One day in Amman - navigating the Jordanian capital.
Sitting at the top of the Citadel hill overlooking the whole city was awesome.
The city has similar vibes to Egypt and Marrakesh, however, it felt much less chaotic, but it still maintains its unique Middle Eastern charm.
Most tourists heading to Jordan are going to visit Petra, or Wadi Rum Desert, however, with the country’s main airport operating from the capital, many tourists spend a day in Amman first.
Although the city doesn’t have the same aurora as the lost city of Petra, its history is just as significant, and if you explore, you will find a modern quirky side to Amman.
I spent a day in the capital before and after the other highlights on our Jordan itinerary.
Here are the things which kept me entertained during one day in Amman.
The best spot in the city for a photo.
What is the vibe like in Amman?
My first thoughts when we were exploring the hilly capital, was how weird it was seeing such ancient landmarks so close to the busy modern downtown area of Amman.
This offers a unique landscape in the city!
The vibe of Amman changes depending on where you are in the city, with places such as Rainbow street offering a way more lively vibe than the surrounding areas of the mosque downtown.
You can guarantee that you will hear the call to prayer echoing around the hills, as the time passes during your day exploring.
Standing on top of the citadel hill and looking down over the city, as the call to prayer reverberated around the city felt like a moment which many people have experienced for centuries!
There is more of a party vibe in Rainbow Street, especially in the evening when the cafes are lit up and loud music is playing. With alcohol so difficult to obtain in Amman, you can expect a different partying vibe to other destinations though!
It is much more controlled and respectful.
Enjoyng a different sort of travel experience in Amman.
Is one day in Amman enough time?
Most tourists passing through the Jordanian capital do so on their way to Petra, therefore, one day is often the timeframe in which they have to explore.
I found one day in Amman to be enough time to be briefly introduced to the different highlights which the city has to offer.
As we stayed in Rainbow Street, we enjoyed exploring the famous area in the morning for coffee, and in the evening for a meal. This freed up some time for us to visit the historical landmarks, souks, and a mosque during our day.
We visited in the summertime, which is the worst time to visit in Jordan in terms of heat and very hot temperatures, which made traversing the capital by foot a task.
If you are only spending the one day in the capital, I recommend booking Ubers or taxis to travel faster between the different highlights.
The Temple of Hercules.
Some practical information before you visit.
Amman is not a very popular tourist destination, therefore, it isn’t as established as other places in terms of catering for tourists.
Weather.
Summer (June – August).
Typical daily temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C, with long, hot, and dry sunny days.
Spring (March – May) & Autumn (September – November).
Shoulder season temperatures range between 10°C and 25°C, with mild weather and occasional rain, especially in spring.
Winter (December – February).
Winter in Amman is cold, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and 10°C, sometimes dropping below freezing at night, and occasional rain or snow.
Currency.
Jordanian Dinar.
Jordan Pass.
Jordan offers a Jordan Pass for visitors, so they can save money on attractions and visa entry. There is a minimum stay period required in the country to be eligible
A government building in the capital.
Is Amman safe?
Amman is considered safe in general, as is Jordan as a country.
Current events in the Middle East have complicated things, so it is very important to keep up to date with current Government travel advice.
There are many armed police officers patrolling Amman on foot and by car constantly, which did put my mind at ease.
The infrastructure of Amman is like that of the western world, therefore, I didn’t feel unsafe at all in case of an emergency.
Additionally, the city's robust emergency services and well-maintained facilities further contributed to a sense of security during my visit.
Armed police officers are a common sight in Amman.
Is Amman expensive?
I found Amman is relatively affordable compared to many major cities in the region, but costs can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
We planned our budget in the capital to free up more spending money at Petra and Wadi Rum, so we stayed in a budget hotel, and had meals in more practical restaurants.
I found transportation within the city to be on the expensive side, and in line with costs in London. Our taxi fare from Queen Alia International Airport to Rainbow Street was over £50.
The attractions in the city are cheap, or free if you have purchased your Jordan Pass in advance!
Amman offers a range of options to suit different budgets, making it a manageable destination for travellers seeking both affordability, or a more luxurious stay.
Arab Bank downtown.
Things to do in Amman in 24 hours.
An aspect of Amman which I enjoyed is that it is a multi layered city, with different facets to it.
History, culture, and art is what made up my 24 hours exploring Amman, with a nice combination of all three presenting a rounded view of the capital.
Modern graffiti art in the city juxtaposes the ancient landmarks, and grand religious buildings!
Here are the activities which I enjoyed, starting with the main two historical landmarks in the city.
The Roman Theatre.
Explore the city’s historical landmarks.
Amman is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, dating back over 9000 years, with many different civilisations living in the hilly metropolis.
There are many ancient relics still around today, spread across the city’s seven hills (jebels).
When we were wandering around Downtown Amman (Al-Balad), we could feel the history of the area, similar to the ancient feeling of Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
These two most popular landmarks are close to each other, and within walking distance, but I recommend starting at the Citadel and then walking down to the Roman Theatre.
Here is some more information about the two main historical sites in Amman, which should both be on your travel itinerary.
The Temple of Hercules is enormous.
Exploring the ancient relics.
Roman Theatre.
The Roman Theatre is situated at the base of Jabal Al-Jofeh, and dates back to the 2nd century AD, when it was constructed under the ruler ‘Emperor Antoninus Pius’.
He reigned in the Roman Empire for 23 years in the city, which was then known as Philadelphia.
Pius built many theatres across his empire as symbols of Roman culture, and amazingly, Amman’s Roman Theatre is still in use today.
The capacity of the theatre is 6000, and interestingly it faces north deliberately, to offer shelter from the sun to spectators during performances.
I found it fun to grab some awesome Instagram photos, climb to the back row of the theatre for some great views, and stand in the middle of the stage.
Enjoying the Roman Theatre.
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qala’a).
The Citadel site in Amman overlooks the whole city and is home to many notable landmarks, including the ancient Temple of Hercules, the imposing Umayyad Palace, and the Jordan Archaeological Museum, which showcases artefacts from various historical periods.
At nearly 4000 years old, we found it remarkable how some of the Temple of Hercules is still standing. If you want to see its full scale, then grab a photo underneath it. It is enormous!
There is a cafe on site, where we tried some authentic Jordanian cuisine with a view.
You can see the whole city from above, which is an awesome perspective to experience, after wandering through the different streets earlier in the morning.
I recommend grabbing an Uber from your hotel, as it is a very steep incline up there, and don’t forget to bring your Jordan Pass!
Jordan Archaeological Museum at the Citadel site.
Immerse in the cultural side of the city.
Amman is predominantly Muslim, with over 95% of its population identifying as Muslim.
This is obvious when you hear the call to prayer echoing around the city.
The city is home to a significant number of mosques, reflecting its strong Islamic heritage. There are more than 700 mosques in Amman, serving both as places of worship and as community centres.
Here are two famous ones for you to go and visit:
Grand Husseini Mosque.
The Grand Husseini Mosque was built in 1924, and is located in the heart of downtown.
The mosque was constructed on the site of an earlier, smaller mosque and is named in honour of King Abdullah I's father, Hussein bin Ali.
Its architectural design combines traditional Islamic elements with local influences, featuring a large prayer hall, a beautifully decorated dome, and a distinctive minaret.
You can enter during non-prayer times as a tourist.
King Abdullah I Mosque.
A more modern mosque which was built in the 1980s, however, King Abdullah I Mosque is located further out of the city in the Abdoun neighbourhood (4 km from downtown).
The mosque is known for its striking blue dome and offers a peaceful environment for those interested in learning more about Islamic architecture and culture.
You can also enter this mosque during non-prayer times as a tourist.
Outside of the Grand Husseini Mosque.
Explore the downtown souks.
Exploring the downtown souks in Amman was an authentic introduction to Jordanian culture.
As Amman isn’t catered too heavily towards tourists, the markets represent local everyday life much more than some other destinations.
My most vivid memories of the souks were the smell of fragrant spices and fresh bread.
I managed to grab a couple of small souvenirs for a reasonable price in the downtown area.
Although they weren’t as crazy as the Egyptian markets, they offer a fun insight into the local cultural traditions.
The Downtown souks are lively.
Enjoy the cafes and restaurants.
Amman boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a diverse array of cafés and restaurants, many housed in upscale buildings featuring immaculate decor.
I noticed a Starbucks and McDonalds downtown, but other than that, it is mainly local businesses offering clean stylish spaces to chill out and escape the heat.
Downtown Amman is a good area for your daytime exploration, but in the evening the best place to try authentic cuisine is Rainbow Street.
I tried the national dish of Jordan lamb mansaf, which certainly has an acquired taste. Its distinctive taste took some getting used to, that’s for sure!
The typical Middle Eastern vibe that you would expect from restaurants in Jordan is what you can expect in Rainbow Street.
The cafes are an escape from the heat in Amman.
Enjoy the artistic side of Amman.
There are contemporary art places popping up across Amman, allowing artists to express themselves in creative spaces in the city.
As you wander around, you will notice all of the street art murals, which I found brighten the city up considerably.
The most famous mural is ‘the column’ pictured below, which depicts a local man carrying a Nabatean column from Petra.
I found it fun to learn some history through such pieces of art.
Darat al Funun is a leading contemporary art space in Amman, and a cultural hub that hosts art exhibitions and workshops.
The gallery’s setting, means that the peaceful cafe in the garden of the cluster of buildings is a nice spot to relax and feel the creativity of the place. Its serene garden also offers guests some beautiful views of downtown Amman.
Only one day in Amman does create a tight schedule, but I definitely recommend heading to Darat Al Funun for a coffee!
Best view of Amman.
A famous mural.
Visit Rainbow Street.
One of the most modern spots in Amman is Rainbow Street, which is an entertainment hub for locals and visitors, with cafes, restaurants, and an awesome falafel shop.
The colourful street is filled with graffiti murals, quirky decor, and you will hear loud music blasting into the streets, especially in the evening.
The street is located in the heart of the Jabal Amman district, which is quite central, and a great place to base yourself, so you visit the popular landmarks.
Colourful steps leading up to Rainbow Street.
Boutique shops add to the charm of the area, which I enjoyed browsing the souvenirs in.
I picked up a traditional Jordanian bookmark as a reminder from the trip.
If you want to try some local cuisine, then I recommend Talet Al Jabal, located just across from Nomads Hotel.
Snack wise, Falafel Al Quds is a favourite, and we really enjoyed the Shawarma place also.
A quirky fence.
Tips to know before visiting Amman.
Here are some tips which I researched before visiting Amman, or learned first hand while navigating the Jordanian capital:
Agree on taxi fare before entering any vehicle.
This is common sense in most cities around the world, but you should be extra careful in Amman, especially with the language barrier. We had a taxi driver try to overcharge us and he actually locked the doors until we paid. It was only a relatively small amount, however, this put us off using taxis for the rest of the day.
Don’t take first price on souvenirs or market goods.
The locals love to barter and expect a hard negotiation, so they will always start much higher than what the goods are worth. Amman is a fairly expensive city as it is, without you getting overcharged.
Learn the basic Arabic phrases.
Our experience of Amman was enhanced through learning how to say basic words such as hello, thank you, please and goodbye. The locals offered us some great service when they noticed we were making the effort.
In summer months carry water.
Walking up and down the steep hills in the city ain’t everyone, and if you factor in the scorching temperatures, then it can get very difficult, quickly!
I found purchasing a bottle of water every time we stopped at a shop or landmark to be ideal.
Purchase a Jordan Pass before landing in Jordan.
You will save money if you buy a Jordan Pass before landing in the kingdom, as it covers your visa costs, along with other entries, such as Petra, Little Petra, and Wadi Rum.
The Roman Theatre and Citadel site are also included in the pass.
Writing our names in Arabic.
A great budget hotel choice in Amman.
During our time in Amman, we wanted to stay somewhere budget-friendly before heading into the more expensive areas of our Jordan itinerary.
We opted for Nomads Hotel, as not only is it reasonably priced, it is also located very close to Rainbow Street, which is the best place to base yourself in the evening.
Our Deluxe twin room was very comfy and spacious, and best of all, quiet!
The main plus points for us were the included free breakfast, very welcoming staff, and vibe of the hotel, which has a backpackers feel to it. There is a nice chill out zone where you can read, or do some work, while networking with other guests.
This isn’t the most luxurious hotel in Amman, but it is very practical and comfortable.
We enjoyed our stay at Nomads.
How to get around Amman.
Despite its really hilly landscape, you can still navigate some of the capital’s highlights by foot.
We walked down from the citadel to the Roman Theatre, and then around downtown Amman, despite it being in the height of summer.
Some longer journeys are more difficult though, so I recommend using Uber as your main transport option while in Amman. We did use some taxis also, but found them to be more pricey, and quite difficult to flag down in certain areas.
Watching the Uber map with a real time ETA is always calming when I am disoriented in a new city!
There is a bus network operating in Amman, but for a short itinerary in the capital, I would not recommend getting to grips with it.
I noticed many of the buses were very crammed, which would be uncomfortable.
Taxis in Amman.
Best way to travel from Amman to Petra.
Travelling from Amman to Petra takes approximately 3 hours via the Desert Highway (15), offering scenic views of Jordan’s rugged landscapes. We were on a private tour and stopped several times to capture the beauty of the Jordanian valley.
JETT bus offers a reliable and affordable daily service, departing from Amman early in the morning and arriving directly at Petra's visitor centre.
It’s recommended to book bus tickets in advance during peak tourist season.
Travelling from Amman to Wadi Rum.
Amman to Wadi Rum will take you around 4 hours via the Desert Highway (15), which covers the whole length of the Middle Eastern country. JETT buses offers daily routes from Amman to Aqaba, where local taxis can take you directly to Wadi Rum. You can then enter to head to the camps, or do the jeep tour.
Travelling by car, or part of a private tour is the most efficient way of reaching the beautiful desert.
A day trip from Amman to the Dead Sea.
It takes around one hour to travel from Amman to the Dead Sea, with many tours heading there daily.
I recommend taking this tour, as it includes other popular tourist spots such as Mount Nebo, or alternatively, I recommend renting a car, and visiting Wadi Mujib Canyon while you are in the area.
Both options will offer you an awesome day trip from the capital.
Hiking at Wadi Mujib.
Enjoyed Jordan, how about Egypt?
If you enjoyed exploring Jordan, why not extend your adventure to Egypt?
My Egypt trip was filled with iconic landmarks such as Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and a colourful Nubian village in Aswan.
As many visitors do, I loved Egypt and Jordan for different reasons, and although Egypt is more chaotic, its culture is fascinating.
Other popular reasons to choose Egypt are:
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