amman, jordan
A dynamic capital with a historical heritage
Often neglected by travelers to the Middle East, Amman is a lively city bustling with cafés, galleries, and commerce, that is definitely worth a visit. Alongside with its dynamic spirit, Amman features some significant historical sites dating back to the Roman Empire and makes a perfect base for day-trips to the surrounding areas.
where to eat
For an inexpensive lunch have hummus and falafel at Hashem then go to the near Habibah and try a knafeh, the typical cheese pastry soaked in syrup. Take in the authentic atmosphere at Jafra Café, where you can have good quality food among the locals smoking nargile and sipping tea. For a change of scenery, head to Rainbow Street to enjoy the hipster side of Amman: choose from a great selection of teas at Turtle Green Tea Bar or have a premium coffee at Strada Caffé.
what to do
Immerse yourself into Ammam's loud and hectic Downtown district and its incredible mixture of traffic, voices, and music. Pass by Husseini Mosque and enter Souq Al-Sukar, the city’s main fruit and vegetable market, to have a chat with some of the friendly vendors. Seek tranquility on the bleachers of the Roman Theatre like the locals do, and use the opportunity to visit the adjacent Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions and learn about traditional customs, clothing, and jewelry. Don't miss a stroll in Rainbow Street, the hip part of town, with its numerous cafés, antique shops, and art galleries. Then, climb up to Jabal al Qal’a, the Citadel Hill, where you will find the National Archaeological Museum alongside the ruins of the Temple of Hercules and of Umayyad palace, an early-Islamic complex. Enjoy the panoramic view over the hills of Amman, especially at sunset, when the call of prayer is echoing and flocks of pigeons start chasing each other in the vermilion sky.
day-trips
Given that several sites of interest lie within a ray of fifty kilometers from Amman, the city makes a great base to discover the surrounding areas. A good idea is to combine a visit to the old town of Madaba, famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, with a float over the Dead Sea; while a trip to the Roman ruins of Jerash can be matched with a stroll in the old Ottoman capital of Salt.
Often neglected by travelers to the Middle East, Amman is a lively city bustling with cafés, galleries, and commerce, that is definitely worth a visit. Alongside with its dynamic spirit, Amman features some significant historical sites dating back to the Roman Empire and makes a perfect base for day-trips to the surrounding areas.
what to do
Immerse yourself into Ammam's loud and hectic Downtown district and its incredible mixture of traffic, voices, and music. Pass by Husseini Mosque and enter Souq Al-Sukar, the city’s main fruit and vegetable market, to have a chat with some of the friendly vendors. Seek tranquility on the bleachers of the Roman Theatre like the locals do, and use the opportunity to visit the adjacent Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions and learn about traditional customs, clothing, and jewelry. Don't miss a stroll in Rainbow Street, the hip part of town, with its numerous cafés, antique shops, and art galleries. Then, climb up to Jabal al Qal’a, the Citadel Hill, where you will find the National Archaeological Museum alongside the ruins of the Temple of Hercules and of Umayyad palace, an early-Islamic complex. Enjoy the panoramic view over the hills of Amman, especially at sunset, when the call of prayer is echoing and flocks of pigeons start chasing each other in the vermilion sky.
where to eat
For an inexpensive lunch have hummus and falafel at Hashem then go to the near Habibah and try a knafeh, the typical cheese pastry soaked in syrup. Take in the authentic atmosphere at Jafra Café, where you can have good quality food among the locals smoking nargile and sipping tea. For a change of scenery, head to Rainbow Street to enjoy the hipster side of Amman: choose from a great selection of teas at Turtle Green Tea Bar or have a premium coffee at Strada Caffé.
day-trips
Given that several sites of interest lie within a ray of fifty kilometers from Amman, the city makes a great base to discover the surrounding areas. A good idea is to combine a visit to the old town of Madaba, famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, with a float over the Dead Sea; while a trip to the Roman ruins of Jerash can be matched with a stroll in the old Ottoman capital of Salt.