Tourism Jordan: 5 Things To Do In Amman

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is also the country's largest city. Located in the heart of the Fertile Crescent, this city is one of the oldest in the region and its origins date back to biblical times. We have selected 5 things to do there.

1- Visit the Citadel of Amman

The country's capital and largest city, Amman is usually the starting point for any trip to Jordan. In this city at the crossroads of history and modernity, there is no shortage of tourist attractions.

Among the 5 things to do there, you can start by visiting one of the Jordanian capital's most iconic monuments: The Citadel of Amman. Built more than 3,500 years ago by King Hammurabi, this citadel sits on a hill to the east of the city.

It is one of the must-see places to discover the capital as it offers a breathtaking view of the city center and is home to several important archaeological sites such as the Temple Dome dating back to the 2nd century BC.

The Citadel is also home to the Jordan Archaeological Museum and King Hussein's Palace which was once the seat of Jordan's government.

2- Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town

Another way to discover Amman is to stroll through the narrow streets of the old city. In the old quarters, some of the cobbled streets date back centuries and give a glimpse of the cultural and architectural heritage of the capital.

Don't hesitate to get lost in the city's historic neighborhoods, such as the Jabal Amman and Jamal Weibdeh neighborhoods.

This is one of the 5 things to do there to get a feel for the city. You'll find monuments like mosques and churches as well as stores, restaurants and cafes.

3- Discover Islamic art at the Jordanian Museum of Fine Arts

Jordan's capital is also known for its many museums, including the Archaeological Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Jordanian Museum of Fine Arts. A visit to the latter museum is one of the top 5 things to do there, especially if you are curious about Islamic art.

This museum, which is housed on the campus of the Jordan University of Science and Technology, features collections of art from different cultures in the Middle East and the world.

But it is particularly renowned for its collections of Islamic art, some of which date back to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods.

You can also admire works by contemporary Jordanian, Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese artists. Modern and contemporary art enthusiasts can moreover complete their artistic journey with a visit to the Amman National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art or MJNACC.

4- Go to the souk and eat there

The Amman Souk is one of the oldest and largest markets in the Middle East. Visiting this market is one of the top 5 things to do there, especially if you are keen to taste Jordanian specialties and have an authentic culinary experience.

This market offers an incredible variety of food products and restaurants. This makes it THE place to be for foodies and foodistas looking for local dishes like kofta (spicy meatballs) or rice dishes.

5- Shopping at Rainbow Street

Finally, you can't leave the Jordanian capital without taking a stroll down Rainbow Street, one of the most popular shopping streets in downtown Amman.

On this bustling street, there are many stores and galleries with something for every budget. Rainbow Street is also a good spot if you are looking for local fabrics and jewelry to bring back as souvenirs from your trip.

If you're feeling peckish, there are plenty of cafes, bars, pubs and street markets offering local and international dishes, as well as Turkish coffee and desserts.

To complete your shopping, you can also go to United Nations Square. Many handmade products representative of Jordanian handicrafts are sold here, such as jewelry, paintings and carpets.