The thrill and adventure that comes with exploring ancient ruins is a one-of-a-kind experience. Amman, the capital city of Jordan offers this unique experience and so much more. It is the economic, political, and cultural center of Jordan. A city rich in history, Amman has an abundance of Roman ruins, cultural museums, and monuments waiting to be explored. Ain Ghazal, a Neolithic site shows evidence of the earliest human settlement in the area. Human statues were excavated from this site and are kept in The Jordan Museum. A tour of the Jordan Museum takes you through the most valuable archaeological findings in Jordan. Amman is a popular tourist destination as it is one of the most liberal and Westernized cities in the Arab countries. It also has high-quality healthcare services hence a popular medical tourism destination in the world. Take the stairways connecting the major neighborhoods and explore the city on foot. Read on to know more about things to do in Amman, Jordan.
1. Discover major city highlights on this guided tour
Go on this two-hour guided tour of downtown Amman. The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel or a convenient place in Amman. Enjoy the ride in a new and cozy car. The English-speaking driver will take you through major city highlights. See top historical landmarks, monuments, the Citadel, Amphitheater, and Archaeological Museum. Get to explore these sites and learn about the history of the city.
Amman City Tour (Guided)
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
2. Marvel at the ancient architecture of Umayyad Palace
Explore this palatial complex that is located on Citadel Hill. This palace was built in the eighth century and features Byzantine and Islamic architectural style. Admire the structure with a beautifully restored dome entrance. It features an open space with a large water cistern, a decorated audience hall and what were once nine independent buildings. Marvel at the splendid interior decor. Though most of it is in ruins, it is still a beautiful site to explore as it gives you insight on dwellings during the Umayyad period.
Umayyad Palace
Address: Amman, Jordan
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat - Sun: 9am - 11:30pm (closed on Fri)
3. Explore ruins of the Temple of Hercules
Visit this historical site located in the Amman Citadel. It features a temple, a portico with six columns, and a colossal, partly stone statue known as Hercules. The structure is believed to have been destroyed by an earthquake reducing it to what it is today that appears to be just crumbling marble columns and three fingers and an elbow crawling from the hills. The Temple of Hercules is estimated to have been built between 162 to 166 AD. From the top of the hill, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Temple of Hercules
Address: Museum St 132, Amman, Jordan
Opening hours: 11am - 6pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Have fun shopping at Souk Jara
Take a walk through this open-air flea market and admire the different wares on display. Items on sale include handicrafts made by locals, antiques, jewellery, artworks, garments, household items, and tasty street food and bread. There are also plenty of food courts that serve scrumptious foods and refreshing drinks. Occasional live music adds to your wonderful shopping experience. With the variety on display, you cannot miss something to buy for yourself or as a gift.
Souk Jara
Address: Rainbow St., Amman, Jordan
Opening hours: Fri: 10am - 10pm (closed from Mon - Thu & Sat - Sun)
5. Check out Nymphaeum
ترقبوا زيارة موقع سبيل الحوريات في نهاية الشهر الحالي Wait to visit the Nymphaeum by end of October... officially for the first time!
Posted by Amman Nymphaeum Project on Thursday, 11 October 2018
The Nymphaeum was a Roman public fountain. It is believed to have had a swimming pool that was 600 square meters (6,458.4 square feet) and 3 meters (9.8 feet) deep. Its other features included water features, mosaics, and stone carvings. This fountain was continuously refilled with water. The nymphaeum is believed to have been built in the second century. Though in ruins, it is still a nice spot to stop by and check out.
Nymphaeum
Address: Al-Hashemi St., Amman, Jordan
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat - Sun: 8am - 3pm (closed on Fri)
6. Learn about trains at Jordan Hejaz Railway
Visit Jordan Hejaz Railway which is a historic train station and also features a museum. The train station organizes regular weekly trips to Al-Jeezah and Al Qaser stations. Get the chance to experience travelling in a Royal Carriage. The museum houses a collection of over 250 exhibits. Learn about trains from the murals depicting the different stages in the development of trains as they evolved to the present modern trains. You will also see items that were used back then or are still being used now to operate the trains, and a sand model displaying stations and train routes from the Syrian borders to Maan station.
Jordan Hejaz Railway
Address: Amman, Jordan
Website: Jordan Hejaz Railway
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sun: 7am - 4pm (closed on Fri & Sat)
7. Admire artworks at Nabad Art Gallery
Posted by Nabad Art Gallery on Saturday, 7 September 2019
Visit this art gallery whose collection focuses on contemporary art. It showcases works by upcoming and established artists from Jordan and other Arab countries. Admire the splendid collection of different artworks including paintings and sculptures. It also hosts several exhibitions throughout the year. If interested in learning how to draw and paint, this art gallery offers professional art classes in drawing and painting to suit the different ages and skill levels. A haven for art lovers, this art gallery is dedicated to fostering intercultural dialogue among artists and the community.
Nabad Art Gallery
Address: Nabad Art Gallery, Othman Bin Affan St 46, Amman, Jordan
Website: Nabad Art Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat - Sun: 10am - 1:30pm, 4pm - 7pm (closed on Fri)
8. Enjoy this tour of the most prominent Islamic locations in Amman (from USD 121.0)
On this tour that takes approximately five hours, your guide will take you through significant city highlights in relation to Islam. Be picked up from your hotel in Amman and head to the city center and downtown market. Marvel at breathtaking views of the city from the Citadel. Then, head to the Blue Mosque of King Abdullah I which openly accepts non-Muslim visitors and admire its splendid architecture and decorations. Complete your tour with a visit to “Sahaba Shrines†which sits on the hills of the Jordan Valley. The tour then ends with a drop-off at your hotel.
Private Half Day Islamic Tour: King Abdullah Mosque & Jordan Valley Sahaba
Duration: 8 hours
9. Be awed by the splendid King Hussein Mosque
Visit this mosque which is the largest in Jordan. It was built in 2005 when King Abdullah II was in power. Admire its beautiful Islamic architectural style, four minarets, pristine marble floors, and interior decor. Feel the inner peace that comes with being inside the serene environment. As you go into the mosque, there is a gift shop where you can shop for a souvenir.
King Hussein Mosque
Address: Al-Sha'b St, Amman, Jordan
10. Discover contemporary art at Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
Admire the beautiful pieces in this gallery that features a permanent collection of over 2,800 works of art from the developing world. Discover the paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, installations, weaving, video arts, graphic arts, and ceramics from 66 countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. This museum aims to encourage cultural diversity, disseminate artistic knowledge, and promote art from Islamic and developing countries. A tour of this museum will give you a new found appreciation of modern art.
Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
Address: Amman, Jordan
Website: Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed on Fri)
11. Shop until you drop at Rainbow Street
Take a stroll in Rainbow Street as you look out for stuff to buy. Located in the historic area of Jabal Amman, this street is pedestrian-friendly and is lined with numerous shops, street vendors, and places to drink and dine. The shops include gift shops, furniture stores, bookshops, ice cream shops, clothing stores, hardware stores, and bakeries. Enjoy the variety available and also interacting with the local vendors. When taking a break from the shopping, you can enjoy high-quality tea and local herbs at Turtle Green Tea Bar, Italian-style coffee at Caffe Strada, a fresh falafel sandwich complete with pickles and tomato at Al Quds or traditional Middle Eastern foods at Nabateh O Fatteh.
12. Indulge in local fare at Hashem Restaurant
Located in downtown Amman, Hashem Restaurant is a popular local foods restaurant in the city. Choose from the tasty dishes it serves such as falafel, moutabel, ful medames, hummus, and fattet hummus. Do not miss on trying out the smooth, creamy and non-greasy hummus and crunchy on the outside falafel that are finger-licking good and the most popular in the restaurant. The outdoor seating and prompt service further makes your dining experience more enjoyable. Have a taste of the delicious local Jordanian cuisine.
Hashem Restaurant
Address: King Faisal Street Amman, ʿAmman, Jordan
Website: Hashem Restaurant
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Habiba Sweets
Posted by Habibah Sweets on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Indulge your sweet tooth at Habiba Sweets which is a dessert restaurant. It takes pride in providing exquisite high-quality desserts. It features oriental sweets, cakes and pastry, dopreih chocolate, mamol kinds, hot and cold sweets, graybeh and barazek super, and kunafa. Be sure to try out the popular kunafa that is made on site. No matter your choice of dessert, relish in the sweetness as soon as you put it in your mouth. You can never have enough of the desserts here.
Habiba Sweets
Address: K. Hussein St., Amman, Jordan
Website: Habiba Sweets
Opening hours: 8am - 12am (daily)
14. Delve into history and culture at The Jordan Museum
Visit The Jordan Museum which is Jordan’s largest museum. Its collection includes the most valuable archaeological findings in Jordan dating back from 1.5 million years ago. See exhibitions and artifacts excavated from different primeval archaeological sites that have been organised in a sequential order. The galleries have been divided into Archaeology and History, Traditional Life, and Modern Jordan. Learn about the history and culture of Jordan from nine major theme areas including the environment, food production and processing, visual art and architecture, politics and the military, communication and writing, and religion.
The Jordan Museum
Address: The Jordan Museum، Ali Ben Abi Taleb St., Amman, Jordan
Website: The Jordan Museum
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Thu, Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm; Fri: 3pm - 6pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 1 JD (1 USD for residents); 5 JD (7 USD for non-residents)
15. Learn about Jordanian cultural heritage at Jordan Folklore Museum
Tour this museum which is housed in the Roman Theatre. It features collections from the culture of desert (Bedu), village (Reef), and towns (Madineh). The items include costumes, musical instruments, weapons, handicrafts, and mosaics. Admire the mannequins that have been dressed in beautiful traditional costumes set up in their daily lives such as a couple riding camels or a countryside room where women are preparing bread. Appreciate the cultural heritage of Jordan when at this museum.
Jordan Folklore Museum
Address: Al-Hashemi St. 91, Amman, Jordan
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
16. Join a panoramic tour of Amman (from USD 140.0)
Explore Amman on this tour that takes approximately six hours and begins with hotel pickup from central Amman in an air-conditioned vehicle. Head to Jerash and see its streets, landscapes, and well-preserved monuments. Head back to Amman and explore the city highlights such as markets, King Abdullah’s mosque, King Hussein’s Palace, Amman Citadel, and the Roman Amphitheater. There is ample time for shopping in the local gold and spice markets. Stroll through the Jabal al Weibdeh and Jabal Amman areas, Rainbow Street and upscale neighborhoods of Abdoun and Sweifieh. The tour then ends with a drop-off at your hotel.
From Amman: Private Amman and Jerash Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 6.0 hour
17. Learn how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal at Beit Sitti
Three sisters looking to keep their grandmother’s legacy alive established Beit Sitti. Learn how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal with the help of a Hajjeh. Located in their grandmother’s house in Jabal al weibdeh, you will be taught on the culinary skills required to make a scrumptious meal. After preparing your food from seasonal vegetables, you get the chance to also eat it. Book a breakfast, lunch, or dinner session and come prepared to learn how to make a four-course Arabic meal. Widen your culinary skills at Beit Sitti.
Beit Sitti
Address: 16 Mohammad Ali Al Sa'di St, Jabali Al Weibdeh
Website: Beit Sitti
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
18. Experience the thrill of riding down water slides at Amman Waves
Posted by Amman Waves Aqua Park and Resort on Monday, 19 August 2019
Spend a relaxing and fun day at this water park. Relax in the artificial beach that comes complete with a controlled Wave Pool. Enjoy riding the waves that reach up to 1 meter (3 ft) high. Take the thrilling ride down the Big Splash kamikaze ride which is a four-lane racer water slide. You can even compete with your friends and see who will take the lead. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a lazy ride in the Lazy River that takes you through a 300-meter (984 ft) long tunnel lined with trees. You can also have fun swimming in the outdoor or heated indoor pool, or unwind in the hot tub, sauna, and steam room. The Kiddie Lagoon is a pool that features a castle, slides, and animals. Experience immeasurable fun while at this aqua park.
Amman Waves
Address: Airport Rd., Amman, Jordan
Website: Amman Waves
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
19. Keep fit through indoor rock climbing at Climbat Amman
Happy Friday!??♀️ #climbatjo #climbat #climbinggym #climbergirl
Posted by Climbat Amman on Friday, 16 August 2019
For a unique experience away from the usual, head to Climbat Amman which is the largest indoor rock climbing gym in the region. It features world class climbing walls suitable for everyone regardless of whether you are a beginner or expert. With the guidance of highly trained instructors, take up the challenge of climbing the walls. The walls have been built with the most up-to-date materials to ensure safety of its users. Keep fit here and have a lot of fun while at it.
Climbat Amman
Address: Climbat Amman Al Quds St 687 Naour, Jordan
Website: Climbat Amman
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat - Sun: 10am - 10pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm
Discover the ancient ruins of Amman
Whether you are exploring the ancient ruins, learning about history and culture at the museums, shopping, marveling at the beautiful mosques, eating Jordanian cuisine, going rock climbing or having fun at the water park, this city has it all. Plan a trip here and explore using our list of things to do in Amman, Jordan.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
What To Buy In Amman, JordanAnupama -
-
15 Best Things To Do In Mt. Juliet, TennesseeSwadeep Singh -
Create an account to