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Travel One was built on a dream – to provide high quality, broad, and tailor-made services that connect our clients to the rest of the world. We opened our first office in Amman in 1998, and cultivated a small dedicated team, which rapidly grew in size and expertise as a trusted travel leader in the market. From trekkers to luxury travellers, our clients spread the word about their incredible journeys and stories. Our distinctive touch and commitment soon became our renowned Travel One trademark, widely sought after by honeymooners, families, and business travellers alike.

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One day in Amman, Jordan – The BEST Amman day trip itinerary

Amman is the starting point for most tourists visiting Jordan , it’s Jordan’s capital city and a melting pot of cultural experiences. From traditional houses to luxurious five-stars hotels, Amman is a great place to explore.

If you only have one day in Amman, I prepared the best itinerary for you! It includes must-see tourist attractions, awesome restaurants and amazing viewpoints. I can guarantee that you won’t get bored.

I spent one week in Jordan and two full days in Amman. I had enough time to explore the city and discover everything it has to offer. Here is my Amman one-day itinerary.

1. Is one day in Amman enough?

24 hours in Amman is enough time to explore the main sights and tourist attractions. It’s a big city, but luckily all the main attractions are located in the same area, making it easy to walk between them.

I recommend spending one night in the city and planning an entire day to explore Amman. Start your trip early in the morning and you’ll have enough time to visit all the main attractions in Amman.

If you don’t feel like climbing up the hills (summer days are extremely hot), I recommend using Uber. The fares are affordable, but the traffic is a bit of a nightmare.

2. Things to know before visiting Amman

Here are a few things you should consider before visiting Amman:

• Dress appropriately – The majority of Jordanian people are Muslim. Dress conservatively and cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid short skirts or pants and crop tops. Read more here .
• Stay hydrated – Summer days are extremely hot. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen!
• Bargaining is ok – When shopping for souvenirs, don’t be afraid to bargain.
• The locals are kind and welcoming – Even when going to the supermarket, I was amazed to be welcomed so warmly. The locals would tell me “Welcome to Jordan” or “Thanks for visiting Jordan, I hope you have a great time” every time they met me. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Jordan .

3. Amman day trip – things to do in one day

I love that all the must-see tourist attractions in the city are located close to one another. However, keep in mind that Amman is built on hills, and in order to get to some of the attractions, you’ll have to hike a bit. That’s why I recommend wearing comfortable shoes when exploring Amman.

3.1 Amman Rainbow Street

The day starts in the heart of Amman. Amman stretches on seven hills, also known as districts and The Rainbow Street is located in the Jebel Amman district. This place is famous for its restaurants, cafes and funky decorations.

Take a walk on the streets, admire de funky cafes and stop for breakfast at Nabteh O Fatteh and try their delicious traditional meals.

• Opening hours  – 24/ 7
• Entrance fee  – free

3.2 Grand Husseini Mosque

Walk for about 15 minutes downhill to Grand Husseini Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Amman. The mosque is located at the intersection of 2 busy roads, in the heart of the city. It’s pretty amazing to see the Jordanians’ daily life unfold right in front of your eyes.

If you want to enter the mosque, make sure that you’re dressed appropriately (cover your shoulders and knees). This applies to both women and men.

• Opening hours  – 9 am to 7 pm

3.3. Souq Bukharia

Right across the street from Grand Husseini Mosque is Souq Bukharia, the perfect place to shop for souvenirs in Amman. Even if you’re spending just one day in Amman, you have to make time for shopping.

In this souq, you’ll find traditional clothes, art pieces, decorations and all kinds of colorful trinkets. Plan at least half an hour to explore this place.

• Opening hours  – morning till noon

3.4 Roman Theatre

We’ll continue our one-day Amman itinerary with a stop at the incredible Roman Theatre . If you’re holding a Jordan pass, the entrance is free. Otherwise, the entrance costs 2 Jod per person.

Dating from the 2nd century, the Roman Theatre could seat about 6,000 people. Nowadays, the theatre is sometimes used for cultural events and it’s an important landmark in Amman.

When you enter the site, you can also visit the Folklore Museum and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions. These museums are rather small but they display amazing traditional objects that help you imagine the traditional Jordanian way of living.

• Opening hours  – 8 am to 8 pm
• Entrance fee  – 2 Jod, free for Jordan Pass holders

3.5 Amman Citadel

You can’t visit Amman without stopping and admiring the Amman Citadel. The ruins here are incredible and most structures present here are from the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods. My favorite site was the Temple of Hercules.

Apart from its incredible history, the citadel offers some of the best views over Amman. Plan at least one hour to explore the Amman Citadel. At the entrance you’ll be approached by guides who’ll offer to give you more information about this place, but you can definitely explore the site on your own.

• Opening hours  – 8 am to 4 pm

3.6 Hashem Restaurant Down Town

By the time you’ll finish exploring the citadel, you’ll be hungry. Stop at Amman’s most famous restaurant – Hashem . Located in a small courtyard near the main street, this restaurant serves delicious traditional food at affordable prices.

I recommend ordering a menu that includes a few traditional dishes such as hummus, salads, falafel and more. An entire menu costs only a few euros and the food is incredible! I ate here on my last day in Jordan and I loved it!

• Opening hours  – 24 hours

3.7 The Duke’s Diwan

Our Amman one-day itinerary continues with The Duke’s Diwan, a traditional Jordanian home that gives you a glimpse into how the Jordanian people used to live.

This place is free to visit and the apartment’s rooms are filled with old furniture, decorations and news articles. I really loved this place – it’s an oasis of culture and history in the middle of Amman’s chaotic streets.

• Opening hours  – 10 am to 5 pm

3.8 Habibah Sweets

Let’s end the day with something sweet. Habibah Sweets sells the most delicious Kenafah I’ve ever tried! This dessert is made from pastry soaked in sugary syrup and layered with cheese. Trust me, it’s amazing!

• Opening hours  – 9 am to 12 pm

4. Where to stay in Amman

I chose to stay at W Amman , one of the best hotels in the city. It was not my first stay at a W Hotel (I also stayed at W Singapore ) so I knew that the amenities are impeccable. The hotel is located in a good location and the rooms are huge and well-equipped.

If you’re looking for more affordable options, here are some recommendations:

• Budget – Nomads Hotel – excellent location, friendly staff, clean rooms, breakfast included
• Mid-Range – Amman International Hotel – beautiful pool, modern and spacious rooms, free parking, great amenities

5. Final thoughts

Spending at least a day in Amman is a must when visiting Jordan. I know that there are many beautiful places in Jordan but don’t skip its capital city. It has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture and cuisine.

I liked wandering the chaotic streets of Amman and shopping for souvenirs in its busy markets. Also, I loved its historical sites and welcoming people.

I hope that this Amman one-day itinerary helped you plan your trip. Also, don’t forget to also include Petra , the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum on your itinerary!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!

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Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

Very helpful, thank you! (Headed to Amman in 2 days)

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Amman in One Day: the perfect Amman itinerary

How to spend one day in Amman Jordan? This post gives you the perfect Amman itinerary and tells you exactly what to see in Amman in one day. 

Amman is Jordan’s cosmopolitan capital. In a country where tourists flock to see its wealth of ancient archaeological wonders, Amman is a welcome change. Although it has history too, most of all, Amman offers a glimpse into modern Jordanian life, food and culture.

Amman is a city that is often overlooked by travellers that head straight to Petra or Wadi Rum, but it is definitely worth your time. In this post I will convince you why you should at least spend one day in Amman, if not more.  

A history of Amman

Like everything in Jordan , Amman has a long history. Amman started out as the capital of the Ammonites in the 13th century BC. The city was then ruled by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Umayyads, the Mamluks and the Ottomans. Despite its strategic location, Amman wasn’t always the most important city in the region.

Earthquakes destroyed Amman several times and during Ottoman rule, it was As Salt that was the regional capital. By that time, Amman was almost abandoned, except for some farmers and Bedouin tribes. 

It was only in the late 19th century that Amman started to grow in importance again as a home to several refugees. First hundreds of exiled Circassians arrived from the Northern Caucasus, later Palestinians, Iraqis and, more recently, Syrians. 

Once Amman became the capital of independent Jordan in 1946, it really began to develop. Sprawling over the hills and valleys to become the sixth largest city in the Arab world. A young city that keeps attracting expatriates from all over the world. It is therefore no surprise that Amman has lots to offer. Home to different ethnic groups, it is a varied and dynamic city with trendy cafes, a great food scene and a buzzing nightlife.  

Amman in one day

Now you might wonder whether it is even possible to see everything when you only have one day in Amman. Despite being such a large city, most of the city’s tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. So, yes, it is very well possible to get a good sense of Amman in one day.

That said, if you have only one day in Amman, you will be limited to the city’s highlights that include some historic sights as well as the most delicious things to do in town. Amman with its multicultural culinary heritage is a great destination for food lovers and if there is one reason to stay longer than one day in Amman, it is the food. 

Manakeesh breakfast

There is no better way to start your Amman itinerary than with a filling breakfast of Manakeesh. Manakeesh is a kind of pizza that is very popular in Jordan. A crispy round and thin dough topped up with local ingredients that make this dish truly middle eastern. 

My favourite was the manakeesh with a thyme spice mixture called zaatar and fresh olive oil. Other toppings include halloumi or eggs. You can find it in bakeries all over Amman.

The Roman theatre

After filling your stomach with manakeesh it is time to truly start your Amman itinerary at the Roman theatre. This landmark dates back to the 2nd century when it was built in honour of the Roman emperor Antonius Pius. Carved into the hillside it is a remarkable sight. Here you can burn your calories by climbing up the stairs to the top for a wonderful view.  

Amman Citadel

After the Roman theatre it is time for more ancient ruins at the Citadel. The Citadel hill is among the oldest parts of Amman. Archeological findings go back to the Neolithic period. The different buildings reflect the great civilizations that once occupied it. Most notable are the Roman temple of Hercules, the Byzantine church and the Umayyad palace. 

Entrance to the citadel also includes the small Jordan Archeological museum with some old pottery, coins and other findings. The most impressive item in the collection is the Ain Ghazal statue that is among the oldest statues made by humans. 

To reach the citadel it is a 30 minute uphill walk through residential neighbourhoods. Although there are some nice views, it isn’t a particularly scenic walk. Especially when it is warm, you might want to consider taking a taxi instead and save your energy for the easier walk back to downtown. There I recommend to have lunch at the legendary Hashem restaurant.   

Falafel lunch at Hashem Restaurant

No visit to Amman is complete without a visit to Hashem restaurant . This restaurant is among the most popular restaurants in Amman and serves traditional Jordanian food to locals, tourists, diplomats and even members of the Jordanian royal family. 

This place is always busy, but the long queues are worth the wait. There is no menu. However, you can’t go wrong with falafel, hummus or fuul (fava beans). The mint tea is also great to finish your lunch before exploring the rest of Amman.  

Rainbow street

After a morning of historic sights it is now time to see modern Amman at trendy rainbow street where the young and rich come to shop and eat. This street is full of boutique stores, hip cafes, upmarket restaurants and rooftop bars offering sweeping views over the city. If it’s friday don’t miss the weekly Souk jara flea market.

It is best to start your exploration of Rainbow street at First circle. Amman isn’t particularly pedestrian friendly so I suggest taking a taxi. Otherwise it is a 15 minute uphill walk from Hashem restaurant to the start of Rainbow street at first circle. Once there you can stroll back towards downtown Amman. 

Al Balad Downtown

Where rainbow street is quiet, neat and orderly, Al Balad downtown is lively and chaotic. Here you will find markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, meat, clothes, electric appliances and the occasional souvenir.

This is the heart of the city where most locals come to shop and dine. With its narrow lanes, myriad of stores and concrete buildings it is not particularly beautiful, but its charm comes from the vibrant atmosphere and friendly salesmen. It also has some of the best places to eat, such as the already mentioned Hashem restaurant.

Downtown Amman is a bit rough around the edges and the buildings look like they could do with a makeover. Yet, it is hard to imagine Al Balad as a historic sight. The Odeon theatre is the only place that indicates that Al Balad is as old as the Citadel Hill. 

Compared to rainbow streets the markets and restaurants are more affordable in Al Balad and therefore I suggest to do most of your shopping here.  

Dinner at Al Quds

End your Amman itinerary with another not to miss culinary experience in the Jordanian capital. Most food in Jordan is not unique to Jordan. Dishes like manakeesh, falafel, hummus, ful medames and kebab are easy to find throughout the Middle East in countries like Lebanon and Egypt.

There is one dish that is unique to Jordan though and that is influenced by its nomadic Bedouin population. I am talking about Mansaf . A filling dinner that is made of lamb cooked in yoghurt with rice. Traditionally Bedouins used dried fermented goat yoghurt, called jameed, that had a strong sour and salty taste. 

It is considered the national dish of Jordan, but it is not always on the average restaurant’s menu. Amman is therefore the best place to try it. I tried it in the Al Quds restaurant that is famous for its excellent mansaf and although I can not compare it, it was indeed very delicious. 

Try Knafeh at Habiba Sweets

After my manakeesh breakfast, falafel lunch and mansaf dinner I hardly had any space left in my stomach. Still, there was one food experience that I still wanted to include in my Amman itinerary. Trying Knafeh at Habiba sweets . 

Knafeh or Kunafah is a middle eastern pastry made of filo pastry in sugar syrup and layers of cheese and nuts. Habiba sweets is one of the oldest sweet shops in the city and is supposed to have the best. I thought it was very sweet, but I liked it and had it several more times on my Jordan trip. The winner was indeed Habiba sweets.   

More than one day in Amman

If you have more than one day in Amman, there are more than enough things to do and it makes a great base for a number of day trips. While most require your own transport, some are possible with public transport too, such as the Roman ruins in Jerash , the mosaics in Madaba and the off the beaten path town of As Salt . 

If you have your own transport you can also visit places like Umm Qais, the Ajloun castle, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea.

Amman in One day travel tips

Where to sleep.

Amman has plenty of places to stay. If you are staying only one day in Amman I recommend to choose a centrally located option. Cliff hostel and the Jordan Tower hotel are long standing backpackers favourites. For slightly more comfort you also have the Zaman ya Zaman boutique hotel and the boutique hotel Amman . 

All of these are within walking distance of the Roman theatre and Al Balad downtown for the best restaurants.

Where to eat

I already mentioned the top food experiences not to miss when you have only one day in Amman. Out of all of these, make sure you don’t miss the legendary Hashem restaurant in Al Balad downtown area.

How to get around

Amman is built on more than 7 hills and therefore isn’t exactly a pedestrian friendly city. While it’s main attractions aren’t far apart from each other they do require climbing up long staircases. When your time is limited and your budget allows it, I suggest you sometimes use a taxi.

In this Amman itinerary I mentioned exactly when a taxi would save you a sweaty climb up. You can use a taxi hailing app like careem or uber taxi. 

How to get to Amman

Amman has an international airport and also has good road connections with cities further south. There are several options to travel from Amman to Petra including the scenic Kings highway .

When to visit Amman

The best time to visit Amman, Jordan is during the spring and fall months, from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). During these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities like exploring the ancient ruins, visiting museums, or hiking in the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding the city.

Summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), making it less ideal for outdoor activities. However, if you don’t mind the heat, you can still visit Amman during the summer months of June to August.

Winters can be cold and rainy, with temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F) in some areas, so it may not be the best time to visit if you’re not used to cold weather.

Disclaimer : This post with a travel guide about what to see in Amman in one day contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support

4 thoughts on “Amman in One Day: the perfect Amman itinerary”

Amman looks like a historically interesting city to visit. The roman theatre and the Amman Citadel kind of remind me of Greece or Italy 🙂 I’d also love to see Rainbow Street!

I have been to Jordan for a work convention but didn’t have the opportunity to visit Amman unfortunately. So I am glad to have all your tips for the day I can go again!

There’s so much history in this city! So I would love to visit it, for longer than a day if possible!

What a great post. It brought back so many memories! We were lucky enough to have 3 days there and did visit most of the other places you mentioned, but this is an excellent itinerary if you only have one day. I wish we’d known about the food places you mentioned!

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Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman

Disclosure: This one day in Amman itinerary article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. With it, you will help me buy treats for my dog and parrot, build the time machine, and travel back in time to see dinosaurs and interview stone crafters on Easter Island. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

Looking for a perfect one day in Amman itinerary ? Have 24 hours in Amman but don’t know what to do? I have your back! Amman, the capital of the Kingdom of Jordan , is usually an entry point to Jordan and a quick stopover before heading off to more popular Jordan attractions, like Petra and Wadi Rum. It was for me. I spent a full day in this ancient city , and will share how to spend 24 hours in Amman , before taking the best day trips from Amman.

🐾 If you have been wondering “Would Anja rather cuddle a koala or pal around with a panda?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

White city or city of hills, as Amman is usually referred to, offers a perfect introduction into Jordanian culture. By spending a full day in Amman, you will get to learn the fundamentals of ancient history in Jordan and try mouth-watering culinary delights . You can even sign up for one of the best food tours in Amman. It will be worth it! This free Amman city tour will help you visit all the city’s famous attractions . Some of Amman highlights are even included in Jordan Pass . You will dine in the best falafel restaurant, visit Rainbow Street and have time to do some shopping. Here is my Amman itinerary idea . It is how I visited Amman, with the info on what to do in Amman in one day .

for Jordan TRAVEL TIPS: • How to bargain on your travels: 17 essential bargaining tips • Is Jordan Pass Worth It? Guide to Everything You Need to Know • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman • 73+ Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF for CAPTION IDEAS: • 111 Best JORDAN Captions for Instagram and PETRA Captions • 187 Best DESERT captions for Instagram

and ALSO READ: • GET OVER JET LAG WITH THESE 19 EASY-TO-FOLLOW TIPS • 13 EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOU MORE SUSTAINABLE TRAVELER • BEST WAYS OF TRACKING TRAVEL EXPENSES DURING A TRIP • HOW TO BARGAIN ON YOUR TRAVELS: 17 ESSENTIAL BARGAINING TIPS • 5 ULTIMATE REASONS WHY ARE HELICOPTER TOURS WORTH THE MONEY • ULTIMATE TRAVELER SAFETY GUIDE: WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

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1. Best time to visit Amman

When it comes to planning your visit to Jordan’s capital , the best time to visit Amman corresponds with the best time to visit Jordan . The great news is it can be visited all year round. In general, most people will say that the best time to visit is Spring , between March and May, or in Autumn , between September and November. Weather is pleasantly mild, and the temperatures are not too hot for daily exploring. The cost of ideal weather comes with more people and higher prices. If you can try to avoid traveling to Jordan and Amman in scorching summer heat . Temperatures during the day can go as high as 40°C (104 °F) which makes sightseeing a bit more challenging. In chilly winter you might get to see some snow on the hills of Amman, but there will be fewer crowds and a chance to fully embrace the city’s cultural offerings.

2. How to get to Amman from Queen Alia Airport

There are four ways on how to get from Amman Queen Alia Airport to Amman city.

• TAXI Taxi might be the fastest way to reach Amman from the Airport. The ride will take from 30 to 45 min, depending on the traffic. Make sure you go with the official Airport Taxis , with registered drivers. You will find them outside the terminal. This is a door-to-door service, especially useful if traveling solo . Taxis from the Airport to Amman have a fixed rate of 22 JD (31 USD / 29 EUR). 
• SHUTTLE BUS Taking the Sariya Shuttle Bus or the Airport Express Bus is the slowest and cheapest option. One-way ticket from the Airport to Amman costs 3.3 JD (4.6 USD / 4.3 EUR), and the journey will take around 60 minutes. Shuttle buses depart every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, and every 60 minutes from 6:00 pm to 00:00 am. You might have to walk or take a taxi or Uber to get to your accommodation from the bus stop.
• PRIVATE TRANSFER Booking a private transfer is the most comfortable and safest option if traveling solo. Your driver will already wait for you at the arrivals with a sign, and drop you off at your hotel in Amman. As a female traveler, I usually book a private driver when first landing in the country. To be hassle-free and safe. Plus I don’t have to deal with money exchange issues since the transfer is pre-booked online . The drive to Amman will take from 30 to 45 minutes and the price ranges from 26 EUR (28 USD) to 40 EUR (44 USD) . Not that much more than a taxi (when solo).
• RENTAL CAR Renting a car at Amman Airport is the most convenient way for traveling to Jordan. Although you technically don’t need a car in Amman , and driving in Amman is a challenge on its own, I decided to rent a car with Discover Cars . I paid 23 EUR (25 USD) per day, which was cheaper than booking a private transfer or taking a taxi . Rent your car in advance to get your preferred one. I was driving in Jordan with the help of downloaded Google Maps.

3. How to Get Around in Amman in a Day

City of Amman is built on seven hills , which means you will be going up and down. The good news is that the main attractions, like Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre , are really close by. Most of the Amman attractions are within walkable distance but there are some steps in between them. Same as when going from downtown to Rainbow Street. Amman is not the most pedestrian-friendly city, but it is manageable if you don’t mind a few hills and steps. In this Amman itinerary, I used Uber twice , but you can use normal taxis parked in front of the attractions (or walk). Prices were fair and the drive did save me a fair amount of walking. I do not recommend using a rental car in Amman .

4. Detailed itinerary for one day in Amman

4.1. morning in amman: exploring ancient wonders.

Start your Amman 1 day itinerary with a nice breakfast and a cup of Jordanian coffee , made with Arabic coffee beans and added cardamom seeds. If your hotel is not serving breakfast, I recommend visiting one of the breakfast places or bakeries in Amman and trying Manakeesh . Manakeesh (or Manakish) is a Middle-Eastern or Mediterranean flatbread that is typically eaten for breakfast. It is made with, usually homemade, dough and topped with various toppings. The most common ones are cheese and Za’atar. Za’atar is a spice blend made from savory dried herbs like oregano, marjoram or thyme, and toasted earthy spices like cumin and coriander, with sesame and salt.

4.1.1. Blue Mosque or King Abdullah I. Mosque

After a delicious breakfast, it is time to start your Amman itinerary with a dash of history and architectural splendor. Our morning adventure begins at the breathtaking Blue Mosque , also known as King Abdullah I. Mosque. It has an iconic blue dome and stands as a symbol of Jordan’s religious and cultural heritage .   It was built between 1982 in 1986 and it is not the oldest one in Amman but it is the only mosque in Amman that non-Muslims can visit . The entrance fee is 3 JD and you get a small brochure about the mosque. Women also get a black or brown hooded robe to cover head, arms and legs. Inside the mosque’s interior, which can hold 7000 worshippers, you can admire the tranquil ambiance and grand chandeliers. There are beautiful blue mosaics outside.

4.1.2. Amman Citadel

After seeing the King Abdullah I. Mosque it is time to visit one of the oldest parts of Amman , the majestic Citadel, perched atop one of Amman’s seven hills. The mosque and Citadel are around 3 km apart. I took an UBER to save me some steps and paid 2 JD. If you don’t have an UBER app taxis are waiting in front of the mosque entrance.  This is one of the best places to visit in Amman Jordan . Amman Citadel entrance fee is 3 JD and is also included in the Jordan Pass . Amman Citadel opening hours are from 8.00-19.00. The Amman Citadel has been the seat of various civilizations and continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period. During that time Amman had many names but the most memorable one was Philadelphia .

The main attraction is the Temple of Hercules , a colossal Roman structure that stands as a testament to the city’s ancient past. Other notable structures are the Byzantine church and the  Umayyad Palace , once a lavish residence adorned with exquisite frescoes and intricate architectural details. You can learn more about archeological findings in the small Archeological museum on the citadel’s ground. Inside you can see pottery samples, learn about Petra and Nabateans and see the collection of Ain Ghazal statues. Citadel is also a great point offering panoramic views over the white city of Amman and a perfect location to snap best Amman photos . You can grab something to drink or eat at Amman Citadel restaurant.

Pin those for a later read!

4.1.3. The Roman Theatre

After around 2 hours spent in Amman Citadel, head down to the Roman Theatre . Visiting the Roman Theatre is one of the things to do in Amman in one day. It will take around 20 minutes to walk downhill through narrow streets. You can use Google Maps or follow the signs. If it’s too hot and you need a break, treat yourself with freshly squeezed orange juice.  Roman Theatre dates back to the Roman period , to the 2nd century when Amman was known under the name Philadelphia. Entrance fee to Roman Theatre is included the Jordan Pass. Without the pass the Roman Theater Amman entrance fee is 2 JD.  A grand amphitheater was used as a venue for musical performances . There are actually two theatres, a small one and a big one. On both sides of the bigger one, there are smaller museums, one is the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions and the other is The Folklore Museum.  When climbing up the stairs be careful of your step, since the rocks are very slippery

4.2. Lunch in Amman

After seeing two of the most famous Amman landmarks, it’s time for a break. A break in the most popular restaurant in Amman. Hashem restaurant is one of the oldest Jordanian Street Food restaurants in the capital, serving Jordanian food since 1952. Everybody who’s anybody, from celebrities, Royal family members, and diplomats, has enjoyed a meal in this vegetarian restaurant . At the time of my visit, the place was busy, but I didn’t have to wait for the table. I was told long queues can happen, but I can confirm they are worth the wait! As soon as you get to the table, they bring you mint tea and a plate of vegetables plus bread. If you are searching for Hashem Hashem restaurant menu, well … They don’t have a menu . I just ordered them to bring me their ‘best dishes’. This ended up being falafel, hummus, mutabal (moutabal) and ful medames . You eat with your hands , breaking bread into tiny pieces and scooping out the dips. There are no utensils served. Here I had the best falafel and second-best hummus all around Jordan. For the amount of food, price was very reasonable and I definitely recommend eating here. You can find more food delights by joining one of the food tours in Amman.

4.3. Afternoon in Amman: Al Balad Shopping and Bohemian Rainbow Street

4.3.1. al balad downtown.

With your bellies full and energy restored it is time to do some shopping. But before that, if you are craving something sweet, go to Habibah Sweets and taste their traditional knafeh . The best place for shopping in Amman is in the Downtown area or Al Balad. Al Balad is the oldest part of Amman and dates back thousands of years, just like the Citadel. This is a lively area, full of shops, bazaars and restaurants. And if you have been following my itinerary so far and eating in Hashem Restaurant, you are already in Al Balad area. So no need to go far. If you want to buy some souvenirs and experience the art of haggling, visit Souk Al-Bukhariyeh , close to the Grand Husseini Mosque. For other first-hand experiences, you can also visit Souk Al-Dahab or Gold Souk, and Souq Mango for all kinds of clothing and fabrics.

4.3.2. Rainbow Street

After you have done exploring the narrow streets and shopping for souvenirs at busy baazars, continue Amman city tour itinerary and head up to Rainbow Street . There will be steps uphill but nothing major. From Bukhariyeh Market to Rainbow Street there is 10-15 minutes walk. Rainbow Street is a trendy, modern street in Amman, full of bookstores, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. When here make sure to stop at famous Al Quds Falafel and try their falafel sandwich. Don’t mix this with Al Quds restaurant, located close to Hashem restaurant in Downtown, which serves the best traditional Jordanian food Mansaf. A proper meal that is made of lamb cooked in yogurt with rice. If you are not hungry yet and want to have dinner at some other place – like Mijana, stop in one of the cafes and have a cup of coffee paired with shisha. Or tea. Or my favorite drink in Jordan lemon mint. This is a well-known and popular street amongst locals and tourists, with vibrant personality and charm. It’s a place where old meets new, and where traditions intertwine with modern trends.

4.4. Dinner in Amman

To finish off your one day in Amman indulge in a nice dinner right here, on Rainbow Street. Mijana is a family-run restaurant nestled in one of Rainbow Street’s oldest tree-floor houses . It offers Middle Eastern and a range of international cuisine . You can choose to sit in the garden or on the rooftop and dine with the breathtaking views of the Citadel and Downtown Amman. Since this is a busy place make sure to reserve a table in advance to secure your preferred searing location. I loved the level of service and how knowledgeable the waiters were. They offered great advice on what to order and how big the portions are. (I loved this since I haven’t figured out just yet how fast I get full eating Jordanian food.) In case this is important for you, they don’t serve alcoholic drinks, but they make a delicious Lemon Mint.  Depending on your mood or energy level, your can walk or take a taxi back to your hotel. For me, the dinner and day in Amman were just too nice for me to ‘finish’ it with walking. So I  ordered another UBER to take me back to the hotel and paid 2 JD for it. But it was not the end of my Amman itinerary.

4.5. Evening in Amman: Sunset drinks and rooftop views

After your dinner in Mijana on Rainbow Street, you can return to your hotel, or go to one of the 5 stars hotels in Amman with rooftop bars for a refreshing drink. I visited Movenpick and their Rumors Lounge, Panoramic Cocktail Bar & Terrace in Amman. It was too cold to sit outside, but the terrace with glass windows offered great views over Amman. I treated myself to Margarita and just loved how the waiter informed me that it will not take more than 7 minutes. This was the perfect ending to 1-day Amman itinerary.

5. Where to Eat in Amman

Since the Neolithic period, previous Philadelphia and today’s Amman was a p lace of various civilizations . A place where influences are combined and mixed . From Northern African to Middle Eastern. From Mediterranean to Persian. All this is shown in the food tradition and dishes you can find in Amman. If you are a foodie, there is a lot of Jordanian dishes waiting for you to try it. There are a lot of restaurants to try, but if you only have a day in Amman, those are the ones you should visit.

• HASHEM RESTAURANT 📍 Downtown The most famous and most well-known vegetarian restaurant in Downtown Amman. Their food is amazing and reasonably priced. Hashem restaurant Amman menu consists of traditional Jordanian dishes like falafel, hummus, mutabal, ful medames, and others. It has a great Jordanian feel and is always full of people.
• AL QUDS 📍 Downtown Arabic restaurant whose specialty is serving Jordanian specialty. Al Quds restaurant Amman menu is famous for the traditional Mansaf. The name for the restaurant comes from the Arabic word for Jerusalem “Al Quds”, thus the reason you will find pictures of Jerusalem inside the restaurant. It is located in Downtown Amman, close to Hashem Restaurant.
• HABIBA SWEETS 📍 Downtown Habiba Sweets is one of the oldest sweet shops in Amman. This restaurant is very well known for the knafeh. Knafeh or Kunafas is desert, kind of like baklava, made from filo pastry, nuts, sugar syrup and CHEESE. Lines in front of Habiba are always long but that is because they make the best Knafeh in the whole Jordan. I tried it twice, here and in Aqaba. To be honest, I didn’t like the taste of it. It was too sweet for my taste, plus I couldn’t figure it out how the cheese going into this.
• AL QUDS FALAFEL 📍 Rainbow street Al Quds Falafel is the most famous falafel food shop in Amman and on Rainbow Street. It is a small place, without an inside seating area. So the best way to have a falafel here is to follow the locals. Buy a sandwich and eat it in a public area around the shop. This is a popular falafel for locals, King included, and tourists.
• SAH EL NOM 📍 Rainbow street To experience true Jordanian breakfast have it at Sah El nom on Rainbow street. They serve the best Manakeesh. They have a nice outdoor seating area. The are open throughout the day, so later on they also add other baked goods to the menu as well as shawarma. They have a fast service and are always busy.

For the best experience join one of the Amman food tours. There is a reason why there are so many. If you are a foodie, you won’t regret it, especially because you will be exploiting the world of flavors with locals.

🐾 “Would Anja rather cuddle a koala or pal around with a panda?” I love Pandas but I choose to cuddle a koala.

6. Where to Sleep in Amman

Amman does not fall short when offering places to stay. Since you are only staying in Amman for a day, and spending a maximum of two nights here, I would recommend choosing centrally located accommodation .    Booking.com offers a wide range of options, from budget backpackers accommodations to mid-range 3 and 4-star hotels and luxury 5 star hotels in Amman. Below you can find one of each, to make your selection easier. All of the listed hotels in Amman have a parking space. Budget hotel | The Boutique Hotel Amman is located in Downtown Amman, only a short walk away from Roman Theatre and Amman Citadel. Their rooms have a simple furnishing but they offer free Wi-Fi and a free breakfast. Mid-range 3 star hotel | New MerryLand Hotel is close to the city centre and within walking distance to Blue Mosque. Ther staff is extremely helpful and kind, rooms are modernly furnished and they have a delicious breakfast included in the room rate.  Mid-range 4 star hotel | Khan Khediwe Hotel is centrally located in Amman Downtown. It is withing walking distance to Hashem restaurant, Roman Theatre and Citadel. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but they have a fitness and some rooms offer a city view. Luxury 5 star hotel | Grand Hyatt Amman offers luxurious rooms with stunning city views, rooms are modern and cozy. Here you will find a pool, fitness and a spa with steam rooms, baths and therapies after all the sightseeing. Historic center is a short taxi ride away. For more hotel selections have a look at 5 star hotels in Amman or choose what you please on Booking.com.

How to spend one day in Amman, in a nutshell

This one day in Amman itinerary is a perfect introduction for a first-time visitor to Jordan , or if Amman is your last stop on your Jordan trip. (Personally, I would visit Amman at the beginning of the best Jordan itinerary.) An easy day, that won’t feel too rushed. Now you know what to see in Amman in one day- In only 24 hours you will visit all the famous city sites , Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre, before heading off to more popular Jordan attractions, like Petra and Wadi Rum. You will also try your taste buds by dining in some of the best restaurants in Amman . There isn’t too much I would suggest in terms of alterations for this self-made Amman city-tour. Maybe you can skip the Blue Mosque and give yourself more time to join one of the Amman food tours. Now, that you know suggestions on what to do in Amman, where to eat, and where to stay, you are ready to craft your Amman day or follow the suggested itinerary. Have a lovely 1 day in Amman, Anja

➤ What you should read next …

• Is Jordan Pass Worth It? Guide to Everything You Need to Know • 73+ Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF • How to bargain on your travels: 17 bargaining tips • 111 Best Jordan Captions for Instagram and Petra Captions • 187 Best Desert Captions for Instagram

📌 Lik e it? Pin i t!

✈ Travel like a PRO

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

Is Amman worth visiting?

Yes. Amman serves as a perfect introduction into history, culture and food you will discover all around Jordan. If possible visit it at the beginning of your Jordan trip.

Do I need a car in Amman?

No. You don’t need a car in Amman. All the major sites are within walkable distance. If you don’t want to walk, you can use taxis or Uber, which are cheap and safe.

Is Amman walkable?

Amman is walkable city, yes. Getting around Amman is easy. The major Amman attractions in the old city center are within walkable distance. If you don’t want to walk, you can use taxis or Uber, which are cheap and safe.

How many days do you need in Amman?

One day. Spending one day in Amman Jordan is enough time to see the main tourist attraction, dine in a couple of the best Amman restaurants and feel the energy of the city. One day will be a perfect intro in what the Kingdom of Jordan has to offer, related to culture, food and history.

What to do in Amman in one day?

In only 24 hours you can visit all the famous city sites, Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre. You can also visit Blue Mosque, walk on Rainbow Street and do some souvenir shopping on Souks in Al Balad Downtown. You can also dine in some of the best restaurants in Amman, like Hashem Restaurant, Habiba Sweets and Al Quds Falafel.

How do I get from Amman Airport to Amman City Centre?

By bus, taxi, private transfer or rental car. Bus is the cheapest (3.3 JD (4.3 EUr) and the option that takes the longest (60 min). Taxi will take from 30-45 minutes and will cost around 22 JD (29 EUR). Private transfer is the most comfortable way, and the rates start from 26 EUR if prebooked online. Rental car is the most convenient option if you plan to do a road trip around Jordan.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

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10 Best Things to do in Amman, Jordan

With earth-colored cube houses that sprawl up on the hills, the capital of Jordan is one of the oldest cities in the world. Apart from excavations dating back to the Stone Age (7000 B.C.!), it has numerous archaeological sites and historical places to see, from Roman ruins to famous mosques. But it’s not all about history – you’ll also find many modern neighborhoods full of colorful markets, delicious food, and stunning art. Spend a day or two exploring the capital before touring elsewhere. Here are all the best things to do in Amman, Jordan .

Things to do in Amman, Jordan

Amman is more than just a place to use as a base for other things to do in Jordan. It’s a lively city with lots going on, though it never feels too chaotic. With bustling markets, shopping streets, cafes, and lots of street art in between, it makes a great starting point for your 7-day Jordan itinerary. Spend a day or two discovering famous historical sites, exploring the many art galleries, and trying out the country’s well-known falafel.

Here are all your hotel options in Amman.

1. The Duke’s Diwan

Perhaps one of the most unique things to do in Amman, Jordan, is take a peek into the Duke of Mukhaybeh’s house. This historic building is regarded as one of the oldest houses in Amman, offering a glimpse into the past. It is located in the heart of the city. As you explore the city, take a few minutes to roam around in the rooms decorated with antique furnishings, beautiful ornaments, and artwork. 

Hotels in Amman 😴

Enter through a small door on the main street and make your way up the staircase. Once upstairs, you’ll walk into a very traditional, well-preserved home. It’s said that it was initially used as a post office, later becoming the Ministry of Finance and a hotel. Now, it belongs to the Duke, who you’ll sometimes find on-site.

Note: The house museum is free to visit, and all the rooms are easily explored within 15 minutes.

2. Amman Citadel, Umayyad Palace

Amman is sprawled up and across over twenty hills, creating waves of beautiful cubed buildings. Atop one of the highest hills lies Amman’s Citadel, overlooking the entire city and Roman theater.

The view alone makes it a stunning place to visit. However, it is also home to several archaeological remnants, dating back as far as the Bronze Age (1800 B.C.). Wander around the open-air site, taking in the remains of the empires that ruled here, from the Assyrians, Greeks, and Babylonians to the Romans. 

One of the most interesting remains is the blue-domed Umayyad gateway, the entrance to the Umayyad Palace. This building was the site of power for the first Muslim dynasty that ruled Jordan from the 7th century. 

Also read Things to do in Wadi Rum, Jordan .

Getting there: From the Roman Theater, a set of stairs ( here’s the location ) leads up to the Citadel. Walk up through an old neighborhood, and you’ll eventually reach a road to the site entrance. You’ll find signs along the way, and the walk takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, arrange a taxi to take you up the hill. 

Opening Times & Entrance Fee: The Citadel is open from 8 AM daily but closes at different hours depending on the season ( check opening times here ). Entrance costs 3JD (4,23 USD) for foreigners.

3. Roman Theater

Though expected in Europe , many Roman remains are found far beyond the continent’s borders. The Roman Theater, nestled in the heart of Amman, stands as a testament to this far-reaching influence of the Roman Empire. Back then, the city was known as Philadelphia. Now, the semi-circular marvel stands as it did nearly two millennia ago, making it a must-do in Amman, Jordan. 

As you explore its well-preserved steps and soak up the atmosphere, you’ll be transported back to a time of Roman entertainment. The construction boasts a capacity to host about 6,000 spectators for grand theater performances and spectacles. Climb all the way to the top for panoramic views over the site, as well as the beautiful surrounding buildings. 

Entrance to the Roman Theater in Amman is included in the Jordan Pass , including its two small museums. Without the pass, entry is 2JD (2.83 USD). 

See tickets and availability for a private city tour of Amman

4. Soak up the (Street) Art

Weave your way through the narrow alleys that move up and down the hills of Amman, soaking up the different sights as you go. During your stroll, you’ll quickly notice that besides its uniform-hued buildings, some pop out in various colors.

These beautiful contemporary murals sometimes rise several stories high, giving the ancient city a more modern feel. You’ll spot many as you walk around Amman; however, the most interesting pieces are found in neighborhoods further away from downtown. 

Join a guided graffiti tour in Amman to see some of the best artworks.

Art Galleries

Apart from street art, you’ll also find incredible gallery houses with curated collections of modern Middle Eastern art and sculptures. After diving into the city’s history, visiting one (or a couple) of art galleries is one of the best things to do in Jordan. Some of the best are: 

• Darat al Funun
• Jadal for Knowledge and Culture
• Nabad Art Gallery
• Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
• Amman Panorama Art Gallery

Odora Mosaico

If you’re fascinated by Amman’s vibrant art scene, consider joining a mosaic workshop. Amidst the city’s bustling creativity, you’ll learn about the ancient art of mosaic-making. Here, colorful tiles come together to tell stories on walls and floors. 

Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll learn to craft your own intricate masterpieces, leaving you with newfound skills and a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich artistic heritage.

Book your beginner mosaic workshop at Odora Mosaico . You’ll find them located here .

5. Rainbow Street 

With lots of bars, cafes, and restaurants, the lively area of Rainbow Street is quite possibly Amman’s most famous street. It’s known as a place where tourists and locals come to mingle or go for a night out, making it the perfect place if you’re looking for nightlife and entertainment. 

However, the kilometer-long street also houses some great food spots decorated with colorful lights, picturesque decors, and unique ornaments. Its central location intersects with some of the best things to do in Amman, allowing you to hop into the quieter side alleys for some delicious falafel or beautiful artwork. 

Food tip: Visit Sufra for lunch or dinner, with many yummy mezze (bites) to choose from.

6. King Abdullah Mosque (Blue Mosque)

Unlike other mosques, the King Abdullah Mosque welcomes tourists to take a look inside its beautiful building. With an impressive sky-blue dome that towers over the rooftops of Amman, it’s a must-see in the city. Marvel at the carefully crafted shape of the mosque, its colored ceiling, and detailed little windows. 

Also discover the Things to do at the Dead Sea of Jordan .

It’s not an ancient historical landmark, as it was completed in 1989 by the late King Hussein in honor of his grandfather. However, it’s a great way to glimpse the largest mosque in Amman and see how the locals practice their religion. Entrance to the blue mosque is timed and costs 2JD, only in cash.

Note: Women must cover their heads, arms, and legs to enter the mosque. You can get a free abaya (scarf) in the gift shop (the entrance). Men are recommended to wear long pants and no hats.

7. Old Signs of Amman Museum

Tucked in the charming streets of Amman, the ‘One Thousand and One Signs Museum’ is where a collection of old shop signs began nearly 40 years ago. It immerses you in the city’s history, boasting a stunning collection of vintage signs, each telling a story of Amman’s evolution. 

The purpose of this museum is to preserve an important part of Amman’s history, with the first sign dating back to 1986.

It’s a great place to take some photos because of its vintage vibe and cute photo booth. Run on a voluntary non-profit basis, the museum is free to enter and open Saturday through Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM (closed on Fridays). 

8. Cooking Class: Beit Sitti

No matter where you are in the world, whether it’s Paris or Costa Rica , there’s probably an option to try delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. However, the very best is undoubtedly found in the region itself. Embark on a culinary adventure in Amman, Jordan, by joining a cooking class that delves into the rich gastronomy. 

Under the expert guidance of local chefs, you’ll knead the dough for fluffy falafels, savor freshly ground spices, and master the art of crafting delicious dishes like mansaf or maqluba. One of the best places to follow a class is at Beit Sitti, which translates to ‘Grandmother’s House’ and lies in one of Amman’s oldest neighborhoods. 

Run by three lovely ladies, you’ll learn how to cook the Jordan way, making traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. For us, they adjusted their class to vegetarian. Learn to work with delicious ingredients and get a better understanding of Jordan’s vibrant culinary heritage. 

Book your cooking class for lunch or dinner

9. Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum in Amman is a window into the country’s storied past, full of interesting archaeological treasures. Marvel at the inspiring Dead Sea Scrolls, explore the intricate exhibits of ancient artifacts, and gaze at the well-preserved remnants of Petra , one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

Also go: Canyoning in Wadi Mujib, Jordan

With immersive displays, the museum gives you insight into Jordan’s rich and long history, with exhibitions that showcase the different civilizations that have called this land home for millennia. It’s an interesting thing to do in Amman and a great review for the start of your 7-day Jordan itinerary.

10. Visit the Markets

Get lost in the Souks of Amman, where towers of local fruit stand tall next to one another, and the smell of fresh daily bread, coffee, tobacco, and sugary snacks flows through the narrow alleys. Visiting the vibrant local markets is one of the best things to do in Jordan . Nothing tops wandering through the bustling streets, taking in all the colors, noises and smells. 

Two of our favorites are Souk Jara and the Sugar Market (Souk Al-Sukar), full of delicious food and drink options and lots of unique artwork. Dip in and out of the daily market to soak up the atmosphere, grab some pictures, and try some new local foods. Some stalls are open from early in the morning, but most open around 10 or 11 AM till 10 PM. Make sure to stop here for some fresh juice as you browse the interconnected souks. 

Note: Bargaining is part of the culture here, and you’ll experience first-hand how locals shop in the souks. Please remember to always politely ask if you can take a picture of someone before doing so.

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Best Cafes & Restaurants in Amman

Jordan’s flavors, textures, colors, and ingredients all give a glimpse into the country’s rich cuisine. From delicious falafels, a Middle Eastern staple, to fresh baba ganoush or maqluba, delve into Amman’s great food scene. Some of our favorite restaurants are: 

• Zghairon Cafe
• Byat Sara (vegan)
• Hashem Restaurant
• Yafa Coffee House
• Jordan Heritage
• Rouhi AlAqili

Tip: Though many Eastern delicacies have made their way to the Western hemisphere, there’s nothing better than trying them in their original countries. 

Where to Stay

In the heart of Amman, you’ll find many vibrant accommodation options near some of the best things to do in Jordan .

From luxurious boutique hotels overlooking the ancient citadel to cute guesthouses nestled in the bustling downtown, there’s something for every type of budget. We recommend staying in the center, around the colorful and lively Sugar Market area. 

How Many Days in Amman?

As most international flights to Jordan arrive and depart in the capital city, Amman, it makes a lovely destination to explore for at least one full day, either at the beginning or end of your 7-day Jordan itinerary. 

How to Visit Amman, Jordan

Conveniently located only 50 minutes from the historic center, Queen Alia International Airport is the main airport in Jordan and has many connecting flights with its surroundings, including Europe . 

Though many visitors often skip the capital city, it has a cool vibe worth exploring. The easiest way to get downtown is by taxi, which takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes. Expect to spend about 15JD (22 USD) for the journey. Alternatively, there are also shuttle buses that depart for the city about every half hour.

Book your airport transfer in advance online

Getting Around

The labyrinth of alleys and busy streets in Amman, Jordan, are best to explore on foot. Make your way past colorful neighborhoods, gradually climbing one of the city’s many hills. Up top, look out over the sea of cubed houses and stunning historic buildings. Another option to get around town is to arrange a taxi.

How Much Does Amman Cost?

You can travel to Amman in Jordan and savor the city’s rich culture and history without breaking the bank. There are plenty of affordable accommodations and local restaurants to choose from. Taxis usually don’t cost more than a few dollars, and many attractions have a small entrance fee or are included in the Jordan Pass . 

Costs of Traveling in Amman

Travel on a budget in Amman, from $280 − $400 USD weekly per person, mid-range $620 − $1270 USD, and high-end from $1200 − $1720 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $40 − $100 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $15 − $40 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $3 − $20 USD Book public transport
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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring and fall months. The weather is pleasantly mild during this time, with daytime temperatures between 20 and 30 °C. Because of this, it’s a great time to explore the beautiful red outdoors and cities without the desert heat of summer.

Summers in Amman can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35 °C, making traveling in the desert quite challenging. Winters can be cold and rainy, closing many outdoor activities.

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How to Spend One Day in Amman, Jordan

Travel guide to visit amman, jordan's capital city and 7 things you cannot miss.

Sara Santos | December 16, 2023 December 16, 2023

Planning a trip to Jordan soon? Be sure to include Amman in your travel plans. This comprehensive travel guide will show you how to spend one day in Amman , allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and make the most of your visit. We’ll also share other tips that might be useful to make the most out of your time in Amman.

Amman, the capital city of Jordan, often remains overlooked by most travelers when planning their Jordan itinerary. However, if you have the chance, spend at least a day here. It offers a different, more genuine experience of Jordan’s culture. The locals are known for their kindness, making you feel truly welcome in their country. Additionally, Amman has a lot of history to explore, like the Citadel and the Roman Theater, and vibrant local markets where you can immerse yourself in the local culture.

Planning a trip to Jordan? Check out our Jordan Ultimate Guide and Detailed Itinerary .

Guide to the Dead Sea, Jordan : Where to Float, Stay, and Things to Do .

Visiting Jordan: Practical Information

• Best time to visit : Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
• Currency : JOD (Jordanian Dinar)
• Language : Arabic, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• How to get there : Amman or Aqaba airport
• Visa : the best way is to get the Jordan pass
• How to get around : renting a car, bus, or organized tours. Hitchhiking is very common.
• How to pay for stuff : cash (local currency, JOD) is preferred, but card is also accepted in most tourist areas
• Plugs : types C, D, F, G, and J, so bring a power adapter
• Safety : very safe for tourists, no scams, no pickpockets

How to Spend One Day in Amman – Table of Contents

In this Amman travel guide, we’l cover the following topics:

Is One Day in Amman Enough?

Things to do in amman, how to get to downtown amman from the airport, how to get around amman, where to stay in amman.

If you have one full day in Amman, starting early in the morning, you’ll probably have time to cover all the highlights we mention in this guide. We also recommend spending at least one night in Amman.

We got really bad weather during our time in Amman, so we didn’t see everything we wanted. If the weather is not on your side, you’ll probably need two days.

Amman can also be a good base for day trips to explore other popular sites like the Jerash archaeological site , the Dead Sea , or Mount Nebo.

Here’s a list of 7 things you should not miss when you visit Amman:

• Explore Amman Local Markets with a Local Guide
• Discover the Amman Citadel
• Visit the Roman Theatre
• Jordan Folklore Museum and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions
• Eat Falafel at the Most Famous Restaurant
• Try Jordan Local Sweets
• Explore the Rainbow Street

1. Explore Amman’s Local Markets with a Local Guide

We recommend going on a walking tour with a local guide to explore the city and the local markets. We booked our tour using GuruWalk and our guide was Mohammad Ezzat. The tour started at the rooftop of the Amman Pasha Hotel which gives you amazing panoramic views of the city of Amman.

The tour was divided into two parts. In the first part, our guide explained the history of the city of Amman. In the second part, we explored the most popular local markets. Exploring the local markets with a local guide was a great experience and we visited some places and stores that we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see if we were by ourselves. The walking tour took us all morning.

You’ll find several tours on the GuruWalk app. You pay based on your satisfaction with the tour. We paid 15 JOD for the two of us.

2. Discover the Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel sits on the highest hill in Amman about 850 meters above sea level. Even though it is at the top of a hill, you don’t need a taxi to get there. There are some (a lot) stairs you can use to reach the top (simply ignore Google Maps) and climb the stairs that start right in front of the Roman Theatre (you can find the stairs here ). Using the stairs to reach the top is a great way to get to know some authentic narrow alleys.

The Amman Citadel is an archaeological site with a great history. It has been occupied by many different great civilizations since the Middle Bronze Age. In the Amman Citadel, you can see the Temple of Hercules (the most famous site in the Citadel), the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church.

The entrance to the Amman Citadel is included in the Jordan Pass.

Additionally, inside the Amman Citadel, you’ll find to the Jordan Archaeological Museum which has a collection of artifacts found in the Citadel and other places in Jordan.

One of the great things about the Amman Citadel is the great views of Amman Downtown and the Roman Theatre.

You can visit the Amman Citadel on your own, get a guide at the entrance, or you can go on a prearranged tour. There are several tour options that include the Amman Citadel and other places of interest in Amman.

3. Visit the Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre in Amman is an ancient structure dating back to the end of the 2nd century AD, a period when Amman was under Roman influence. This theater can accommodate around 6,000 spectators.

Today, the Roman Theatre serves as a venue for various performances and is also home to two small museums: The Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions. Admission to the Roman Forum and the museums is included in the Jordan Pass.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to visit the Roman Theatre from the inside. If you have more time in Amman, definitely visit this place and the museums to get to know better about their traditions and culture.

4. Jordan Folklore Museum and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions

As previously mentioned, the Roman Forum houses two small museums that offer a deeper understanding of Jordanian culture: the Jordan Folklore Museum and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions.

The Jordan Folklore Museum showcases costumes, daily life items, weapons, and musical instruments from the 19th and early 20th centuries. You’ll see mannequins dressed in traditional costumes displayed in scenes from daily life.

The Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions features the heritage of both Jordanians and Palestinians, including traditional costumes, headdresses, textiles, jewelry, cosmetics, household utensils, and food preparation items.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have spare time to visit those museums during our time in Amman.

5. Eat Falafel at the Most Famous Restaurant

When in Amman, you must try the falafel at Hashem Restaurant. The restaurant operates 24/7, and we visited around midnight after a long flight. It was packed (probably because it was Ramadan). This is a typical local place that specializes in serving falafel accompanied by hummus, pickles, various spreads (whose names I’m not familiar with), and flatbread. Of course, they also offer tea during or after your meal.

Although the falafel and hummus at Hashem were quite good, we had better falafel and hummus in other restaurants in Jordan, like in Wadi Musa. Nonetheless, Hashem is an affordable place to eat and it’s featured in many Jordan travel guides, so it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

6. Try Jordan Local Sweets

When in Jordan, you should definitely try Middle Eastern sweets. The most famous ones are Kunafa and Baklava. These sweets are very very sweet because they are typically soaked in sugar syrup. We bought our sweets from a shop whose name I can’t recall, but the most well-known and recommended place is Habibah Sweets . There’s usually a line at this shop, but it moves quickly. Our guide, from the walking tour, also recommended this place.

7. Explore the Rainbow Street

The Rainbow Street in Amman is a lively and busy street (especially at night) known for its diverse collection of shops, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It’s very popular among tourists and locals. Unfortunately, our time in Amman was marked by very heavy rain, so we didn’t have the opportunity to explore this street. However, it’s very close to downtown, so you can easily walk there.

The closest airport to the Amman city is the Queen Alia International Airport, located 35km south of Amman. The easiest and fastest way to reach downtown Amman from the airport is by taxi. It takes approximately 45 minutes. We paid 22.50 JOD using the airport taxis.

Alternatively, you can also use the shuttle bus to the city centre bus station. More information about the airport express bus and timetable here . You can buy the tickets at the official kiosks at the airport. Once at the city centre bus station, you’ll need to get on a taxi to the downtown area.

Traffic in Amman is chaotic. The best way to get around is on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Additionally, there are plenty of taxis that will slow down and honk to let you know they are available for service. You can also use the Careem app (also widely used in Dubai ) to request a ride, similar to Uber.

We don’t recommend driving in Amman due to the chaotic traffic. If you’re planning a road trip in Jordan, it’s best to rent a car after your visit to Amman. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in a hotel a bit further from the downtown area and then take a taxi to the city center.

We rented our car after our visit to Amman, picking it up within the city rather than at the airport. In theory, it would have been easy to get out of town but it was pouring rain when we got our car and the traffic was so chaotic that it was a bit of a challenge to leave the town.

We recommend staying near the old town historic center so that you can visit all the attractions on foot or with a short taxi ride. Our accommodation was right next to the Roman Theatre.

We stayed at the Almidan Hotel .

The place we stayed at was the Almidan Hotel. While it was not the most charming place, the owners were very nice, the prices were very reasonable, the beds were clean, breakfast was included, and it was very well located. The only downside was the bathroom, which was in need of some serious maintenance.

Alternatively, I’ve heard very good things about the Nomads Hotel , which is also super well located.

In Jordan, you’ll find the most hospitable, humble, and nice people, so we recommend staying in guesthouses or family hotels to have a more authentic experience.

If you have a car during your visit, you might want to consider staying in a hotel a bit farther from the downtown area and then taking a taxi to the city center.

Wrapping Up

To wrap up, I really enjoyed our time in Amman. It’s often overshadowed by popular destinations like the Dead Sea , Wadi Rum, and Petra and therefore it tends to be left out of typical itineraries. However, I strongly recommend dedicating at least a day to exploring this city if you have the time. Amman provides a distinct and immersive experience, and it’s definitely a great place to get more into the local culture.

Other Jordan travel guides:

• Jordan Ultimate Guide and Itinerary for more information
• Guide to the Dead Sea , Jordan: Where to Float, Stay, and Things to Do

If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, be sure to check out our detailed itinerary.

Finally, you can use our links to book accommodation and activities and find cheap flights. You won’t pay more for it and you’ll be supporting our work.

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16 Best Things To Do in Amman in 2024

Planning a trip to Jordan and wondering what to do in Amman? This is the most complete Amman travel guide with the best things to do and places to visit in the capital of Jordan. An up-to-date list of the most amazing places for sightseeing in Amman based on my own experiences traveling to Amman in 2024.

Of course, I understand that traveling to Jordan means visiting the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum and Petra, but most international flights to Jordan arrive and depart from Amman so there is a big chance you will have one or two days to spend in Amman in your Jordan itinerary. Don’t worry, visiting Amman is most definitely not a waste of time, the city has a lot of fun things to do and some marvellous things to see.

It was my second time traveling to Amman and while exploring all the Amman activities I realized once more why I really love this city! In total I spent almost 2 weeks in Amman, also because I am a full time nomad and travel blogger trying to visit every country in the world .

Check out the below video of all the highlights sightseeing in Amman. I recorded all the best places to see and things to do in Amman when visiting and tell you some background information. Please give the video a like for my effort helping you to make the most of your trip to Jordan. Thank you!

Make sure you saty connected when traveling to Jordan. Get yourself an e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card. Check out my guide for buying a sim card for Jordan in 2024  or my guide for buying a Jordan sim card on arrival at Amman Airport . It is the best way to stay connected and you can already get 15 GB data for $15 USD. Click on the link above to see my recommendation, the best network coverage and the where to buy one.

Amman dates back to 7250 BC, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. No wonder it has numerous archeological sites and historical places to see, but also modern hip neighborhoods, colorful markets, a thriving food and art scenes and many more cool activities. To top this up, the city has this super easygoing atmosphere and friendly locals that’ll make you your trip to Amman one to remember.

1. Roman Theater

Your trip to Amman cannot be complete if you don’t visit the Roman Theater located in downtown. To me it is the best thing to do in Amman and you will see why when you enter. This tourist attraction was likely built in the 2nd century AD. It has been restored beautifully, bringing back the days of the Roman Empire. The Roman Theater in Amman doesn’t fail to impress the views from the top are amazing, perfectly blending historic Jordanian heritage with the city’s vibrant modern-day life.

The Roman Theater has a capacity of 6000 people making it the biggest theatre from the Roman Philadelphia period in Jordan. The venue is actually still being used for concerts and events from time-to-time.

Looking for free things to do in Amman? Believe it or not but there is no entrance fee for visiting the Roman Theater in Amman, it is FREE! Climb up the stairs to the highest level for the most amazing views over the city. There are also two small museums free to visit on both sides of the amphitheater: Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions and the Jordan Folklore Museum.

Make sure to either visit the Roman theater early morning to the have it all for yourself or go around sunset to make your visit even more magical. The opening hours for the Amman Roman Theater are 08.00 am to 08.00 pm.

2. Amman Citadel

Another must see tourist attraction is the Amman Citadel perched on top of one of the highest hills in the city. From the Roman Theater there is a set of staircases that leads up to the Amman Citadel. The walk takes about 20 minutes though an old residential neighborhood with super friendly local people.

The Amman Citadel is home to several archeological sites and dates as far back as the Bronze Age (1800 BC). Visiting the Amman Citadel was one of the highlights of my Amman sightseeing trip. From the citadel you have incredible views over the capital of Jordan, but the best places to see here is the Temple of Hercules, built in the center of the citadel.

Five massive pillars on a podium is what’s remaining of the Temple of Hercules. The Temple of Hercules is believed to be constructed around 160 AD.

Close by, there is a large stone sculpture with three bent fingers, the hand of Hercules. This humanizing fragment was once part of a colossal statue of Hercules and is believed to have stood more than 4 meter (13 ft) tall.

On the grounds of the Amman Citadel there is also the Umayyad Palace, the Jordan Archeological Museum and a Byzantine church which are worth visiting.

For more facts and historic background information check out the Amman Citadel Wikipedia Page . 

The Amman Citadel entrance fee is 3 JD ($4) and is open from 08.00 am to 04.30 pm in winter and in summers from 08.00 am to 08.00 pm.

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3.  Nightlife in Rainbow Street

Rainbow street offers a much more relaxing place for tourists to escape Amman’s chaotic traffic from Downtown. A place where tourists and locals mingle looking for a great night out. There are plenty bars, cafes and restaurants, a very well-known hotspot in the city which makes it the number 1 place to visit in Amman if you are looking for nightlife and entertainment. It’s liveliest on Thursday nights which is when Jordanians officially kick off their weekend.

The best places to visit in Rainbow Street are the romantic restaurant Mijana and the opposite bar called: C.LING, one of the best rooftop bars in Amman. Another all-time favorite, but a little more fancy restaurant is Sufra, I liked it. Great place for couples or to impress your date when traveling to Amman.

Just a couple of blocks from this tourist-friendly promenade there’s the Wild Jordan Center that sells locally made jewelry, trinkets, soaps, mugs as well as tasty organic food, and other souvenirs. The center is part of the wider Wild Jordan initiative which you can find at all national parks in Jordan and is run by the Royal Society for nature conservation.

In all honesty I don’t recommend visiting Rainbow Street during the day, there is not much going on these days. It is NOT the hippest spot in the city anymore, Lweibdeh is your place to visit in Amman if you’re looking for nice places to go for lunch. Personally, I find Rainbow Street a bit cheap and trashy these days.

4. Hip coffee places in Jabal Al Lweibdeh

A new hip and trendy place to visit in Amman is the Jabal Al Lweibdeh neighborhood with Paris Square being its center. Of course, also located up on a hill so be prepared to walk a lot of stairs and steep streets to get here, but you will find plenty hip coffee places and charming restaurants with amazing views. From Downtown it is a 20-minute walk uphill.

One of my favorite coffee places is Dimitri’s Coffee Lweibdeh. These guys know what specialty coffee is. Also check out A small but lovely restaurant with good Italian food is Oliva just around the corner and opposite Dimitri’s Coffee you find a cool place with outdoor seating. It has an Arabic name, sorry…

Some more of my favorite places to visit in Lweibdeh are Bait Baladna, the most charming coffee place with awesome views and the chicer style Café at Manara Arts Center with equally cool views. Café at Manara is that place were digital nomads meet to work on their Macbooks.

When you are looking to having a drink there are also many hip cafes and bars around in Lweibdeh, meet a little more sophisticated crowd in Dali.

5. The blue-domed King Abdullah Mosque

With its impressive 35m-diameter blue dome towering over the low-rise rooftops of Amman, the easily recognizable King Abdullah Mosque is another must see when visiting Amman. The mosque is located a bit away from Downtown, but nearby the modern new Amman center. From Lweibdeh it is only a 20-minute walk to visit the most beautiful mosque in Amman. My suggestion is to have lunch in Lweibdeh and then continue walking towards the King Abdullah Mosque.

The King Abdullah Mosque was completed in 1989 by the late King Hussein in honor of his grandfather. It is the most famous and largest mosque in Amman with a capacity of up to 10,000 people – 7,000 inside and 3,000 in the courtyard. There is a small section that can accommodate up to 500 women.

Unusual for a mosque but non-Muslims must pay 2 JD entrance fee for visiting the King Abdullah Mosque. Dress appropriately when visiting, that means for men wear long pants that cover the knees and women need to cover their head.

6. Get lost in one of the Amman Souqs

The word Souq or Souk means market in Arabic and Downtown Amman is full of them. I would almost say all of Downtown is a souk. It’s hard to describing everything what’s going on here, starting from the colors, the noises, the smells, and the overall chaos, it is a beautiful happening. The souks here are something you just must experience for yourself, a great Amman activity.

Luckily you are spoiled for choice as there are 3 different souks in Downtown Amman.

The three most famous markets in Amman are: Souk Mango, Gold Souk and Souk El-Khodra. Best thing is that all the markets are located in Downtown, which therefore makes visiting the markets very easy.

One of the oldest markets in Amman and famous for selling a lot of bridalwear, women’s clothing and accessories as well as religious clothes. You can also find a lot of footwear and perfume shops. Not really my kind of stores, but it is a place that can’t be missed when sightseeing in Amman.

Souk El-Khodra

This was more my kind of market as this is where you will find local people buying their daily fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, spices, etc. Get lost in the narrow backstreets behind the Grand Husseini Mosque, which is another great place to visit when sightseeing in Amman. The market vendors were very friendly and many of them offered me to try their goods or invited me to take photos without pushing me to buy stuff.

A rather small gold souk, but nice to visit as it is just opposite Souk Mango. Here is of course where you can find gold and silver jewelry but be prepared to bargain when buying from the Gold Souk in Amman.

A unique thing to do or a so-called secret Amman travel tip is Souq Jara. A popular Amman tourist attraction but only open on Fridays from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm, so you have to plan your trip to Amman accordingly if you want to visit. You can find everything on this big flea market. It is located just off Rainbow Street and a great place if you’re looking for souvenirs, books, cheap vintage clothing, handicrafts, antiques and traditional Jordanian stuff.

When traversing the markets in Amman and want to take photos always politely ask the local people before snapping away. Keep in mind that big cameras always draw attention on markets and can come across intimidating.

I visited all of Amman Souks, it is simply fun to walk around and take it all in. Surely one of the best things to do in Amman.

7. Visit Duke’s Diwan historic townhouse

A very surprising tourist attraction in Amman. I read about this place in other Amman travel guides but wasn’t impressed by the stories. When I got there and saw the small open door on the main street in Downtown looking into a steep staircase leading into a dark hole. At this time I had even less expectations.

However, when I got upstairs and walked into a very traditional, but well-preserved local home I was very pleasantly surprised.

This historic townhouse was constructed in 1924 and is regarded as one of the oldest houses in Amman. It was initially used as a post office. Later on, it became the seat of the Ministry of Finance and after that, a hotel. The townhouse now belongs to a local businessman who is also the Duke of Mukhaybeh.

The Duke restored it to its original splendor, with antique furnishing, then opened it to the public to appreciate it. Visitors love its unique, vintage atmosphere.

If you’re lucky, you can even meet the duke in person, just like I did. He sat in one of his rooms talking to other visitors and happily got his photos taken and was up for a chat.

Visiting the Duke’s Diwan townhouse only takes about 10 minutes and it is free to enter. The house is located in the heart of Downtown so it can’t be missed. Put this on your Amman itinerary as I think it is one of the best things to do in Amman.

8. Learn the country’s history at the Jordan Museum

Visiting the Jordan Museum is one of those things oyu find in every travel guide for Amman, but let’s be honest I don’t think the people who read blogs are the types that visit history museum. However, for considering it to be one of the things to do in Amman I would only write about it when I would visit myself, so I did.

In the Jordan museum they will tell you all there is to about the story of the country, starting with the country’s earliest known inhabitants, going back 9,500 years ago. As you walk through you will slowly catch up with modern history. I spent about 1 hour inside the Jordan Museum and found it surprisingly interesting.

For me the most fascinating thing to see in the Jordan Museum was the Two Headed statue from Ain Ghazal which dates back to 7500 BC! You can see it on the photo above.

There are surely a bunch of cool things to read and learn. However, in my opinion the entrance fee of 5 JD ($7) is not like whatever let’s just walk through.

The museum is located about 10 minutes walk away from Downtown next to the City Hall. Watch my vlog about the best things to do in Amman and decide for yourself if this is one of the must-see activity in Amman.

9. Smoke Shisha on a balcony in Downtown

As you might have realized, most of the best places to see in Amman are located in Downtown: Roman Theater, the markets, the Duke’s Townhouse, the museum, the King Husseini Mosque, etc. When roaming in Amman Downtown I am sure you will spot some cool balconies with terraces.

These are popular places to go and smoke shisha. Just go to Downtown and look up. One of the most popular places is the Al Mamlakeh restaurant, its balcony has the best views over Downtown.

10. Photograph some amazing Murals in Amman

My way of exploring cities is to get lost wandering from one tourist attraction to the other. While discovering Amman I stumbled across some fantastic murals and some of them are huge. It is totally worth it checking out some of the best wall paintings that are scattered around the cities and they also make some of the best Instagram spots in Amman. Even the Redbull website wrote about it, check out their list of the best murals in Amman .

11. Sundowner at Café Bait Baladna

When looking for a cool place to visit to watch the sunset then I found the best spot for you: Café Baladna. A very charming coffee shop a little hidden, but also in Lweibdeh. It is not the super chic place, but more bohemian style and I felt at home straight when I walked in. Check out the vibe in my vlog about Amman, when you see it I am sure that you want to go there for sunset too. Not only sunset drinks, it also is a favorite place where trendy locals  come to smoke shisha.

12. Lunch with a view at Dar Ne'meh

A new addition to the vibrant cafe and restaurant scene is Dar Ne'meh right next to the Amman Citadel. Since it has such gorgeous views over the city I think it deserves a mention. They have a rooftop that gives you almost a 360 degrees view of Amman. It serves healthy food, vegetarian and local Jordanian food. I recommend you ordering a fresh and cold hibiscus drink to cool off and take in those gorgeous views. When looking for a cool restaurant with a view this is your place to go in Amman.

13. Try the famous Hashem Hummus and Falafel

Amman is of course one of the best places in the country to try the local Jordanian food. Numerous restaurants offer a variety of dishes at different price ranges so you’re sure to find something for your budget when traveling to Amman.

One good touristy hotel that offers great food is the Hashem Restaurant. Their specialty is falafel and others like the hummus and baba ganoush. The food is served with herbs and bread, and if you feel thirsty after a long day of sightseeing, you’ll love their hot tea drink with mint. We’re not saying that you’re obligated to eat here – what matters is that you find a nice place with tasty food, quick service, and affordable rates.

There are also a lot of shops that sell traditional sweets, which I am sure you’ll like if you have a sweet tooth. If you’re trying to live a sugar-free life, be warned – the sweets look very tasty and tempting. The traditional dessert that you will see everywhere in the streets of Amman is Knafeh, it is made with cheese. May sound weird, but it is yummy. Give it try when traveling to Amman.

14. The Abdali Boulevard

The newest addition to places to visit in Amman is the Boulevard next to the Abdali Mall. Remarkably not mentioned in any Amman travel guides, but this upscale modern chic place away from Downtown is regarded the new modern center. Here is also where you find the fancy hotels like the W Amman, a great place to stay in Amman. Along the boulevard of Abdali you find many restaurants and bars. A place where trendy locals hang out and a nice place to have either lunch or dinner.

15. Free Walking Tour

A free walking tour can’t be missed on a list of things to do in Amman. Everywhere I go I look for one of these tours. It is a great way to meet other travelers and learn to know the city through the eyes of a local guide. Besides, I love the extra info these knowledgeable guides provide you when visiting some of the historical sites. When joining a free walking tour in Amman you will see most of the best places to visit in the city in a couple hours, so definitely recommended to those who only have 1 or 2 days in Amman.

Check out the Free walking tours in Amman by Guruwalk . For those who are more adventurous you can also explore the best Amman tourist attractions on scooter. You will also find it in the link above.

16. Day trips from Amman

Last but not least I recommend you the check out some cool day trips from Amman. No need to tell you about the Dead Sea, but did you know that visiting the Dead Sea can be done on a day trip from Amman? You can just take an Uber actually.

The Dead Sea is one of the most popular places to visit in Jordan and every tourist knows about it, but did you know there are some really cool other things to do near Amman like: Qasr al-Abd, Jerash, As-Salt, and Madaba.

Only 30 kilometers out of the city center of Amman you find one of the newest additions to the UNESCO World Heritage list. As-Salt is charming city in the Balqa Highlands along the old highway from Amman to Jerusalem and got selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021. Its charming narrow streets, multiple mosques and churches, fascinating historical buildings and amazing views make this one of the best places to visit near Amman and should surely be on your Jordan itinerary.

Qasr al-Abd

About 20 kilometers west of Amman you will find Qasr al-Abd, a large Hellenistic palace built in 200 BC with impressively large stones, the largest being 7 x 3 meter (23 x 10 ft), which makes these blocks among the largest in the Middle East. The ruins of Qasr al-Abd are very impressive. The front entrance and the carved lion make it worth visiting and a cool addition to this list of tourist attractions in Amman.

When visiting Amman many people recommended me to go to Jerash. Among my Instagram followers this seemed to be a favorite place to visit in Jordan. It is about 50 kilometer north of Amman, which makes it a cool day trip. Especially since Jerash has some fantastic historical and archeological sites. It is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and also called the Ancient Meeting Place of East and West. The Colonnaded Street and the Oval Forum are the best places to go in Jerash. These very well preserved ancient Roman ruins will make you travel back in time.

Another fun place near Amman is the ancient city of Madaba. The best thing to do in this historical city which is mentioned several times in the bible is to see the famous 6th century mosaic map of the Promised Land. Madaba is a Christian town and there are multiple Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Byzantine churches to visit. The most impressive I actually found the huge mosaic in the Church of the Apostles.

I hope you liked all my Amman travel tips and places to go. Let me know if you have any question or please mention other cool things to do in Amman if you know of any. Leave me a comment below and please if this Amman blog was helpful share the link of it on either Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, with your friends or anywhere else on the internet to help me out a little bit in return. Thank you!

Looking for some great content ideas for Jordan or some wanderlust inspiration then go check out my Instagram account Traveltomtom and follow my journey to visit every country in the world  as of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still many to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Travel & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Amman!

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman ranks number one among the Brand’s Middle East Properties

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is proud to announce that the hotel is now the top-ranked Ritz-Carlton property in the Middle East, and across the broader EMEA region, according to a number of diverse metrics, from guest satisfaction surveys to occupancy rates and beyond. Since opening its doors less than two years ago, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman has quickly become the regional and international standard for luxury hospitality, demonstrating excellence across all aspects and touchpoints of its operations.

Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman have consistently praised the superlative service provided by the hotel’s extraordinary team, who go above and beyond to provide attentive, personalized, and meaningful experiences for everyone who visits the property. The hotel’s reputation has soared under the leadership of General Manager Tareq Derbas, who has cultivated a team of passionate and professional Ladies and Gentlemen. Derbas ensures that every employee feels valued and appreciated, fostering a culture of excellence that resonates throughout the property.

Commenting on these exceptional results and ranking, the General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Tareq Derbas, said, “Being the top Ritz-Carlton property in the region is not a title we hold lightly or one that comes easily: it takes an extraordinary amount of passion and dedication at every level, from every employee. On a managerial level, we recognize that the first step to creating a superb guest experience is to acknowledge and empower your team. When they are treated with respect and given the opportunity to shine, there’s no telling what they can achieve. At The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, our guests are the ultimate beneficiaries of this approach, because our Ladies and Gentlemen never miss an opportunity to go above and beyond for them. It’s an incredible thing to witness, and we couldn’t be more proud to continually raise the bar for The Ritz-Carlton brand—and luxury hoteliers everywhere. This aligns with our aim of being a top employer in the hospitality industry and continuing to position Jordan as a premier luxury destination.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, and its team of dedicated Ladies and Gentlemen continue to raise the bar for luxury hoteliers everywhere, demonstrating the incredible positive impact of a corporate culture that nurtures talent and inspires passion at every turn.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman commemorates its first year in Jordan

Royal Jordanian hosts ZEDMIBA Forum’s AGM in Amman 

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman celebrates Women’s Month with a special event at Soleil Café

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman ends its first year on a high note

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Travel Budget for Amman Visit Amman on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Amman Costs

• Amman Hotel Prices
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Amman
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Amman
• Best Hotels for One Night in Amman
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Amman
• Best Hotels for One Week in Amman
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• Is Amman Expensive?
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• How much does it cost to travel to Amman? (Average Daily Cost)
• Amman trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Amman expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Amman?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Amman?

You should plan to spend around $110 (JOD78) per day on your vacation in Amman. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $34 (JOD24) on meals
• $24 (JOD17) on local transportation
• $98 (JOD69) on hotels

A one week trip to Amman for two people costs, on average, $1,544 (JOD1,095) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 110 JOD 78
• One Week Per person $ 772 JOD 547
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,544 JOD 1,095
• One Month Per person $ 3,309 JOD 2,346
• One Week For a couple $ 1,544 JOD 1,095
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 3,088 JOD 2,189
• One Month For a couple $ 6,617 JOD 4,691

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Amman cost?

A one week trip to Amman usually costs around $772 (JOD547) for one person and $1,544 (JOD1,095) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Amman on average costs around $1,544 (JOD1,095) for one person and $3,088 (JOD2,189) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Amman will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Amman on average costs around $3,309 (JOD2,346) for one person and $6,617 (JOD4,691) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Amman has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Amman are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within the Middle East, Amman is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Tiberias or Jerusalem.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Amman Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Amman?

The average Amman trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Amman travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Amman

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Amman is $49 (JOD35). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Amman is $98 (JOD69). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 49 JOD 35
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 98 JOD 69

Hotel Prices in Amman

Looking for a hotel in Amman? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Amman based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $57. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Hamoudah Hotel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 19
• InterContinental Jordan Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 137

Transportation Budget in Amman

The cost of a taxi ride in Amman is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $24 (JOD17) per person, per day, on local transportation in Amman.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 24 JOD 17

Recommended Services

• Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations Viator $ 24
• Private Amman, Jerash, and Dead Sea Full-Day Transfers from Amman Viator $ 130

Flights to Amman

Rental cars in amman, what did other people spend on transportation in amman.

Typical prices for Transportation in Amman are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Amman, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Bus Ride (for Two) JOD 0.50
• RIde to Airport JOD 20

Food Budget in Amman

While meal prices in Amman can vary, the average cost of food in Amman is $34 (JOD24) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Amman should cost around $13 (JOD9.56) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Amman is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 34 JOD 24

Recommended

• Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience Viator $ 109
• 3 course dinner with a sommelier Viator $ 56

What did other people spend on Food in Amman?

Typical prices for Food in Amman are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Amman, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Pastries JOD 3.00
• Tea JOD 4.00

Entertainment Budget in Amman

Entertainment and activities in Amman typically cost an average of $32 (JOD23) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 32 JOD 23

Recommended Activities

• From Amman : 2 days Private Tour Petra, Wadi rum and Dead… Viator $ 215
• Petra Full-Day Private Tour From Amman Viator $ 95

Tips and Handouts Budget in Amman

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Amman is $4.67 (JOD3.31) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Amman is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 4.67 JOD 3.31

Alcohol Budget in Amman

The average person spends about $14 (JOD9.80) on alcoholic beverages in Amman per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 14 JOD 9.80

Water Budget in Amman

On average, people spend $5.89 (JOD4.18) on bottled water in Amman per day. The public water in Amman is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 5.89 JOD 4.18

Related Articles

Amman on a budget.

Neighborhoods

Food and dining, transportation.

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Jordan , Middle East , Travel

1 week in jordan: itinerary and travel guide.

Planning a holiday to Jordan? This is the perfect itinerary for 1 week in Jordan to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the sights, or must-visit places in this incredible country. 7 days is enough time for the highlights, but as always I would recommend longer. I guarantee you’ll be standing open mouthed at some of the sights for quite a lot of the time!

Read on for information on where to go in Jordan, the visa requirements, the best way to get around as well as where to stay and eat on your trip. 

The Best Itinerary for 1 Week in Jordan

Day 1 – explore amman.

Many people are tempted to forget Amman and drive straight down to Petra – please don’t do this! Amman is a fascinating and absolutely beautiful city, and you haven’t really done Jordan unless you’ve done Amman. There’s plenty of things to do in Amman, ranging from cultural tours of ancient Roman sites, to exploring the bohemian and artistic neighbourhoods around Rainbow Street.

The Roman Citadel sits high on a hill above Amman, and is a fascinating place to wander. Spend the morning climbing up the steep hill before it gets too hot, and then pay for your ticket at the gate. It should cost around 3JD. Take in the view from the top, admire the ancient Roman columns and pay a visit to the museum to cool off.

Retrace your steps back down the hill to the Roman Amphitheatre. Pick your tickets up from the booth to the right of the steps in the main square and then head inside! Spend some time climbing up the steps to the seats, and imagine what it was like for locals to watch dramatic plays back in ancient Roman times. 

 From here, walk back to downtown Amman to visit the famous umbrella art installation for some pretty instagrammable pictures. Choose one of the nearby cafes for lunch before heading up to Rainbow Street. There are plenty of shops along this street, but why not make a stop off at the Wild Jordan Center while you’re in the area? The centre aims to generate an income for Jordanian rural communities that need it, through selling ethical souvenirs and promoting ecotourism. The centre’s cafe also serves yummy food and drink to visitors, and there’s a fantastic view over Amman from the balcony too. 

>> For more  things to do in Amman , read my dedicated post on all the top attractions. Click  here  to read it!

Where to eat in Amman

There are plenty of places to eat in Amman. Try  Jafra  for delicious food and a lovely ambience, just around the corner from the umbrella art installation. The menu is full of choice for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. It’s quite expensive compared to some of the places in Amman, so it’s mostly full of tourists and businessmen smoking shisha. Yes, really.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit cheaper, try  Hashem  for a real local experience! Don’t be put off by the plastic tables and chairs, this place is super cheap, friendly and clean. And the food is absolutely fantastic. Ask for a selection of everything, and they’ll bring you two different types of falafel, hummus, pitta bread, salads and plenty more. Vegetarians don’t need to worry – I couldn’t see anything that had meat in it at all. I could have eaten there for the rest of my life and been happy!

Where to stay in Amman

To be within walking distance of most sights, I recommend staying in the Downtown area. We stayed in the  Art Hotel , which was in the heart of the city. Its facilities were basic, but it was clean and comfortable, and had everything you need for a couple of nights in Amman. Breakfast is included in your stay, and it gives you a selection of salad, hummus and pitta bread. Welcome to Jordan!

>> Check the latest prices for  places to stay in Amman  or check out this post all about  where to stay in Jordan

Day 2 – Tour the ancient Roman sites and the Dead Sea

Today, head 30 miles north of Amman to Jerash, one of the most important Roman cities outside of Rome. Now, you weren’t expecting that from Jordan, were you? Once there, spend a few hours exploring the area to find an impressive amphitheatre, ruined buildings with mosaic floors, and original columns lining the Forum (the main square). I recommend taking a guided tour of Jerash if you can, as a guide will really help bring the place to life. There are often guides available in the visitors centre if you didn’t arrive as part of a tour group.

After Jerash, head south back past Amman to the Dead Sea. Find a resort that will take day guests, such as the  Marriott  (50JD per person) or  Ramada  (25JD per person), and you’ll get a lunch, changing rooms and showers included in the ticket price. You can usually also rent towels from the bar if you need one.

You’ll have seen photos of people floating on the Dead Sea – probably reading a book or a newspaper. The water is so incredibly salty that everything floats in it, but nothing at all can grow. The sensation is very strange at first – you have to let yourself lie back and trust the water will carry you – and it will. Make sure to not get any water in your eyes, as it will hurt like hell and you may need medical attention. Also, be careful if you have open cuts or particularly sensitive skin, as the salt can irritate it and make it very painful.

Use the showers to wash off and once you’re completely desalinated, head back to Amman for dinner and then sleep.

Day 3 – Visit a Crusader Castle and Little Petra

Prepare for a packed day today, with an early visit to Mount Nebo, located high up in the hills overlooking the Dead Sea. Mount Nebo is said to be the place where Moses finally saw the promised land before he died, so there’s a church featuring beautiful mosaics, a statue dedicated to Moses and a museum with other religious artefacts inside. If you don’t come here for the religious significance, come here for the view. Mount Nebo is, obviously, a mountain, so it has some pretty awesome views out over the Jordanian landscape.

After your visit, head to the Crusader castle of Karak. It’s one of the original castles built by the Crusaders to protect their fledgling empire in the Levant, so it has a fascinating history. Spend an hour or so wandering through the tunnels, makeshift prison cells and other rooms, and look out for the kittens that play in its halls.

Then it’s time to head to the desert. This drive through the mountains and down into the valleys of Wadi Musa is pretty darn special. Don’t let yourself fall asleep as you’ll miss the impressive panoramic views out over this alien landscape – so alien in fact, it’s said to be where the movie The Martian was filmed. Once down in the valley, stop off at Little Petra for your first sight of intricately carved stone buildings and caves.

It’s called little Petra for a reason – it is on a much smaller scale than Petra, but still treats tourists to beautiful sights. Most tourists bypass this area, instead only visiting the main attraction, but this means it’s a lot quieter, especially at the end of the day. You won’t be fighting other tourists to get the perfect view. Best of all, it’s free.

Once you’ve finished exploring, head up into the hills above Wadi Musa for the evening.

Where to eat in Wadi Musa

Supermarkets offer the best value food and drink in this part of Jordan, but hotels often serve well-priced buffets and set menus too. There are also plenty of falafel shops dotted about, where you can pick up a cheap falafel sandwich served with salad in pitta.

Where to sleep in Wadi Musa

There are loads of places to sleep around Petra. As you can imagine, the hotels closest to the entrance charge the most and can be part of international chains. For something a bit cheaper but equally as nice, head up in to the hills above Petra to find somewhere like the  Seven Wonders Hotel . The rooms here are big and comfortable, and it also has a rooftop bar from which you can watch the sunset over the desert, which is pretty special.

>> Find your perfect  place to sleep in Wadi Musa for Petra

Day 4 – Petra

Prepare for an early start as you’ll want to get to Petra before anyone else. The gates open at 7am, so make sure you’re there then if you want to avoid huge crowds blocking your view. Once you’ve bought your ticket to go in, make your way down the Siq to reach the Treasury. I was too excited to see it that I practically ran down, but feel free to take your time and admire the canyons and caverns on the way down.

Once at the Treasury, pick your mouth up off the floor (yes, it’s that beautiful) and spend a while admiring it from different angles. Then, when you’re ready to move on, there are two must-do trails – one that ends up at the Monastery, and the other that overlooks the Treasury. Make sure you take food and plenty of water with you to keep you going, as no-one is going to admit these trails are easy! Pick some up from a supermarket or a corner shop in Wadi Musa. Food and drink can be very expensive inside the Petra site itself.

The first recommended trail in Petra is the trail that ends up at the Monastery – a building that is equally impressive as the Treasury. To start this trail, head to the right of the Treasury, and follow the main trail all the way down, past the theatre and the colonnaded street. The path then begins to snake up high into the mountain, so it’s best to be reasonably fit and healthy before attempting this trail. Saying that, we saw plenty of people in  Petra with kids  who made it up safely. Plus there are plenty of places to rest, and there are often locals selling souvenirs along the way if you want an excuse to stop. 

 For the Al Khubtha trail, follow the main path to the right of the Treasury until you reach the Royal Tombs. Spend some time looking at the Royal Tombs, and then take the staircase that goes up and behind the last Tomb. Keep climbing up until you reach a point that overlooks the theatre, and then follow the path downwards (not in the direction you’ve just come from!) for about 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint. A savvy businessman has set up a little bar here to encourage tourists to buy drinks in exchange for the view, but of course you don’t have to buy.

After a rest and dinner back at your hotel, consider heading back to Petra for Petra by Night. Petra by Night was easily the highlight of my trip to Jordan. It’s what it says on the tin – a visit to Petra after the sun has gone down and the candles have gone up. Make sure you have your day tickets to Petra with you, and then buy Petra by Night tickets from the visitors centre. Petra by Night is a must for  incredible photography of Jordan , so it’s definitely worth the extra money!

Walking down through the candle-lit Siq is over all to quickly, so make sure you hang back to avoid the crowds who will try to push you along. The staff put on a little show with traditional Jordanian music and stories in front of the Treasury, but the real reason everyone was there was to see the Treasury all lit up and looking magical (just ignore the part when they change the colour of the lights – Petra shouldn’t be a disco).

 If you want photos like this one, stay until the end when most people are out of the way (the staff will try to usher you out) and set up your tripod ready for a long exposure shot.

Day 5 – Head deeper into the desert at Wadi Rum

Have a lazy morning this morning – you deserve it after your trek across Petra yesterday! From Wadi Musa, head south to Wadi Rum – a desert wilderness in the southern tip of the country. Wadi Rum was the filming location for The Martian, thanks to its beautiful but rather alien landscape.

Stay at a Bedouin camp like  Captain’s Desert Camp  (more information below!) that can take you on excursions, such as a balloon flight or a 4×4 ride into the desert. If you go on a jeep safari, ask your driver to take you over the sand dunes for a bit of an adrenaline rush before stopping off at the natural archways. It is possible to climb them, but do be careful – they can be incredibly slippery and there’s no safety barrier 🙂

After a few hours exploring, try to find somewhere to watch the sunset. The whole desert turns even more golden than it already is, and it’s really quite magical. Then, return to your camp for the night.

Where to eat and sleep in Wadi Rum

You can’t come to Wadi Rum and not sleep at a Bedouin camp! There are loads of these traditional camps dotted about the desert, all characterised by accommodation in goat hair tents set around a central campfire. We stayed at  Captain’s Desert Camp , which was good, clean, simple living and as comfortable as you’d expect a goat hair tent to be in the middle of the desert! Embrace the local culture of drinking tea, eating dinner with your fellow guests, stargazing around a bonfire and falling asleep to the sound of silence.

>> Find your  accommodation in Wadi Rum

Day 6 – Wadi Rum/Aqaba

Aqaba is the place many visitors come to see the Red Sea – an inlet of the Indian Ocean that is renowned for its clear waters and ample opportunities to see tropical fish and coral.

It’s a typical resort town, so most of the attractions revolve around the water, such as snorkelling and diving. There are plenty of companies that can take you out to the Red Sea, ask at your hotel for recommendations. Most offer lunch as well as all equipment you’ll need for the day, including towels, life jackets, snorkel masks and flippers, but do check before you go.

>> Check out Viator’s  top picks for trips from Aqaba

Once you’ve exhausted the town’s water sports, you could visit Aqaba Archaeological Museum or the Aqaba Fort for a bit of culture, or simply relax on the town’s beaches.

Where to eat in Aqaba

This is the easiest recommendation for 1 week in Jordan. Forget the fancy restaurants and resorts that Aqaba is full of. Instead, head around the corner to a little falafel stand called  Falafel O Bas  for the best falafel I have ever had in my life. The best part? It’ll cost you less than 50p. There are also plenty of gelato stands if you fancy a sweet treat too.

Where to sleep in Aqaba

Al Raad Hotel (El Rae’d Suites)  is in a great location in the centre of town, just minutes’ away from some of Aqaba’s historic sights and the beach. The rooms are large and have everything you’ll need, including a fridge to keep drinks and snacks cool. The wi-if is intermittent in the rooms, so you might find yourself huddled around other tourists in the lobby catching up on their social media!

>> Check the latest prices for  places to stay in Aqaba

Day 7 – Aqaba/Amman

Today, head back to Amman ready for your flight back home. Sorry it had to come to an end at some point 🙁 What a great itinerary for 1 week in Jordan, though!

Visa requirements for 1 week in Jordan

Of course, Visa requirements vary depending on where you’re from, but for the UK it was very simple. You don’t have to do any pre-planning, other than make sure you have 40 JD (at the time of writing) per person to give to border control. The Visa is a little postage stamp sized sticker, that they’ll then stamp over upon arrival and exit, so make sure you have at least one full page in your passport free.

What’s the best way to get around Jordan?

There’s a few different options on how to get around Jordan, including taking public transport, hiring a car and driving yourself or taking an organised tour. Read my advice on the best way to get around to see which you’d prefer…

Taking public transport in Jordan

Jordan’s public transport is primarily there for the locals, hence why tourist attractions are rarely covered by the country’s bus network (excluding the big ones, of course). That said, there are buses between cities available for barely any money at all. I just honestly couldn’t tell you where to find them. We were rather unlucky with our taxi drivers in Jordan. We must have looked like a pair of mugs with “will pay anything for a ride” on our foreheads, but we were too tired to argue. If you do get a taxi, make sure you agree your price upfront and make sure your driver knows EXACTLY where he is going. We showed our driver our hotel on a Google Map and we agreed a price, but it was only once he’d taken us to another hotel nearby that he added another 10JOD on top of his price because he argued we’d given him the wrong address. Uber is available in Amman and is much preferable to hailing a taxi off the street.

Renting a car in Jordan

Upon arrival into Jordan, we saw plenty of tourists at the car hire desk, making the point that renting a car for 1 week in Jordan is both accessible and doable. Of course, driving in a foreign country is always at your own risk but comes with the added benefits of being able to set your own course, taking your time and an element of privacy too.

Riding animals in Jordan

Whilst climbing and hiking along the trails in Petra, you will get tired but please don’t ride the donkeys or camels, no matter how exhausted you feel. The poor animals don’t get to make that choice. They’re not treated particularly well and, sadly, yours won’t be the first lazy arse they’ve had to carry up the mountains that day. In front of the Treasury at Petra, camels spend the entire day getting down on their knees just so tourists can take photos on their backs. What a waste of a beautiful animal… Please remember that animal cruelty may not be obvious, but it is there. 

Travelling on an organised tour in Jordan

My preferred way of travelling in Jordan is on an organised tour, where the whole itinerary is laid out for you. In a country where I could barely any of the lingo, I felt much more comfortable with a guide and minibus all laid out for me. As a vegetarian, this was also a god-send when it came to trying to explain I couldn’t eat meat. Guides will save you from tourist scams – such as the bedouins in the desert and the handmade souvenirs that were definitely made in China. There are plenty of tour companies around that lead tours to Jordan, including Intrepid, On the Go Tours and G Adventures. I can personally recommend the G Adventures tour,  Highlights of Jordan , but there are plenty more available.

When to visit Jordan

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Jordan, with daytime temperatures around 25c and cooler nighttime temperatures. Summer can get particularly hot – sometimes well in to the 40s, so this time of year is best avoided in Jordan. During winter, the skies can be heavy with rain and sometimes even snow, but I bet that’d make for some awesome shots at Petra… The shores of the Dead Sea and the Red Sea tend to be the hottest parts of the country, while Amman is said to be the coolest. It’s good idea to pack layers for every eventuality! 

What’s Jordan like during Ramadan?

Visiting Jordan throughout the holy month of Ramadan is nothing to be worried about. In fact, it can be a wonderful time to visit Jordan! Find out all about it in my  dedicated post on Ramadan .

>> Find out all about  visiting Jordan during Ramadan  by clicking  here ! 

Is Jordan safe to visit?

As a Middle Eastern country, Jordan has found itself (unfairly) in the ‘dangerous countries’ list of some travellers. Yet, we found Jordan to be completely safe to visit. In fact, the locals in Jordan were some of the friendliest we have ever met! The country is doing an incredible job at promoting its culture, sights and natural wonders that you’d be mad not to want to see for yourself. Of course, there are risks in any country, but much like my  advice for visiting Istanbul , personal safety is mostly about common sense. Dress appropriately for a conservative country, avoid demonstrations and listen to the advice of the local police – your visit to Jordan will be a breeze!

Are you planning to spend 1 week in Jordan? I’d love to hear your plans or questions in the comments below! Like this post? Pin it for later >> 

8 thoughts on “ 1 Week in Jordan: Itinerary and Travel Guide ”

Jordan looks like an unbelievable destination! So full of history and culture ? Thank you for giving us an insight XX

It looks beautiful! Like you’re walking through history. I’ve seen flight deals recently to Jordan and was so tempted to purchase!! Very informative post.

Great article with tons of information. I had never considered Jordan before but will now for sure!

You know I went there about a year ago now and honestly think you captured the experience wonderfully! I love the local recommendations too. Probably the yummiest food I had there was in something like a converted home, not fancy at all, so I’m with you on not taking food establishments at face value. Anyway, love your work, will be following on Instagram 🙂

I’ve seen a lot of photos of Jordan lately so I enjoyed finding more about it in this post and seeing more beautiful photos of the place. Thanks for mentioning about not riding the animals, such an important thing to raise awareness for.

I can’t believe how much there is to do in Jordan! Your pictures are absolutely stunning!

I visited Jordan on an overnight trip from Israel last year. Clearly overnight was not enough time and I can’t wait to go back for a much longer stint. Thank you for these great suggestions!

I hate rainbow lights! I was thinking Petra would probably look more dreamy if candles were used instead of lights. I’ve been hearing a lot about Wadi Rum lately and I can see why. Very helpful article!

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• INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

One Perfect Day in Amman, Jordan

Writer Annie Fitzsimmons recently returned from a 10-day cultural trip to Jordan. This is her third and final dispatch. Read her earlier posts   here and here .

I couldn’t stop staring at the skyline of Amman, the capital city of Jordan, from my hotel room. It seemed ancient and utterly modern at the same time, an organized chaos with thousands of white limestone buildings, busy traffic circles, and small pockets of green trees.

Amman thrived at the crossroads of ancient civilizations for thousands of years and is now educating a worldly Jordanian citizen, some with Palestinian roots from their families that fled to Jordan as refugees after the 1948 and 1967 wars. Buildings touting logos like Microsoft, Deloitte, Apple, and Starbucks blend with run-down shacks in the souks and wafting smells of spices and falafel.   A perfect day in Amman showcases the juxtaposition of old and new.

Breakfast at the Four Seasons Hotel Amman

The Four Seasons Hotel Amman is a stylish oasis, a central meeting point for business and leisure travelers alike. The international East-meets-West breakfast buffet serves pancakes, eggs, fruit, bagels, and American coffee alongside local delicacies like foul (simmered beans and spices), labaneh (soft cheese made with yogurt), black olives, falafel, halloumi cheese, Arabic bread, and Turkish coffee.

Royal Automobile Museum

I easily spent two hours at the Royal Automobile Museum , built by Jordan’s current King Abdullah II in honor of his father, the beloved King Hussein, who died in 1999 after a 47-year reign. King Hussein was obsessed with cars and amassed quite a collection in his lifetime. Car fanatics could spend much more time than I did studying the gleaming, limited-edition Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royce vehicles, as well as many motorcycles. The Range Rover used by King Hussein, Queen Elizabeth, and Prince Philip on their trip to Petra is also on display.

The Citadel

On the highest hill in Amman sits the Citadel, an ancient fortress and site of Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins. The small National Archaeological Museum on-site displays ancient relics of daily life spanning centuries.

Lunch at Wild Jordan

“There’s a real trend for organic food in Jordan, along with flax seeds,” said the waiter at Wild Jordan . Flax seeds? Yes, there they were, adding crunch to my delicious lunch salad. Wild Jordan is partnered with the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature to help raise money for the cause. The cafe sources local, organic foods for salads and sandwiches. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls show off a stunning view of downtown Amman.

Explore Rainbow Street

Near Wild Jordan is the center of Amman’s social scene, Rainbow Street. Quiet during the day, there are souvenir shops, coffee shops, and bookstores to explore. At night, groups of friends spill out of bars and restaurants, eating at sidewalk tables, creating a lively evening buzz.

Jordan River Foundation

The Jordan River Foundation , established by Queen Rania in 1995 to empower women and children, aims to support local products from communities all over the country. I found that this was the best place to shop for authentic, high-quality items. The shop’s gorgeous pillows, jewelry, and blankets can add distinct global flair to any home.

The Gold Souk

Gold prices remain at all-time highs, and although at the gold souk you can negotiate, you won’t score bargain prices. I was told that many shoppers now purchase “Russian,” or imitation gold instead of real gold. But the real thing still shines brightly in the downtown gold souk.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Darat Al Funun Art Gallery: The Khalid Shoman Foundation

A highlight for me was discovering this “haven for knowledge and progress” for artists in central amman. the darat al funun gallery is housed in three buildings built in the 1920s, established by the family of the late wealthy banker, khalid shoman. local artists can use the library and tools and anyone can tour the rotating exhibitions, usually four per year. when i was there, the exhibit on display was a partnership between darat al funun and london’s tate modern., dinner at fakhr el-din.

One of the most popular restaurants in Amman for fun and fresh local Jordanian and Lebanese flavor, Fakhr El-Din offers over 120 items including traditional mezze, meat, fish and desserts. Dinner is especially nice al fresco on the terrace when the night air is cool.

Annie Fitzsimmons is a New York-based travel and hotel writer.   She is a frequent contributor to publications that share her love of exploration and discovery. Follow her adventures on Twitter at   @anniefitz and on her personal blog,   Hotel Belle .

[ Jordan Guide ]

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