31 of the Best Things to Do in Amman Jordan: Your 2024 Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Amman, Jordan? Look no further. 

This comprehensive guide has been written by a British Travel Writer that has spent months based in the Jordanian capital. 

There are plenty of things to do in Amman, Jordan to keep you occupied for a long weekend or a week-long getaway. Since the main airport in Jordan is found here (Queen Alia International Airport), Amman makes a great jump-off point for a wider Jordan itinerary and Middle East trip. 

With so many low-cost direct flights to Amman from various cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the city also makes a great alternative destination for a weekend break. This article will discuss all of the best Amman attractions to add to your radar.

Visiting Amman, Jordan in 2024

Amman is the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of wild Jordan as well as the largest city in the country. It is home to a population of over 4 million people. 

The city has been occupied for thousands of years and is one of the oldest cities to ever exist. Amman was first founded in 7250 BC. 

It has passed through the hands of various leaders and civilizations over the millennia. Each has left its mark on the culture, architecture, and gastronomy of the region.

In the early days, it was the capital of the Ammonites, a Semitic people often mentioned in the bible. Then, in the 3rd century BCE, it was conquered by Egypt’s King Ptolemy II Philadelphus who renamed it “Philadelphia”. 

The Romans, the Ancient Greeks, the Arab general Yazīd ibn Abī Sufyān, and the Ottoman Turks all settled here. After World War I, Amman was part of the Palestine mandate. 

It was later developed as part of the new protected emirate of Transjordan. As you wander around Amman today, you can catch glimpses of all of these ancient civilizations, as well as the sleek modern city the Jordanian capital is becoming. 

Here, glittering hi-rises sit beside the sunbleached remnants of ancient Roman theatres and citadels, dusty souks, and colourful mosques. Amman is bursting at the seams with history and culture.

The best part? For now, Amman still remains a largely untapped travel destination. 

A handful of tourists pass through here en route to Petra. But Amman never sees the same heaving crowds as other historic capitals.

31 of the Best Things to do in Amman Jordan in 2024

Things to do in Amman
Best Things to do in Amman: Visit the Citadel of Amman

A selection of some of the best things to do in Amman is detailed below – from the “must-see” essentials to off-the-beaten-path highlights that the locals have been keeping to themselves.

Take a walking tour to get your bearings

It is both possible and enjoyable to explore Amman independently. However, sometimes there are times when the presence of a local guide can help to provide additional information and context on the places that you visit. 

Opting to explore Amman with a Jordanian local gives you the opportunity to find places that you may not have found alone. Similarly, your guide can advise you on the best places to eat, have coffee, and hang out.

It’s a good idea to do a walking tour early on in your trip so that you get your bearings around the city.

Recommended Amman Jordan tours

A handful of Amman tours and experiences that you may wish to consider are discussed below.  Book online in advance to secure your place and avoid disappointment! 

Shop at quirky and artistic markets

Things to do in Amman

Souk Jara is a wonderful open-air craft market. It operates during the summer months. 

Local vendors and artisans sell their handmade creations at the canvassed stalls here. You will find everything from edible goods (preserves, jams, etc), to handicrafts, and artwork. 

Jabal Amman’s Rainbow Street is equally charming. The market is located at the corner of Fawzi Malouf street.

This is a good place to pick up woven rugs, textiles, and home furnishings.

Haggle your way through bustling souks

 

Colourful, lively souks and marketplaces can be found in every neighbourhood in Amman. Some, like the Amman bazaar close to the King Hussein Mosque, are a little touristic. 

But if you know where to look, you can find wonderful marketplaces where locals go to do their shopping, and which provide a wonderful insight into life in Jordan. Souk El-Khodra (King Talal St 1) is a fruit and vegetable market that provides an attack on all the senses. 

Here, perfectly polished fruits are piled high in colour-coordinated displays. Many of the stalls sell herbs and spices that can be found in colourful containers and street vendors offer complimentary samples of candied dates, halva, and baklava. 

Souk El-Atareen is a spice and apothecary market. Many of the weird and wonderful scented items that are found in jars here are often used in alternative medicines. 

Finally, the Souk El-Sagha, near King Faysal Square, is the place to go for gold and silver jewelry. (But be prepared to haggle!

Many of Jordan’s most famous jewelers started their businesses by setting up stalls here.

Visit the Citadel of Amman

Things to do in Amman
Things to do in Amman: Visit the Citadel of Amman

Where: K. Ali Ben Al-Hussein St. 146, Amman, Jordan

The Amman Citadel is famed for being one of the oldest continually inhabited sites on Earth. It has been occupied since the Neolithic period (between 10,000 – 2,000 BC). 

This place has passed hands through various civilizations over the years. The Nabateans, the Romans, the Greeks, and numerous others once occupied this land. 

Look out for a giant stone head sculpture that protrudes from the ground. This marks the location of the Roman Temple of Hercules. The Byzantine basilica is equally interesting and contains several fading frescoes. 

You don’t have to be an avid history buff to enjoy visiting the Amman citadel. The site’s hilltop location also boasts some of the most impressive panoramas in the city. 

One of the best things to do in Amman is to time your schedule so that you are here when the sunsets. As the sun dips behind the clouds, the sky is illuminated with hues of pink and orange, and the call to prayer echoes through the valley.

Entrance to the Amman Citadel is 2JD or free included in the Jordan pass.

Browse the Pigeon Market of Amman 

The pigeon market is one of the quirkiest things to do in Amman. The market is located close to Al Hashemi-street. 

Stalls at the pigeon market are bustling with activity and lined with vendors selling pigeons. The pigeons are not sold for food, but for pigeon training – a unique Jordanian hobby!

Sample fresh-pressed Ammani fruit juice 

You will find that practically every street corner in Amman is lined with vendors selling fresh fruit juices. You can find them everywhere from Jabal Al Weibdeh to Al Hashemi.

Many delicious summer fruits are farmed locally. This means that smoothies and juices can often be purchased at a fraction of the price of what you would pay elsewhere. 

You can also try sugar-cane juice. Think of this as a natural Jordanian answer to an energy drink! It is distinguishable by its light green colour. 

Visit the King Abdullah Mosque

Amman’s King Abdullah mosque is a relatively new building (it was built between 1982 and 1989). However, it has quickly become recognised as one of the most impressive religious structures in the capital of jordan 

The late King Hussein built the impressive structure in memory of his father. The mosque can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers and is crowned by a spectacular light blue dome that is inscribed with details from the Quran.

It is flanked by two crisp white minarets that tower above the Amman skyline and can be seen from virtually all corners of the city. This is the only mosque in Amman that allows non-Muslims to enter. 

The interiors are every bit as spectacular as the exteriors. Once you step inside the mosque, you are greeted with regal red carpets and glittering chandeliers. 

The walls are adorned with some personal effects and photos of King Abdullah I. A small collection of antiques recovered from the region are protected behind glass displays. 

You should take care to dress conservatively when entering the mosque, covering your shoulders and knees. If you are not, it is possible to rent an abaya for free.  

Women are required to cover their hair. A small pashmina like this one is a lifesaver to carry around in your bag when travelling in the Middle East. 

Admission to the mosque is 2JOD. (Circa $2.80/£ 2.35)

Search for Amman street art

Things to do in Amman: Amman street art
Best Things to do in Jordan: Hunt for Street Art

Brightly coloured murals are scattered throughout the city of Amman. Some of the pieces are philosophical and thought-provoking.

Others exist purely to brighten up the scenery or depict unusual images. Street artists like Yara Hindawi have emerged in recent years as an eccentric underground art scene has developed.

Hindawi has a distinctive style and creates obscure depictions of peculiar creatures and monsters. Her creations can be found all around the city.

Street art is a relatively new concept to Amman and Jordan. The government is supportive of the local people’s needs and desire to explore their creative sides.

However, Jordan is still a conservative Islamic country. Local artists must refrain from painting anything political or potentially controversial.

Everything else is fair game though, and Amman has one of the best-emerging street art scenes in the Middle East, along with Palestine’s West Bank where you will find many authentic Banksy pieces.

See the Roman amphitheatre

Things to do in Amman:
Best things to do in Amman

The roman theater (Taha Al-Hashemi St.) is one of the most impressive historical sites in Jordan. Better yet, it is completely free to enter. 

The ancient theatre dates back to 138-161 CE and the reign of Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. It is impressive as it has literally been carved out of the rock face on the Jabal Al-Jofeh hill. 

The theatre can accommodate up to 6,000 spectators and is still occasionally used today. Do a little research before you fly out to Jordan to see if anything is going on during the dates of your trip.

In June, you can catch the Al-Balad Music Festival here. The theatre is open from 08.00 am until 20.00 pm daily.

The Jordan Folklore Museum and the Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions are both nearby and free to enter.

Visit The Jordan Archaeological Museum

The Jordan archaeological museum is a small museum set inside the Amman citadel. The modern building that houses the museum was built in 1951 and was designed by the British-born architect Austen Harrison. 

It uses artifacts recovered from the region to tell the story of Jordan’s capital city through the ages. Exhibition halls are organised in chronological order – from the Paleolithic era to the Islamic period. 

There are a vast array of objects displayed inside – from early weapons and tools to jewelry, coins, weaponry, busts, and statues. In particular, look out for the Ain Ghazal statues. 

These obscure-looking statues have bulbous eyes and disproportionately large heads for their bodies. They date back to somewhere between 7200 BC and 6250 BCE and are believed to be the earliest large-scale human carvings ever created!

The Entrance fee for the museum is 0.25 JOD for locals and 3 JOD for foreigners. The museum is open between 08:00 am and 16:00 pm every day of the week. 

The Archaeological Museum is one of the best things to do in Amman if you like learning about history and Jordanian culture.

Visit the Jordan Museum

The 2014 Jordan museum in trendy Ras al-‘Ayn is the largest museum in the country.  It discusses various elements of Jordanian history and culture – from pre-history to modern-day.  

The most fascinating thing to see here is perhaps the Dead sea scrolls exhibition. The scrolls are ancient documents that date back to the 3rd century BC. 

They contain many important writings and religious scriptures in Hebrew, Greek, and Nabataean.

Indulge in Jordanian cuisine

Things to do in Amman:
Things to do in Amman: Sample the local cuisine!

Jordanian food is flavourful and varied. You will notice a lot of similarities between the cuisine in Jordan and that found in nearby Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. 

Mansaf is arguably the most famous local dish. To make it, lamb is cooked in jameed – a type of dried, fermented goat yoghurt and served with rice or bulgar wheat.

Moutabel, a local eggplant dip similar to baba ghanoush, and galayet bandora are other popular local delicacies. The latter is simply made by blanching fresh tomatoes until they are soft and then cooking them with garlic, olive oil, and salt.

Numerous restaurants in Amman are known for creating some of the best Jordanian food in town. Sufra Restaurant (Al Rainbow St 26), Shams El Balad Cafe (Mu’Ath Bin Jabal Street 69), and Al Osrah Restaurant (Complex No 5, Al Nayrouz St 5) are all good choices.

Hashem Falafel on King Faisal Street is arguably Amman’s best falafel joint.

Take an Arabic cooking class

If you prefer a more “hands-on” approach, then you can consider taking an Arabic cooking class in Jordan. Beit Sitti comes highly recommended for learning to cook Jordanian style.

You will shop for fresh ingredients in souks and marketplaces and then cook in a local’s home. You will have plenty of opportunities to try out Jordanian street food as you wander around the markets.

Most delicacies can be purchased for just a few dollars. Recipes like Mutabbal (Baba ghanoush) and ouzi surar are fun and simple to make!

Then after your trip, you can impress your friends at home with your exotic new dinner party recipes.

Visit the palace of Qasr al-Abad

Qasr al-Abad is the ruins of a Hellenistic palace that dates back to around 200 BC. It is located in the Wadi as-Ser valley, close to the town of Iraq al-Amir some 17km away from downtown Amman.

Little is known about the palace and nobody knows why it was actually built or by whom. There are many legends and speculative stories about its purpose.

A popular local theory is that it was built by Hyrcanus of the Jewish Tobiad family. Construction was never completed.

The neighboring burial caves of Iraq al-Amir feature several carvings of lions and other predators on the rock face. However, no one knows entirely who made them or what their meaning is.

Explore the Cave of Seven Sleepers

Similar to Qasr-al Abad, there is a lot of mystery surrounding the cave of the seven sleepers. Legend has it that seven Christian boys were going to be persecuted by a Roman Emperor.

They fled here where they are said to have slept for over 300 years.

The cave is like something straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. It consists of a series of sealed tombs with peepholes through which you can see a spooky collection of human bones.

The ruins of several ancient mosques surround the cave. No one is entirely sure about the history of this site.

Explore Jaman Al Weibdeh

Jabal Al Weibdeh is the quiet, eloquent hub of “intellectual Amman”. Young professionals and students frequent the bookstores and artisan coffee houses here.

There are lots of lovely places where you can relax and unwind with a book and a slice of cake on Al-Shariah street.

This neighbourhood is a little more “westernised” than the more traditional parts of downtown Amman. Many ex-pats live and hang out in this area.

For a spot of brunch or a freshly brewed coffee, head over to Rumi cafe. (Al-Shariaah College St. 14). For some of the best Arabic food in the city, consider dining at Abu Majhoob (Hussein At-Terwanah St). Abu Mahjoob.

Watch a movie at an outdoor theatre

There are a couple of outdoor movie theatres in Amman where you can watch movies in scenic cinemas overlooking archeological sites. Some theatres play the latest releases from the cinema and others play independent and indie films from Jordan and across the globe. 

The nice thing is that when the movie ends, people often get together to discuss the plot and any themes and symbolism in the movie. You will find many English speakers in the crowd so this is a perfect place to meet and chat with locals.  

Sample the most famous shawarma in Amman

Shawarma is the quintessential fast-food snack of the Middle East. This dish is made by slow-cooking marinated meat (typically lamb, beef, or chicken) on a vertical skewer.

Shawarma originated from the Turkish kebab and you will note some similarities between the two delicacies. Once the meat is sliced from the skewer, it is added to warm, freshly baked pita bread and topped with salad and hummus or spicy salsa.

If you want to try shawarma at the best place in town, head to Reem. (Al Kulliyah Al Elmiyah Al Eslamiyah St 54).

Reem is a teeny tiny cafe that serves beautifully marinated shawarmas for just $1. There is almost always a line outside but rest assured, the food is worth the wait.

This is a real authentic local place where you will seldom (if ever) see any other tourists.

Admire the Al Husseini mosque 

There are dozens of beautiful mosques throughout Amman. The atmosphere when the call to prayer rings out from their minarets is almost magical. 

The Al Husseini Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Jordan and the oldest in the capital of Amman. The original structure dates back to the 7th century and was built by Caliph Omar Bin Al-Khattab around.

The mosque was lovingly rebuilt by King Abdullah I in 1932. The complex can accommodate up to 2,600 worshippers and is usually teeming with life during the dhuhr (afternoon prayers) prayer.

Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter. However, you can take photos of the mosque and admire it from the front entrance as long as you are respectful.

The structure is flanked by two elegant minarets that tower above the qubba (dome) at a height of 13 meters.

Try Jordanian coffee 

Jordan’s contemporary coffee shops are a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon. You should also be sure to sample the more traditional Jordanian coffee. 

Coffee culture has been an important aspect of life in Jordan for centuries. The coffee here is strong and bitter. It is served in a small espresso-style cup, similar to Turkish and Greek coffees

The beans are usually roasted, brewed, and served in front of the person ordering the beverage. Cardamom is added to the mixture for an extra kick of flavour.

You will find this served at many coffee shops and traditional restaurants. 

Marvel at the Abu Darwish mosque

Things to do in Amman:
Things to do in Amman:

There are seven small hills that exist within the city limits of Amman. On top of one of these hills is the Abu Darwish Mosque in Jabal Ashrafieh.

This is perhaps one of the most beautiful mosques in the city. The mosque was built in 1961.

It isn’t really all that old. However, its unique black-and-white “checkerboard” design is what makes it special.

From the top of the Amman Citadel, you can see the Abu Darwish mosque in the distance. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not allowed inside.

However, it is still very much worth taking a short stroll up to this stunning structure. That way, you can admire its architecture and its courtyards from the outside.

Relax in a traditional hammam

There are few better ways to relax at the end of a long day’s sightseeing in Amman than at a traditional hammam. A hammam is a Middle Eastern bath, a little like a sauna or a Korean jimjilbang.

Typically, a hammam will see the visitors sit in a circular room as steam is gradually increased into the atmosphere. Hammams are gender-segregated so you don’t have to worry about any awkwardness.

Modern hammams are more than just steam rooms and typically offer excellent spa treatment packages that include body scrubs, massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

Al Pasha is a great choice in Amman.

Explore the oldest residence in the country

One of the more unusual things to do in Amman is to venture inside the oldest residence in the country – The Duke’s Diwan. The historic townhouse is just a few minutes away from the noisy, hectic souks of crowded downtown Amman.

Stepping inside the Duke’s Diwan transports you back to the 1920s. Everything here is seemingly frozen in time – from the furnishings to the vintage radios, and the old paintings hanging on the walls.

The residence was built by Abdul Rahman Madi in 1924. It has passed hands through several notable families through the years.

Its name “Duke’s Diwan” is in relation to the Arabic for the living room “diwan”.

Eat homemade knafeh

You may be familiar with knafeh, especially if this is not your first trip to the Middle East. This sweet treat is beloved throughout the region.

It is especially popular in Jordan and Palestine. Knafeh is a hot cheese pastry that is soaked in a sweet, sickly syrup and then sprinkled with sugar or pistachio nuts.

Habibah Sweets (Marwan Madi Complex 2) are one of the best places to try the sweet. This adorable local store is extremely popular among locals.

If you are not sure what to buy, rest assured the servers will allow you to sample some knafeh, baklava and other yummy desserts while you’re there until you make a decision.

Take a trip to Petra  

One of the best day trips that you can take from Amman is out to the UNESCO world heritage site of Petra in Southern Jordan. The archaeological site is one of the seven wonders of the world and is a lot of travellers’ entire raison d’etre for visiting Jordan. 

Thousands of years ago, Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. It dates back to around 300 BC and thrived as an important trade post for caravan traders carrying spices, fabrics, and treasures from East to West. 

The Nabateans were a civilisation that were incredibly advanced for their time. They are best known for their grand ornate buildings and tombs that they have carved into the red rock face in their city. 

Access to the ancient city is made via a narrow canyon in the rocks known as Al Siq. Petra continues to fascinate and amaze people to this day. 

After it was abandoned, the city wasn’t even rediscovered until 1812 when a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt stumbled across it on his travels. You can reach Petra via public transport from Amman. 

However, buses run infrequently. One of the more convenient ways to reach the site is to participate in a guided tour.

Recommended Petra Tours

 

Spend a day at a high-end spa

There are plenty of luxurious spa facilities in Amman that you may wish to consider if you are looking for something a little more contemporary than a hammam. Many of the city’s upscale hotels offer facilities and packages that anyone can enjoy.

A few highly-recommended luxe spas that you may wish to consider are provided below. It is advisable to contact them in advance to make a reservation.

  • Gaia’s Cocoon Spa (Complex No 20، Shat Al Arab St 20)

  • Le Spa (11 Fawzi al Kawikji street Abdun Al Shmali, Amman)

  • Riva Spa 7 (Abdali, Istithmar Street Abdalimall , 1st floor Box 5290 Amman)

  • Elixir Beauty Spa (Um Uthaina, Al-Madina Al-Monawara St. Villa #34, Amman) 

Explore Amman’s art galleries and exhibitions

Amman is Jordan’s central hub for culture and arts. There are many wonderful galleries in the city that showcase modern and ancient creations.

The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts is the region’s largest art museum. It showcases the very best of contemporary Middle Eastern artwork and more than 3,000 pieces are contained within its exhibits.

Darat al Funun displays the works of contemporary Arab artists from across the Middle East. This is a particularly interesting gallery as it is housed in the crumbling remnants of an old Byzantine church.

Enjoy Amman’s nightlife

Jordan is a Muslim country, but that does not mean there are no places in the city that come alive when the sun goes down. There are several sleek rooftop bars and cocktail lounges to be found here.

These places cater to international tourists and ex-pats. It is possible to buy alcohol, although it should be noted that this can be somewhat expensive.

Copas Central (Al-Imam Malek st) is a nice bar that boasts a 2-for-1 happy hour menu on its cocktails during weeknights. The Ghoroub Lounge at the top of the Landmark Hotel attracts a well-heeled crowd and offers the best views to see in Amman.

If you do not drink, or you want a more local experience, you can enjoy visiting one of the many shisha lounges that are scattered throughout the city. This is a wonderful way to see how locals unwind at the end of the week.

There are also a few live music joints in view of Amman. The Jafra restaurant & cafe (Complex No 15, Prince Mohammad St 15) is a local favourite. Live bands perform here every weekend.

Drive to the tuins of Jerash 

Jerash is one of the most well-preserved Roman cities in the world. It is the largest of its kind in Jordan. 

The ancient city is filled with sun-bleached ruins of colonnaded walkways, majestic temples, and sprawling amphitheaters. Don’t miss the imposing Hadrian’s Arch or the magnificent hippodrome.

The latter once hosted chariot races for audiences of up to 15,000 people. It takes an hour to reach Jerash.

Many local tour companies offer daily excursions to the site. 

Visit the Al Ma’wa animal sanctuary

The Al Ma’wa Sanctuary is a reserve for rescued animals. Al Ma’wa means “shelter” in Arabic. The animals here are vulnerable and unable to be released back into the wild or returned to their country of origin.

There is a diverse range of animals that call the sanctuary home. You will find lions, tigers, bears, and several other species that have been trafficked illegally in Jordan. 

The Al Ma’wa sanctuary is located in Jerash. It is possible to visit the site in combination with the Roman ruins if you have your own transport. 

The sanctuary is part of an initiative by the Princess Alia Foundation and Four Paws. It aims to raise awareness of the mistreatment of animals.

Spend a morning at Al-Balad 

Al Balad is the beating heart of Amman. This district is located below the Citadel and dates back to the Neolithic period. The infamous Arab bank, Souk el-Bukharia, and countless souvenir shops can be found in this area.  

Where to Stay in Amman

Things to do in Amman
Things to do in Amman

You will not be short of accommodation options in Amman. There is not really any such thing as a “sketchy” Amman neighbourhood.

That said, you may want to consider looking for a hotel or Airbnb in Jabal Al Weibdeh. This is a relatively peaceful and central district that is popular among westerners.

It makes for a great introduction to Jordan for first-timers. If you opt to stay here, you have everything you need on your doorstep, along with great transport links to other parts of the city.

A selection of well-rated hotels to suit every budget are provided below.

Mid-Range Amman Hotels

Luxury Amman Hotels

Things to do in Amman Jordan FAQs

Things to do in Amman:
Things to do in Amman:

Do you have any further questions or concerns about planning a trip to Amman? The answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic are detailed below. 

Hopefully, you will find the information you are looking for there. If not, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Is Amman Jordan worth visiting?

Amman Jordan is well worth visiting, especially if you consider yourself a history buff. The city is filled with magnificent ancient ruins, museums, and archaeological sites. 

Jordanian food is as much of a highlight of travelling to Jordan as seeing the sights too. You will find an incredible gastronomical scene here. 

Amman offers everything from raw, authentic street food markets, fine dining Middle Eastern restaurants, fusion restaurants, and homely casual eateries. 

Is 1 day in Amman enough?

One day in Amman is enough to cover the main tourist attractions in the city. Although you will have to skip a lot of wonderful attractions. With just a day in Amman, you can head up to the citadel and the nearby Roman theatre. 

Then, go shopping for souvenirs and edible treats in Souk Jara, enjoy a traditional Jordanian lunch, and visit a couple of Amman’s best museums. Still, if your schedule allows, consider adding at least one more day to your trip to Amman. 

How many days in Amman is enough?

3-4 days is a nice amount of time for a first trip to Amman. This allows you plenty of time to see the main Amman attractions and museums at a leisurely pace and to start to scratch beneath the surface of what this fascinating city has to offer. 

Is Amman a walkable city?

Amman is a walkable city and most of the city’s main highlights are within walking distance of the hilltop citadel. Still, Uber is available in Amman, and taxis and buses are a good way to get around if you don’t feel like walking, particularly on days when it gets very hot. 

Amman is a hilly city that consists of seven jebels (hills). Some of them are a little steep.

Fortunately, shared minivans await at the bottom of many of these hills. You can usually ride up to the top for just 1 JOD ($1.4 USD/£1.17).

Can you wear shorts in Amman?

It is better to stick to wearing trousers and t-shirts in Amman rather than any shorts or skirts. Jordan is a conservative Muslim country. 

You won’t see any locals wearing shorts and if you do, even if they are knee-length, you may inadvertently cause offense. It is important to always be respectful of different cultures and customs when we travel. 

Not to mention, wearing shorts is a surefire way to draw attention to yourself. If you are a female traveller, having bare legs can attract unwanted looks and comments. 

Opt to wear long trousers made from materials like cotton, bamboo, or linen. That way, you both look modest and stay cool.  

Best time to visit Amman Jordan

The best time to visit Amman Jordan is during the spring (March to May) or Autumn months (September to November). This time of year is perfect because although the temperatures are warm and you see mostly blue skies and sunny days with little to no rain, it is not overbearingly hot.

In April, Amman sees average daily temperatures that range between 10°C and 23°C. In May, the daily averages are between 14°C and 27°C.

September sees daily averages between 17°C and 30°C. Meanwhile, November sees daily averages between 9°C and 19°C.

Wear light, loose-fitting clothes during the day and pack layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. Hotels, flights, and local transfer costs are usually at their cheapest in July and August.

However, temperatures often soar above 40°C at this time. This can make exploring outdoor sites somewhat unbearable if you are not accustomed to the heat.

Is Amman Jordan safe to visit in 2024?

Things to do in Amman
Things to do in Amman

Amman, and Jordan in general, are safe places to visit. It is unfortunate that so many people have negative stereotypes of the Middle East.

The reality is often very different from the media portrayal. The World Safety index lists Jordan as being one of the safest countries in the Middle East.

Even solo female travellers can feel comfortable in Jordan and Amman.

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Amman Jordan

You will find plenty of things to do in Amman to occupy your time. That is true whether you visit Amman for a few days as part of a wider Jordan itinerary, or on an extended weekend break.

You could happily spend a week in Amman just enjoying the different foods, checking out local art exhibitions, and hanging out at the various coffee shops on Shariah Street.

Do you have any more questions about things to do in Amman or planning your Jordanian adventure?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I will do my best to get back to you ASAP.

Safe travels! Melissa xo


highheelsandabackpack

Alice Cooper is a British Travel Writer and Blogger based in Athens, Greece. She writes for numerous high profile travel publications across the globe - including Forbes Travel Guide, Matador Network, The Times of Israel and The Huffington Post.

8 Comments

  1. I’d love to visit Jordan, and you’ve provided the perfect guide! The spice souk sounds amazing! I’m interested to know whether you had to adhere to a dress code? I’d find that helpful to know. Thank you for such great info!

    1. Hi Nicky,
      Thanks for your comment! I’d definitely recommend it if you get the chance to go 🙂 It has been one of my favorite places so far this year.

      Because Jordan is a relatively conservative Muslim country, visitors (especially women) should dress modestly. I wore trousers and shirts for most of the my time there. Sometimes I wore a headscarf but that was mostly just because it was SO hot, and I managed to find a few beautiful ones at local markets in place of a sun hat. You don’t typically have to wear a hijab or cover your hair.

      Melissa xo

  2. I LOVE Jordan!!! We had a car tour trip around Jordan 7 years ago and really loved it! I did not like much Amman though, it was too crowded for me. 🙂

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