Amman
Amman is the gateway to Jordan's ancient wonders — Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea are all within reach. The city itself rewards exploration: the Citadel and Roman Theater anchor the historic core, while the Rainbow Street area buzzes with cafes and galleries. Jordanian hospitality is legendary, and the mansaf (lamb with yogurt sauce) is a must-try.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Amman
📍 Points of Interest
Loading map...
📋The Rundown
Amman is built on seven hills (jabals), each with its own distinct character — the ancient Citadel sits atop Jabal al-Qal'a with 7,000 years of continuous settlement
Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, with a stable monarchy and a deeply hospitable culture where guests are treated with extraordinary generosity
The city is a gateway to some of the world's most iconic ancient sites — Petra, Jerash, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum are all within a few hours
Amman's food scene is a revelation — from mansaf (the national dish of lamb in yogurt sauce) to the best hummus and falafel you'll ever taste
The ancient Roman Theater in downtown Amman seats 6,000 and is still used for cultural events — it was carved into the hillside in the 2nd century AD
Jordan has the highest ratio of refugees to citizens in the world, with Amman hosting large Palestinian, Syrian, and Iraqi communities that enrich the city's culture
🏛️Must-See Spots
The Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
🗼The hilltop archaeological site overlooking downtown Amman with ruins spanning 7,000 years — Roman Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, Byzantine church, and archaeological museum. Stunning city panoramas.
Roman Theater
📌A magnificently preserved 2nd-century Roman amphitheater carved into the hillside, seating 6,000 spectators. Still used for performances. The adjacent museums cover folklore and popular traditions.
Rainbow Street
🏘️Amman's trendiest street with cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and a bohemian atmosphere. The bookshops, rooftop bars, and diverse restaurants make this the heart of the city's modern cultural scene.
King Abdullah I Mosque
📌An iconic blue-domed mosque that is one of the few in Jordan open to non-Muslim visitors. The stunning interior features a massive dome decorated in blue mosaic. Modest dress required.
Jordan Museum
🏛️Jordan's premier museum housing the Dead Sea Scrolls (some of the oldest biblical manuscripts), Ain Ghazal statues (9,000-year-old human figures), and comprehensive exhibits on Jordan's history.
Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)
🏘️The chaotic, authentic heart of the city with souks, street food vendors, gold shops, spice stalls, and the old Arabic coffehouses. A sensory experience completely different from the upscale western neighborhoods.
Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
🏛️A fine art museum on a hillside with over 2,000 works from across the Islamic world — paintings, sculpture, and installations by contemporary Arab, Asian, and African artists.
Wild Jordan Center
📌The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature's visitor center with a terrace cafe offering panoramic views over downtown. Information on Jordan's nature reserves and excellent handicrafts from community cooperatives.
🗺️Where to Next
Petra
The rose-red Nabataean city carved into sandstone cliffs, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is unforgettable, but there are over 800 structures to explore across a vast site.
Dead Sea
The lowest point on Earth at 430 m below sea level, where the hypersaline water makes floating effortless. Mineral-rich mud and the surreal landscape make this one of the world's most unique natural experiences.
Jerash
One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world, with colonnaded streets, theaters, temples, and plazas dating to the 1st century AD. Often called "the Pompeii of the East."
Wadi Rum
A vast desert of sandstone mountains, red sand valleys, and ancient petroglyphs. Made famous as a filming location for "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Martian." Jeep tours and Bedouin camp stays under the stars.
Madaba
The "City of Mosaics" famous for the 6th-century Madaba Map, a Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land on the floor of St. George's Church. Also the jumping-off point for Mount Nebo.
Aqaba
Jordan's Red Sea port city with excellent coral reef diving, beach resorts, and duty-free shopping. A warm-weather escape year-round and the gateway to Wadi Rum.
Cairo
Egypt's chaotic, magnificent capital with the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the medieval Islamic quarter of Khan el-Khalili.
📍Hidden Gems
Jabal Luweibdeh Art District
Amman's intellectual and artistic neighborhood with galleries like Darat al Funun (an art complex in converted 1920s houses), independent bookshops, and hole-in-the-wall cafes frequented by writers and artists.
While tourists head to Rainbow Street, this adjacent hill is where Amman's creative community actually hangs out. Darat al Funun's terraced gardens offer one of the best free views of the Citadel.
Hashem Restaurant
A legendary downtown restaurant (more of a street stall with tables) that has been serving the best hummus, falafel, and ful in Amman since 1952. King Abdullah II reportedly eats here.
No menu, no pretension — just perfectly executed hummus, falafel, ful, and mint tea served at communal tables for a few dinars. The fact that kings and laborers eat side by side says everything about this place.
Friday Souq (Flea Market)
A sprawling open-air flea market near the Citadel every Friday morning with antiques, vintage electronics, second-hand clothes, old coins, Bedouin jewelry, and everything imaginable.
A treasure hunt where you might find Ottoman-era coffee pots, vintage maps, or Bedouin silver jewelry for a fraction of antique shop prices. The chaos and haggling are quintessentially Ammani.
Sunset at the Citadel
Visiting the Citadel in the hour before sunset when the golden light illuminates the Temple of Hercules and the city's minarets begin the evening call to prayer across the hills.
Most visitors come at midday, but the Citadel at sunset is a transcendent experience — the entire city turns golden, the muezzins call from hundreds of mosques simultaneously, and the ancient stones glow.
☀️Weather
Amman has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. At 850 m elevation, it's cooler than you might expect for a Middle Eastern city. Winters can be genuinely cold with occasional snow. Spring and autumn are ideal visiting seasons.
Spring
March - May50-77°F
10-25°C
Warming temperatures with some rain in March. Wildflowers bloom in the surrounding hills. The best season for combining Amman with outdoor sites like Petra and Wadi Rum.
Summer
June - August64-93°F
18-34°C
Hot and dry with intense sun but low humidity makes it bearable. Evenings are pleasant on rooftop terraces. The Dead Sea and Aqaba are scorching but the Red Sea is great for diving.
Autumn
September - November57-86°F
14-30°C
Cooling temperatures with the first rains in November. Another excellent period for visiting. October is particularly pleasant for desert excursions to Wadi Rum.
Winter
December - February39-55°F
4-13°C
Cold and rainy with occasional snow. Amman can be surprisingly frigid — pack warm layers. The Dead Sea is still swimmable (water stays around 20°C). Lower prices and fewer tourists.
🛡️Safety
Moderate
out of 100
Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East and Amman reflects this. Violent crime is extremely rare. Jordanian hospitality is legendary — locals routinely go out of their way to help visitors. The main concerns are minor traffic-related dangers and occasional tourist overcharging.
Things to Know
- •Traffic is the biggest danger — drivers are aggressive and pedestrian crossings are often ignored. Cross streets carefully and with confidence
- •Taxi meters should be used for all trips — insist on the meter or agree on a price before getting in. Use Careem or Uber for transparency
- •Downtown can feel overwhelming at first but is generally safe for tourists, even at night. Exercise normal caution
- •Women may receive stares or comments in some areas — dressing conservatively (covered shoulders and knees) reduces unwanted attention
- •Avoid discussing sensitive political topics (Israel-Palestine, Syria) unless your host initiates the conversation
- •Jordanian hospitality is genuine — if a local invites you for tea or coffee, it is almost always a sincere gesture of welcome
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Civil Defense
199
Tourist Police
+962 6 560 1200
🚕Transit & Transport
Amman's public transport is limited compared to other capitals. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the primary way for tourists to get around. A new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is improving coverage. The city is spread across steep hills, making walking between neighborhoods challenging.
Careem / Uber
JOD 1-5 (~$1.40-7) for most trips within AmmanRide-hailing apps are the most convenient and transparent transport option. Careem is more widely used in Jordan. Prices are shown upfront. Cash and card payments accepted.
Best for: All travel within the city — the recommended option for tourists
Yellow Taxis
JOD 1-4 (~$1.40-5.60) for most city tripsMetered yellow taxis are abundant. The meter starts at JOD 0.25. Drivers are generally honest but some try to avoid using the meter — always insist. Few drivers speak English beyond basics.
Best for: Short trips when you can see a taxi immediately, or when ride-hailing surge pricing is high
Amman Bus (BRT)
JOD 0.35-0.55 (~$0.50-0.78)The newer Bus Rapid Transit system connects key corridors including Sweileh to downtown. Still expanding. Routes and schedules can be confusing for visitors.
Best for: Budget travelers on major routes — ask locals for help navigating the system
JETT Bus (Intercity)
JOD 5-15 (~$7-21) depending on destinationJordan's reliable intercity bus service with air-conditioned coaches to Petra (4h), Aqaba (4h), Dead Sea (1h), and the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge border crossing.
Best for: Comfortable and reliable intercity travel to major tourist destinations
🚶 Walkability
Amman is built on steep hills, making walking between neighborhoods exhausting but rewarding for the views. Downtown, Rainbow Street, and Jabal Luweibdeh are walkable on their own. The walk from the Citadel down to the Roman Theater is a classic Amman walk. Sidewalks are uneven and often occupied by parked cars.
✈️Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
Queen Alia International Airport(AMM)
32 km south of downtownAirport Express Bus to 7th Circle runs every 30-60 min (JOD 3.25, ~$4.60, 45-60 min). Taxi costs JOD 20-25 (~$28-35, 30-45 min). Careem/Uber available. The airport is modern and efficient with good duty-free shopping.
🚌 Bus Terminals
JETT Bus Station (Abdali)
The main JETT intercity bus terminal with scheduled services to Petra/Wadi Musa (daily, JOD 11, 4h), Aqaba (daily, JOD 10, 4h), Dead Sea (Friday only, JOD 10 return), and Hammamat Ma'in. Book in advance during peak season.
North Bus Station (Tabarbour)
Public buses and minivans to Jerash (JOD 1, 1h), Ajloun (JOD 1.50, 1.5h), and northern Jordan. Vehicles depart when full. Arrive early morning for the best connections.
South Bus Station (Wahadat)
Public minibuses to Madaba (JOD 0.75, 45min), Karak (JOD 2.50, 2h), and southern destinations. Less organized than JETT but cheaper. Departures when full.
🛍️Shopping
Amman offers everything from traditional souks to modern malls. The downtown souks are atmospheric and cheap, while Abdali and Sweifieh have upscale shopping. Jordan's Dead Sea products, mosaics, and Bedouin crafts make excellent souvenirs.
Downtown Souks (Al-Balad)
traditional marketNarrow streets packed with shops selling gold jewelry, spices, Arabic sweets, textiles, and household goods. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are highlights. Atmospheric and authentically Ammani.
Known for: Gold jewelry, Arabic sweets (knafeh, baklava), spices, traditional clothing, hookah pipes
Rainbow Street Boutiques
boutique shoppingIndependent shops and galleries selling contemporary Jordanian design, handmade crafts, books, and artisan products. A curated, higher-end shopping experience.
Known for: Contemporary Jordanian design, hand-painted ceramics, artisan crafts, English-language bookshops
Wild Jordan Center Shop
fair-trade shopHandicrafts made by women's cooperatives from Jordan's nature reserves — leather goods, soaps, candles, and woven items. All proceeds support conservation and community development.
Known for: Fair-trade crafts, Dead Sea products, nature reserve souvenirs, organic foods
Abdali Mall / Taj Mall
modern mallModern shopping malls in west Amman with international and regional brands, food courts, cinemas, and entertainment. Abdali Mall is the newest and most upscale.
Known for: International brands, regional fashion, electronics, dining, entertainment
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Dead Sea products — mineral mud, salt scrubs, and skincare (Ahava, Rivage, or Jordan River brands)
- •Handmade mosaics from Madaba workshops — replicas of the famous mosaic map
- •Arabic coffee and cardamom sets — an ornate dallah (coffee pot) with finjan cups
- •Hebron glass — hand-blown glass in deep blues and greens
- •Sand bottles from Petra or Aqaba — layered colored sand in decorative bottles
- •Jordanian olive oil and za'atar spice blend
- •Bedouin silver jewelry — traditional Bedouin designs in sterling silver
- •Knafeh and Arabic sweets — boxed as gifts from Habibah Sweets downtown
💵Money & Tipping
Jordanian Dinar
Code: JOD
1 USD is approximately 0.71 JOD (the dinar is pegged to the dollar). The Jordanian Dinar is one of the strongest currencies in the world. ATMs are widely available. US dollars are accepted at major hotels and tourist sites, but dinars are essential for daily transactions.
Payment Methods
Cash is preferred for souks, taxis, and smaller shops. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, malls, and tourist attractions. ATMs are ubiquitous and most accept international cards. Note that the dinar divides into 1,000 fils — small change matters.
Tipping Guide
10% is customary if service charge is not included. Some upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge.
Not expected — rounding up to the nearest half dinar is a nice gesture.
JOD 1-2 for porters per bag. JOD 2-3 per day for housekeeping.
JOD 5-10 per person per day for guides. JOD 3-5 for drivers.
Rounding up or leaving JOD 0.50-1 is appreciated but not expected at casual eateries.
💰Budget
budget
$35-60
Hostel, falafel and hummus meals, public transport and shared taxis, free sites and city walking
mid-range
$80-150
Mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, Careem transport, Citadel and museum entries, day trip to Jerash
luxury
$200+
Boutique hotel, fine dining, private driver, Dead Sea resort day, premium experiences
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | JOD 8-15 | $11-21 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel | JOD 40-80 | $56-113 |
| AccommodationBoutique / luxury hotel | JOD 100+ | $141+ |
| FoodFalafel sandwich | JOD 0.50-1 | $0.70-1.40 |
| FoodHummus plate at Hashem | JOD 1-2 | $1.40-2.80 |
| FoodRestaurant meal (main course) | JOD 5-12 | $7-17 |
| FoodFine dining dinner | JOD 20-40 | $28-56 |
| FoodArabic coffee or tea | JOD 0.50-1.50 | $0.70-2.10 |
| TransportCareem across Amman | JOD 2-5 | $2.80-7 |
| TransportAirport Express Bus | JOD 3.25 | $4.60 |
| AttractionsCitadel entry | JOD 3 | $4.25 |
| AttractionsJordan Museum | JOD 5 | $7 |
| AttractionsJordan Pass (Petra + sites) | JOD 70-80 | $99-113 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Buy the Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo) before arrival — it includes the visa fee (JOD 40), Petra entry (JOD 50), and 40+ other sites. Saves JOD 20-50 minimum
- •Eat at downtown falafel and hummus spots — a filling meal at Hashem costs JOD 2-3 per person
- •Use the Amman City Bus or shared minibuses instead of taxis for longer routes within the city
- •Visit the Citadel and Roman Theater on the same morning — they're walking distance apart and offer the best value
- •The Friday Souq (flea market) is free to browse and offers the best prices on souvenirs and antiques
- •Book JETT buses to Petra and Aqaba in advance rather than hiring a private taxi
- •Wild Jordan Center cafe offers free views — you don't need to buy anything to enjoy the panorama
🗓️When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
March through May and September through November are ideal — warm, dry, and perfect for combining Amman with Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Summer is hot but manageable at Amman's elevation. Winter is cold and wet but uncrowded.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: High — peak season especially around Easter and EidWarm, sunny days with wildflowers blooming across Jordan. The best overall season for a Jordan trip. Perfect weather for Petra and Wadi Rum.
Pros
- + Perfect weather for all outdoor sites
- + Wildflowers in the desert
- + Long daylight hours
- + Green hillsides around Amman
Cons
- − Peak season pricing
- − Petra can be very crowded
- − Eid holidays may affect opening hours
- − Book accommodation well ahead
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: Moderate — fewer international tourists, some Gulf visitorsHot and dry but manageable in Amman (32-36°C). The Dead Sea and Aqaba are scorching. Fewer tourists means better prices and emptier sites.
Pros
- + Lower prices
- + Fewer crowds at Petra
- + Evenings are pleasant in Amman
- + Great for diving in Aqaba
Cons
- − Extreme heat at lower elevations
- − Dead Sea can exceed 45°C
- − Walking Petra in heat is exhausting
- − Ramadan may fall in this period
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: High in October-November — a popular visiting periodCooling temperatures with dry weather. Excellent for all outdoor activities. Another peak season alongside spring.
Pros
- + Excellent weather
- + Perfect for desert excursions
- + Olive harvest season
- + Comfortable temperatures at all elevations
Cons
- − Prices rise in October-November
- − Popular sites get busy
- − Late November can bring rain
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Low — best deals of the yearCold and rainy in Amman with occasional snow. The Dead Sea is still pleasant. Petra can be cold but dramatic in winter light. Lowest prices and thinnest crowds.
Pros
- + Lowest prices
- + Dramatic winter light at Petra
- + Dead Sea is still swimmable
- + Very few tourists
Cons
- − Cold and rainy in Amman
- − Snow can close mountain roads
- − Short daylight hours
- − Some sites may flood temporarily
🎉 Festivals & Events
Jerash Festival
JulyA major cultural festival in the ancient Roman city of Jerash featuring music, dance, theater, and poetry from across the Arab world. Performances in the ancient theaters.
Amman International Film Festival
VariesA growing film festival showcasing Jordanian and international cinema with screenings, workshops, and red carpet events.
Eid al-Fitr
End of RamadanThe celebration ending Ramadan with feasting, family gatherings, and a festive atmosphere. Many Jordanians travel, so book accommodation ahead.
Independence Day
May 25National celebrations with parades, military displays, and fireworks marking Jordan's independence in 1946.
🛂Visa & Entry
Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Queen Alia Airport. However, the best option is the Jordan Pass — purchased online before arrival, it includes the visa fee and entry to 40+ tourist sites including Petra. It is one of the best travel deals in the world.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable) | Visa on arrival (JOD 40, ~$56) or free with Jordan Pass (JOD 70-80). Jordan Pass must be purchased before arrival and is valid with a minimum 3-night stay. |
| UK Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable) | Visa on arrival or free with Jordan Pass. Passport must be valid for 6+ months. |
| EU Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable) | Visa on arrival for most EU nationalities. Jordan Pass recommended for cost savings. |
| Canadian Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable) | Visa on arrival. Jordan Pass highly recommended. |
| Australian Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable) | Visa on arrival. JOD 40 fee waived with Jordan Pass. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa must be obtained in advance from a Jordanian embassy or applied for as e-visa. Jordan Pass may be used instead if staying 3+ nights. |
Visa-Free Entry
Visa on Arrival
Tips
- •Buy the Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo) before arriving — it includes the visa fee and entry to Petra alone is worth JOD 50
- •The Jordan Pass requires a minimum 3-consecutive-night stay in Jordan to be valid for the visa waiver
- •Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- •Register with police within 14 days of arrival (your hotel typically does this automatically)
- •If entering overland from Israel via King Hussein Bridge, you cannot obtain a visa on arrival — arrange your Jordan Pass or visa in advance
💬Speak the Language
Jordanian Arabic is a Levantine dialect. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, especially in west Amman. However, using even a few Arabic phrases will earn you genuine warmth and hospitality. Downtown shopkeepers may speak some English but not fluently.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (peace be upon you) | Assalamu alaikum | ah-sah-LAH-moo ah-LAY-koom |
| Hello (response) | Wa alaikum assalam | wa ah-LAY-koom ah-sah-LAHM |
| Thank you | Shukran | SHOOK-ran |
| Please / You're welcome | Tafaddal (m) / Tafaddali (f) | tah-FAD-dal / tah-FAD-dah-lee |
| How are you? | Keefak (m) / Keefik (f)? | KEE-fahk / KEE-feek? |
| Fine, praise God | Mnih, al-hamdulillah | mm-NEEH, al-HAM-doo-lil-lah |
| How much? | Addeysh? | ah-DAYSH? |
| No, thank you | La, shukran | lah, SHOOK-ran |
| God willing | Inshallah | in-SHAH-lah |
| If God wills (very common) | Mashallah | mah-SHAH-lah |
| Delicious | Zaaki | ZAH-kee |
| Let's go | Yalla | YAL-lah |