Amman

Amman (Arabic: عمان ʻammān) is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (population c. 2.1 million). Amman forms a great base for adventuring the nation and does, despite popular belief, hold a few items of interest to the traveler. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveller, reasonably well-organized and the people are very friendly.

Although not seen as much when in the air over Amman and the city holds many surprises for the visitor. Anything can be found in Amman if one asks. Visit Amman's Roman Amphitheatre or study in the University of Jordan or stay in a luxurious hotel Shopping malls are abundant in Jordan. With new construction in Abdali, in a few years the high-end traveller could eat in the most high-end restaurant, study in the American University of Jordan, stay in a five star hotel or shop in massive malls, all a few metres from one another. Much less is being done to cater to the budget traveller, although urban beautification in the downtown (old town) is cleaning it up and making it more pedestrian-friendly.

Amman is experiencing a massive (some would say: reckless) change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis, some of whose neighbourhoods seem hell-bent on wanting to imitate Dubai. Amman's roads have a reputation of being very steep and narrow in some of the underdeveloped parts of the city but now the city has state of the art highways and paved avenues. The steep terrain and heavy traffic remains challenging for pedestrians and for the rare cyclist. Nice resorts and hotels dot the city and there are many things for the traveller to see and do. Use Amman as a staging point for travels to nearby city's and settlements in Jordan.

Introduction

A city built of white stone, Amman's growth has skyrocketed since it was made the capital of Trans-Jordan in the early 1920s, but mainly after the 1948 and 1967 wars with Palestine when hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees settled there. Another wave arrived after the second Iraq war, with Iraqi refugees forming the majority of newcomers.

An Ammonite-era watchtower in Amman, Jordan - Ammonite watchtower

Its history, however, goes back many millennia. The settlement mentioned in the Bible as Rabbath Ammon was the former capital of the Ammonites, which later fell to the Assyrians. It was dominated briefly by the Nabataeans before it became a great Roman trade center and was renamed Philadelphia. After the Islamic conquests, Amman became part of the Islamic Empire, until the Islamic Ottomans were forced out by the Allies, with the help of the Hashemites, who formed a monarchy that continues to rule until the present.

Today, West Amman is a lively, modern city. The eastern part of the city, where the majority of Amman's residents live, is predominantly the residential area of the working class and is much older than the west. While possessing few sites, Amman makes a comfortable base from which to explore the northwestern parts of the nation.

Amman is a very diverse city. Palestinian, Iraqi, Circassian, Armenian,and many other ethnic groups reside in Amman. Amman never stops growing.

Despite the common assertion that most Jordanians understand English, that knowledge is quite limited. Charmingly and the most commonly known English phrase seems to be "Welcome to Jordan". The only non-Arabic language used in signposting is English and you will find "Tourist Police" near the major monuments. It never hurts to know a few useful phrases and come prepared with a translation book, or to have the names and addresses of places you are going written in Arabic for use with a taxi driver.

Remember if you're Travelling during Ramadan|travelling during the holy month of Ramadan, it is almost imfeasible to buy food from sunrise to sundown even for tourists. Big shopping malls like City Mall don't let food stores like McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Sunset and Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) sell food during these hours.

Travel to Amman

Travel by plane to Amman

Most travellers to Amman (and to Jordan) will arrive via

Queen Alia International Airport IATA Flight Code: AMM Very occasionally, regional or charter flights use Marka Airport, centrally located in east Amman a few kilometers beyond the train station.

See the Jordan#Visa|Jordan Halal Travel Guide for comprehensive and complete visa details.

Money exchange is available before passport control along with a single ATM (which doesn't take MasterCard); more ATMs are available after customs. This ATM might charge you an additional fee to your regular bank fees (up to 7 JD), so if you have to pay the 40 JD visa fee, you may want to exchange for it before you arrive. If you have bought the Jordan Pass (70-80 JD) online before arrival and the 40 JD are waived. For the Jordan Pass, you need to stay at least 3 consecutive nights in the nation.

At the immigration line you will pay for the visa at the first counter and then pass through to the second counter to receive the stamp. There is a sign informing you that payment is accepted by credit card, but some travellers report that this sign is inaccurate and you will be sent away to obtain cash.

Early arrival

If you have an early arrival flight and don't want to pay a full-day hotel for just 4 or 5 hr staying there, you can wait in the baggage claim hall at the airport. There are some 50 seats or so available - not too comfortable but acceptable.

Taxi

Taxi transportation from the airport to Amman should cost around 20 JD. Airport taxi fares are fixed. The fare is only fixed from airport to city: the taxi driver might try to secure a ride from you from the city back to the airport, often with a massive inflated price. It is not hard to get a ride from city to airport for 20 JD. If the driver is trying to charge more, make your stand and say no.

Uber and Careem operate in the city and while the fare is around 15 JD, rides have to be caught upstairs at the departures level.

Bus

The Airport Express bus runs around the clock every 30-60 minutes between 06:30 and 00:00 and costs 3.30 JD. As of February 2019 there are also buses leaving at 01:00, 03:00 and 05:00 (as well as 02:00 and 04:00 if there is enough demand for them). Thit is contrary to info posted online. It leaves from a marked bus stop outside Terminal 2 only. The trip from the airport to Tabarbour bus station in Amman, with a stop at the 7th Circle (after 20-30 min), takes from 45 minutes to an hour. The route is: QAIA - 7th Circle - Six Circle - Fifth Circle - Fourth Circle - Housing Bank Complex - North Bus Station.

From the 7th Circle the bus will turn east and go another several of 100 m towards the center (probably until the 4th Circle) - get off when it turns north again. It is then feasible to catch a taxi (1-1.5 JD) from the bus stop to your hotel but beware of taxis drivers trying to rip off the newly arrived traveler. Or just walk the last 1-2 km.

Post office

There is only one post office and no postbox in the airport, in arrivals hall of Terminal 1 near the Lost and Found office. If closed, you can put your letters and postcards under the curtain.

The Abdali bus station is now closed; however, as of October 2022, JETT ("Jordan Express Tourist Transport", a bus operator) still has its office ( JETT bus office, Abdali GPS 31.9666,35.909947) in the Abdali area, on King Hussein street and many JETT buses leave and arrive directly outside the office.

The new bus station is called Tabarbour Bus Station GPS 31.994708,35.919719 and is in the northern fringes of Amman. Most of the buses to the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and the various city's ('Ajloun, Jerash, Irbid) in Northern Jordan arrive here, as do the buses from Madaba (1.20 JD, 1 hr, Oct 2023).

Coming from the south (Kerak, airport, etc.), non-tourist buses will go through the 7th circle GPS 31.959436,35.857587 and even a little further into town from there.

From the bus station/stop, you can take a taxi to the town center. As a guide, it never costs more than 2 JD on the meter from the bus station to most places in town, so either go by the meter, or pay a maximum of 2 JD. From Tabarbour to downtown, take Serviis (a sedan vehicle that works like a bus) #6 to the Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha) GPS 31.953615,35.945861, which is next to the Colosseum. There are 2 Raghadan stations in Amman and the one near the Roman Theater (which is relevant to most Muslim visitors) is Raghadan Al Seyaha, make sure you tell the taxi driver this otherwise you will wind up at the wrong Raghadan station and will have to catch another serviis back! In the late afternoon, when everyone is trying to get into the city, it can be difficult to get a taxi to the city, mainly along the busy highway downtown.

Tourist buses will stop at the South Bus Station. Also and there are numerous buses pulling into the city of Amman operated by JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transport) which operates from the JETT office in Abdali. The JETT bus from the Palestinian_territories#Go_next|Palestinian border bridge costs 7.5 JD and takes about 1 hour. JETT also runs several buses per week from Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Baghdad (Iraq).

Bus services from Damascus are cancelled indefinitely due to the ongoing Syrian civil war.

Travel by train to Amman

Scheduled services within Jordan and to Damascus have been suspended by Hedjaz Jordan Railway and they are unlikely to resume. Train excursions run occasionally, as do local services to Zarqa. Neither operate more often than once per week, if at all. Amman's tiny, charming train station (Mahatta) with its museum is worth a look even if you do not (or cannot) take a train.

By taxi

A taxi from the Palestinian border crossing bridge can cost 25 JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use.

Transportation in Amman

Best way to travel in Amman by a Taxi

Yellow and grey taxis are readily available and can be easily found anywhere in Amman. Hail them in the street as Jordanians do. Taxis for Amman will have a green logo on the driver and passenger doors. The grey ones have an advertisement on top of the car. Resist hailing cabs with another color logo; these cabs are based in other city's and it is illegal for them to pick up fares in Amman. White taxis are shared and the driver can pick up other fares along the way, which can lead to confusion.

Taxis in Amman are required by law to use meters and most drivers will reset the meter as soon as a fare is picked up. Most trips within Amman should be under 2 JD and even a ride from one end of town to the other should not cost more than 5 JD. Taxis are not required to use meters after midnight and drivers often expect double the normal fare for late night trips.

Beware of drivers offering to give you a short ride "for free" as a "Welcome to Jordan", mainly if you're walking between the Citadel and the Roman Theater; they will then offer to wait for you to take you to your next stop and will use the "free" ride as an excuse not to start the meter. They will then charge you exorbitantly when you arrive at your next stop. Also, be wary of the private cars posing as taxis around the bus stands and stations. They will offer their services asking you to pay as much as you want but later on insist on pocketing more money from you. In case you get one, insist paying the standard price which should not be more than 2 JD, anything more is a rip-off.

The base rate for the taxi meter is 250 fils, however, some taxis may use old meters which charge 150 fils, it is legitimate for the driver to ask you for 10 extra piasters (100 fils) on top of the quoted meter fare. Make sure though that you note the initial fare as soon as the driver turns the meter on in order not to have the driver ask you for "the 10 piasters" when he has a new meter. Drivers are not normally tipped, instead the fare is simply rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 piasters. Many drivers do not carry much change, so exact change should be given when feasible.

If a driver is pretending he has no change, it is likely that he just wants to keep it, so that you'll have to pay more. If you mind this, ask the driver to find a nearby shop and get change or get the change yourself from a shop or (if you don't mind being rude) look into their money box to find the change yourself.

The going, negotiated rate for a taxi from Amman to the airport is 20 JD or more, although some drivers can be talked down to 15 JD or even 10 JD (which would be close to the metered rate). All taxis are allowed to take passengers to the airport; only special Airport Taxis may take passengers from the airport into town.

If you are visiting the Citadel, call it al'Aqal. The driver may try to convince you that the Roman theater is nicer so that he can drop you off there at the bottom of the hill. It's best to be dropped off at the Citadel and walk down the hill to the Roman theater.

Uber and Careem operate in Amman. Until May 2018 and they were illegal, but ride-hailing companies are now being licensed. In any case, it is still good etiquette to sit in the front seat, to make it less obvious that the driver is transporting a fare rather than just, say, a friend.

By vehicle rental

There are several automobile rental services located in Jordan some will even give you a driver for free if you book a vehicle rental with them. Some of these are Hertz, Sixt Rental Cars and National.

Big, municipal buses serve many parts of Amman. They are used by low-income workers, working-class youth and foreign workers, but are perfectly safe. As of January 2011 and the fare was 380 fils. Pay the exact fare (or overpay); bus drivers have no change! You can also load a bus fare cash card with a few JD and swipe the card past a reader as you enter the bus, but places to buy and recharge the card are rare. Most buses are numbered; some display their destination in Arabic only. Bus no. 26 conveniently travels between the old town (Balad) and the 7th Circle along Zahran Street. No. 27 goes from the old town towards the posh Abdoun neighbourhood. No. 43 passes near Shmeisani (as does no. 46) and continues along Mecca Street towards Mecca Mall. Many bus stops are marked by bus shelters, but buses also drop passengers at unmarked spots wherever it is safe to stop. Private shuttle vanes shadow the municipal buses. They do not display route numbers, but a conductor shouts out their destination.

Travel by bicycle in Amman

Bike tours are a good way to see the local scenery and meet local cyclists. There are a couple of bicycling tour firms in Amman.

Tareef Cycling Club It was established in 1982 and developed into an active group in August 2007 by a former Jordanian National Team cyclist. They provide fun active weekend cycling and hiking trips, supporting all levels of fitness all around Jordan.

Cycling Jordan Offers tours and weekly trips to the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea.

What to See

Amman Roman theatre - Roman theater in Amman AmmanCitadel - Umayyad Palace Mosque of the people of the Cave - Mosque of the people of the Cave

Although the capital of a diverse kingdom, Amman is not what one would call "packed" with things to see, making it a great gateway to explorations further afield. Even so and the city does hold a few items of historical and cultural interest (allow maximum 2 days to see them).

In the city

Amman Citadel - جبل القلعة, Jabal al-Qal'a | A national historic site at the center of downtown Amman. Its history represents significant civilizations that stretched across continents and prospered for centuries, as one empire gave rise to the next. Settlement at the Citadel extends over 7,000 years.
Jordan Archaeological Museum The museum hosts a small but interesting collection of antiquities from all over Jordan. Fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls which used to be housed here are now being transferred to the new National Museum of Jordan (see below).

Temple of Herakles Temple of Hercules (Amman) The Temple of Hercules010 Roman period remains.
Umayyad Palace In the northern portion of the Citadel, it offers a great view of Amman.

Byzantine Church Dating to the 5th-6th centuries.

Roman Theater Built during the reign of Antonius Pius, 138-161AD, this impressive theater could seat up to 6,000 people. Next to it are a folklore museum and a popular culture museum which the entrance fee also covers. Next to it is the Odeon theater, a smaller theater built at the same time. There are two small museums (Folklore and Popular Traditions) to the right and left as you enter.

Roman Nymphaeum A partly-preserved Roman fountain.

Ammonite Watchtower - Rujm Al-Malfouf | A circular watchtower built by the Ammonite kingdom some time between 500-1000 BC.

Rainbow Street Near the 1st Circle in Jabal Amman, thit is an interesting area to walk around and explore, it is named after the old Rainbow Cinema which is now out of use, but the area has experienced a revival with many of the old houses being restored and put into use, in the area there are some cafes and bars including @ and Wild Jordan, both with great views, a Caribbean restaurant, an Indian restaurant, a sushi joint and an ice cream shop. There is a hammam and the Royal Film Commission which sometimes holds outdoor screenings on its patio and some interesting small shops. Across the street from the British Council on Rainbow St. and there is the refreshing Turtle Green Tea Bar where everything is in English and you can borrow a laptop to access the internet while enjoying your Snacks.

Darat al Funun - The Khalid Shoman Foundation | The 'small house of the arts' in Jabal el Weibdeh, overlooking the heart of Amman, is housed in three adjacent villas from the 1920s (and the remains of a sixth-century Byzantine church built over a Roman Temple), it has a permanent collection and also holds changing exhibitions. In the same area there are other small art galleries and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.

Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts Situated in two separate buildings and in between a (open to the) public park of sculptures, it is showing international, contemporary art with a focus though on regional work.

The Jordan Museum - Jordan National Museum | Thit is a modern and impeccably maintained museum. Many of the artifacts from the fortress have been moved here. A great summary of Jordan's history. The entrance to the museum can be hard to find as the pedestrian entrance is sometimes closed so you must enter through the parking entrance. The current Google Maps location is slightly inaccurate: the museum and entrance are just south of the mosque.

Abu Darwish Mosque Built in the 1920s by a private donor called Hasan Mustafa Sharkas and situated on a hill, this mosque impresses through its black and white striped walls.

King Abdullah I Mosque King Abdullah I Mosque - Amman BW 29 - Impressive new mosque, with a church opposite. Together and they give an interesting view.

Al Bishara Greek Orthodox Church
Mosque of the people of the Cave
Royal Automobile Museum A collection of cars, from the 100-year-old royal dynasty vehicles, to modern sports cars, to the rover from the movie The Martian.

Around the city

Wadi al-Seer A region to the West of Amman, it is a small valley leading down towards the Dead Sea (Jordan) | Dead Sea. Nearby is the al-Bassa Springs and the source of the valley's river. Above the spring is the al-Deir monastery. It's a 20-minutes climb up to the monastery.

Iraq Al-Amir 15 kilometers from Wadi al-Seer and the Caves of the Prince GPS 31.917080,35.751076, close to Al Qasr GPS 31.912821,35.751980, are southwest of Amman and are great for a day tour.

Day trips can be done to the Desert Castles

Amra, Kharaneh and Azraq in the east, about 30-50 kilometers from Amman around the nearby city of Azraq.

Muslim Travel Tips

See the sunset from the view point near the Citadel. But pay also your attention to the time of the muezzin call. If you listen to it from the view point, where the whole city lies before you, you get the unforgettable acoustic impression.
Due to accelerated growth the past several decades and the styles of living differs considerably as one travels from east to west throughout Amman. Visitors desiring a more exotic and traditional experience should explore "Old Amman" and the central downtown, or Balad GPS 31.950181,35.934615, which features many souqs, shops and street vendors. Also known as the Souq with traditional sights and smells of the spice market and shop for authentic souvenirs. Take a walk through the narrow alleyways and corners and negotiate (haggle) the price with friendly vendors. A maze of streets with everything from a fruit market to spices, souvenirs, clothes, hardware. Drink a cool glass of Sugar Cane juice, watch the talented young men make artistic sand designs inside the glass bottles, go and smoke a shisha (hubbly bubbly) in any of the numerous street cafes. Enjoy some tasty falafel in the famous Hashem cafe, enjoy a mansaf dish at Jerusalem restaurant or a nice slice of tasty Kanafe from Habibeh sweets. Busy crowded streets with the real taste of Jordan.
Abdali, a section of downtown Amman, is being transformed into a modern center for tourists and natives. The plan includes a broad pedestrian boulevard where visitors can shop, eat, or do numerous other activities. New office buildings and residential hi-rises have been built and more are on the way. The massive, modern Abdali Mall draws Amman's young and monied.
The cultural scene in Amman has seen some increased activities, notably cultural centers and clubs such as Makan House, Al Balad Theater and the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative, Remall and Zara gallery. Around the 1st of September the Jordan Short Film Festival takes place.

Amman Waves Aqua Park and Resort - 15, Amman 00962 31.861532,35.888997 12 kilometers from the 7th circle along the airport road ☎ +962 6 412 1704 Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 Last updated: 2022The biggest water park in Jordan (80,000 m²), opened in 2004.

Study in Amman

There are many universities one can study in. Irbid, Madaba and Aqaba also hold many educational institutes for Foreign Muslims. Jordan's universities are world-famous and respected for their hospitality and methods of instruction.

Shopping

AmmanWakalatStreet - Wakalat Street

If it'sshopping you're after and then the pedestrian "Sharia'a Al Wakalat" (Brands Street) | type=buy GPS 31.957118,35.860740 offers a wide selection of international brand names to choose from. Furthermore and there are the City Mall|type=buy GPS 31.980525,35.837928, Jordan's biggest shopping mall and the older and huge Mecca Mall|type=buy GPS 31.977447,35.843481 aimed at women (walking distance from City Mall) and the Abdoun Mall|type=buy GPS 31.941529,35.880641 (also aimed at women) and the Park Plaza|type=buy GPS 31.958640,35.869306 and Baraka Mall|type=buy GPS 31.955336,35.866190, for those seeking indulgence and the odd US$500 to spare - all designer names. – all large shopping centers scattered across Amman.

Amman has numerous antique dealers littered throughout the city. Those in the Western parts of the city will most likely be served by those with a competent grasp of the English language, but you run the risk of the items being a bit overpriced.

AmmanClothesMarked - clothes market at bus station

Some interesting, original souvenir items that one may consider taking home are:

a keffiyeh and the traditional checkered headpiece of Jordanian men
an antique brass tea/coffee pot, distinctly Middle Eastern with its artistic etching and curved spout
olive wood carvings of various objects or figures can be purchase nearly everywhere
hand-crafted Jordanian daggers
hand-made Bedouin-style embroidered clothing
spices.

Also Rainbow Street is populated with small antique stores, clothing, restaurants, sheesha tea shops and the well-known Falafel al-Quds, reputedly the "best" falafel in the Middle East (some Saudis even financed the opening of one in Saudi Arabia). Further down the street you will find a small park that overlooks the city. Further still on a side street, during the warmer months, is a side-walk flea market. At the end of this street and down some stairs you will find Wild Jordan.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Amman

Amman features many different styles of restaurants, from traditional Middle Eastern fare to more familiar Western fast food and franchises. Prices range from ultra-affordable to moderate, depending on one's taste buds. For those on a budget, Arabic food is very affordable and can be obtained everywhere.

Arabic food generally consists of several general basic groups. Meat dishes will generally consist of lamb or chicken; beef is more rare and Beef is never offered. Shwarma, which is cooked lamb Meat with a special Sauce rolled in piece of flat bread, is a local favorite. Rice and flat bread are typical sides to any meal. Jordan's specialty, mansaf, is a delicious lamb and Rice meal, typically eaten with your hands. Arabs serve plenty of cucumbers and tomatoes, many times accompanied by a white ries/ Yoghurt Sauces. Another favorite is chick pea-based foods such as falafel, hummus and fuul.

One of Amman's most famous local foods restaurant is Hashem in the downtown. This restaurant is one of the favorites of the Royal family and you will see a lot of photographs of the Royal family of Jordan dining in this literal hole-in-the-wall. See the listing below.

In an alley off King Faisal St. is Habibah, which serves traditional east Mediterranean sweets such as baklava, but is most famous for serving a traditional dessert known as knafeh nabelseyyeh in reference to its origin from the Palestinian city of Nablus. 800 fils for a "half quarter kilo", which is enough for one person (Oct 2022). The original store is easy to spot with the long queue spilling onto the street: if you're just there for the food rather than the vibe, try the new extension that opened 100 m further up on King Hussein St.

Do not forget the good surprises coming from the countless shawarma outlets and other very affordable places.

Shawermat Reem , at the 2nd Circle - Last updated: 2022The best shawarma in Amman is found in this street-side kiosk. It is very famous and there are even lines at 02:00. It is very cheap.

Lebnani Snacks Thit is a great place to eat Middle Eastern sandwiches, delicious ice cream and cocktails.

La Maison Verte An impressive French restaurant, with excellent food and excellent ambience. A must go to place. Moderate to pricey, but it's worth it; the atmosphere alone is worth it, it's quite fancy yet very cozy. Their house specialities include "Entrecote", various Steaks and a variety of sea food.

Levant , Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle Behind Le Royal Hotel ☎ +962 6 46 28 948 A very comfortable restaurant with excellent service, excellent English and excellent food. They serve "gourmet" Arabic food, which means fresh local ingredients in surprising and delicious combinations. For more information you can view their website.

Cantaloupe 10 Rainbow Street, 1 Juqa Street - ☎ +962 7777 333 33 A fairly trendy restaurant and cocktail café with terrace impressively overlooking the city. Salads and fish are good, Steaks are excellent. Regional and local soft drinks are remarkably good. Service is excellent and unobtrusive. A little loud as the evening progresses.

Fakhr al Din - فخر الدين - 40 Taha Hussein, Street Jabal - when going from 1st to 2nd circle, turn right after the Iraqi embassy and then turn right at the end of this street, go past the lot on your left and then turn left again -- "Fakhr al Din" is written in Arabic on the wall of last building on the block ☎ +962 6 4652399 15-30 JD for a complete meal A real classical of Amman's Lebanese-oriented restaurant. Quite pricey but worth it, mainly if you're in the terrace on a warm evening. For local none-alcoholic drinks, try their "Gerasa" red soft drinks. Reservation highly advised. Great Muslim Friendly place, but beware of waiters who deliver unordered food to your table. Don't accept anything you don't order.

Noodasia , on Abdoun Circle, in front of the Big Fellow pub - Nothing to do with Arabic food, as the menu handles the whole map of Asia, from Thailand to China, through Japan (good sushis) and Indonesia. Nice place, excellent service and good food for the money, but no alcohol served.

@Cafe - a beautiful old house turned into the then-first bookstore/internet/cafe. Opened in 2000 and a hot spot ever since. This cafe is on Rainbow street overlooking all of the old city (Balad) and has two wonderful terraces with the best views in Amman. Boasting a very funky interior in contrast with the classical exterior, this café offers lite fare, water pipes (argheeleh), none-alcoholic drinks, organic juice and the best Pizzas in Amman. Free wireless network and three Internet terminals. A must see.

Grappa | , around the junction from Fakhr Al Din, close to 2nd circle ☎ +962 463 8212 10 JD for mains Restaurant and lounge café with great Steaks and good soft drinks.

Hashem , near the post office at King Faisal Street, where most of the hotels are near its intersection with King Hussein St. For 3 JD per person, you get the "mix" -- bowls of hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, fuul, fries, salad and pita During meal times and the place is swarming with local residents and tourists. Wash this classic Arab meal down with a glass of mint tea.

Ameer - across from the Hussien Mosque in the old city (Balad) The falafel sandwiches are affordable and delicious, 30 piasters. Ask for "shuta" (pronounced, shut-a, with the "a" as in "about", shuta means hot sauce) if you like it spicy. The falafel sandwiches come with French fries in them, tomatoes, parsley, onion and some hummus. You can also ask for a "batata" sandwiches (French fry sandwich). Jafra Restaurant & Cafe

GPS , Opposite the main post office ☎ +962 6 4622551-2 |fax= - . A quaint Lebanese restaurant that also offers Pizzas and shisha.

Kan Zaman , around 10 km south of Amman: on the highway to the airport, you'll see a sign; Leave the highway, go under the bridge and follow the small road - Impressive medieval castle on a hilltop turned into a beautiful restaurant. The place is worth the visit. The food is pretty basic but ok. Ask for their local "Kan Zaman" red soft drinks. Hopefully and the prices are not proportional to the size of the hall.

For the coffee lover, Amman'sStarbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) locations (Swefieh, Abdoun, Taj Mall, City Mall, Mecca Mall, Abdali Mall) offer various mugs, tumblers and to-go cups with distinctive Jordanian and Middle Eastern flair.

Those who crave gourmet coffee have a number of choices along Rainbow St. off of First Circle in Jabal Amman with other shops sprinkled throughout the city.

Alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, none-alcoholic drinks, drink), can be purchased in stores across the city. Most are distinguishable by an advertisement for Amstel or some like beverage outside. There are also bars up and down Rainbow St. in Jabal Amman and throughout Abdoun. Drinking age is 18 but some cafes and cafes might card you and admit 21+ clients only.

Jordan's national organic juice is aptly called Petra Beer there are many drink shops and kiosks around Amman where you can find it. There are two types: 'black' and 'red', which have 8% and 10% alcohol percentage respectively. The red is slightly more expensive than the black, but you should expect to pay 2-2.5 JD for a 500|ml|0 can at a shop. You will often find that bars prefer Amstel and other international brands and do not have Petra organic juice available.

For night clubs and bars visit the cosmopolitan West Amman where many Western and American franchises operate here. The nightlife in Amman is not as vibrant as other Middle Eastern city's like Beirut or Tel Aviv, however and there are a few clubs and bars in Amman.

Picadelli Pub - Piccadilly Pop | 31.959185,35.917745 At Abdali Bus Station - 3 JD for organic juice and Friendly place that serves fruit cocktails, food and complimentary snacks

La Calle 31.949441,35.930832 on Rainbow street - Last updated: 2022This multi-level café is known for its half-price happy hour specials.

AmmanDowntown - new and old downtown

Jafra Café | 31.952259,35.930714 across from the post office on King Faisal Street (near Hashems), it is upstairs from the DVD store of the same name A great spot right in the heart of the downtown area. It has an old, rustic feel to it with more young local residents than tourists. They have a great selection of nargileh (water pipe) and the entire menu is reasonably priced. Expect to pay about 10 JD for dinner, including an appetizer, Kebab, fresh juice and nargileh. Live music starts at 21:00 most night. There is another one near Paris circle in Jebel Al Webdeh.

Maestro Cafe 31.958266,35.921468 - Jazz and pub. There have been complaints about their entry policy.

The main places people who live in Amman spend time during the evenings are hookah shops.

Al-Mawardi - Al-Mawardi Coffee and Hooka Cafe | 15, Siqilya St. 31.973047,35.883996 South of Al-Rabia circle ☎ +962 6 5532010 5 JD for a coffee and hookah Coffee shop with traditional hookah, a wide selection of coffee and beverages. Offers Backgammon boards but no card games.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Amman

Amman July 29, 2023 - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Amman, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Amman. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Amman and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Amman. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Amman. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Amman: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Amman.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Amman: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Amman, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Amman.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Amman, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Amman, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Amman and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Amman, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Amman, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Amman without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Amman is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Amman.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Amman is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Amman, please contact:

Irwan Shah Bin Abdullah

Chief Technology Officer

eHalal Travel Group Amman

info@ehalal.io

Buy/Rent Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Amman

eHalal Group Amman is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Amman. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Amman.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Amman ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Amman. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and facilities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Amman, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Amman are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private facilities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Amman

Ramadan 2025 in Amman

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Most hotels and resorts in Amman do not offer Halal food, however you can order Halal groceries from eHalal Group if you are booking your stay with eHalal Hotels and we will deliver your halal food to the property you will be staying in Amman.

Amman has the full range of lodging options from very basic 1-star lodging to luxurious 5-star facilities.

Cliff Hostel | 31.952099,35.931989 in one of the alleys in the souq nearby the central post office -- there's a small and old sign - 2 JD for mattresses on the terrace, 4 JD dorm, 0.5 JD for shower An option for low budget travellers. In the winter it can get very chilly, make sure that you ask for more blankets. Sometimes they heat your room if you ask for that.

Farah Hotel Web: nfo/ @☎com.jo 6 King Ghazi Street 31.953011,35.932929 ☎ +962 64651 443 From 4 JD for a dorm Good backpacker option, has common area with satellite TV & movies, organises tours & very friendly English speaking staff.

Jordan Tower Hotel | 31.951787,35.937440 next to Roman Amphitheatre ☎ +962-6-4614161 From 9 JD incl breakfast and free WiFi Shared trips at reasonable rates to all tourist sites. Dorm rooms male & female - 2-, 3- & 4-bed rooms some with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning and satellite TV. Friendly English-speaking staff. Cheap light Snacks and airport pick ups.

Sunday Rise Hotel | sun-rise-@ 31.960391,35.918083 Abdali station, King Hussein Street Dorm from 3.50 JD, different rooms available from 8-20 JD (depending on the mood of the manager, so take care) One-star hotel with good location near Abdali station. Safe area, near Capitol Police Center. TV, free internet, free WiFi and air cond or fan in the room; rooms are very basic, those in the back are colder.

Sydney Hotel | sydney@ 31.951643,35.928304 Prince Mohammad St, Downtown ☎ +962 6 4641122 10 JD for a single, 14 JD for a double. Breakfast is 2 JD Nice people, clean and safe.

Normas Hotel | @☎com 31.952057,35.931636 King Faisal St. - in front of Hashem Restaurant, Downtown ☎ +962 6 465 1 465 10 JD for a single, 12 JD for a double Super friendly and helpful, clean and safe.

Zidian Hotel 31.949507,35.917273 - Single from 15 JD Wi-Fi, hot shower, great view from the rooms on the back side.

Palace Hotel | palacehotel8@ King Faisal St, Downtown 31.951155,35.933849 ☎ +962 6 4624326 30 JD (with shower & satellite TV), 18 JD (shared facilities) for a double with breakfast included

Canary Hotel | 31.957365,35.918823 on Jebel Amman near the Jett Bus Station - 30 JD for a double

Abbasi Palace Hotel | qaser.abbasi Saqf Al Sail at Quraysh st - Downtown ☎ +962 6 4611686 6 JD for a dorm, incl. breakfast 2011-06 noon Clean and well-run. Good staff, knowledgeable and helpful. Price includes breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and internet. Free tea.

Al-Harmin Hotel - 7 JD for double

Amman Castle Hotel - 4.5 JD for a double Seems to be more catered to males and local residents

Al Fanar Palace Hotel | Queen Rania Al Abdullah Street 31.997190,35.883748 North of downtown and West of Sports City ☎ +962 6 5100 400 60 JD Standard hotel with reasonable facilities. Wi-Fi in reception (3 JD/hour). Indoor swimming pool, restaurant (but no bar). You can easily take a taxi down the road to the Regency Palace if you want a café. Taxi cost is less than 1 JD. Hot water can be a problem.

Beirut International | King Hussein Street 31.964055,35.913299 Near the Abdil bus station - 70 JD, but you can get a discount noon Good location, nice big rooms, including middle eastern breakfast.

Beity Rose Suites Hotel - Ibn Hayyan Street 31.978127,35.902089 Near the Specialty Hospital ☎ +962 6 5663706 +962 6 5663703 from 85 JD Check-in : 14:00 / Check-out: noon

In the progressive neighborhood of Shmeisani, next to the Royal Cultural Centre and the Amman Stock Market. Friendly hotel in an attractive setting.

Crystal Suites Hotel - Al Kindi Street 31.962517,35.882766 Fifth Circle ☎ +962 6 5692672 50 JD with breakfast noon Nice suites hotel in a prestigious area opposite to the Four Seasons and Sheraton, comfortable for short and long stays, mainly one and two bedroom suites, some studios

Gardenia Hotel - gardeniahotelindex.com.jo Abdulhameed Sharaf Street 31.980387,35.893298 near Safeway ☎ +962 6 5667790 45 JD with breakfast noon Friendly hotel in nice and very quiet neighbourhood

New Park Hotel | King Hussein Str 31.955952,35.931460 opposite the old court - Two-star hotel offering rooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air-con and central heating.
Bristol Hotel 31.958867,35.876406 near to 5th Circle Very good hotel if you can put up with the ever present smell of cigarette smoke (even in the non-smoking rooms). Wireless internet works well.

Four Seasons Amman - 5th Circle, Al-Kindi Street 31.961682,35.881035 ☎ +962 6 550-5555 +962 6 550-5556 A wonderful luxury hotel

Grand Hyatt Amman - Hussein Bin Ali Street, Jabal Amman 31.955751,35.909864 in the business neighborhood at 3rd Circle ☎ +962 6 465 1234 Check-in : noon / Check-out: 15:00 A favorite of the expat set for its laid back ambiance, terrace views and quality restaurants.
Intercontinental Amman | 31.953282,35.914017 located between the 2nd and 3rd Circles - Another hotel popular with foreign professionals.

Kempinski Amman | Abdul Hameed Shouman Street 31.968419,35.897367 ☎ +962 6 5200 200 All the luxury of a 5-star with interesting modern art features in the designer building.

Amman Marriott Hotel - 31.973074,35.905800 Shmeisani Area Issam Ajluni Street ☎ +962 6 5607 607 +962 6 5697799
Le Meridien Amman | 31.970155,35.905903 in the Shmeisani neighborhood, not far from the 4th circle

Regency Palace Hotel | Queen Alia Street 31.976102,35.906491 ☎ +962 6 5607000 - Popular 4-star hotel Some areas need updating, but rooms are comfortable. There is a very good breakfast buffet. Internet access is available in the rooms.

Le Royal Hotel Amman - 3rd Circle, Zahran Street 31.953334,35.908759 ☎ +962 6 460-3000 +962 6 460-3002
Sheraton Amman | 31.960596,35.880181 on the 5th Circle - Another five-star.

Cope in Amman

Stay Safe

Compared with other capital city's, Amman is a very safe place to visit. Jordanian police and the military maintain a tight grip on law and order. Personal safety is high in Amman - it is safe to walk anywhere in the city at any time of day or night. Serious crime is extremely rare. In 2005, some major hotels were targeted by bombers (connected with the conflict in Iraq). Security measures at all major hotels were increased as a result.

Embassies & Consulates in Amman

Many details can also be found here: Web:

Australia - Embassy of the Commonwealth of Australia. Visitors address: 3 Yousef Abu Shahhout, Deir Ghbar - ☎ +962 6 580-7000 +962 6 5807001{{flag|Belgium
Belgium Jabal Amman, 4th Circle (near Prime Ministry), Saad Juma Street 17 - ☎ +962 6 465 57 30 -

{{flag|Canada

Canada Web:

China (People's Republic of) | Web: {{flag|Czech Republic

Czech Republic | Web:

Egypt | Web: {{flag|Europe

Delegation of the European Union to Jordan - Delegation-@ Al-Ameerah Basma Street, North Abdoun 31.957179,35.881250 ☎ +962 64607000{{flag|France
French Embassy - 40 Rue Al Mutanabbi, Jabal Amman 31.953888,35.904199 ☎ +962 64604630
Germany Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Visitors address: Benghasi 25, Jabal Amman 31.955371,35.890236 ☎ +962 6 593-0351, +962 6 593-0367, +962 6 593-1379, +962 79 553 4261 (emergency mobile) +962 6 592-9413
Greece | 7, Suleiman Youssef Sukkar Str. - ☎ +962 6 592 2724, +962 6 592 2725, +962 777 230 260 (Emergencies) +962 6 592 7622

{{flag|Hungary

Hungary A Magyar Köztársaság ammani nagykövetsége. Visitors address: Abdoun, Jaqoub Ammari Str. 13. - ☎ +962 6 592-5614 +962 6 593-0836

Indonesia - @ 13 Ali Seedo Al-Kurdi Street, Sweifieh Amman - ☎ +962 6 5926908, +962 6 5926798, +962 7791 50407 +962 6 5926796

Iran | Web:

{{flag|Italy

Italy info Ambasciata della Repubblica Italiana. Visitors address: Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Hafiz Ibrahim 5 - ☎ +962 6 463-8185 +962 6 4659730

{{flag|Netherlands

Netherlands amm-@ Abu Bakr Siraj Al-Din Street 3 - ☎ +962 6 5902200 -

{{flag|Norway

Norway | Web:

Philippines -

Russia (22) Zahran St. 3rd Circle, Jabal - ☎ +9626 464 1158, +9626 464 2532 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 08:00 - 14:00

{{flag|Sweden

Sweden | Web:

{{flag|Switzerland

Switzerland -

Türkiye | ☎ +962 6 464 1251 +962 6 464 2353

{{flag|United Kingdom

United Kingdom - Abdoun - ☎ +962 6 5909200 +962 6 590 9279

USA - Response@ Response@ Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St. - ☎ +962 6 5906000 +962 6 5920121

Where to go next

The bus stop at the 7th circle is less than 100 m south of the circle. This stop serves the airport, Madaba (0.75 JD), Kerak and others. The small yellow "airport express" labeled bus is easily recognized and the driver will also stop on other places if you wave at him. To reach the 7th circle from downtown take bus 41 or any headed to Wadi As-Seir and ask to be dropped of at Dawaar As-Saabe'a (7th circle). Many buses going by the 7th circle also take a turn at the 4th circle coming from Trababour Bus Station.

The Trababour Bus Station serves all destinations to the north and to the Western border. To get from downtown, take Serviis (a sedan vehicle that works like a bus) #6 from Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha) which is located right next to the Colosseum. The Trababour Bus Station is the last stop on the Serviis' route.

Many hotels like Palace or Farah organize day tours for about 16-18 JD which seems a sensible price, but they do not include entrance fees which could be important. These tours are open to people who don't sleep at the hotel Classical tours are Jerash, Ajlun, Um Qais, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Baptism site, Dead Sea and Castles.

Madaba Just 45 min away and known as the 'City of Mosaics' for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, mainly a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of Palestine and the Nile delta at St. George Church. 0.75 JD by bus from the 7th circle.
Jerash (and Ajlun (Ajloun) Castle) An ancient Roman City. Besides Petra and Wadi Rum and the most famous site in Jordan. 1 h, 0.75 JD from Trababour Bus Station. Get off right before the Hippodrome, 1 km before the bus station and enter down the side road through the museum. A private taxi from Amman can be hired for 8-10 JD one-way. Expect to pay as much as 40 JD for a return trip and taxi driver staying on site while you look around. Ajlun Castle is only a short side trip from Jerash, either by bus from the junction south of the Hippodrome or by Taxi.
Umm Qais A town north, close to the ruins of the ancient Gadara. Best reached by (rental) vehicle or taxi.
Dead Sea (Jordan) | Dead Sea Mt. Nebo (1 JD) and Jesus' Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) on the Jordan River are crucially on the way, so consider them as well if you have your own vehicle or taxi. The Dead Sea Amman City Resort is about 20 JD with free showers and swimming pools, but no lockers, towels or mud. Taxi services for travel to the Dead Sea can be purchased for the day 20 JD if you hail a cab from downtown, down town hotels charge 35 JD for the same service. There are a handful of bus lines that also run from Amman on a daily basis. Bus from Mujaharin bus station to Rame costs 1 JD. A taxi from Rame to Amman Tourist Beach 4 JD or less. JETT offers a daily shuttle from Amman (7th circle) to the Dead Sea and back for 7 JD oneway.
Petra

The most famous site in Jordan. JETT buses, both ordinary and all-inclusive guided tour, connect via the fast (but boring) Desert Highway. It leaves at 6:30 from the JETT bus office at Abdali and in 3.5 hr you'll get to the bus station not even 5 minutes from the entrance of Petra. At 17:00 the JETT bus takes off again to go back to Amman. The price is 8-10 JD one way. Time tables of the JETT Bus: Also, from the South Bus Station Petra can be visited by tourist buses: they tend to leave when they are full, from 08:30 onwards (3½ hr, 4-5 JD). Another option, go via Ma'an (7 JD) into Wadi Musa (0.5 JD) (town of Petra). Furthermore, for 75 JD or less (depending on how much you haggle) you may be able to get a private taxi from Amman to Petra and back, including the driver waiting around for 6 hr.

King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) and border The border crossing from Jordan to West Bank is King Hussein Bridge (called Allenby Bridge in but using this name in Amman is likely to cause perplexion or even hostility). The JETT bus to the border costs 11 JD (as of October 2022), departs once daily around 06:30 from the JETT office at Abdali and takes about 1 hr. A taxi to the border crossing bridge can cost 25 JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. Though the KH/Allenby Bridge crosses from Jordan to the West Bank and the checkpoint on the Western side is operated by and plan your travel documents accordingly. Also bear in mind that the border can be closed with relatively little warning, mainly if the security situation in the Gulf countries Bank escalates. Once at the border crossing, you must switch to another bus (operated by JETT, 7.5 JD [Oct 2018 on its own, plus extra for luggage; or included if you have bought the 11 JD [Oct 2018 ticket from Amman) to cross over the bridge, pass through the checkpoint and then take a bus or shared taxi to travel onwards on the Israeli settler side. Exiting the Israeli settler border building, transport to Israeli settler destinations is more or less outside the entrance and for Palestinian destinations turn right and go to the red buses. Expect travel from Amman to the old city of Jerusalem to take at least 3 hr.
Syria

There were two operators (on of them called Challenge) each providing two daily services to Damascus (Sumariya-Terminal) from Amman for SYP500 (SYP50 student discount). The tour took at least 4 to 5 hr, depending on border formalities. However, considering the current situation in Syria, it is not recommended you head into this direction.