10 things to see and do in Amman Jordan
Amman is an atmospheric city, loved by tourists from all over the world, has been booming for several years. This gem [...]
Amman is an attractive city, loved by tourists from all over the world, has been booming for several years. This gem of Jordan, shines as an ideal destination to experience in a travel experience along with the magnificent Petra.
In this article:
In this article we will find out. 10 things to see and do in Amman to understand whether it is right for you and why not, whether it might be your next destination to fly to.
Amman: an example between past and future
Amman is a typical example of a Middle Eastern city in perfect harmony between past, present and future. Ruins of an ancient and culturally rich city overlook modern innovation, making it wonderful among its contrasts and paradoxes.
A real gem to be celebrated even for a few days, to discover the most inviting features and to appreciate its most significant places.
This will be a essential guide, ideal for a visitor who will devote only a few days to Jordan. This, with the idea - why not - of returning for another emotionally dense experience on the road.
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So when visiting the city of Amman, what might we see? Let's discover together 10 things to see in Jordan's capital city
1. King Abdullah Mosque
Visiting Amman can be an interesting cultural experience, especially discovering archaeological and historical sites of great value. We are talking about the King Abdullah Mosque, built between 1982 and 1986, emblematic for the country's culture. An imposing and tasteful building, modern if you will, but representative of a unique style that can only be found in Jordan.
Built in honor of Ad-Sayyd Abdullah I, it is considered a tourist-type place of worship so it can be visited even by those who do not practice Islam.
Upon entering, one is left speechless. We recommend a visit to this place because of its grandeur, colors and patterns. A wonderful light blue ceiling and dome with thin golden bands, huge chandeliers and inside an Islamic museum with Islamic art.
2. Rainbow Street
We're sure you've seen thousands of photos of this street, yet it's never enough and in person it renders so much! You will be happy, especially if you love to shop, to visit this city, full of shopping malls and affordable shopping walks.
In fact, we propose a Rainbow Street walk. A street, located right in the lower part of the city that is called Jabal Amman. A lively, colorful street, a mixture of civilization between modernity and tradition, a chic neighborhood full of restaurants, galleries, and high-fashion boutiques.
If you are interested in handicrafts, we recommend a visit to Bani Hamida House, where an association that defends and protects Bedouin handicrafts in a not too veiled way is based. Inside are many textiles, pillows, and works made by Makawir artists and artisans.
3. Shopping continues with a visit to the Al-Abdali district.
In Amman you can indulge in wild shopping even though you might not have thought so! Yet, right in the Al-Abdali district is one of the most touristy places in the city.
We are of course talking about the Abdali Mall, dominant and truly spectacular already to the eye.
The center measures 20,000 square meters, totally dedicated to shopping and entertainment, and offers tourists and travelers a truly exceptional experience.
The Abadi Mall also houses local fashion brands both regional and international. Inside you will also benefit from a movie theater, restaurants, a very large supermarket, and many grocery stores!
4. Roman history in Jordan as well: visit the Roman Theater
The Roman Theater is the oldest monument you will find in the city of Amman, built of freestone in the 2nd century during the era of Antoninus Pius, in office until 161 AD.
At the time it could accommodate as many as 6,000 spectators. Today it is a restored archaeological site and often hosts major theater performances and traditional music.
The theater was arranged in three tiers where authorities and dignitaries occupied the seats closest to the theater stage. For the military, on the other hand, a central sector was reserved; the people sat in the highest seats. In the last row, the statue of the Goddess Athena, now housed in the Museum of Jordan, was presented.
5. Jabal Al-Qal'a Citadel
Jabal Al-Qal'a Citadel is a very important archaeological site to visit not only because of its beauty, but because it is considered to be emblem of the city. It is a direct testimony to the capital's rich and persuasive past. You can request a personalized tour of the ruins with local guides who speak several languages. In front of our feet we will find only the Umayyad palace and the Temple of Hercules. The visit to this site takes about two hours. To best plan your day, calculate your time!
6. Original tourism full of activities to do outdoors
Well, we do not only have to think about the archaeological sites we have discussed. To have a full and original experience in Amman, there are so many activities to do outdoors, especially for those who like you maybe into walking, hiking, dancing.
You can visit Amman, surprising yourself through hiking trails and thus discovering what the city has to offer in a different and unique way.
One way to avail oneself of these experiences is undoubtedly to ride on a camel, immerse oneself in local customs and of course try traditional dances as well.
7. Royal Tank Museum
The Royal Tank Museum is a real gem for lovers of the genre. The museum allows us to observe a lot of tanks, armored vehicles and machinery of various military nature.
It is a new and little-known museum because it was opened in the year 2018 with more than 20,000 square meters of exhibition space and many pavilions. It is not a central museum in the city, but is located in a secondary tourist area in King Abdulah II Park Al Muqabalain. To visit it, we recommend hiring a private driver so that you can avoid getting lost in traffic.
This is a curious place to visit, among the strangest and most collectible places to visit in the world.
8. Jabal Al Lweibdeh
Jabal Al Lweibdeh is a little gem full of expectations for anyone who visits it. This is a lesser-known neighborhood of Amman perfect for travelers in search of beauty. It is a booming area with very broad artistic intentions and open to knowledge, including cafes and art stores with many outstanding viewpoints.
It boasts elegant buildings, art stores and many trendy establishments. A neighborhood that has a casual, trendy and definitely interesting soul in the eyes of a traveler.
We recommend a visit to the Darat Al Funun Foundation, home of the arts, and for artists from the Arab world with many exhibitions including experimental ones at The Lab. A knowledge-rich place where you can attend film premieres, lectures and workshops.
9. The Museum of Jordan
The Museum of Jordan is of recent construction but rich in history. It is located in the Ras Al-Ein district, erected in 2014 and is the largest in the country.
Inside we find a lot of archaeological finds, for example, the statues of Ain Ghazal from 7500 BC. It is located in an interesting area, namely that near the center of the city, right next to the Amman Municipality. Inside is also the Dead Sea copper scroll that was found right near Khirbet Qumran, it has very ancient origins. In fact, it seems that the latter was extracted from Jerusalem Time in about 68 AD.
The price of the museum depends on the age of the visitor: for the children up to 12 years old is free, while for adults the cost is 5 Jordan Dinars (almost 7.00 euros). We recommend it because it is truly unmissable, more than anything else you will be able to see in the city!
10. Culinary experiences in Downtown Amman.
A classic Downtown this Al Balad, chaotic and irreverent but exuding history from every alley. A place where Jordanian culinary origins have luster in small stores and very cozy restaurants.
We recommend you try Mansaf, a typical Jordanian national dish with lamb in jameed yogurt gravy, served with rice. A symbol of generosity, culture and life.
Getting lost inside a typical market or among the colors of one of the area's businesses is a must! It is the right way to get to know and understand the spirit of the city.
In conclusion
Amman is a lively, touristy city, perfect for the discerning, culture-conscious traveler. It is a place where luxury easily meets the maze of small and ancient alleys, but very rich in flavor and history. Between the spices of the Downtown souks and a giant shopping mall with the sound of the Mosque chiming, you can find the true nature of the city.
