Amman Uncovered: Jordan’s Modern Soul with Ancient Roots

Remo Bernardini
Jun 13
4 min read

Welcome to Amman – A City That Lives in Two Worlds

Perched atop seven storied hills, Amman is where ancient civilizations meet contemporary cool. One moment you’re sipping Arabic coffee in a sleek gallery café, the next you’re walking on centuries-old Roman stones. It’s a city that doesn’t just wear its history—it lives and breathes it.

Forget the idea of Amman as just a pit stop on your way to Petra or Wadi Rum. Jordan’s capital is a full-on experience—one part archaeological treasure chest, one part buzzing modern metropolis. From its souks and street food to its museums and mosques, there’s magic at every turn.

🏛️ Top Attractions in Amman

Let’s dive into the can't-miss places that make Amman unforgettable:

1. Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal’a)

Sitting high above the city, this ancient site is a literal timeline etched into stone. Here you'll find Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins—including the Temple of Hercules, a massive hand sculpture (thought to be his), and the haunting remains of an 8th-century palace.

👉 Pro Tip: Time your visit for golden hour—you’ll get fewer crowds and the most jaw-dropping views of the city.

2. Roman Theater

Tucked into the hillside downtown, this 6,000-seat amphitheater was built in the 2nd century AD—and it’s still in use! Concerts, plays, and cultural events bring this historic venue to life.

👉 Pro Tip: Climb to the top tier (yep, it’s a hike!) for the best panoramic views of Old Amman.

3. Rainbow Street

A favorite with locals and travelers alike, Rainbow Street is all charm—lined with cozy cafes, quirky shops, art galleries, and rooftop lounges. The vibe? Boho meets Levantine elegance.

👉 Don’t Miss: Grab a lemon-mint drink at Wild Jordan Café and catch the sunset over Amman’s rolling hills.

4. King Abdullah I Mosque

With its iconic blue dome, this mosque is one of the city’s most striking buildings—and it's open to non-Muslim visitors too. It’s a peaceful spot to learn about Islamic culture and Jordanian heritage.

👉 Heads-Up: Dress modestly. Scarves and robes are available at the entrance if needed.

5. Downtown Souks (Al-Balad)

This is the heartbeat of Amman—chaotic, colorful, and completely captivating. Meander through spice stalls, gold shops, and street-side bakeries wafting out the scent of warm knafeh.

👉 Sweet Tip: Try the famous Habibah Sweets—their knafeh is legendary and comes with a cult following.

🍽️ What to Eat in Amman: A Culinary Crash Course

If food is your love language, Amman will steal your heart—and possibly your waistband.

🥙 Mansaf – The National Dish

Lamb slow-cooked in fermented yogurt sauce, laid over rice and flatbread, and topped with pine nuts. It’s rich, bold, and deeply Jordanian.

📍 Try it at: Sufra Restaurant or Tawaheen Al Hawa

🧆 Falafel & Hummus

Simple? Sure. But when it’s done right—like at Hashem Restaurant, where royalty and backpackers dine side by side—it’s unforgettable.

📍 Open since 1952 and always packed. No frills, just flavor.

🍲 Zarb, Maqloubeh, and Shorbat Adas

Want a deeper culinary dive? Try zarb (a Bedouin-style underground BBQ), maqloubeh (the famous upside-down rice dish), or lentil soup served with warm bread.

👉 TraveLab Tip: Join our Flavors of Amman food tour and taste it all—from street stalls to rooftop dining with a view.

🕰️ When’s the Best Time to Visit Amman?

Timing can make or break your trip. Here's a breakdown to help you plan smart:

🌸 Spring (March–May): Ideal weather, blooming hillsides, and a lively vibe.
🍁 Autumn (Sept–Nov): Cooler temps and perfect for alfresco dinners.
🔥 Summer (June–Aug): Hot but manageable—great for deals and fewer crowds.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, with occasional rain. Quieter and more local.

✨ Unique TraveLab Experiences in Amman

Want to go beyond the usual tourist path? We’ve got you covered with hand-curated, local-led experiences:

✅ Private Citadel Sunset Tour – Includes wine, a local historian, and live oud music.
✅ Amman at Dawn Photo Walk – Watch the city wake up and catch perfect shots with a pro.
✅ Jordanian Cooking Class – Learn to make mansaf and mezze in a cozy family kitchen.
✅ Rooftop Crawl: Amman by Night – Sip cocktails under the stars with panoramic views.

🤝 Why Explore Amman with TraveLab?

We don’t just show you Amman—we help you feel it. With our insider knowledge and handpicked guides, you'll see the city's soul, not just its sights.

What Makes Us Different:

✅ Thoughtful, conscious travel experiences
✅ Custom itineraries for every travel style
✅ Crew-friendly scheduling for airline staff
✅ Carefully selected hotels, restaurants & local gems

📩 Ready to fall in love with Amman? Let’s plan your Jordan adventure—message us now and let’s get your custom itinerary rolling!

🧳 FAQs About Visiting Amman

Q: Is Amman safe for tourists?

Absolutely. Amman is considered one of the safest cities in the Middle East. Like any big city, just use common sense and stay aware.

Q: Can you drink alcohol in Amman?

Yes, you’ll find bars, rooftop lounges, and even craft beer spots. But public drinking is a no-go, so keep it classy.

Q: Do I need to speak Arabic?

Not necessarily. Many Jordanians speak English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. A few Arabic phrases go a long way though!

🎒 Is Amman Worth Visiting?

100% yes. Amman might not flaunt itself like some other global capitals, but give it a little time—and it’ll reveal a personality that’s layered, lived-in, and completely irresistible. It’s not just a gateway to Jordan’s wonders—it is one of them.

From sizzling street food and sweeping cityscapes to ancient ruins and modern art, Amman is where Jordan’s past and future hold hands—and you’ll want to be there to see it.