The street food and street art gives a delicious taste of modern Middle Eastern culture, just a hint of what’s in store on a journey through Jordan.
Amman is Jordan’s economic, political and cultural centre. It has ancient structures alongside modern suburbs and the hospitality is unsurpassable. Let’s dive in to explore a day in Amman.
Things to see in Amman: history, culture & food
Meet a local matchmaker, visit the markets or wander through the many art galleries — here’s what to do in Amman.
Visit the Amman Citadel
Locally known as ‘Jebel al-Qal’a, the Amman Citadel is an impressive archaeological site in the centre of the modern-day capital. The Citadel is atop one of seven original ‘jebels’ (hills) of Amman, Jebel al-Qal’a.
The Citadel has a Byzantine church, Umayyad palace and Roman Temple that show the rise and fall of empires including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Romans and Umayyads.
This UNESCO World Heritage-Listed site is 850m above sea level, with parts of the site dating back to the Bronze Age when the fortifications were first established. The ruins have been partly reconstructed.
Amman Citadel, Jordan by Erin Clifford
Temple of Hercules
Temple of Hercules in Amman, Jordan by Erin Clifford
The Temple of Hercules is the most famous site in the Citadel, built by the Romans. Two towering pillars still stand, along with a remnant of a stone-carved hand with extraordinary detail.
Umayyad Palace
Umayyad Palace in Amman, Jordan by Erin Clifford
Umayyad Palace is thought to have been built by the Umayyad Arabs around 720 AD, with remains showing an extensive complex of royal and residential buildings where the governor of Amman lived. The palace was never rebuilt following an earthquake in 749 AD.
Byzantine Church
The most intact building of the Umayyad Palace is a domed audience hall on the south side of the palace shaped like a cross, reflecting the Byzantine church over which the hall was built.
The Citadel is high above the downtown area of Amman, Al Balad, with views across the old and new city regions.
Explore the Royal Tank Museum
In the heart of Amman, this museum is the first specialised tank museum in the Middle East region, with more than 140 tanks on display within 20,000 square metres.
The architect-designed building has dedicated display areas, and dioramas and plaques provide information about the tanks in both Arabic and English.
The collection includes tanks from all major wars and countries, restored to pristine condition. This is an ideal place to learn about military history in the region and beyond.
A clockwise tour of the Museum starts with World War 1 and travels through time to World War II, the ongoing wars in the broader Middle East and the Arab-Israeli Wars, and the peace-keeping operations more recently. In the central dome of the Museum is an Attack Helicopter (AH-1F COBRA)), the main attack helicopter in Jordan’s armed forces in 2018.
See the Ajloun Castle (‘Qalaat Rabadh’)
Ajloun Castle in Amman, Jordan by Erin Clifford
Around 50km from Amman, an hour and a half drive, the Ajloun Castle towers over the historic town of Ajloun, at the top of Mount ‘Auf. It’s a worthwhile day trip from Amman or Jerash.
The Ajloun Castle is a grand 12th-century Muslim castle commissioned by Saladin and built by his nephew Izz al-Din Usama. The castle is an excellent example of Ayyubid-style fortifications, with a moat, drawbridge and towers designed for warfare with the Franks and used later to guard important trade routes to Syria.
The castle shows how siege warfare was conducted. The hilltop position was ideal for beacons and pigeon posts that took messages from Damascus to Cairo in a day, and people still rear pigeons locally.
Inside, the Ajloun Archeological Museum displays fine examples of pottery, ceramics, medieval hand grenades and other regional artefacts. The views from the castle are spectacular so bring a camera and wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the castle grounds.
Ajloun Castle in Amman, Jordan
Take a baking workshop at Biscuit House
Cooking Class in Amman, Jordan by Bailey Bunnik
Biscuit House is where traditional delicacies are made for holidays and festive occasions. Visitors can learn to bake ‘kusmat’ or ‘Maamoul’ in a cooking class with a local dedicated to preserving the traditional cooking methods.
Kusmat is a bread made for festive occasions. It uses locally grown and pressed olive oil, which makes the bread fluffy and light. Maamoul are butter cookies similar to shortbread, cooked in a mould and filled with nuts or date paste. The mould creates a decorative pattern on each biscuit.
After the cooking class, relax with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea and a freshly baked biscuit to enjoy the scenic views of the Ajloun Forest.
Meet a matchmaker and learn about arranged marriages
One of the best things about travelling with a small group is the opportunity to experience the local culture and learn about the traditions of Jordan directly from the local people.
Arranged marriages are seen as an important pillar in maintaining social stability in the Arab communities, amidst external uncertainty and war in the region. Weddings occur twice a year, before and after the holy fasting month of Ramadan. A matchmaker (usually a woman) is very important to the local families and is often very charismatic.
Meeting a matchmaker is a unique opportunity to learn more about the role of arranged marriages in Jordan, and why social suitability, economic provision and common sense form the basis of a marriage.
Visit the King Abdullah Mosque
This blue-domed mosque was completed in 1989 as a memorial to King Hussein's grandfather. King Abdullah Mosque is the only mosque in Amman that welcomes non-Muslim visitors.
The mosque has space for up to 7,000 worshippers, 3,000 in the courtyard, and 500 in the small women’s section. The octagonal prayer hall is covered by the 35-meter-diameter blue dome seen from outside, decorated with Quranic inscriptions.
Start a journey through Jordan in Amman, the capital — travel with a small group for confidence and companionship
Jordan’s vibrant capital is worth spending a day in before continuing to see the other wonderful cities in the heart of the Middle East. Travelling with a small group provides certainty and a local guide will help overcome language barriers.
Start planning an adventure through Jordan with Bunnik Tours for full confidence before, during and after the journey. Open up unforgettable experiences and make lifelong friendships — now is the time to go!
Questions about Amman
Is Amman a walkable city?
Amman’s downtown area, Al Balad, is walkable, however, it is worth knowing that Amman is a city of hills, so walking between the main attractions may mean taking lots of stairs, and some will prefer to use a taxi. Amman was originally built on seven hills and has now grown to cover 19 hills, so those staying in a more modern part of the city will likely prefer to use public or private transport to get around.
Are there guided tours available to explore Amman?
Yes! Travelling with a guide in a small group means there’s much less chance of getting lost, and a local guide can recommend places to eat, things to visit and where to stay. Explore Amman more fully with a local guide who can explain the sights and sounds and provide stories at each destination.
What is Amman best known for?
Amman is best known for being a safe city in the Middle East and the local people are incredibly generous. Visitors can walk down Rainbow Street for a twilight adventure to explore the trendy cafes, shops and vibrant atmosphere — this street provides a taste of the essence of Amman, away from the religious and historical sites.