Top Things To Do in Amman, Jordan: An Informative Guide
When most people think of Jordan, their minds jump straight to Petra or the Dead Sea and fair enough, they’re both stunning. But let me tell you: There are so many things to do in Amman and the beautiful and unique city of Amman deserves more than just a quick stopover.
This capital city is buzzing with character, full of history, amazing food, and the kind of energy that pulls you in fast and makes it hard to leave. If you’re wondering what to do with your time here, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Amman, from ancient ruins to rooftop drinks, and everything in between.
1. Explore Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)
Downtown is the beating heart of the city, and walking through it feels like stepping into a living history book, with a very modern twist. The area is chaotic in the best way: shopkeepers calling out offers, the smell of spices and freshly grilled meat drifting through the air, and traffic somehow flowing despite what looks like absolute madness.
Wander down the main streets to browse little stalls selling traditional keffiyehs, sweets like knafeh, and just about anything you can think of. If you love people-watching, grab a mint lemonade or Arabic coffee and just let the city buzz around you. It’s one of those places where every corner feels like a story waiting to happen.
And don’t forget to snap a photo at the famous Umbrella Stairs, which are tucked just off the main downtown area.
2. Visit the Amman Citadel
Towering above the city is the Amman Citadel, a must-visit for both the views and the history. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world and you can literally walk through Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic ruins in one afternoon.
The site itself is fairly compact, but full of impressive structures like the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. I found it peaceful up there, a welcome break from the city noise below! Plus you get sweeping views of Amman’s hillside homes, all stacked in perfect, pastel-toned chaos.
Tip: Go around golden hour for the best light and photos.
3. Stroll Along Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street might be one of the most popular spots in Amman, but for good reason. It’s fun, friendly, and full of life. You’ll find cafes, shops, art galleries, and some of the city’s best bars and restaurants all in one place.
I spent a few evenings just wandering here, hopping between bars/restaurants, trying local craft beers, and browsing quirky souvenir stalls. It’s also where I found Nirvana, one of my favourite chilled-out bars, ideal for a casual drink after a long day of sightseeing.
4. Discover the Best Bars and Restaurants in Amman
Amman has a surprisingly vibrant food and drink scene, and finding the right places can really enhance your experience. From traditional Jordanian cuisine to trendy rooftop bars, here are a few of my favourites:
- Mijana – For authentic Jordanian dishes in a gorgeous setting. The mansaf is a must!
- District Urban Rooftop Bar – Visit at sunset and enjoy cocktails with a stunning city view.
- Nirvana – Relaxed vibes, good music, and perfect for trying local beers like Petra.
These spots added so much flavour (literally and figuratively) to my time in the city. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, exploring the best bars and restaurants in Amman is definitely one of the top things to do.
5. Take Day Trips from Amman
While Amman is amazing, one of its biggest perks is how close it is to some of Jordan’s top sights. If you’ve got a few extra days, I highly recommend planning at least one of these easy day trips:
✨ Petra
Although it’s better with an overnight stay, it is technically doable in a day. Petra is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and truly lives up to the hype. The walk through the Siq to see the Treasury appear before you? Pure magic.
✨ The Dead Sea
Only about an hour’s drive from the capital, this makes for a great afternoon trip. Floating effortlessly in the salty water is such a strange (but fun) experience, and the mud is supposed to work wonders on your skin!
Both of these make for unforgettable additions to your trip, and are a great way to break up your city days.
Video Round Up: Amman in 60 seconds
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Amman
Amman surprised me in all the best ways. It’s one of those places that doesn’t scream for attention, but quietly draws you in with its charm, its people, and its stories. From exploring ancient ruins to drinking mint tea with a city view, there’s a little bit of everything here.
So if you’re planning a trip to Jordan, don’t just pass through. Give Amman the time it deserves and you’ll walk away with some incredible memories.
FAQs
Is Jordan safe to visit right now?
There is of course uncertainty with any travel that you partake in but as long as you follow guidelines from your country’s government page, as well as Jordan’s tourism page, I can assure you Jordan will be ready to greet you with open arms. I felt extremely safe in Jordan and whilst they are close to various forms of conflict in the surrounding countries, Jordan has taken the necessary steps and measures to ensure that they stay accessible for tourists and keep both locals and tourists safe.
Is Amman expensive?
Amman is known as quite an expensive city, however I was pleasantly surprised by the prices. The more touristy areas are of course expensive but a lot of restaurants that we visited served delicious meals for around 30 Jordanian Dinars for 2 people with dinner and drinks. The alcohol is quite expensive so if you’re planning on drinking when in Amman, this is likely when you’ll notice your expenses creep up.
How do I get from Amman to Petra/Dead Sea?
Amman is a great base for a trip to Jordan because all the main parts are easily accessible via car transportation. Dead Sea is about a 1 hour drive from Amman and Petra is around a 3 hour drive. There are lots of tour options that include pick-ups from Amman.
Is Jordan friendly to tourists?
Yes! Jordan is extremely friendly to tourists and it is without a doubt the most hospitable country that I have had the pleasure to visit. The locals showed us great kindness and amazing hospitality during our stay.
What language is spoken in Jordan?
The official language of Jordan is Arabic. However everybody that I came across spoke brilliant English.
