• Understand
• By Bus
• See
• Do
• Learn
• Eat
• Drink
• Stay Safe
• Veterinary Cl...
• Respect
• Get out
• Resources

Amman is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (population c. 2.1 million). Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, in fact, hold a few items of interest to the traveler. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveler and the people are very friendly.

Roman theater

Although not seen as much when in the air over Amman, the city holds many surprises for the visitor. Anything can be found in Amman if one asks. Visit Amman's Roman Amphitheatre or study in the University of Jordan or stay in the luxurious Marriott. Malls are abundant in Jordan. With new construction in Abdali, in a few years the traveler could eat in the most high-end restaurant, study in the American University of Jordan, stay in a five star hotel or shop in massive malls, all a few metres from one another.

Amman is experiencing a massive change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis. Amman's roads have had a reputation of being very steep and narrow in some of the underdeveloped parts of the city but now the city has state of the art highways and paved avenues. New resorts and hotels dot the city and there are many things for the traveler to see and do. Use Amman as a staging point for travels to nearby cities and settlements in Jordan.

[edit] Understand

A city built of white stone, Amman's growth has skyrocketed since it was made the capital of Trans-Jordan in the early 1920s, but especially after the 1948 and 1967 wars with Israel when hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees settled. Another wave arrived after the second Iraq war, with Iraqi refugees forming the majority of newcomers.

Ammonite watchtower

Its history, however, goes back many millennia. The settlement mentioned in the Bible as Rabbath Ammon was the capital of the Ammonites, which later fell to the Assyrians. It was dominated briefly by the Nabataeans before it became a great Roman trade center and was renamed Philadelphia. After the Islamic conquests, Amman became part of the Muslim empire, until the Ottomans were forced out by the Allies, with the help of the Hashimites, who formed a monarchy that continues to rule until the present.

Today, West Amman is a lively, modern city. The eastern part of the city, where the majority of Amman's residents live, is predominantly poor and underdeveloped. While possessing few sites itself, Amman makes a comfortable base from which to explore the northwestern parts of the country.

Amman is a very diverse city. Palestinian, Iraqi, Circassian, Armenian,and many other ethnic groups reside in Amman. Amman was damaged because of the events of Black September but the city was rebuilt. Amman never stops growing. The city went from 20,000 inhabitants to more than 2 million people in less than a century partly because of massive influxes of refugees from Palestine and Iraq.

Most Jordanians understand English so communication shouldn't be that much of a problem but it never hurts to know a few useful phrases and come prepared with a translation book.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Most travelers to Amman (and to Jordan) will arrive via Queen Alia International Airport. For most western visitors, entry visas to Jordan can be purchased at the airport, if not already obtained from a Jordanian consulate overseas. The price of visa is 10 Jordanian Dinars ($15); queue first at the line that says 'visa', and then move over to the passport line. Money exchange is available before passport control, ATMs after customs.

Taxi transportation from the airport to Amman should cost 19 Jordanian Dinars ($30).

[edit] By Bus

Note that the Abdali bus station is now closed. The new bus station is called Trababour Bus Station and is in the North fringes of Amman. Most of the buses to the various cities ('Ajloun, Jerash, Irbid etc.) in Northern Jordan leave from here. To get there from downtown, take Serviis #6 from Raghadan Service Station which is located right next to the Colosseum. The Trababour Bus Station is the last stop on the Serviis' route. There are numerous buses pulling into the city of Amman, most of which are operated by JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transport). From the bus station, you can take a taxi to the city center. As a guide, it NEVER costs more than 2 JD on the meter from the bus station to most places in town, so either go by the meter, or pay a maximum of 2 JD.

[edit] By Train

Train operator in Jordan: HJR (Hedjaz Jordan Railway) www.jhr.gov.jo check seat61 for details.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By Taxi

Yallow taxis are readily available and can be easily found anywhere in Amman. Taxis for Amman will have a green logo on the driver and passenger doors. Resist hailing cabs with another color logo; these cabs are based in other cities and it is illegal for them to pick up fares in Amman. Taxis in Amman are required by law to use meteres and most drivers will reset the meter as soon as a fare is picked up. Most trips within Amman should be under JD3. Taxis are not required to use meters after midnight and drivers often expect double the normal fare for late night trips.

The base rate for the taxi meter is 150 fills (NOT JD1.50). Due to rising fuel prices, the rate for each additional 1/2 kilometer has been flucuating in recent months. Drivers are not normally tipped, insted the fare is simply rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 piasters. It should be noted that many drivers do not carry much change, so exact change should be given when possible.

The going rate for a taxi from Amman to the airport is JD20, although some drivers can be talked down to JD15.

[edit] By Bus

The Amman City Tour is a hop on hop off bus service that can be used for tourists and natives alike. Non-Jordanians pay a 10 JD fare while Jordanians pay a 5 JD fare. The tour consists of a circular bus route that encompasses a variety of locations, such as the Roman Theater, Shopping Malls, Downtown (or "Balad" as it is called), Museums, Parks and the Wakalat Street shopping district, amongst others. Amman City Tour offers its passengers the convenience of 35 stops in one bus ride, operating daily from 10AM to 8PM (until 6PM during winter months).

You can visit the fascinating Roman Theater and Nymphaeum, that reflect the historic legacy of the city, and the enchanting Citadel which has stood since the ancient times of the Ammonites. Or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the King Hussein Park and visit the Automobile Museum, which contains the late King Hussein's car collection, or the Children's Museum.

Jabal Amman 1st Circle Walking Trail is also interesting, with its coffeshops and grand traditional villas.

If it's shopping you're after,then the pedestrian Wakalat shopping district offers a wide selection of international brand names to choose from.

For a more exotic and traditional experience you can visit the old-downtown, also known as the Souq, and take in the traditional sights and smells of the spice market, and shop for authentic souvenirs. (All of this info can be found at http://www.ammancitytour.com)

[edit] See

Although the capital of a diverse kingdom, Amman is not what one would call "packed" with things to see, making it a great gateway to explorations further afield. Even so, the city does hold a few items of historical and cultural interest (allow maximum 2 days to see them).

• the Roman Theatre. Entrance of JD1 also covers the folklore museum and popular culture museum.
• a Roman-era Nymphaeum
• an Ammonite-era watchtower

Ummayad Palace

• the Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) - located in the centre of both ancient and modern Amman.
  • the Temple of Herakles - Roman period remains
  • the Byzantine Church - dating to the 5th-6th centuries
  • the Ummayad Palace - situated in the northern portion of the Citadel, entrance JD2. Offers a great view of Amman.
  • the National Archaeological Museum - situated on the Citadel, the museum is a small but interesting collection of antiquities from all over Jordan including some of the fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
• Darat al Funun or 'small house of the arts' in Jabal el Weibdeh, overlooking the heart of Amman, is housed in three adjacent villas from the 1920s (and the remains of a sixth-century Byzantine church built over a Roman Temple), it has a permanent collection and also holds changing exhibitions. In the same area there are other small art galleries and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.
• Rainbow St. near the 1st Circle in Jabal Amman is an interesting area to walk around and explore, it is named after the old Rainbow Cinema which is now out of use, but the area has been recently experiencing a revival with many of the old houses being restored and put into use, in the area there are some cafes and bars including Books@cafe and Wild Jordan both with great views, a Hammam, the Royal Film Commission which sometimes holds outdoor screenings on its patio and some interesting small shops.

The cultural scene in Amman has seen some increased activities, notably cultural centers and clubs such as Makan House, Al Balad Theater, the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative, Remall, and Zara gallery. Around the 1st of September the Jordan Short Film Festival takes place.

[edit] Do

Due to accelerated growth the past several decades, the styles of living differs considerably as one travels from east to west throughout Amman. Visitors desiring to experience "Old Amman" should explore the central downtown, or Balad, which features numerous souqs, shops, and street vendors.

Besides touring the city, shopping is also advisible for the traveler. The Mecca Mall is your best bet. The City Mall, the Abdoun Mall, and the Plaza Mall are all large shopping centers scattered across Amman. For night clubs and bars visit the cosmopolitan West Amman where many Western and American franchises operate here. The nightlife in Amman is not as vibrant as other Middle Eastern cities like Beirut or Tel Aviv, however, there are a few clubs and bars in Amman.

Abdali, a section of downtown Amman, is being transformed into a magnificent center for tourists and natives alike. The plan includes a broad pedestrian boulevard where visitors can shop, eat, or do numerous other activities. New office buildings and residential hi-rises are being constructed. "New Abdali" should be completed by 2010.

To see more about this new construction phase in Abdali see http://www.abdali.jo/about.php

[edit] Buy

clothes marked at bus station

Amman has numerous antique dealers littered throughout the city. Those located in the western parts of the city will most likely be serviced by those with a competent grasp of the English language, but you run the risk of the items being a bit overpriced. For the more adventurous, some of the best tourist shopping can be done in downtown Amman (the Balad). Shopping in the Balad has a more primitive feel with shop after shop filled with wares and prices not always clearly marked and extremely negotiable.

Some interesting, original souvenir items that one may consider taking home are:

• a keffiyeh, the traditional checkered headpiece of Jordanian men
• an antique brass tea/coffee pot, distinctly Middle Eastern with its artistic etching and curved spout
• olive wood carvings of various objects or figures can be purchase nearly everywhere
• hand-crafted Jordanian daggers
• hand-made Bedouin-style embroidered clothing

For the coffee lover, Amman's Starbucks locations (Swefieh, Adboun, Mecca Mall) offer various mugs, tumblers, and to-go cups with distinctive Jordanian and Middle Eastern flair.

Those who crave gourmet coffee have a number of choices such as Broadway in Abdoun, or Wakim and Chez Helda in Swefieh, or Paris Cafe in Elwaibdeh.

• <see name="" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></see>Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks can be bought at the Rainbow Supermarket on Rainbow Street.

[edit] Shopping areas

• The Balad
• Souk
• Malls
• Wakalat Street A new street with big western stores. Mostly clothes, furniture, sport.

Wakalat Street

[edit] Learn

Jordan is a center for education in the Middle East. There are numerous universities one can study in. Irbid, Madaba, and Aqaba also hold many educational institutes for foreigners.

• <listing name="New English School (NES)" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">

Privately owned school which offers the British Examination System known as International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) which consist of O-Levels and A-Levels. The school is best known for its headmaster Mr. Nabil who has been with the school for generations. It is also known for its outdoor football pitch the best for seven-a-side games.</listing>

Jordan's universities are world-renowned and respected for their hospitality and methods of instruction.

[edit] Eat

Amman features many different styles of restaurants, from traditional Middle Eastern fare to more familiar Western fast food and franchises. Prices range from ultra-cheap to moderate, depending on one's taste buds. For those on a budget, Arabic food is very affordable and can be obtained everywhere.

Arabic food generally consists of several general basic groups. Meat dishes will generally consist of lamb or chicken; beef is more rare and pork is never offered. Shwarma, which is cooked lamb meat with a special sauce rolled in piece of flat bread, is a local favorite. Rice and flat bread are typical sides to any meal. Jordan's specialty, mansaf, is a delicious lamb and rice meal, typically eaten with one's hands. Arabs serve plenty of cucumbers and tomatoes, many times accompanied by a plain white yogurt condiment. Another favorite is chick pea-based foods such as falafel, hummus, and fuul. One of Amman's most famous local foods restaurant is Hashem, located in downtown Amman. Nearby, there is Habeebah, which serves traditional east Mediterranean sweets such as baklava, but is most famous for serving a traditional dessert known as knafeh nabelseyyeh in reference to its origin from the Palestinian city of Nables.

• Fakhr al Din 40 Taha Hussein, st Jabal. tel: 962 6 4652399 [1] - when going from 1st to 2nd circle, turn left and you shouldn't be far. A real classical of Amman's lebanese-oriented restaurant. Quite pricy but worth it, especially if you're in the terrace on a warm evening. For local wine, try their "Gerasa" red wine. Reservation highly advised.

• Kan Zaman - impressive medieval castle on a hilltop turned into a beautiful restaurant. The place is worth the visit. The food is pretty basic but ok. Ask for their local "Kan Zaman" red wine. Hopefully, the prices are not proportional to the size of the hall. It's a bit difficult to get there as it is around 10 km south of amman. On the highway to the airport, you'll see a sign. Leave the highway, go under the bridge and follow the small road.

• Noodasia - my treat. Nothing to do with Arabic food though, as the menu handles the whole map of asia, from Thailand to China, through Japan (good sushis) and Indonesia. Nice place, excellent service and good food for the money, but no alcohol served. It's located on Abdoun Circle, in front of the Big Fellow pub.

• Books@Cafe - a beautiful old house turned into the then-first bookstore/internet/cafe. Opened in the year 2000 and a hot spot ever since. This cafe is located on Rainbow street overlooking all of the old city (Balad) and has two wonderful terraces with the best views in Amman. Boasting a very funky interior in contrast with the classical exterior, this cafe offers lite fare, water pipes (argheeleh), wine, beer and the best pizza in Amman. Free wireless network and three internet terminals. A must see.

• Popeyes - the best fast food restaurant in Amman. It serves the best fried chicken "cajun our way". But what makes it different than other fried chicken restaurants is its lovely mashed potatoes served with hot gravy sauce, makes you wanna swim in it. Also they serve a creamy cushiony baked biscuits. A must go place.

• Hashim - Near the post office at King Faisal Street, where most of the budget hotels are located, you can ask most of the locals for directions to this cheap local eatery. During meal times, the place is swarmed with locals, who are there to eat a cheap and good meal of felafel, hommous and bread. Cost is only about 1 JD per person (for felafel, hommous, bread and tea).

And even if you can afford the above-mentioned, do not forget the good surprises coming from the countless shawarma outlets and other very cheap places.

Amman is also known for all the jewelers that reside in the bustling metropolis.

[edit] Drink

The majority of Amman's pubs and night clubs can be found in West Amman.

• <drink name="Picadelli Pub" alt="" address="" directions="At Abdali Bus Station" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="DJ 3 for beer and wine">Friendly place that serves alcohol, food, and complimentary snacks</drink>

• La Calle - Located on Rainbow street, this multi-level bar is know for its half-price happy hour specials.

new and old downtown

[edit] Sleep

Amman has the full range of accommodation options from very basic 1 star accommodation to luxurious 5 star facilities.

[edit] Budget

• Bdeiwi Hotel - 8 JD for a double
• Al-Harmin Hotel - 7JD for double
• Cliff Hostel - 2 JD for mattresses on the terrace
• Amman Castle Hotel - 4.5 JD for a double; seems to be more catered to males and locals
• Palace Hotel [2], King Faisal St, Downtown - 22 JD (with shower & satellite TV), 13 JD (shared facilities) for a double with breakfast included.
• Sydney Hotel - Nice people, clean and safe. Prince Mohammad St, Downtown,tel +962 6 4641122,<mailto:sydney_hotel@yahoo.com> - - 10 JD for a single, 14 JD for a double. Breakfast is 2 JD

[edit] Mid-range

• Manar Hotel
• Toledo Hotel
• Ammon Hotel
• Days Inns Amman
• Howard Johnson
• Bristol Hotel
• Caravan Hotel

[edit] Splurge

• Four Seasons Amman [3], 5th Circle, Al-Kindi Street, Jabal Amman, tel 962 06 550-5555, fax 962 06 550-5556 - a wonderful luxury hotel located conveniently on the 5th Circle.
• Kempinski Amman [4], Abdul Hameed Shouman Street, Shmeisani, tel +962 6 5200 200, tel +962 6 5200 202 - a recent addition to the city: all the luxury of a 5 star with a number of interesting modern art features in the designer building.
• Intercontinental Amman - [5]another hotel popular with foreign professionals. Conveniently located between the 2nd and 3rd Circles.
• Le Royal Hotel Amman [6], 3rd Circle, Zahran Street, Jabal Amman, tel 962 06460-3000, fax 962 06 460-3002 - Simply the best hotel in Amman.
• Sheraton Amman - another five-star. Conveniently located on the 5th Circle.
• Radisson SAS - a decent hotel located only a short ride from the 3rd circle.
• Le Meridien Amman [7]- a superb hotel located in the Shmeisani district, not far from the 4th circle.
• Amman Marriott Hotel[8], Shmeisani Area Issam Ajluni Street, Tel: 00962 6 5607 607...Fax:00962 6 5697799

[edit] Stay Safe

Report to the Jordanian police any suspicious activity. In light of the 2005 Amman bombings, the Jordanian government is on alert for any terrorist cells operating within the country. Amman is safe at all hours for tourists and you find Amman to be very hospitable.

[edit] Veterinary Clinics

If you have your pet with you, you can visit VetZone Amman Veterinary Clinic. The best vet clinic in Amman according to tens of testimonials by loyal clients.

[edit] Respect

Jordan is mostly Muslim with a sizable Christian minority. Try not to say anything that might be considered an insult to King Abdullah II or Islam. Jordanians love their nation, religion, and ruler equally. Wear modest clothing.

[edit] Get out

Amman makes a convenient base for day trips to:

• Madaba
• Jerash (and Ajlun)
• the Dead Sea (including Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site at the Jordan River)
• Wadi al-Seer - A region to the west of Amman, it is a small valley leading down towards the Dead Sea. Nearby is the al-Bassa Springs, the source of the valley's river. Above the spring is the al-Deir monastery. It's a 20 minute climb up to the monastery. To reach Wadi al-Seer, head to the minibus station on al-Quds Street, just south of al-Husseini Mosque.

[edit] Resources

Orbach, Benjamin [9], Live from Jordan: Letters Home from My Journey through the Middle East. New York: Amacom Books, 2007.

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