For more than 10,000 years, the city now known as Amman has been standing at the foot of the Ajlūn Mountains. Originally built on seven hills (like Rome), the Jordanian capital now sprawls over 19. Find the historic heart of this modern Middle Eastern metropolis in spots where a crumbling Roman amphitheater rubs shoulders with ancient Ammonite ruins. Other things to do in Amman? Experience blue-domed mosques, spice-filled souks, incredible food, a vibrant street art scene, and day trips to Petra and the Dead Sea.
The best time of year to visit Amman—and Jordan—is spring or fall, roughly March–May and September–November, when the bright days and cooler nights are ideal for exploring. While Amman is at a higher elevation than the rest of the country, meaning the blazing sun of summer doesn’t hit quite as hard as other places in Jordan, it can still pack a punch. It’s also worth checking if Ramadan falls during your proposed trip dates (the exact dates change every year).
The easiest way to get around Amman is by car, with most travelers using yellow (metered) taxis or rideshare services such as Uber and Careem. If you’re planning on heading outside of town or want to see a lot in a short time frame, you can hire drivers for the day or join a tour. This is often a top choice for folks planning day trips to Petra or the Dead Sea. Alternatively, explore Amman on foot or by bus.
Thanks to its central location—and proximity to Queen Alia International Airport—Amman provides a convenient gateway to Jordanian life. The capital’s souks, second-century Roman ruins, and mosques are the main attractions, but there are also cafés, cooking classes, and street art tours. You can see day trip highlights, such as Petra, the Dead Sea, and Roman city of Jerash, but don't miss lesser-visited options including the ruins of Umm Qais, Mt. Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the desert castles, and Wadi Mujib.
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Yes, Amman is worth visiting. While most travelers to Jordan focus their attention on Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, Jordan’s capital also deserves attention. A fusion of old and new, Amman melds together 10,000 years of history with modern Middle Eastern art, culture, and cuisine.
...MoreThe cosmopolitan capital of Jordan, Amman is not only one of the Middle East's biggest cities but also one of the world’s oldest and longest-inhabited. With a history spanning nearly 10,000 years, Amman is known as a historical and cultural hub, with Neolithic sites, Roman ruins, and museums.
...MoreYes, Amman is a walkable city—although the capital sprawls across 19 hills, so crossing from one side to the other on foot isn't recommended. However, if you limit your explorations to specific neighborhoods and areas, walking is a great way to explore the city—and avoid the infamous traffic.
...MoreTwo days in Amman is enough to squeeze in most of the capital’s highlights—which include the Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, King Abdullah I Mosque, Umayyad Palace, Rainbow Street, and Souk Al-Sukar. If time is limited, other attractions, like Petra and the Dead Sea, can also be visited on day trips.
...MoreYes, Amman is a fairly safe city for tourists, especially if you respect the local culture and etiquette, including dressing modestly. Women should aim to keep their legs, chests, and shoulders covered. Travelers should be vigilant and keep their valuables out of sight and avoid conflict zones.
...MoreYes, travelers can do day trips from Amman to Petra. The most popular tourist attraction in Jordan, Petra is about a three-hour drive from Amman. Many tour companies offer full-day tours with hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, and guided tours of the Nabataean capital to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
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