| 4 mins read
With a history reaching back 9 millennia, Amman has quite literally seen it all. From sprawling Neolithic settlements to remnants from the early Bronze Age, visitors to the Jordanian capital city can step back in time to experience what life was like over 8,000 years ago. But don’t picture Amman as just some ancient, outdated city; with an equally inviting contemporary side, over 5 million tourists from all over the globe flock to this eclectic destination each year. What are some things to expect during your visit?
Touring Ancient Amman
Most annual visitors pour into Amman and Jordan to experience its rich historical sites. The most famous of Amman’s ancient sites is undoubtedly the Citadel. Over 7,000 years old, this fortified hilltop complex houses the Roman-era Temple of Hercules, 5th century Byzantine Church, Umayyad Palace/Mosque and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. A great place to learn more about the history of Jordan and the Citadel, the Archaeological Museum houses artifacts and remnants discovered all over the country (including Amman) from prehistoric times to the 15th century.
Your Amman tour guide will list the nearby Roman Theatre is another must-visit Amman attraction, dating back to the 2nd century AD. The largest Roman Amphitheatre in Jordan, this complex was able to hold 6,000 people in its prime and was the heart of the city’s entertainment. One of the most recent additions to Jordan’s historical attractions is the newly built Jordan Museum. Housing an elaborate archaeological collection (including the Dead Sea Scrolls) and exhibits on Jordan’s history and the royal family, the new Jordan Museum is said to be the city’s best.
Exploring the Contemporary Side of Amman
Amman’s contemporary attractions range from upscale hotels, spas and shopping to art galleries, mosques and more. A tour of the Royal Automobile Museum is always a favorite stop in Amman, displaying the royal family’s elaborate collection of autos used throughout the past century. The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts is another excellent modern stroll, exhibiting some of the best works of art from both Jordan and neighboring Arab countries. Get a glimpse into Jordan’s religious side with a visit to the King Abdullah I Mosque, Grand Hussein Mosque (Al-Husseni Mosque) and striking Abu Darwish Mosque.
For those looking to get a bit of shopping done during their stay in Amman, the downtown area’s Gold Souk is famous worldwide for its huge selection (and amazingly good prices) on gold jewelry, while the pedestrian-friendly Wakalat Street is the best place to head for clothes and western-style shops. Abdali Boulevard, Rainbow Street and City Mall are also some good spots to go for shops, cinemas, cafés, restaurants and more.
Relaxing in Amman
Thanks to its upscale image and royal atmosphere, Amman dazzles with opulent hotels, resorts and world-class spas. Most high-end hotels offer spa services, state of the art fitness centers and beautiful swimming pools, though private gyms, sports complexes and other modern facilities are available all throughout Amman as well. A Water park and King Hussein National Park offer fun diversions for all age groups, while the evenings see modern nightclubs as well as traditional Arabic music and dance establishments providing entertainment options. A popular wellness activity for visitors to Amman is spending a day at the Hammam. A Turkish-style communal bath, these luxurious bathhouses offer cold, warm and hot tubs as well as soaking, scrubbing and massage therapies (gender segregated). There’s truly no better way to unwinding from a day of Amman tourism than enjoying a few hours in the local Hammam!
Getting Out
Amman is not only home to a large number of local attractions but is close to many popular day trips in Jordan as well. From Madaba’s Byzantine mosaics and Jerash’s Greco-Roman ruins to the remedial waters of the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum’s lunar landscapes, visitors to the capital will have no shortage of things to do inside or outside the city promising enthusiastic sightseers a memorable stay!
