Top 10 Things to Do in Amman for First-Time Visitors

Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital, offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life. If you're visiting for the first time, here are the top 10 experiences you shouldn't miss.

1. Explore the Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)

Perched on the highest hill in Amman, the Citadel offers panoramic views of the city and houses important historical structures including the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Archaeological Museum. Dating back to the Bronze Age, this site has been occupied by numerous civilizations, making it a living testament to Amman's rich history.

The Archaeological Museum houses artifacts from prehistoric times to the 15th century, including some of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Visit in the late afternoon to catch the golden light illuminating the ancient stones and stay for a spectacular sunset over the city's rolling hills.

2. Visit the Roman Theater

This well-preserved 2nd-century Roman amphitheater is cut into the hillside and once seated 6,000 spectators. It's a remarkable example of Roman architecture and engineering, with its steep seating providing excellent acoustics. The theater is still occasionally used for cultural events and concerts.

Climb to the top tier for impressive views of downtown Amman. The small folklore and cultural museums on either side of the theater are worth exploring to learn about traditional Jordanian life and costumes.

3. Stroll Through Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)

The bustling heart of the city, Downtown Amman is filled with shops, street vendors, restaurants, and cafes. This is where you'll experience authentic local life. Wander through the gold souks, spice markets, and traditional crafts shops.

Don't miss the opportunity to try fresh juice from street vendors, shop for traditional Jordanian handicrafts, or simply sit at a café and watch city life unfold. The area is particularly lively in the evenings when locals come out to shop and socialize.

4. Sample Jordanian Cuisine

Amman offers countless opportunities to try authentic Jordanian food. Visit Hashem Restaurant, a famous eatery that has been serving delicious falafel, hummus, and ful medames for decades. For a more upscale experience, try Sufra on Rainbow Street for traditional Jordanian dishes in a beautiful setting.

Be sure to try mansaf (Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in yogurt sauce served over rice), maqluba (an upside-down rice and vegetable dish), and knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup) for dessert.

5. Explore Rainbow Street

This trendy street in Jabal Amman is lined with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries housed in beautiful old buildings. It's the perfect place to experience Amman's more cosmopolitan side.

Visit during the evening when the street comes alive with locals and visitors enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss Souk Jara, a weekly open-air market held on Fridays during summer months, featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment.

6. Visit the Jordan Museum

This modern museum houses 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 and artifacts from the ancient city of Petra.

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

7. Explore the King Abdullah I Mosque

This magnificent blue-domed mosque can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers inside and another 3,000 in the courtyard. Unlike many mosques in the region, it welcomes non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times (modest dress required).

The mosque's stunning architecture, with its blue dome and intricate decorations, makes it one of Amman's most recognizable landmarks. Guided tours are available to help visitors understand the significance of different areas within the mosque.

8. Shop at Amman's Modern Malls

For a taste of contemporary Amman, visit one of the city's modern shopping malls like Abdali Boulevard, City Mall, or Taj Mall. These offer international brands, local boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Abdali Boulevard, an open-air complex, is particularly pleasant for evening strolls and dining. These malls showcase the more cosmopolitan side of Amman and provide air-conditioned respite during hot summer days.

9. Take in the View from the Amman Rotana Hotel

As the tallest building in the city, the Amman Rotana offers spectacular panoramic views from its rooftop restaurant and bar. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, it's worth visiting for a meal or drink with a view.

The 360-degree vista allows you to appreciate Amman's unique topography, spread across seven hills (or more, depending on who you ask). It's particularly magical at night when the city is illuminated.

10. Experience Amman's Cafe Culture

Coffee and tea are central to Jordanian social life, and Amman has a thriving cafe scene. From traditional Arabic coffee shops to modern specialty coffee cafes, there's something for every taste.

Books@Cafe in Jabal Amman offers a relaxed atmosphere with good food and great views, while Rumi Cafe provides a more traditional experience. Spend an afternoon like locals do, sipping Arabic coffee or mint tea while engaging in conversation or people-watching.

Practical Tips for Exploring Amman

• Getting Around: Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber for convenience.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures.
• Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Currency: The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is one of the strongest currencies in the region. Keep small bills handy for taxis and small purchases.
• Dress Code: While Amman is relatively liberal, modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites.

Amman rewards those who take time to explore its many layers. From ancient ruins to cutting-edge art galleries, traditional souks to modern malls, the city offers a fascinating glimpse into both Jordan's past and its future. Use this list as a starting point, but don't be afraid to wander and discover your own favorite spots in this welcoming city.