Top 7 attractions in Amman, the capital of Jordan
Unfortunately, this charming, bubbly city rich in historical attractions is not yet that popular among tourists, but hopefully soon it will be become popular with tourists as well, since it is an amazing place to see.
Most visitors skip Amman when traveling to Jordan, preferring to visit the sights of Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, and the Dead Sea. I think that in order to get to know the diversity, history and culture of the country, you must visit the capital as well.
Before traveling here, it is worth buying the so-called Jordan Pass, which includes the cost of a visa and entry to most attractions. Its current price is 99 USD - but if we only bought the visa and exchanged for a one-day Petra entrance, it would be 126 USD, so no matter how you look at it, it's worth it!
Accommodation can also be found at a relatively good price, for the two of us it was 150 euros for 3 nights with breakfast in a hostel, with our own (not shared) bed and bathroom, in the city center next to the famous Rainbow street. There are many restaurants, bars and hookah bars here, at least you don't have to go far in the evening.
You should know that Amman is very safe and the locals are very helpful and kind. For example, when we were wandering around the street with a map in hand, a local man came to help us and took us by car to the destination we were looking for, and he didn't ask for anything, he was just happy to be able to talk to foreigners.
Amman is too big to walk around, and the city is on 17 hills, so it's a challenge to get around on foot, but we can use uber or its local version. Let's go!
I am only listing the attractions, because it would be very difficult to make a real top list, because each one is interesting for different reasons.
1. Souk - visit a local market
Life is always exciting and colorful in the souk - in the market. Let's visit one by all means. Especially when we start to get hungry. The smell of dried fruits and syrupy sweets almost emanates from the market, which starts next to the King Hussein Mosque.
The locals also shop here, beautiful vegetables, fruits, fragrant spices, cheeses, sweets, olives, salty seeds and many other delicacies are available here. Needless to say, of course we did some shopping and had lunch.
2. Amman Roman Theater
The II. The Roman theater in Amman, built in the 18th century, is an unmissable sight! Performances are sometimes held in the theater that can accommodate six thousand people to this day. It is interesting that the theater is oriented to the north, so that the sun does not shine into the eyes of the audience. No matter how difficult it may seem, it is worth climbing up to the very last row, from there you can see the entire theater and imagine what it was like in the past. The auditorium is also a great place to comfortably eat the snacks you bought at the market!
The Jordan Pass is also good here. The kindness of the locals is also shown by the fact that, of course, I left both of our cards at the hotel - which I found out at the checkout. I told them what the situation was and I wanted to pay for the entrance fee, but they wouldn't let me, they told me to go inside. It is not often to experience something like this in Europe.
3. King Abdullah I Mosque
My favorite! I admit, I came to this trip a little unprepared, and I saw this mosque from the car and immediately decided that I had to stop here. It turned out to be a great decision, because it is the only mosque in town where non-Muslim visitors are welcome.
The mosque is relatively new, it was completed in 1989, it can accommodate seven thousand worshipers at a time, plus another three thousand can fit in its garden. Its dome is 35 meters in diameter, which is not supported by any columns. Quotations from the Koran were carved on its inner wall.
Of course, you can't go in here in short sleeves, but they gave me the proper clothes right away at the entrance. On the way out, they wanted to sell everything to the gift shop, of course, but I only bought a fridge magnet. (I only bring home a magnet and a maximum of one mug from my travels - but they didn't know that :) - plus my memories, this is an old rule :) 20 years ago I was buying all the plush camels and the coffee sets, and every unnecessery things but after a while I started to be overwhelmed by useless things , and it had to stop.
4. Amman Citadel
Most tourists will definitely visit this place, as it offers the most amazing view of the city. This hill is one of the seven (Jabal Kala) on which the city was originally built.
Here are the ruins of the temple of Hercules, the remains of which are also monumental. One wonders how they were able to build something like this 1,800 years ago.
In addition, we can also admire the Byzantine basilica - what's left of it, and the ancient cistern - that is, the water reservoir system, which was capable of storing up to 1000 cubic meters of water!
5. Falafel - the most famous falafel in the city, at the Hashem restaurant
Attention falafel fans! An unmissable place!
Since 1952, it has been open for visitors in an almost unchanged form. Don't think about anything elegant, we can sit on plastic chairs, on the street, between two buildings, there is no menu, but everyone knows what to order. Falafel of course! I also asked for some hummus to go with it, that's for sure! You can choose from several types of food, but the restaurant is vegetarian. I think I ate everything until the last crumb, it was very delicious!
6. The Royal Automobile Museum
You don't have to be a fanatical car fan to enjoy this museum - I'm not either, but I really liked it! The special collection presents the cars of the royal family from the 1910s to the present day. Each car has a history, it is worth reading the descriptions, they are very interesting. Few people know that the late King Hussein, who died in 1999, was a keen and talented car racer. He won about half of the races he entered.
7. The view
Since - as I already mentioned - the city is built on hills, don't miss an opportunity to enjoy the view. Fortunately, we also had a fabulous view of the city from the roof terrace of our accommodation, we even saw the Citadel while drinking coffee. You don't need a better place for breakfast!
I hope I have inspired you to explore the Jordanian capital, Amman!
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Top 7 attractions in Amman, the capital of Jordan
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