Experience the best of Amman, Jordan! Visit these top tourist attractions in Amman and have fun in one of the top tourist destinations in the Middle East. Featured photo an aerial view of Amman by 4th Life Photography/stock.adobe.com
One of the fascinating places to visit in Southwestern Asia is the young city of Amman, Jordan. This modern city perfectly balances the beauty of industrialization and the ancient wonders of history. The city is home to various historical landmarks, including the Roman Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace Complex, The Roman Theater, and many more!
Aside from popular historical attractions, the city also has a rich culture and tradition! Feel free to discover a lot of delectable delights around the city, where you can encounter hidden gems of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
There are a lot of things to do and discover in the beautiful city of Amman, Jordan. Lucky for you because in this article, we’re going to do just exactly that! Join me as we explore the city and find out the 10 Best Things to do in Amman, Jordan!
Learn More at the Jordan Museum
First on the list and definitely one of the most important is the Jordan Museum located at the Ras Al-Ein District. It was built in 2014 and is considered the largest museum in the entire country of Jordan, where you can find its most significant archaeological findings!
It is always essential to learn more about the rich culture and history of any country you’re visiting, and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing when you drop by the Jordan Museum. Some of the exciting artifacts you’ll find in the museum are the famous Dead Sea Scrolls presumably taken from the Temple of Jerusalem itself; how awesome is that?!
Have Some Falafel, Yo!
Ah, of course! Your trip to Amman certainly wouldn’t be complete without you having a bite of the famous Falafels! For those who are wondering, a Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made up of spiced mashed chickpeas that are essentially formed into balls. These are then deep-fried and best eaten in pita bread!
Falafels are extremely popular in the country, so you should never miss the chance to try them in Amman! Many famous restaurants around the city serve Falafels, such as Al Quds, Hamada, and of course, the legendary Hashem Restaurant.
Discover the Amman Citadel
Next on the list is probably the most iconic historical landmark in the city, the Amman Citadel. Situated on top of a hill called Jebel Al Qala’a, which is about 850 meters above sea level, the Amman Citadel proudly represents the rich culture and history of the city of Amman.
There are indeed many things to see at Amman Citadel, such as the Temple of Hercules, The Umayyad Palace, and the Byzantine Church. These places are of historical significance to the city and present as a beautiful tourist attraction for many.
Visit the Historic Roman Amphitheater
Another iconic destination you shouldn’t miss in Amman is the famous Roman Amphitheater. The historical structure was created way back during the Roman period when the city was still called Philadelphia. There’s writing on one of the pillars of the amphitheater stating that it was built in honor of one of the famous Roman Emperors, Antoninus Pius.
Just exploring the structures makes you feel as if you’re on the set of the movie Gladiator! It is said that the amphitheater can seat an audience of more than 6,000 people. It just feels right to shout the iconic line, “Are you not entertained?!”
Go on a Gastronomic Adventure in Downtown Amman
Food trips are always fun wherever you are! By dropping by the famous Al Balad or Downtown Amman, you will certainly score lots of delicious treats and delicacies from every restaurant you will come across!
Al Balad is the oldest section of the city, where you can find some of the oldest commercial establishments offering every kind of service to tourists! The nostalgic vibe of Downtown Amman is also perfect for discovering fun adventures hidden within the city! So, make sure to drop by!
Explore the Royal Automobile Museum
So, are you into cars? Well, whether your answer to that question is yes or no, you will still have a great time visiting the famous Royal Automobile Museum of Amman, where you can find a massive collection of cars! The museum was built to honor the wish of then King Abdullah. You can witness the perfect display of the car collection from the year 1916 to the modern cars of today! How cool is that?
Pay Respects at the Grand Husseini Mosque
Another iconic and crucial historical attraction in the city of Amman is the Grand Husseini Mosque. This very structure was said to be where the Cathedral of Philadelphia itself stood, which is why it serves as a significant part of the country’s rich history.
It is said that the site was renovated by King Abdullah I in the year 1924, thus its striking Ottoman-styled appearance today. The mosque is both holy and historical. Therefore you cannot simply enter the Grand Husseini Mosque without wearing the proper attire.
However, just glancing at the majestic structure is already more than enough for some tourists, so make the most out of your photos! Oh, and there are two nearby Souqs that you can visit, so make sure to check them out!
Go Down to the Iconic Rainbow Street
Amman’s streets are overflowing with the hustle and bustle of the city. The entire neighborhood is lively and full of hidden gems that tourists love to discover! So, what do you think is the best way to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Amman? That’s right, by walking!
Oh, but where should you start? That’s easy, definitely the famous Rainbow Street! Yeah, yeah. I know that some streets in the city are not that pedestrian-friendly, but the case is entirely different for Rainbow Street; you really have to walk!
Rainbow Street is full of everything and anything you’d want to discover in the city, such as restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, souvenir shops, fresh markets, and many more! It is also an ideal location to easily access some of the city’s most popular destinations! So what are you waiting for? Make sure to check out Rainbow Street soon!
Relax at a Turkish Bath
Ah, after every place that you’ve explored around the city of Amman, the best way to relax is definitely by having an excellent old Turkish Bath. Traditionally, a Turkish Bath includes washing, body scrubbing using a kese, foam wash, and a massage. It is also called Hammam, which is a prominent culture of the Islamic religion.
There are tons of choices for your next Turkish Bath in Amman, like the Nirvana Spa, Petra Hammam, and of course, the AlPasha Turkish Bath!
Explore the Famous Dead Sea
Finally, to conclude our memorable trip in Amman, Jordan, you should take time and visit the famous Dead Sea. Although it’s not technically in the city, you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to marvel at one of nature’s grandest and most beautiful creations.
The Dead Sea isn’t a sea; it’s a saltwater lake bordered by the countries of Jordan and Israel. Oh, and the lake’s surface is actually 430 meters below sea level, making it the lowest land-based elevation you can ever find on the planet.
On top of all that, the scenery at the Dead Sea is beautiful, peaceful, and serene. Oh, and it’s also highly salty!
