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How to Spend 48 Hours in Amman: The Perfect Itinerary

January 22, 2025 • by Jordan Explorer Team
Amman Itinerary

With only 48 hours to explore Jordan's vibrant capital, you'll want to make every moment count. This carefully crafted itinerary will help you experience the best of Amman in just two days, balancing ancient history, local culture, and culinary delights. From the majestic Citadel to bustling souks and trendy neighborhoods, this guide ensures you'll leave with a true taste of what makes Amman special.

Day 1: Ancient History and Downtown Exploration

8:00 AM - Breakfast at Hashem Restaurant

Start your Amman adventure with a traditional Jordanian breakfast at the legendary Hashem Restaurant in Downtown. This no-frills eatery is a local institution that has served everyone from locals to royalty. Try their famous falafel, hummus, and foul (fava bean stew), all served with fresh bread and mint tea. It's an authentic and affordable way to begin your day.

9:30 AM - Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)

Head to the Citadel, perched on the highest hill in Amman, for panoramic views of the city and a journey through Jordan's ancient history. This archaeological site has been occupied since the Bronze Age and features ruins from multiple civilizations, including:

  • The Temple of Hercules from the Roman period
  • The Umayyad Palace complex from the 8th century
  • A Byzantine church
  • The Jordan Archaeological Museum with artifacts dating back thousands of years

Spend about 2 hours exploring this remarkable site. Consider hiring a local guide at the entrance to enrich your understanding of the historical significance of the ruins.

12:00 PM - Roman Theater and Nymphaeum

Walk downhill from the Citadel to the impressive Roman Theater, a 6,000-seat amphitheater built during the 2nd century CE. Climb to the top tier for excellent views and to appreciate the remarkable acoustics of this ancient venue. Afterward, visit the nearby Nymphaeum, a partially restored Roman public fountain complex that once served as a social gathering place.

1:30 PM - Lunch at Sufra Restaurant

Take a short taxi ride to Rainbow Street and enjoy lunch at Sufra, a restaurant housed in a beautiful heritage building with a lovely outdoor terrace. Their menu offers traditional Jordanian dishes with a refined touch. Try the mansaf (Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in yogurt sauce) or the musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac and onions on taboon bread).

3:00 PM - Downtown Souk Exploration

Return to Downtown to explore the vibrant souks (markets). Wander through the gold souk to admire the craftsmanship, browse spice vendors with their colorful pyramids of aromatic spices, and shop for souvenirs in the various handicraft stores. Don't miss Al-Bukhariya Souk for traditional Jordanian items like embroidered dresses, keffiyeh scarves, and Dead Sea products.

5:00 PM - King Abdullah I Mosque

Visit the magnificent King Abdullah I Mosque with its stunning blue dome. This mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times (modest dress required, and women should cover their hair). The interior can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers and features beautiful Islamic calligraphy and architectural details.

6:30 PM - Sunset at Wild Jordan Center

Head to the Wild Jordan Center in time for sunset. This eco-friendly building offers spectacular views over Downtown Amman and the Citadel as the city begins to light up. Enjoy a coffee or fresh juice at their café, which supports Jordan's nature reserves, and browse their selection of handmade products from local communities.

8:00 PM - Dinner on Rainbow Street

Spend your evening on Rainbow Street, one of Amman's most charming thoroughfares. For dinner, try Rakwet Arab for traditional Arabic cuisine in a cozy setting, or Cantaloupe for more international fare with stunning city views. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the street, popping into art galleries, boutiques, and perhaps ending with dessert at one of the many cafés.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Modern Amman

8:30 AM - Breakfast at Shams El Balad

Begin your second day at Shams El Balad, a farm-to-table café in Jabal Amman serving organic, locally sourced breakfast dishes. Try their makhlama (eggs with tomato and herbs), manakish (flatbread with za'atar or cheese), and fresh fruit juices. The café's beautiful courtyard setting makes for a peaceful start to the day.

10:00 AM - Jordan Museum

Visit the Jordan Museum, the largest museum in the country, housing an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Jordan's history from prehistoric times to the present. Highlights include:

  • Some of the Dead Sea Scrolls
  • The 'Ain Ghazal statues (some of the oldest human figures ever discovered)
  • Interactive exhibits on Jordanian culture and heritage

The museum provides an excellent overview of Jordan's rich cultural heritage and is a perfect introduction before visiting other archaeological sites in the country.

12:30 PM - Jabal Al-Weibdeh Art Tour

Take a taxi to Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Amman's artistic and cultural hub. This charming neighborhood is home to numerous art galleries, cultural centers, and bohemian cafés. Visit the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts to see works by contemporary Arab and Islamic artists, then explore smaller galleries like Darat al Funun, housed in beautiful historic buildings with garden terraces.

2:00 PM - Lunch at Beit Sitti

For a unique lunch experience, head to Beit Sitti ("My Grandmother's House") in Jabal Al-Weibdeh. This culinary experience takes place in a traditional Jordanian home where you can learn to cook authentic local dishes under the guidance of local women. After preparing the meal together, enjoy the fruits of your labor on the lovely terrace. Advance booking is required.

Alternatively, try Fakhreldin Restaurant for upscale Lebanese cuisine in a beautiful historic villa, or Joz Hind for creative, locally-inspired dishes in a cozy setting.

4:00 PM - Royal Automobile Museum

Take a taxi to the Royal Automobile Museum in the King Hussein Park. This fascinating museum houses the impressive collection of the late King Hussein, featuring vintage and classic cars as well as motorcycles that tell the story of Jordan's modern history through the royal family's vehicles. Even if you're not a car enthusiast, the collection offers interesting insights into Jordan's 20th-century history.

6:00 PM - Shopping at Abdali Boulevard

Experience modern Amman at Abdali Boulevard, an upscale open-air complex with shops, restaurants, and cafés. This pedestrian-friendly area represents the new face of Amman and is perfect for some leisurely shopping or people-watching at one of the outdoor cafés. The boulevard comes alive in the evening as locals come out to socialize and enjoy the cooler temperatures.

8:00 PM - Dinner at Fakhr El-Din

For your final dinner in Amman, treat yourself to a meal at Fakhr El-Din, one of the city's finest restaurants housed in a beautiful converted villa. Their menu features exquisite Levantine cuisine with an emphasis on Lebanese dishes. The extensive mezze selection allows you to sample a wide variety of flavors, and their grilled meats and seafood are exceptional. Make a reservation in advance, and request a table in the garden during warmer months.

10:00 PM - Nightcap with a View

End your 48 hours in Amman with a nightcap at one of the city's rooftop venues. The W Amman's Aura Lounge offers spectacular panoramic views of the twinkling city lights, as does the rooftop bar at the Amman Rotana Hotel. For a more local experience, try District or Copas Central on Rainbow Street, where you can reflect on your Amman adventure while enjoying the night breeze and city vistas.

Practical Tips for Your 48 Hours in Amman

Getting Around

  • Taxis: Yellow taxis are abundant and affordable. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a price beforehand.
  • Ride-sharing apps: Uber and Careem operate in Amman and are often more convenient than traditional taxis.
  • Walking: Some neighborhoods like Rainbow Street and parts of Downtown are best explored on foot, but be prepared for Amman's hilly terrain.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Jordan Pass: If you're continuing to other destinations in Jordan (like Petra), purchase a Jordan Pass before arrival, which includes your tourist visa and entry to many attractions.
  • Meal timing: Lunch menus are often less expensive than dinner at the same restaurants.
  • Bargaining: Gentle negotiation is expected in souks and with taxi drivers (if not using the meter).

Cultural Considerations

  • Dress modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites or more conservative areas like Downtown.
  • Ramadan: If visiting during the holy month, be respectful by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
  • Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially women.

With this 48-hour itinerary, you'll experience the highlights of Amman while gaining insight into both its ancient history and contemporary culture. The city serves as an excellent introduction to Jordan before exploring other destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, or the Dead Sea. Even with just two days, you'll discover why Amman is much more than just a gateway city—it's a fascinating destination in its own right.