Amman city guide: where old meets new
Why Jordan’s vibrant capital has it all.
Nowhere represents Jordan’s unmatched mix of ancient history and tradition, cosmopolitan outlook and famously warm welcome like the city of Amman.
Staying in Amman offers you the opportunity to experience the Kingdom’s rich heritage alongside its youthful spirit. Gastronomic delights range from exciting street food to fine dining, as the city's inspiring neighborhoods welcome you with open arms, to take you on a sensory journey through taste and time.
History
Amman is home to many of the country's most inspiring historical sights.
Located on a hill, the Citadel is a good place to start exploring, with incredible views and an abundance of sacred sites and stories to discover. The cultural heart of the city, the Amman Citadel dates back to the Bronze Age. Incredible signs of its almost 4,000 years of history are everywhere, from the imposing Temple of Hercules, built by the Romans, and the Byzantine church to the iconic Umayyad Palace complex.
Downtown, the beautifully restored Roman Theatre offers another opportunity to travel back in time. Built into 3 sides of the hillside, this much-celebrated landmark dates back to the 2nd century AD and is still used for performances today.
Food & drink
From street food sellers to luxury fine dining, Amman's food scene is one of the most exciting you'll find anywhere in the world.
Join the friendly locals to feast on falafel and hummus downtown at Hashem, one of the oldest restaurants in the country, and brave the queue to try the best knafeh in town at Habiba Sweets.
Got a thirst for knowledge? Discover more about traditional Jordanian dishes before learning to cook at Beit Sitti (Grandmother's House) or hear about Jordan's long-established winemaking heritage at the JR The Experience.
Explore Amman's growing upscale dining scene at a host of sophisticated restaurants, from an elegant brunch at Dara Dining by Sara Aqel to dinner at Alee, where you will find classic Jordanian dishes elevated by award-winning chef Ali Ghzawi.
Art & culture
There's ample opportunity to explore museum and gallery spaces in Amman, giving you the chance to take in everything from ancient artefacts to modern art.
The 9,700-year-old “Ain Ghazal Statues”, the oldest human statues in the world, are found at the Jordan Museum. Alternatively, Amman's art galleries include the National Gallery of Fine Arts, showcasing art from around the world with a highlight on local and regional artists, the Dar Al-Anda Art Gallery and Darat al Funun, which fosters a unique interplay between art, architecture and archaeology.
One of Amman's oldest neighbourhoods, Jabal al-Weibdeh is also the hub of its most progressive art scene. Stroll its streets to experience colourful street art, quirky cafés and small gallery spaces featuring emerging artists.
Shopping
The famous Rainbow Street is a great place to pick up souvenirs. Souk Jara, one of the city's best markets, takes place just a stone's throw away every Friday, showcasing the work of local artisans along with books, crafts and antiques.
Souk el-Khodra is worth a visit for the market's brightly coloured fruit and vegetable stalls and friendly sellers, offering a real taste of daily life in Amman, while the city's weekend farmers' market places more of an emphasis on locally sourced produce and goods.
Shop jewellery at Souk el-Sagha and clothing and linens at Souk Mango, which is also well known for bridalwear.
Beyond the souks, the city's shopping centres ensure you can pick up your favourite international and luxury brands.
Nightlife
Amman's bars and lounges are a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. You'll find some of the best skyline and sunset views during the summer months at rooftop bars like The Living Room/The Loft, Cantaloupe Gastropub and Sekrab. Cool cafés like Shams El Balad with indoor and outdoor seating open into the evening too, providing stylish year round options. If you're in the mood for music, venues such as Maestro Bar and Restaurant and The Corner's Pub deliver a regular line-up of live acts.
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