Amman, the capital city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a city of contrasts where modernity meets ancient history. Founded on the seven hills of the Ammonite civilization, Amman has grown into a thriving metropolis while preserving its historical heritage. It's a city where you can explore ancient ruins in the morning and dine at a trendy restaurant in the evening.
Amman enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The best time to visit Amman is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C, providing comfortable weather for sightseeing. Summer months (July and August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Winter (December to February) sees occasional rainfall and temperatures around 5°C to 15°C.
Amman is accessible through Queen Alia International Airport, located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. This airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, offering convenience for travelers. From the airport, you can reach the city center via taxis, which are available 24/7, or by using the airport's shuttle bus service.
Amman is a culinary delight with a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Levantine cuisines. Some must-try dishes include Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish of lamb with fermented yogurt, Falafel, crispy chickpea patties, Shawarma, seasoned meat in pita bread, and Knafeh, a sweet dessert made with shredded filo pastry and cheese.
You can savor these dishes at popular spots like Hashem Restaurant, Al Quds Restaurant, and Sufra Restaurant. For fine dining, indulge in Arabic and international dishes at Fakhreldin Restaurant or Romero Restaurant. Don't forget to complement your meal with a cup of traditional Arabic coffee or a refreshing glass of mint lemonade.
Amman offers many activities to numerous people with different interests. If you are an art enthusiast, you can explore the vibrant Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. Visiting the bustling downtown markets, and taking a guided tour of the historical Amman Citadel are some of the must-do activities when in Amman. For shopping, explore the Al Balad area, Wadi Abdoun, and Mecca Street for a variety of products from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the sunset from the Amman Citadel.
Amman has a growing nightlife scene with a variety of entertainment options. Enjoy a relaxing evening at Cantaloupe Gastro Pub, a rooftop restaurant with beautiful views, or experience live music at Blue Fig. For a unique cultural experience, attend a traditional music performance at Al Hussein Cultural Center.
Amman offers a range of shopping experiences to satisfy your retail therapy cravings, especially if you seek to find some authentic, perhaps handcrafted souvenirs. For clothing and fashion, explore the diverse options at Al Abdali Mall, Taj Mall, and Wakalat Street. The Souk Jara and Souk Al-Jara are vibrant markets known for traditional crafts and souvenirs, including jewelry, textiles, and ceramics. For exquisite rugs and carpets, consider a visit to the Carpet Bazaar.
February: Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival
May: Amman Design Week
June: Rainbow Street Festival
July: Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts
July – August: Jordan Festival
August: Amman International Film Festival
September: Amman International Theatre Festival
October: Amman Jazz Festival
December: Christmas Celebrations in Amman
1 January: New Year's Day
1 May: Labor Day
25 May: Independence Day
11 November: Independence Day
25 December: Christmas Day
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Adha
Hijri New Year
Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)
Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites and local communities.
Respect the local culture and traditions.
Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
Familiarize yourself with basic Arabic phrases for easier communication.
Stand up when meeting others, and shake hands in greetings but be mindful of conservative veiled women.
Accept Arabic coffee from your host, a symbol of hospitality.
Carry loose change, as many Jordanians don't have it.
Tip waiters around 10% unless a service charge is included.
Haggle while shopping.
Enjoy alcohol but not in public areas.
Avoid interrupting or passing in front of a praying Muslim.
Embrace cheek-kissing as a warm greeting.
Appreciate overfeeding as a symbol of hospitality.
Tipping taxi drivers is appreciated but not mandatory.
Jordan has a well-connected transportation system. The JETT bus company links Amman to Aqaba, the King Hussein Bridge for travel to Israel and Hammamat Ma'in. Private buses, mainly run by Hijazi, connect Amman to Irbid and Aqaba. Minibusses serve smaller towns irregularly. The Abdali transport station in Downtown Amman has shifted services to the new Northern bus station, where you can find buses to Israel, Jerash/Dead Sea, and Queen Alia Airport. Be cautious about potential overpricing at the Northern bus station. Service taxis, known as "servees," offer faster but costlier transportation. Yellow taxis are common in cities, use the meter, and don't leave luggage in unmetered taxis. Driving is an option, but be careful, and rentals are affordable. Uber operates in Amman, and the Jordan Hejaz Railway caters to tourists. There have been discussions about new rail lines, but no concrete developments as of 2018.