular with visitors than Rainbow Street. The streets of Weibdeh enchanted us with its laid-back feel, full of character and beautiful vintage VWs, alongside an extensive classic car collection roaming the roads.
Weibdeh is one of the oldest areas of Amman with art galleries, cafés, quirky shops, restaurants, street art and relaxing parks. Wander around one of the few green spaces in the city at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts Park, scattered with sculptures, pines, and rosemary.
While exploring Weibdeh, stop at Rumi café for delicious food and coffee, the streets feel safe and welcoming inviting you to explore. Other must-see highlights are walking up the stairs opposite Darat Al Funun for a beautiful view. Stop by the Ezwetti initiative, located at the top of the Al Kalha Stairs which connects Weibdeh with Downtown Amman. Ezwetti is a non-profit that asks for a small donation to help feed the homeless and poor.
This neighbourhood has been the home of poets and artists over the years, As you wander the streets, there are pops of colour from aromatic jasmine and bougainvillea flowers falling over fences and the paint from street art on the walls. More on the extensive collection of street art next…
Admire the Street Art
Amman has a thriving street art scene, an insight into those living in the city, and a creative expression of the messages they wish to share around environmental, social and political topics. The artworks spill colour onto the streets, acting as a blank canvas ready to captivate the attention of passersby.
From Downtown Amman, walk up the steps of Al-Kalha stairs which are some of the oldest in the city, connecting to the vibrant Jabal al-Weibdeh neighbourhood. The Al-Kalha stairs are quite steep and each corner is covered in beautiful art, surrounded by quaint cafés and fantastic initiatives such as the Ezwetti initiative - a reflection of the true community spirit of Jordanians.
The total collection of street art in Amman is thought to hold more than 500 pieces across the city, with more waiting to be discovered each day. Browse the interactive map below of Street Art in Amman, created by CSBE to document the various works across the city, making it easier than ever to discover on your wanderings.
If you're looking for something truly unique, why not dive into the vibrant world of street art with Underground Amman's Downtown Graffiti Tour? You'll get a fascinating glimpse into the creativity that colours the city, learning all about the artists, their famous works, and the powerful stories behind the art. It's an immersive experience that promises to show you Amman like never before!
Underground Amman also offers tours around Hashmi, a military housing project which has become an open-air museum of incredible street art. Alaeddin Rahmeh is passionate about sharing this somewhat unknown side of Amman and these works of art are the voice of the younger generation, challenging cultural traditions and expanding ways of thinking.
Thanks to the hard work of Rahmeh and other local artists, Jordan is now one of the first countries to embrace street art, no longer treating it as a crime. This amazing change happened by involving the community in the planning of these vibrant artworks, making everyone a part of the creative process.
KING ABDULLAH I MOSQUE
Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Amman, the King Abdullah I Mosque stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Commonly known as the Blue Mosque, it honours King Abdullah I, who led Jordan to independence after the British mandate in 1946.
Completed in 1989, the mosque is known for its stunning blue-tiled dome, which stands as an iconic symbol across the city’s skyline. It is one of the only mosques in Amman that welcomes non-muslim visitors.
Visitors must dress modestly, covering their arms and legs. Robes are available onsite for both men and women. Men must cover their legs, if wearing shorts you will have to wear a robe. Women must cover their heads and a robe will be provided with a hood.
As you prepare to enter the dome prayer hall, remember to remove your shoes and maintain a respectful silence to honour those in prayer and meditation. Inside the hall, you will be captivated by the grandeur of the circular chandelier and the enchanting beams of light shining through the beautiful stained-glass windows.
Feast at HABIB BEIRUT
Elie Bassil created a restaurant inspired by a man called Habib Beirut, who made delicious quality food that many would keep coming back for more. Elie established Habib as an ambassador for the restaurant, sharing secret recipes that would share the wonders of Lebanese cuisine with the world.
The success of the restaurant has soared over the last few years, firstly opening in Lebanon with restaurants opening in Dubai, Oman, UAE, Iraq, Bulgaria and Jordan. Habib Beirut is found in the heart of Abdali (also known as The Boulevard), the modern part of Amman serving modern twists on traditional Lebanese dishes.
The restaurant has an outside area mostly designated for smokers and Shisha, which is very common in Jordan. If you decide to sit outside, it’s the perfect people-watching spot, as the main street through The Boulevard comes to life at night and especially at the weekends!
Dishes you will discover on the menu include grilled kebab meat, savoury mezzes, shanklish (cheese), houmous, fresh salads, Tabbouleh and so much more. Make sure to try Ghazl el Banet, a delicious dessert made of candy floss and creamy ice cream, topped with pistachios.
Grab a coffee at QAHWA BLK
Similar to tea, Arabic coffee is a symbol of hospitality throughout Jordan, including the Bedouins and is a cultural ritual that brings people together. In recent years, there has been a shift from traditional Arabic coffee (finely grinding dark roasted, cardamom-flavoured beans and drinking them unfiltered) to a desire to try specialty coffee which is driving a movement towards lighter roasted coffee and other flavours.
Most cafés in Amman would typically serve Arabic coffee alongside shisha, where many would meet to discuss business or socialise with friends. With many Jordanians looking for a different coffee from traditional Arabic coffee, new coffee shops without shisha have popped up across Amman. This has given places the chance to serve coffee without the need to have space for shisha.
Modern Amman has attracted many new businesses that have become places to meet up with friends, and one of the trendiest spots for coffee is Qahwa BLK in Abdali. For coffee enthusiasts, Qahwa BLK offers reasonably priced coffee that is high quality and tastes really good.
Qahwa BLK also sells reusable coffee cups, merchandise including bags and t-shirts and bags of coffee to take home with you. Grab your coffee to give you the energy you need to explore Amman with a full day ahead!
Discover the Citadel
Set on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al Qala'a stands as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Travel by taxi or car to the Jebel Al Qala'a, also referred to as the Amman Citadel. This archaeological marvel is the highest point in Amman at 850 meters above sea level.
The gates open at 8 am, and from mid-May to the end of August, the latest closing hour is 8 pm, with the earliest closing times being 5 pm in November and December. The Jordan Pass includes entrance to the Citadel; if you don’t have a Jordan Pass, a ticket costs 3 JD, or 0.25 JD for Jordanians.
While hiring a guide is not required at the Citadel, we’d recommend it gain a deeper understanding of the many fascinating areas of the site. There is evidence of civilisation dating back 9,000 years in the Citadel. Only a few pillars from the massive Temple of Hercules remain intact; the others have been partially rebuilt.
Massive fragments of fallen marble columns with holes in the middle that showed how each pillar would have been built by the Romans were scattered throughout the floor. Before the remainder of the Temple was destroyed by an earthquake in the middle of the eighth century, it is thought that the other original stones were reused somewhere.
One of the best views is from the little platform across from the Temple of Hercules, which offers panoramic views of Amman from the Citadel. The largest Jordanian flag, which is 150 meters tall and gently sways in the breeze, is visible from this location.
While much of the site is still buried beneath the earth, there are Roman baths, mosques, Roman temples, Byzantine churches, Umayyad palaces, caverns, water reservoirs, and houses that have been discovered.
Archaeologists discovered a marble statue of Hercules next to the Temple of Hercules that is estimated to be over 13 meters tall. A hand and an elbow are all that remain of the Hercules statue. The huge magnitude of the Hercules statue is illustrated by his fingers, which may indicate that the statue was destroyed during an earthquake.
ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE
From the Citadel, you catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of Amman, which can accommodate 6,000 spectators. The capacity of the amphitheatre indicates the size of the city at the time, which would be estimated at ten times the size at approximately 60,000.
It's about a 20-minute walk downhill from the Citadel to the amphitheatre, the Hashemite Plaza is a large area in front of the site and the ticket kiosk is on the right hand side as you face the amphitheatre directly ahead of you. As you enter the amphitheatre, marvel at the detailed Roman construction and experience the perfect acoustics by standing in the precisely marked position that effortlessly projects your voice.
The amphitheatre is still used for live performances and has withstood numerous earthquakes over the centuries, a testament to the craftsmanship and engineering of its creators. On-site, there is a museum showcasing traditional Jordanian life, with exhibits featuring the interiors of homes, traditional clothing, and handcrafted items such as rugs and jewellery.
ROMAN NYMPHAEUM
A short walk from the Amphitheatre, towards Souq Al-Sukar, the remains of a Roman Nymphaeum had been left forgotten for thousands of years whilst the rest of the bustling city of Amman continued with everyday life, with the market selling fresh fruit and veg by the kilo.
In 2015, archaeologists and university students began to uncover and restore the Nymphaeum after receiving funding for the works to commence. The Nymphaeum was built in 191 AD as a public fountain, dedicated to Nymphs who were known to have healing powers, were immortal and were in the form of women.
The Roman Nymphaeum in Amman is thought to be the largest Nymphaeum made from limestone in the world. Models were created to show how the site would’ve looked in its glory days. The building consists of two stories with mosaics, stone carvings and a possible swimming pool, to cool down from the summer heat.
SOUQ AL-SUKAR Market
A visit to the local market in any city is always a must, it will give you added insight into the local culture and way of life which share the long-held traditions and delicacies no longer found in the modern shopping malls. Markets show the soul of a city, the beating heart where people gather to shop, share and observe.
One of the best markets to visit in Amman is Souq Al-Sukar found in the old town of Amman. Make sure to stop at Palestine Juice (opposite Grand Husseini Mosque) for a refreshing drink with the freshest flavours of Jordan and a treat to enjoy as you wander around Souq Al-Sukar.
The Souq Al-Sukar market gives a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to slowly explore each corner selling without feeling rushed or hassled. There are huge piles of watermelons, mangoes, pomegranates, olives, breads, roasted spiced nuts, and desserts, all covered by canopies protected by the sun.
The vendors at Souq Al-Sukar are relaxed, friendly and welcoming, championing that well-known Jordanian hospitality making the experience an enjoyable way to try local Jordanian favourites and new flavours.
KING FAISAL Street
The heart of Amman is found in King Faisal Street, a historic central meeting point in the city. Palm trees line the centre of the street, leading your eyes to one of the oldest mosques in Amman, Al Hussein Mosque. The street’s central location is close to nearby ancient sites including the Citadel, Hashemite Plaza (Roman Amphitheatre), Jabal Al Luweibdeh, Grand Husseini Mosque and Rainbow Street.
Shooting off from the square, the streets are lined with many different markets known as ‘souqs’ in Arabic. King Faisal Street is the place for shopping, the Gold Souq shimmers with jewels, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Souq Mango sells bridal wear, textiles, clothing, accessories and perfume and is one of the oldest markets in Amman.
Be sure to visit Habibah, which serves Amman's most well-known dessert, knafeh, a sweet pastry topped with pistachios and made with cheese and attar syrup. There's generally a long queue for this delectable Arabic dessert, so be prepared to wait.
In front of Habibah, there is another landmark in the form of a bookshop called the Arab Culture Kiosk. Abu Ali has been selling books here since 1978, revered by many Jordanians for encouraging reading, who has since passed away in 2022. The bookshop has attracted many readers, sharing knowledge making reading more accessible and starting one of the first street book clubs in Amman.
Discover the DUKE’S DIWAN
If you have time, we’d highly recommend visiting the Duke’s Diwan on your way to Habibah on King Faisal Street. The building is named after Mamdouh Bisharat, commonly referred to as Duke of Mukhaibeha. He is a well-respected man, recognised for his efforts in conservation and preserving Jordanian cultural heritage. In Arabic, Diwan translates to a room that is open to guests.
The Duke’s Diwan is one of the oldest buildings in Amman, built in the 1920’s it was originally used as a central post office. In 1948 the building was transformed into a beautiful hotel welcoming guests for the rest of the century. Until 2001, when the Duke of Mukhaibeha purchased the building to preserve and restore original features it became a meeting place.
The Duke’s Diwan serves as a time capsule into the past of Amman, the beautifully shaped windows, full of character. The walls are adorned with artwork, and old photographs and an air of elegance fills the room. If only these walls could speak…
The place is regularly used as an event space for poets, artists and musicians to share their creativity with others. Look out for the metal trays which would be used to lower down outside the window for easy access to the best Knafeh in Amman.
Take a cooking class at BEIT SITTI
Now that you’ve seen so much of Amman, it’s time to discover an ancient tradition very close to Jordanian’s hearts and stomachs, cooking! Taking a cooking class is a great way to get an immersive experience of the country you are visiting, with the chance to converse with them and learn about local culture and traditions.
In the Webdeigh neighbourhood, Beit Sitti is a beautiful house in an incredible location with breathtaking views across Amman’s rooftops. The owner’s grandmother wished for the home to be used as an educational kitchen to share the knowledge of Jordanian food across the world.
We were taught by the lovely Um Reem, who showed us many delicious Jordanian dishes such as Maqloubeh, musakhan rolls, Arabic salad, mutabbal, manaqeesh znaatar and mixed veggies. It was such a wonderful experience, we chopped, and charcoaled aubergines on an open flame, shared stories and got to enjoy the efforts of our hard work on the beautiful shaded terrace.
We’d highly recommend this cooking class, it’s a truly wholesome and authentic experience when in Amman and writing this has got me dreaming of smoky, creamy mutabbal with fresh shrak bread.
