Choose from 23 Fun Things to Do in Amman
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Qusayr Amra
Qasr Amra earned itself UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1985 because of its famous frescoes, and it’s one of Jordan’s most renowned desert castles. Built near a wadi of pistachio trees during the reign of Walid I in around AD 711, restorations by a group of Spanish archaeologists in the 1970s unveiled floor-to-ceiling frescoes that caused the powers that be at UNESCO to describe the castle as a “masterpiece of human creative genius.”
Built from limestone and basalt, from the outside Qasr Amra doesn’t look particularly special. And then you enter. Greeted by frescoes of cherubs and hunters, nude women bathing, and all kinds of scenes of wine drinking, the racy images are a world away from typical Islamic art. Look up at the ceiling of Qasr Amra’s main dome to see an accurate painting of the zodiac, still remarkably well preserved after 12,000 years.
Practical Info
Fifty-three miles from Amman and 16 miles from Azraq on the north side of Hwy 40m, you can visit Qsar Amra by car or hire a taxi from Azraq. There’s an onsite visitor center where you can collect your ticket, which costs JD 2 and which is valid also for the desert castles Qsar al-Azraq and Qsar Kharana. Qsar Amra is open 8am-6pm from May to September, and from 8am-4pm October to April.
Address: Al - Azraq, Jordan
Admission: 2 JD
From $ 34
Madaba Map
Located in Madaba, the 19th-century Greek Orthodox St. George Church is home to the famous Madaba Map. This sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map is believed to have been created in 542 AD, making it one of the world’s oldest biblical maps. It features imagery of the Holy Land depicted in ornate tiles and was originally made to encompass about 51 feet by 19.5 feet.
The map features more than 150 Greek inscriptions and shows locations like Jericho, the Dead Sea, Palestine, the Nile Delta, Karak and the focus of the map, Jerusalem. Today it’s about one-third its original size, although it is still in excellent condition and worth a visit. It’s said that Muslims once damaged the maps in places where Islam was portrayed as an apostate religion due to offense taken by the fact that the map depicts Jesus as God’s son. The map was unearthed in 1894 AD, and St. George Church was then built over it to act as its protector. Today visitors can see what remains of this beautiful piece of art and history up close. Since its rebirth, the map has not only enthralled church visitors, but has also helped scientists and researchers discover new landmarks and better understand historical topography.
Practical Info
St. George Church is located about 45 minutes from Amman. Photos can be taken inside St. George Church, so you’ll be able to snap pictures of the famous Madaba Map. From Amman, Madaba can be reached via Highway 35 (the King’s Highway). St. George Church is free to enter, and it is open from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Saturday. It opens later on Friday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Address: St. George Church, Madaba, Amman, Jordan
Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Saturday. It opens later on Friday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
From $ 34
La Storia Complex
La Storia Complex, located just over a mile (2 kilometers) from Mt. Nebo, offers visitors a quirky overview of the culture, religion, history and heritage of Jordan. The museum portion of the complex comprises a series of dioramas (some of them animatronic) depicting mostly Biblical scenes, starting with Noah’s Ark and continuing through the parting of the Red Sea, the birth of Jesus and the Last Supper. Other scenes show what life was like in a traditional Bedouin village, with animatronic villagers performing day-to-day tasks.
Also of interest is the onsite HandiCrafts Centre, where you can buy handmade mosaics, furniture, carpets, Dead Sea products, scarves, shawls and Bedouin jewelry, much of it made by local artists with special needs. Another section of the museum has been reserved to house what could turn out to be the largest mosaic mural in the world, set to measure 98 feet (30 meters) long and 20 feet (6 meters) tall.
Practical Info
La Storia Complex is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Address: Mount Nebo, Jordan
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
Admission: Admission: JD2
From $ 106
Raghadan Palace
In Amman’s old quarter, Raghadan Palace was the first of many Crown properties to be built in the Royal Hashemite Court compound. Designed by Lebanese architect Saadedinne Chatella and built in 1926 as the residence of King Abdullah I and his family, the ornate palace is designed in traditional Islamic architecture style, with stained glass windows inspired by Jerusalem’s iconic al-Aqsa Mosque. Built from stone sourced from the Jordanian town of Ma’an, Raghadan Palace is also famous for its ornate woodwork and Throne Room ceiling fresco.
Renovated in the 1980s after a fire, you may recognize the Throne Room from the newspapers: it’s where King Abdullah II hosts royalty and Heads of State like Barack Obama for important meetings and ceremonies.
“Raghadan” means “the very best life,” and the palace even has its own galleried prayer hall, al-Maar al A’la, on the ground floor. Basman Palace, the offices of the current king, is also in the court compound, as is Al-Qasr Al-Sagheer where Queen Rania works from. Just outside the palace, you’ll recognize the Raghadan Flagpole — standing 416 feet tall, the flag can be seen from 12 miles away, making it one of the tallest flagpoles in the world.
Practical Info
In Amman’s old town, Jordan’s royal court is close to the railway station near Marka Airport.
Address: Amman, Jordan
From $ 75
Ajloun Castle
Built atop the ruins of a monastery between 1184 and 1188, Ajloun Castle (Qala’At Ar-Rabad in Arabic) sits on Jabal Auf hill overlooking the countryside in the north of Jordan. Arab general Azz ad-Din Usama, Saladin’s nephew, oversaw its construction in part to protect the region from Crusader expansion and to safeguard iron mines in the nearby hills. The fort was enlarged in 1214 but largely destroyed by Mongols in 1260. It was rebuilt almost immediately, and while earthquakes have twice caused significant damage, ongoing restorations have kept the castle in much the same condition as it stood in the 13th century.
During the Crusades, the hilltop fort was one in a series of beacon and pigeon posts that allowed messages to be transmitted from Damascus to Cairo in a single day. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the fort served as a garrison for Ottoman troops, and in 1812, when it was “discovered” by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the vasy castle was occupied by a single, 40-member family.
Today Ajloun Castle houses a small museum with artifacts from its long history. Visitors can climb to the top of several towers for sweeping views of the Jordan Valley all the way to the Dead Sea.
Practical Info
The walk to the castle from town is steep and tiring, so consider taking a taxi from Ajloun.
Address: Ajlun, Jordon, Jordan
From $ 39
Royal Automobile Museum
A huge draw for car enthusiasts, the Royal Automobile Museum displays more than 70 classic cars and other vehicles, many of which are from the personal collection of King Hussein. Not just about the cars themselves, the museum looks at who drove them and the events they were a part of, making the museum a point of interest to those interested in history and the royal family too.
Each car has a full explanation of its type, and model, plus the year it was made, its engine power, and the occasions it was used for. In addition to grand classic cars, the Royal Automobile Museum also has various types of motorcycles and racing cars on display.
A trip to the Royal Automobile Museum can be combined with visiting the Jordan Museum, King Abdullah Mosque, the Roman Theater, Rainbow Street, and the Citadel, either on a private six-hour tour or a longer sightseeing tour with lunch included.
Did You Know? A replica of what was thought to be the first car officially presented to the world can be found at the museum. It was built in 1886 by Karl Benz, the father of Mercedes-Benz.
Practical Info
The Royal Automobile Museum is located in King Hussein Park, near to the King Hussein Medical Center in the northwestern suburbs of Amman. If not visiting as part of an organized tour, the best way to reach the museum from downtown Amman is to take a taxi.
Address: King Hussein Park, Amman 11953, Jordan
Hours: 10am-7pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: JD5 (Includes audio guide)
From $ 52
King's Highway
Running north-south along the squiggling spine of the Dead Sea rift, a road trip along the King’s Highway from biblical Madaba to Petra is to journey along a 2,000-year-old trade route bursting with history. Check out the Crusader castles at Karak and Shobak, and the ancient town of Madaba. Pop into Roman forts and visit a Nabataean temple. Or if you’re more into nature, Jordan’s Dana Nature Reserve is famous for its hiking, and in April the region is known for its black irises. Then there’s Wadi Mujib. Reaching nearly 1000 meters downwards, it’s known as the Grand Canyon of Jordan, and the King’s Highway crosses its upper reaches.
Not really a highway but more of a quiet, country road with amazing views around and alongside its 280-km route, you’ll get a glimpse of rural life in Jordan as you drive between the villages which collect at the top of the mountains.
Practical Info
Stretching 280 km, no public transport runs the length of King’s Highway, but you can always charter a taxi for the day, join a day tour, or even rent a car and make the trip last 4 or 5 days.
Address: Amman, Jordan
From $ 34
Amman Citadel
Modern, buzzy Amman does a better job than Damascus or Jerusalem of hiding its ancient origins, but Philadelphia (to give the city its original Roman name) does have some notable antiquities.
Foremost among them is the Amman Citadel, built on the summit of Jebel al-Qala'a, the highest of Amman’s seven hills. It has had an extraordinarily long life as a fortress, with evidence of Bronze Age usage, while the remnants of a Roman site, including the Temple of Hercules, are still very much in evidence. This Citadel has also been a royal residence, as indicated by the ruins of the 8th century Ummayad palace, with its largely intact domed audience hall built on the site of a Byzantine basilica.
Foremost among them is the Amman Citadel, built on the summit of Jebel al-Qala'a, the highest of Amman’s seven hills. It has had an extraordinarily long life as a fortress, with evidence of Bronze Age usage, while the remnants of a Roman site, including the Temple of Hercules, are still very much in evidence. This Citadel has also been a royal residence, as indicated by the ruins of the 8th century Ummayad palace, with its largely intact domed audience hall built on the site of a Byzantine basilica.
The Citadel makes a great vantage point over the rest of the city, an especially impressive sight at sunset or at evening as the lights twinkle on Amman’s sloping hills.
Practical Info
The best option for reaching the top of Jebel al-Qala'a from central Amman is to take a taxi; you can always walk down again.
Address: Amman, Jordan
From $ 31
Madaba
Like a number of sites in the region, Madaba was mentioned in the Bible. It subsequently became a Roman provincial town and had its apogee under the Byzantine Empire. It is to that era that the town owes its chief treasures – its mosaics.
The must-see site in town is the Church of St. George, now a Greek Orthodox basilica, home of the enormous Madaba Mosaic Map. The map, with its richly-detailed rendering of Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem and other holy sites, was only rediscovered in 1894 and has since been brilliantly restored.
The must-see site in town is the Church of St. George, now a Greek Orthodox basilica, home of the enormous Madaba Mosaic Map. The map, with its richly-detailed rendering of Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem and other holy sites, was only rediscovered in 1894 and has since been brilliantly restored.
Madaba’s biblical significance makes it an important place of pilgrimage, while it is also home to a thriving Christian community, living in harmony with the Muslim majority.
Madaba is within easy reach of Amman; approximately half an hour by taxi or minibus. While there be sure to visit nearby Mount Nebo.
Address: Jordan
From $ 88
Aqaba
As Jordan’s only coastal city and a busy seaport, Aqaba makes a popular stop for cruise ships and a scenic base for exploring Petra and Wadi Rum, encircled by desert mountains and fronting the glistening Red Sea. Recent developments have seen a string of luxury resorts spring up along Aqaba’s coastline, along with the manmade lagoons of the Ayla Oasis Project, which also boasts a marina, golf course and shopping complex, but the town’s main draw is still its natural assets.
Aqaba’s warm waters mean that it’s possible to swim almost all year round and the 5 public beaches form part of the Aqaba Marine Park—a top destination for scuba divers with its expanse of colorful coral reefs and more than 507 species of fish.
Practical Info
Aqaba is located on the southwestern coast of Jordan at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea.
Address: Aqaba, Jordan
From $ 94
Roman Ampitheater
Dating back 18,000 years to the reign of Antoninus Pius, Amman’s restored Roman Theater is a popular visit on any trip to Jordan’s capital. Carved into the northern side of a hill that held the city’s necropolis, its position was designed to shield spectators from the sun.
Big enough to fit an audience of 6,000, as you wander the huge arena you’ll notice that the seating is split into three tiers, or diazomata: the lowest seats, closest to the action, would have been reserved for the ruling class. The middle seats were for the military, and the top seating, known as “The Gods,” would have been reserved for the general public. Head down to the stage and you’ll see how easily your voice carries. The top tiers would have heard everything!
In summer, you can see Amman’s Roman Theater come back to life with regular sporting and cultural events in July and August especially. You can also visit the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions on the right side of the amphitheater, which displays items related to traditional Jordanian life such as Bedouin tents and looms. Just to the left of the theater is the Amman Folklore Museum, where you can see displays of traditional costumes, jewelry, and facemasks.
Practical Info
Five minutes’ walk east of downtown, and just downhill from the Citadel, tickets to Amman’s Roman Theater cost 1 JD, and this includes entry to both onsite museums.
Address: Al Mudaraj, Amman, Jordan
Admission: 1 JD
From $ 24
Jordan Archaeological Museum
This rather rambling but fascinating museum is perched on the Citadel Hill in Amman, just northwest of the Temple of Hercules. Built in 1951, the Jordan Archaeological Museum displays artifacts in chronological order from archaeological sites all over Jordan, dating from prehistoric times to the 15th century.
A stand out attraction is the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of 972 texts from the Hebrew Bible that were discovered in the 1940s. You can also see ancient sculpture, preserved skulls and rhinoceros teeth that date back 200,000 years.
Also housed here are several jewelry and coin collections and ancient items of daily life such as pottery, glass, flint and metal tools. Inscriptions and statuaries are also on display.
A stand out attraction is the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of 972 texts from the Hebrew Bible that were discovered in the 1940s. You can also see ancient sculpture, preserved skulls and rhinoceros teeth that date back 200,000 years.
Also housed here are several jewelry and coin collections and ancient items of daily life such as pottery, glass, flint and metal tools. Inscriptions and statuaries are also on display.
Address: Amman, Jordan
Hours: Open Sat - Thurs 8:00am - 6:00pm, Fri 9:00am - 4:00pm
From $ 24
Petra
The stone city of Petra was carved into Jordan’s red rock cliffs more than 2,000 years ago. Once a Roman trading stop and stronghold of the Nabataean Arab kingdom, Petra is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological destinations.
The Basics
Petra is a highlight of the Middle East, renowned for its astonishing cliff-bound monuments and Greek-influenced architectural style. Thanks to the city’s Hollywood portrayal in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Petra rose to international fame and is now one of Jordan’s most-visited attractions. Travelers usually approach the site through the long and narrow Siq, a chasm that opens up on the magnificent Treasury—Petra’s most-photographed building. Within the winding mountain ravines you’ll also find tombs, an 8,000-seat amphitheater, and the triumphal arch of the Temenos Gateway.
While it’s possible to catch Petra’s highlights on a day trip from Eilat, Jerusalem, or Amman, there’s enough to see to warrant a multi-day stay. Petra is often included on longer tours of Israel and Jordan that typically include visits to Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, depending on the length and option chosen. For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Petra is a must-see for adventure travelers and archaeology buffs.
- Visitors can opt for a 1-day or 2-day pass for entrance into Petra.
- It gets hot in the Jordan desert; don’t forget to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
- Remember to dress respectfully in loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs and shoulders.
- Petra tours from Eilat, Jerusalem, and Amman can last up to 12 hours.
How to Get There
Petra is 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Jordan, near the town of Wadi Mousa. It takes roughly 20 minutes to walk from town to the archaeological site. A guided day tour is the most convenient way to get there, but Wadi Mousa can also be reached by JETT bus from Amman or Aqaba. Transportation by taxi is also an option.
When to Get There
Plan to arrive at the main entrance first thing in the morning to explore the site before crowds begin to arrive. Spring and autumn offer the best weather, with warm days and cool nights. Expect temperatures over 100°F (38°C) in summer.
Petra Monastery Hike
While the Treasury ranks as Petra’s most famous structure, the Monastery is just as impressive and often much less crowded, due in part to the strenuous hour-long hike necessary to get there. Those who brave the journey up some 800 rock-cut steps are rewarded with a chance to explore Petra’s largest carved monument. The path up to the Monastery sits mostly in the shade during the afternoon.
Address: Jordan
From $ 48
Pella
The ancient city of Pella, one of Jordan’s most underrated attractions, is also one of the country’s most important archeological sites. Humans have been living in and around Pella continuously for more than 6,000 years.
Among the ruins in the area are the remnants of a Greco-Roman theater, a Chalcolithic settlement dating back to the fourth millennium BC, Byzantine churches, Bronze and Iron age walled cities and early Islamic residential neighborhoods. Excavations in Pella have been ongoing since 1979, and there are still countless sites left to be excavated.
Practical Info
The ruins of Pella can be seen on a day trip from Irbid, Amman or Jerash.
Address: Pella, Jordan
From $ 69
King Abdullah Mosque
Stunning King Abdullah Mosque was built between 1982 and 1986 as a memorial to the late King Hussein’s Grandfather, His Majesty As-Sayyid Abdullah I, King of Jordan.
A fine example of modern Islamic architecture the mosque is capped by a magnificent blue mosaic dome, beneath which 3,000 Muslims can offer prayer at any one time. Inside the dome are verses from the Quran, along with a chandelier also inscribed with Quranic verses. A red carpet represents fertile land and its patterns direct people towards Mecca.
There is a small museum inside with a collection of pottery and photographs of His Majesty King Abdullah I. Visitors to the mosque are welcomed but should remember to remove shoes and dress modestly.
A fine example of modern Islamic architecture the mosque is capped by a magnificent blue mosaic dome, beneath which 3,000 Muslims can offer prayer at any one time. Inside the dome are verses from the Quran, along with a chandelier also inscribed with Quranic verses. A red carpet represents fertile land and its patterns direct people towards Mecca.
There is a small museum inside with a collection of pottery and photographs of His Majesty King Abdullah I. Visitors to the mosque are welcomed but should remember to remove shoes and dress modestly.
Address: Jordan
From $ 106
Jerash
In ancient times, the Roman town of Gerasa grew rich from iron ore as well as agricultural products which flourished in this comparatively lush temperate region. This wealth in turn endowed the town with architectural treasures: the unique oval Forum, Hippodrome, Amphitheater, Agora, and the proud columns of the Temple to Artemis. The majestic Hadrian’s Arch dates from the eponymous Roman Emperor’s visit, an event which signaled the town’s importance.
Not long after the spread of Islam into the area, Gerasa was devastated by an earthquake and for centuries lay buried in sand. This accounts for the remarkable state of preservation in this, one of Jordan’s most important Roman sites. Significant sections of all the above-named sites can still be seen next to the modern town of Jerash, as well as colonnaded streets and city walls which precisely delineate the town’s contours, giving a vivid sense of life in an ancient Roman town.
Practical Info
The remains of Gerasa are adjacent to the modern town of Jerash, 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Amman and accessible by bus or taxi.
Address: Jordan
From $ 39
Qasr Azraq
Located about an hour east of Amman, Qasr Azraq is a desert fortress created by the Romans back in 300 AD, although the structure in its current form was built in 1237 by the Mamelukes. The exact location of Qasr Azraq (meaning Blue Fortress) in the center of the Azraq Oasis was chosen strategically; this area is the only water source for over 7,000 miles. One of the fortress’ striking features is its color – the local basalt gives it an atypical black hue, which is where it’s believed the fortress gets its name, as it can appear blueish at certain times. Flanking an expansive courtyard and mosque are long walls with inspiring towers, and the site’s huge door is a sight on its own; the structure is made completely of heavy stone (hinges included) and can be a challenge to open. The whole thing weighs three tons.
While the design is impressive, most visitors head to Qasr Azraq to learn about Thomas Edward Lawrence (also known as Lawrence of Arabia) and Sherif Hussain bin Ali, who stayed in the fortress during the winter of 1917 when the Arab Revolt against the Turks went on. Lawrence wrote about staying at Qasr Azrqa in his book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and more can be learned from the movie, Lawrence of Arabia. Visitors to the fortress can see the room he stayed in here.
Practical Info
There are no set visiting hours for Qasr Azraq, as Nader, the caretaker, is there to escort visitors inside as they arrive. The site doesn’t have much signage, so it’s worthwhile to hire Nader (a blood relative of someone who fought alongside Lawrence of Arabia) as a guide, which can be done for a small negotiable fee. There is also a restaurant at the site serving lunch and dinner.
Address: Qasr Azraq, Amman, Jordan
Hours: There are no set visiting hours.
From $ 34
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is 817 meters (2,680 feet) above sea level, and thus more than 1km (0.6 mi) above the neighboring Dead Sea. It is a site holy to both Christians and Jews: Moses is said to have died on or near the mountain some time after God had showed him the Holy Land from its summit.
You can still enjoy the prophet’s view today – gaze out over the sea lying under a saline haze, the ancient city of Jericho and, if you’re lucky, all the way to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. On Siyagha (one of the mountain’s twin peaks), you can see the remains of mosaics from a Byzantine monastery.
Practical Info
Mount Nebo is near both the Dead Sea and Madaba, and can be included on a day trip from Amman to either or both of those places. The nearby village of Khirbet al-Mukhayyat (Nebo in the Bible) contains more mosaic treasures.
Address: Jordan
From $ 69
Rainbow Street
Once known as Abu Baker al Siddiq Street, this popular destination is a one-stop strip for travelers looking to experience the beauty, diversity, history and culture of Amman. Rainbow Street is home to international council buildings, major businesses, roof top bars and dozens of restaurants. Several significant historical sites, like the residence of King Talala and the home of former military commanders are also located nearby.
Travelers say this central location is the ideal spot to grab an evening meal on a visit to Jordan, and the perfect place to smoke some shisha surrounded by travelers and locals alike. Visitors say women should be mindful of how they dress, as a more conservative culture can result in unwanted attention for those who show too much skin.
Practical Info
Rainbow Street is located in the historic area of Jabal Amman, near downtown. It runs between First Circle and Mango Street.
Address: Rainbow Street, Amman, Jordan
From $ 31
Qasr Kharana
A true “desert castle” near the Saudi Arabian border, Jordan’s Qasr Kharana sits two storeys tall over the desert plain. Built in the early Umayyad period 13,000 years ago, the purpose of the 60-room monolith is unclear — its design shows that it was never a fort, and it’s not on a trade route so it’s unlikely to have been a caravanserai either. It’s most likely that Qasr Kharana was a meeting space for Damascus elite and local Bedouin tribes. Whatever it was, the thick-walled limestone building remains imposing even today.
Excellently restored in the 1970s, its location in the barren desert makes Qasr Kharana one photogenic place. As you explore the upper rooms set around the large courtyard with a rainwater pool in the middle, look out for ancient Arabic graffiti. Just inside the entrance, learn more about Qasr Kharana from the interpretive plaque which is in both English and Arabic.
Practical Info
Sixteen km west along Hwy 40 from Qusayr Amra, Qasr Kharana is run by the Jordanian Ministry of Antiquities, and its visitor center has a permanent display on local history. Admission costs JD 2, which includes entry to the desert castles Qsar al-Azraq and Qsar Amra as well.
Address: Amman, Jordan
Admission: 2 JD
From $ 69