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Where to Stay in Amman: Best Neighborhoods for Tourists

February 18, 2025 • by Jordan Explorer Team
Amman Neighborhoods

Choosing the right neighborhood for your stay in Amman can significantly impact your experience in Jordan's vibrant capital. Each area of the city has its own distinct character, advantages, and drawbacks. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate Amman's diverse neighborhoods to find the perfect base for your visit, whether you're seeking luxury accommodations, budget-friendly options, or an authentic local experience.

Jabal Amman (1st to 5th Circles)

Jabal Amman, particularly the area around Rainbow Street (1st Circle), is one of the most popular areas for tourists to stay. This historic district combines old-world charm with modern amenities and is known for its trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries.

Perfect for:

  • First-time visitors to Amman
  • Culture and history enthusiasts
  • Foodies and cafe hoppers
  • Those who enjoy walkable neighborhoods

Highlights:

  • Rainbow Street - A lively thoroughfare with restaurants, cafes, and shops
  • Jordan Museum - Housing important archaeological artifacts
  • Darat al Funun - Art galleries in beautiful historic buildings
  • Wild Jordan Center - Offering panoramic city views and eco-friendly products
  • Walking distance to Downtown and the Citadel

Recommended accommodations:

  • Luxury: The House Boutique Suites (4th Circle)
  • Mid-range: Canvas Hotel (1st Circle)
  • Budget: Sydney Hotel (near Rainbow Street)

Jabal Al-Weibdeh

Adjacent to downtown, Jabal Al-Weibdeh is Amman's artistic and intellectual hub. This neighborhood has retained much of its historic character while embracing a bohemian vibe with art galleries, cultural centers, and cozy cafes. It's slightly less touristy than Jabal Amman but still very accessible.

Perfect for:

  • Art and culture lovers
  • Those seeking a more local experience
  • Digital nomads and long-term visitors
  • Budget-conscious travelers who still want charm

Highlights:

  • National Gallery of Fine Arts - Jordan's premier art museum
  • Paris Circle - A hub of cafes and restaurants
  • Jadal for Knowledge and Culture - Cultural center with events and language exchanges
  • Darat al Funun - Art galleries in historic buildings
  • Numerous independent cafes and bookshops

Recommended accommodations:

  • Mid-range: Rumi Hotel
  • Budget: By The Lemon Tree Hostel
  • Apartment rentals: Many available in renovated historic buildings

Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)

The bustling heart of the city, Downtown Amman offers the most authentic urban Jordanian experience. This is where you'll find traditional souks, street food vendors, and the city's Roman ruins. The area is lively, sometimes chaotic, and full of character.

Perfect for:

  • Budget travelers
  • Those seeking authentic local culture
  • Food enthusiasts interested in traditional Jordanian cuisine
  • Shoppers looking for souvenirs and traditional crafts

Highlights:

  • Roman Theater - An impressive ancient amphitheater
  • Husseini Mosque - The city's largest mosque
  • Traditional souks - For everything from spices to gold
  • Hashem Restaurant - Famous falafel joint frequented by royalty
  • King Ghazi Hotel - Historic building with a rooftop cafe

Recommended accommodations:

  • Mid-range: Amman Pasha Hotel
  • Budget: Jordan Tower Hotel
  • Budget: Cliff Hostel

Abdoun

Abdoun is Amman's most upscale residential neighborhood, home to embassies, luxury villas, and high-end shopping centers. The area offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling city center, with manicured streets and modern amenities.

Perfect for:

  • Luxury travelers
  • Families with children
  • Those who prefer quiet, residential areas
  • Business travelers

Highlights:

  • Abdoun Circle - Hub of restaurants and cafes
  • Abdoun Mall - Upscale shopping center
  • Taj Lifestyle Center - Modern shopping and dining complex
  • Numerous international restaurants and coffee shops
  • Well-maintained parks and walking areas

Recommended accommodations:

  • Luxury: Fairmont Amman
  • Luxury: Kempinski Hotel Amman
  • Mid-range: Corp Amman Hotel

Shmeisani

Shmeisani is Amman's business district, offering a blend of commercial buildings, hotels, and residential areas. It's centrally located and well-connected to other parts of the city, making it convenient for both business and leisure travelers.

Perfect for:

  • Business travelers
  • Those who value convenience and central location
  • Visitors who want modern amenities
  • Shoppers

Highlights:

  • Al-Husseini Mosque - Historic mosque with beautiful architecture
  • King Abdullah I Mosque - Impressive blue-domed mosque open to non-Muslim visitors
  • Galleria Mall - Modern shopping center
  • Al-Wakalat Street - Pedestrian shopping street
  • Numerous international restaurants and cafes

Recommended accommodations:

  • Luxury: Grand Hyatt Amman
  • Mid-range: Toledo Hotel
  • Mid-range: Amman Marriott Hotel

Sweifieh

Sweifieh is a bustling commercial and residential area known for its shopping opportunities and nightlife. It offers a more modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere than the historic districts of Amman.

Perfect for:

  • Shopping enthusiasts
  • Nightlife seekers
  • Those who prefer modern amenities
  • Longer-term visitors

Highlights:

  • Galleria Mall - Modern shopping center
  • Sweifieh Village - Open-air shopping complex
  • Wakalat Street - Pedestrian shopping area
  • Numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars
  • Good public transportation connections

Recommended accommodations:

  • Luxury: W Amman
  • Mid-range: Days Inn Hotel & Suites Amman
  • Budget: Meneur Hotel

Practical Considerations

Transportation

Amman is built on seven hills (though it has expanded to cover many more), which means steep streets and sometimes challenging walks. Consider this when choosing your neighborhood, especially if you have mobility concerns. While taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available throughout the city, staying in a central location can save you time and money on transportation.

Budget

Accommodation prices vary significantly between neighborhoods. Downtown and parts of Jabal Al-Weibdeh offer the most budget-friendly options, while Abdoun and the 5th Circle area have the most luxury accommodations. Consider what amenities are most important to you and where you're willing to compromise.

Length of Stay

For short visits (1-3 days), staying near the main attractions in Jabal Amman or Downtown makes sense. For longer stays, you might prefer the residential comfort of Abdoun or Sweifieh, or consider an apartment rental in Jabal Al-Weibdeh for a more local experience.

Safety

Amman is generally a very safe city by global standards. All the neighborhoods mentioned above are suitable for tourists, though as in any city, basic precautions should be taken, especially at night. Women travelers should note that Downtown can sometimes feel more conservative and may attract more attention than the more cosmopolitan areas like Jabal Amman or Abdoun.

Accommodation Types in Amman

Luxury Hotels

Amman boasts several international luxury hotel chains, primarily located in Abdoun, the 5th Circle area, and Shmeisani. These hotels offer world-class amenities, including swimming pools, spas, and multiple dining options. Expect to pay $150-300+ per night.

Boutique Hotels

For a more personalized experience, Amman has a growing number of boutique hotels, particularly in Jabal Amman and Jabal Al-Weibdeh. These often occupy renovated historic buildings and offer unique design elements along with personalized service. Prices range from $80-200 per night.

Mid-range Hotels

Throughout the city, you'll find solid mid-range options offering comfortable accommodations without the luxury price tag. These are particularly concentrated in Shmeisani and Sweifieh. Expect to pay $50-100 per night.

Budget Hotels and Hostels

Downtown Amman has the highest concentration of budget accommodations, with basic hotels and several hostels catering to backpackers and budget travelers. Prices start from as low as $15 per night for a dorm bed or $30-50 for a basic private room.

Apartment Rentals

For longer stays or family travel, apartment rentals can offer better value and more space. These are available throughout the city, with particularly good options in Jabal Al-Weibdeh and Jabal Amman for those seeking character, or Abdoun and Sweifieh for more modern accommodations.

Final Recommendations

For First-Time Visitors

Stay in Jabal Amman (1st-3rd Circle area) for the perfect balance of convenience, charm, and access to major attractions. The Canvas Hotel or The House Boutique Suites are excellent choices.

For Budget Travelers

Downtown offers the most affordable options while keeping you close to many attractions. Jordan Tower Hotel provides good value and a central location.

For Luxury Seekers

Abdoun is your best bet, with the Fairmont Amman or Kempinski Hotel offering top-tier accommodations and amenities.

For Families

Consider Abdoun or the 4th-5th Circle area for quieter, more spacious accommodations with good access to parks and family-friendly restaurants.

For Long-Term Stays

Jabal Al-Weibdeh offers the best combination of character, convenience, and livability for those staying weeks or months in Amman.

Whichever neighborhood you choose, Amman's relatively compact size and abundant taxis mean you can easily explore other areas of the city. Each district offers its own unique perspective on Jordanian life, and part of the joy of visiting Amman is experiencing these different facets of the city.