A city that has recently opened up to international tourism, rich in history, culture and folklore. A place in the making for a journey that will surprise you!
La Jordan has always been famous for Petra and desert landscapes, but for some years also there capital Amman has opened to international tourism and you will be greeted by many smiles and welcome greetings. Amman is an agglomeration of houses of the same color, trumpeting cars and the most diverse faces. You will find history, culture and folklore there. Here 5 things you absolutely cannot miss in Amman.
1. The Citadel
On the highest hill in Amman, Jebel al-Qala'a, there is the Citadel. Here the first settlements of theBronze Age, the Hellenistic temples and the Byzantine palaces. The ticket to visit the site is included in the Jordan Pass and in a couple of hours you can take a leap into the oldest history of Amman. The most spectacular points are the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad palace complex, residence of the Arab governor of the city: it will be fun to get lost among its remains and imagine its grandeur. On the Citadel there is also a small archaeological museum that will help you better understand what you have seen outside.
2. The Roman Amphitheater
Also thanks to your Jordan Pass you can enter the imposing Roman amphitheater in Amman. Amphitheater and forum are located in downtown Amman and are still places lived and frequented by locals, so do not imagine an empty archaeological site, but a living part of the capital. Climb the steps, admire the view and then visit the folklore museum and that of traditions: they are included in the entrance ticket and are very characteristic. Then stroll around the square just like an ancient Roman did and Amman residents still do today.
3. The Jordan Museum
To conclude your historical visit of the city of Amman, you cannot miss a visit to the most important museum in Jordan. Its collection has been enriched over the years by the Neolithic statues of 'Ain Ghazal, the rolls of Dead Sea and a copy of the Mesha stele. The museum is easily accessible from the city center and the visit will take you a couple of hours.
4. The souk and the falafel
Amman is not only culture but also good food and lots of shopping. In downtown, the shops alternate between spices and perfumes, between Dead Sea mud and traditional clothes. Each area of the city specializes in certain products: in the Mango souk you can find clothing and linen, the souk el-Sagha is the right place if you are looking for jewels, while at the souk el-Atareen you will have a wide selection of aromatic herbs and herbal remedies. In between shops, stop by Hashem's falafel on King Faisal Street. The place is spartan and cheap, always full of tourists and locals, the food is excellent and suitable for all palates.
5. Rainbow street
For an alternative and trendy night out, head to Rainbow Street, not far from downtown. It is a street overlooked by shops and restaurants, a meeting point for the young people of the city. On Fridays, however, the Jara souk takes place, the open-air craft market. To end the day, dine in Sufra restaurant, where the royal family often goes.
Amman is a capital in the making, like all of Jordan, and awaits you with open arms.
