Travel Guide to Amman, Jordan [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Amman travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this modern yet historic capital of Jordan.

Want to visit a modern city that has numerous ancient ruins? Amman, the capital of Jordan, offers such pleasure. Visit the historic Citadel, the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules, and the 2nd-century amphitheater. All of these can be explored in this city. So to have a taste of modernity together with history, Amman is the place you should be.

Amman Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Amman, Jordan

1. The Citadel

Nice place to have a great view of Amman from late afternoon to evening. The view of the Roman theater is also worth a photo. The citadel offers numerous impressive buildings, which are usually well preserved or restored. This is a great place with a lot of history.

Suggested Tour: Amman, Jerash, and Dead Sea Day Tour

2. Royal Automobile Museum

For those who love cars, this royal museum is a nice surprise. King Hussein of Jordan, fond of cars, had a very beautiful collection and it is beautifully highlighted in this museum. But aside from cars, this museum also tells stories about the royal family.

Suggested Tour: Full Day Private Ancient and Modern Tour of Amman

3. Roman Amphitheater

Travel back in time here at the Roman Amphitheater. The visit completes that of the citadel. Large, well-preserved theater, you have to climb the bleachers to the top to have a better view and perspective. This theater is still used today for theater and entertainment.

Suggested Tour: Amman Sightseeing Private Tour with Additional Options

4. Al Balad – Downtown Amman

Downtown is the heart of Amman. In Al Balad, you can get in good contact with locals. You can also find everything you need here; shops, souvenirs, cafes, restaurants, bazaar, and a mosque. In any case, you have to go there when you are in Amman.

5. The Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum serves as a comprehensive national center for learning. More information about Jordan’s history and culture will be added to your knowledge. It is a modern museum that shows exhibits from the history of Jordan up to the present time.

6. Rainbow Street

A street that has a lot of interesting things to discover. The street also offers quiet cafes and good restaurants. You can see a lot of the modern and traditional Amman and all sorts of people run around. The atmosphere shifts in the evening. Because there are many restaurants here, including some bars with dance floors, it becomes nightlife for the youngsters.

7. King Abdullah Mosque

The mosque and a Christian church were built right next to each other, which demonstrates the Jordanians’ self-image on religious freedom. The mosque is worth seeing. There is extra clothing for women so that they can go inside.

Suggested Tour: Amman: Day or Night Private Sightseeing Tour

8. Temple of Hercules

From here you can see the whole city. There is also a museum on-site with many ancient Roman artifacts. Consist of an interesting piece of history on a hill in the middle of Amman, which can be reached via a few stairs from the theater. It is definitely worth it!

9. Qasr al-Kharrana

Qasr al-Kharrana is the best known and one of the best-preserved desert castles in Jordan. Because of the visible influences of Sassanid architecture together with some graffiti in one of the rooms, it can be assumed that it was built in the late 7th century. It is also one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in the region.

Suggested Tour: From Amman: Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan Tour

10. National Archaeological Museum

This museum is consists of a collection of unusual archaeological finds including famous Dead Sea Scrolls, preserved skulls, and rhinoceros teeth. The museum is located just on the site of the citadel. Worth visiting!

Amman Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Amman, Jordan

Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Amman, Jordan

Al Balad – Downtown Amman
Qasr al-Kharrana
King Abdullah Mosque

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Amman, Jordan

The Citadel
Roman Amphitheater
National Archaeological Museum
Temple of Hercules

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Amman, Jordan

Royal Automobile Museum
The Jordan Museum
Rainbow Street

Amman Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Amman, Jordan

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Petra, Jordan if you’re a Backpacker

Maya

Maya offers rooms with free WiFi. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests. The units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at $11 per night for Double Room with Shared Bathroom, add $2 for taxes and charges, $4 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Mansour Hotel

Mansour Hotel offers simply furnished rooms and free Wi-Fi in public areas. All rooms at the Mansour Hotel are fitted with tiled floors. Each one offers a fan and a wardrobe. Some rooms have a shared bathroom.

Price: Starts at $14 per night for Twin Room with Shared Bathroom, add $2 for taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Haroon Hotel

Haroon Hotel features express check-in and check-out, rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi, and a terrace. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. Guests at the hotel can also enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast.

Price: Starts at $14 per night for Budget Double Room with Shared Bathroom, add $2 for taxes and charges, $4 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Petra, Jordan if you’re on a Budget

Jordan River Hotel

Rooms at the Jordan River Hotel will provide you with a satellite TV and air conditioning. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with free toiletries and slippers. Some rooms have a citadel view. Free Wi-Fi access is also available.

Price: Starts at $34 per night for Double Room, add $9 for taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Zaina Plaza Hotel

Zaina Plaza Hotel offers a shared lounge and an ATM. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer, and a wardrobe. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also have free WiFi.

Price: Starts at $35 per night for Double Room, includes taxes and charges, add $7 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Layaali Amman Hotel

Layaali Amman Hotel offers a tour desk and ticket service. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests. The hotel also provides a continental or buffet breakfast.

Price: Starts at $42 per night for Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, add $7 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Petra, Jordan if you want Luxury

Grand Hyatt Amman

Grand Hyatt Amman offers luxurious rooms with satellite TV. The air-conditioned rooms at the hotel feature a modern interior with arabesque touches. All rooms have an iPod docking station, a DVD player, a minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. The marble bathrooms include luxury amenities. Grand Hyatt Amman’s signature restaurant, offers Italian specialties. Guests can also enjoy a selection of imported teas, specialty coffees, and cocktails at The Lounge.

Price: Starts at $127 per night for Grand Twin, add $35 for taxes and charges, breakfast included, and it offers a free cancellation.

The Boulevard Arjaan by Rotana

Each room at the Boulevard Arjaan By Rotana will provide guests with a flat-screen tv, air conditioning, and a minibar. There is a full kitchenette with a microwave and a refrigerator. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and bathrobes. This property also offers an Italian restaurant offering snacks, cocktails, and a selection of bakery and pastry takeaway.

Price: Starts at $133 per night for Classic Studio Twin, add $37 for taxes and charges, $21 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Sheraton Amman Al-Nabil Hotel

Sheraton Amman Al-Nabil Hotel has 268 spacious rooms and suites. Modern facilities include free WiFi, a satellite TV in every room. Some rooms of Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel have a seating area and a private terrace. Massage treatments and a steam bath are available at the Sheraton Amman spa. There is also a modern gym equipped with cardiovascular equipment and free weights. Wi-Fi access is also provided.

Price: Starts at $146 per night for Classic Kind Bed, Guest Room, 1 King, City View, Low Floor, add $40 for taxes and charges, $21 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Amman Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Amman, Jordan

1. Eostrix Gastro Pub

Serves European and International cuisine.

Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 01:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Abu Salma Al-khelal Street, Amman 11194 Jordan

2. Nur Lebanese Dining

Offers Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Arabic cuisine.

Operating hours: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM / 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: 6 Beirut Street Fairmont Amman, Amman Jordan

3. Caprice

Experience Caprice’s signature mixology bar.

Operating hours: 4:00 PM – 02:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Beirut Street 6 Fairmont Amman, Amman 11183 Jordan

4. Bourj Al Hamam

Enjoy authentic Lebanese dishes here at Bourj Al Hamam.

Operating hours: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Hotel Intercontinental Jordan Islamic College Street, Amman 11180 Jordan

5. Gusto Italian Restaurant

Craving for some Italian food? Head your way to Gusto Italian Restaurant.

Operating hours: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Black Iris Street Amman Rotana Hotel, Amman 11190 Jordan

And that’s our Amman travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​