9 Awesome things to do in Amman, Jordan (update 2023)

Where is Amman

Amman, also known as the capital of Jordan is a lively city that is built upon 19 hills in the northwest of Jordan.

Considered the largest city in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Amman is named the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East, with a population of roughly 4 million as of 2022.

All of this makes Amman the country’s centre of all things economic, political, and culture.

Where to stay in Amman

As with most capital cities, Amman is teeming with excellent accommodation options, catering to any budget or travel style. 

Whether you’re after a cheap stay in a hostel, wish to splurge on a luxury boutique hotel or looking for something in between, I’m pretty confident that you’ll find what you’re looking for.

To help you find your stay, I’ve put together my favourite accommodation in Amman.

Budget

Luckily for us, it’s rather easy to find affordable accommodation in the city centre of Amman – these are my favourite out of the bunch.

Sandy Palace Hotel | A travellers favourite within this price range, this hotel is fairly priced while still providing a brilliant hotel experience, with large rooms, excellent in-house facilities and a good breakfast spread on offer.

Nomads Hotel | Another surprisingly affordable option, Nomads Hotel is situated only a stone’s throw away from Rainbow Street and offers excellent minimal-style rooms that won’t break the bank. Double rooms at €50 a night make this one of the best budget hotels in Amman.

Mid-range

Most accommodations in Amman are categorized in the mid-range category, meaning you’ll likely find great options in this range. These are some of my personal favourites:

Coral Tower Hotel by Hansa | Located within walking distance of all the best things to do in Amman, this 4-star hotel offers spacious airconditioned rooms, free private parking, and a shared lounge and a terrace.

Harir Palace Hotel | This boutique-style hotel boasts beautifully decorated rooms, a large rooftop pool, and an in-house health club, making it one of the highest-rated in this price range. Doubles start at €80 per night.

Luxury

Based on first-hand experience, Amman has no shortage of Luxury stays, offering top-notch experiences for those willing to splurge. These are two of my favourites:

+ W Amman | This is where I stayed, and I really had an incredible time here. W Amman provides spacious modern-style rooms with all the luxuries to unwind after a long day of explorations around downtown Amman. So, if you’re looking for top-notch comfort and high-quality hospitality, make sure you click the link to see how awesome this hotel is.

Mövenpick Hotel Amman | Situated around 8 kilometres away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Amman, this gorgeous hotel has well-designed rooms, world-class service and a stunning outdoor pool with views over the city. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, you won’t be disappointed, so make sure you have a look at this one.

1 | Take in the views from the Amman Citadel

Nestled on Jabal al-Qal’a in the heart of downtown Amman, the Amman Citadel provides the most stunning views of the city, with stunning panoramic views as far as the eye can see.

Home to several of Amman’s most noteworthy historical sites – including the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace and the Jordan Archaeological Museum, this area is easily one of the best things to do in Amman, as it displays the rich and diverse history of the city.

On top of that, the views over the Roman Theatre with the characteristic houses built against the encircling hills make for an epic scene, especially when visiting during the golden hour.

As a result, this place is teeming with local families and tourists alike, all gathering here to watch the sunset illuminate the iconic hills of Amman – and believe me, it’s truly an unforgettable experience.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Amman Citadel

Cost | Entrance fee 3 JOD (€3,90) per person

2 | Visit the Temple of Hercules

Set within the heart of the Amman Citadel are the imposing remains of the Temple of Hercules.

Though it is said that the construction has never been fully completed, the temple of Hercules was built in typical Roman style under the rule of Roman senator and general Geminius Marcianus between 162 and 166 AD.

Whilst the temple is far from what it once used to be – or intended to be, the Temple of Hercules is still the most significant landmark found within the grounds of the Amman Citadel.

Furthermore, you can also stumble upon the remnants of a large stone-carved hand, which was once part of an enormous statue of the ancient Roman god Hercules.

Strolling around the imposing ruins was in many ways one of my favourite things to do in Amman, so make sure you drop by at least once while exploring the time-worn citadel.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Temple of Hercules

3 | Admire the Umayyad Palace

Established on the Northern part of Amman’s Jabal al-Qal’a, the ancient Umayyad Palace is a large complex that dates back as far as the Umayyad period.

Now largely ruined, the palace was built over the remainders of Roman constructions in the years between 724 and 743 AD by Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, also known as ‘The Dew of the Stone’.

At present, the magnificent Umayyad Palace gives its visitors a glimpse into the life of the Umayyad era, making it one of the most interesting structures in the Amman Citadel.

The intriguing architecture makes this palace extremely unique, and for a photographer like me, it created the perfect backdrop for some of my favourite photos I took in Jordan.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Umayyad Palace

4 | Behold the Roman Theatre

Built in the 2nd century, the Roman Theatre can seat up to 6,000 people and dates back as far as the Roman Era, when Amman was still known as Philadelphia.

Whether seen from atop of the Amman Citadel or up close and personal, the Roman Theatre is an impressive sight to behold and still reflects the greatness of the once-thriving Roman Empire.

Besides the theatre, there are also two small museums, one on either side of the theatre; the Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions – both displaying plenty of interesting ancient artefacts and costumes.

So whether you’re a history buff, or keen to tick off the best things to do in Amman, I believe a visit to the Roman Theatre is essential for anyone travelling here, as it allows you to really understand the history and culture of the city.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Roman Theatre

Cost | 2 JOD ( €2,60) per person

Opening hours | Daily 0800 – 1830

5 | Behold the exquisite King Abdullah I Mosque

One of the best things to do in Amman, and also one of the more unique if you ask me, is bringing a visit to the exquisite mosque of King Abdullah I.

Defined by its characteristic blue domes, King Abdullah I Mosque can hold over 7.000 worshippers, making it one of the largest mosques in Jordan.

On top of that, the mosque is also accessible to non-Muslim visitors, which isn’t very common in the country. Do note, that it requires a small entrance fee of 2 Jod – plus the rule that you dress appropriately, meaning men wear to cover their knees and women their heads.

The mosque is truly a spectacular place to behold, both inside and out, and after my visit, I believe it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Amman, so make sure you take notes, especially if you’re keen to visit authentic places that are rich in culture.

While it is located slightly off Downtown Amman, I believe that visiting King Abdullah I Mosque is absolutely worth the short detour.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | King Abdullah I Mosque

Cost | 2 JOD (€2,60) per person

6 | Visit the Dead Sea

While I recommend visiting as part of a road trip, Amman makes for an excellent base from which to explore one of Jordan’s most unique natural highlights; the Dead Sea.

Situated at roughly an hour’s drive from Amman is the Dead Sea, a unique natural phenomenon that is marked by its incredibly high concentration of salt, which allows visitors to float atop the water.

It’s also the perfect place to relax an afternoon away, with plenty of luxurious hotels offering pools and mud baths dotted along the salty beach shores.

Apart from that, the with salt formation flanked beaches make for a unique and picture-perfect backdrop, ideal for those looking to shoot some astonishing photography.

Whether you visit as part of a Jordan road trip, or as a day trip from Amman, the Dead Sea is one of the absolute highlights of any trip to Jordan.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Dead Sea

7 | Spent the night at W Amman

Quite frankly, Jordan has no shortage of luxurious hotels, and the stylish W Amman hotel is without question the best option for those looking for a splurge in Amman.

To me, there’s no better place to be after a long day of exploring, than the elegant W Hotel, with its astonishing contemporary rooms, top-notch in-house restaurants, and all the essential luxuries for an otherworldly stay.

During my time in Amman, I was lucky enough to spend one night in the Cool Corner Suite that boasts stunning views over the Amman Skyline and had a more than brilliant time, with an excellent dinner in their in-house restaurant Enso as the absolute highlight.

So, if you’re looking for a unique place to unwind after experiencing the hustle and bustle of Amman, I would highly recommend W Amman – it truly was one of the best accommodation experiences I’ve ever had!

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | W Amman

Book | Prices and availability here

8 | Roam around Rainbow Street

Famed for its trendy bars, restaurants and cafes, Rainbow Street is a vibrant area away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Amman.

The colourful street has no shortage of graffiti and is marked by a relaxing atmosphere, with plenty of souvenir shops too, selling everything from artisanal crafts to jewellery and pottery.

To me though, Rainbow Street felt a bit overhyped, as it was far from what I expected it to be. 

However, if you have the time, I suggest taking a short walk around the colourful streets to experience the area yourself – as you might have a completely different experience after all.

Having said that, I just enjoyed other parts of Amman more, as they’re teeming with cultural and historical landmarks that piqued my interest.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Rainbow Street

9 | Visit the Roman ruins of Jerash

Given Amman is only 50 kilometres away from the Roman ruins of Jerash, visiting them as part of a day trip is considered one of the best things to do in Amman – and trust me, it truly is.

Coming in right after Petra in terms of the most popular tourist attractions in Jordan, the ruins of Jerash are actually quite famous, as it’s regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy.

Home to a dozen of temples, theatres, triumphal gates, and collonaded streets, Jerash is an extensive area that showcases some of the best Roman architecture in the world, making it a must-visit for anyone travelling to Jordan.

It’s worth noting that Jerash is fully exposed, meaning the ruins are very hot to explore around noon – so I’d highly recommend bringing a hat and some sun protection.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Jerash

Cost | 10 JOD (€13,30) per person. Jerash is free of the entrance with the Jordan Pass

Opening hours | Daily 0800 – 1830 in summer, 0800 – 1730 in April and May

Recommend tour | This excellent private day tour takes you to Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais

Best time to visit Amman | Weather in Amman

First things first; summers in Jordan will be scorching hot, with temperatures reaching heights of 40 degrees celsius.

For that reason, I believe the best time to visit Amman is during the spring months of March to May when the average temperature is significantly more pleasant for explorations around town.

Alternatively, the shoulder months of September to November are great too.

During this time, the days are still long and somewhat hot, yet the afternoons cool down quickly, which makes it extremely pleasant to go out and explore.

How to get around Amman

Walk

Amman is a relatively compact city and most of the best things to do in Amman are situated fairly close to each other in the downtown area. 

For that reason, I believe the absolute best way to uncover the city is by foot.

Bus

Since most accommodations are located slightly off Downtown Amman, using the bus is often necessary to reach the city centre.

However, it’s kinda confusing that the busses don’t follow a strict time schedule, and leave as soon as they’re full with passengers – which doesn’t take long in Amman.

If travelling by local bus sounds a tad too adventurous, opt for a taxi to Downtown Amman instead.

How to get to Amman

Flights

The Queen Alia International Airport is located just half an hour from Amman, and hosts flights from roughly 40 airlines from all over the world, making it the country’s main international airport.

For flights to Amman, I would highly recommend Skyscanner. Not only is their website incredibly user-friendly, but it also holds a large variety of airlines, and grants the possibility to find good rates.

From the airport, it’s pretty straightforward to get to the city centre, with two shuttle busses servicing the area – the Sariya Shuttle Bus or the Airport Express Bus. The busses leave every 30 minutes and a one-way ticket will cost you around 3,5 JOD (€4,70) per person. For more information visit the official Amman airport website.

Car

Like most places in Jordan, Amman is easily reached by car, which makes Jordan the perfect destination for a scenic road trip.

If you’re looking to rent a car in Jordan you will have all the freedom to travel at your own pace – plus getting to Jordan’s many highlights will be as easy as it gets.

For car rental in Jordan, I would recommend Rentalcars.com, as they offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price.

It’s worth noting that the parking fees in Amman can add up quickly, so I advise finding accommodation with private parking or park just outside of downtown.