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Amman

As Middle Eastern cities go, Amman is a relative youth, being mostly a creation of the 20th century. But though it lacks the storied history and thrilling architectural tapestry of other regional capitals, there’s plenty here to encourage you to linger awhile before making for Petra, the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum. In fact, Amman is one of the easiest cities in which to enjoy the Middle East experience.

Downtown Amman is a must-see. At the bottom of the city’s many hills and overlooked by the magisterial Citadel, it features spectacular Roman ruins, an international-standard museum and the hubbub of mosques, souqs and coffeehouses that are central to Jordanian life.

Elsewhere, urbane western Amman has leafy residential districts, cafes, bars, modern malls and art galleries; and in earthy eastern Amman, it’s easy to sense the more traditional and conservative pulse of the capital.

Explore Amman

  • Citadel

    The area known as the Citadel sits on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al Qala’a (about 850m above sea level), and is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon…

  • Darat Al Funun

    On the hillside to the north of the downtown area, this cultural haven is dedicated to contemporary art. The main building features an excellent art…

  • Jordan Museum

    The Jordan Museum, located next to the City Hall, is one of the best in the Middle East. Housed in a grand modern building, a series of beautifully…

  • R

    Royal Automobile Museum

    You really don't have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy this museum, which displays more than 70 classic cars and motorbikes from the personal collection of…

  • C

    Children's Museum

    This brilliantly designed hands-on museum for kids is a complete joy. In its many zones, young visitors can play and learn about everything from the…

  • Roman Theatre

    This magnificently restored theatre is the most obvious and impressive remnant of Roman Philadelphia, and is the highlight of Amman for most foreign…

  • Q

    Qasr Al Abad

    The small but impressive Qasr Al Abad, west of Amman, is one of the very few examples of pre-Roman construction in Jordan. Mystery surrounds the palace,…

  • J

    Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts

    This small but impressive gallery is a wonderful place to gain an appreciation of contemporary Jordanian painting, sculpture and pottery. The attractive…

  • H

    Haya Cultural Centre

    Designed especially for children, this centre has a library, a playground, an interactive ecomuseum and an inflatable castle. It also organises regular…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Amman.

  • See

    Citadel

    The area known as the Citadel sits on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al Qala’a (about 850m above sea level), and is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon…

  • See

    Darat Al Funun

    On the hillside to the north of the downtown area, this cultural haven is dedicated to contemporary art. The main building features an excellent art…

  • See

    Jordan Museum

    The Jordan Museum, located next to the City Hall, is one of the best in the Middle East. Housed in a grand modern building, a series of beautifully…

  • See

    Royal Automobile Museum

    You really don't have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy this museum, which displays more than 70 classic cars and motorbikes from the personal collection of…

  • See

    Children's Museum

    This brilliantly designed hands-on museum for kids is a complete joy. In its many zones, young visitors can play and learn about everything from the…

  • See

    Roman Theatre

    This magnificently restored theatre is the most obvious and impressive remnant of Roman Philadelphia, and is the highlight of Amman for most foreign…

  • See

    Qasr Al Abad

    The small but impressive Qasr Al Abad, west of Amman, is one of the very few examples of pre-Roman construction in Jordan. Mystery surrounds the palace,…

  • See

    Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts

    This small but impressive gallery is a wonderful place to gain an appreciation of contemporary Jordanian painting, sculpture and pottery. The attractive…

  • See

    Haya Cultural Centre

    Designed especially for children, this centre has a library, a playground, an interactive ecomuseum and an inflatable castle. It also organises regular…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Amman

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