A modern capital built on seven hills, Amman blends an ancient citadel, a Roman theatre, lively souks and the trendy cafes of Rainbow Street. Here's how to enjoy it in 2 days and head out to Jerash and the Dead Sea.
Amman at a glance
Population
4 M
Airport
QAIA (AMM)
Ideal stay
2 to 3 days
Budget / day
โฌ40-150
Flight Paris
~4h30 direct
Time diff
+1h / +2h
Current climate
Best season
In brief
A capital best seen on foot and by car
The historic center is walkable, but the residential hills require a taxi or ride-hail. Count 2 full days.
The ideal base for day trips
Jerash, the Dead Sea, Madaba and Mount Nebo are all under 90 minutes away. Amman works as your northern base camp.
Downtown and the hills, two worlds
The downtown teems with souks and food stalls. The western districts (Abdoun, Weibdeh) gather cafes, galleries and restaurants.
Modest dress appreciated
Amman is relaxed but conservative. Cover shoulders for religious sites, headscarf for the King Abdullah Mosque.
The Jordan Pass changes the math
It covers entry to the citadel, Jerash and Petra, and waives the visa fee if you stay more than three nights.
Must-see
Temple of Hercules, Umayyad palace and a panoramic view over the white city.
A 6,000-seat amphitheatre carved into the hillside in the 2nd century, still in use.
Amman's working heart: spice stalls, falafel joints and the fruit market.
Pedestrian street in Jabal Amman: cafes, designer shops and easygoing nightlife.
Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ain Ghazal statues, among the oldest in the world.
Iconic blue dome, open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times.
Bohemian hills, art galleries, specialty cafes and Amman's street art.
Open-air artisan market from May to August on Rainbow Street. Crafts and music.
Contemporary art foundation set in 1920s villas, with Byzantine ruins.
The new modern Amman: glass towers, a pedestrian esplanade, restaurants and shopping.
Choose your district
Lively, central artists' quarter. Cafes, galleries, charming guesthouses. From โฌ35/night.
โ Recommended
Upscale western district. Comfortable hotels, embassies, fine dining. From โฌ90/night.
Comfort
In the heart of the souks and ancient sites. Simple, budget hotels, local buzz. From โฌ20/night.
Budget
The new business center. Modern towers, international hotels, transport hub. From โฌ70/night.
Business
Central shopping district, well connected. Good value for money. From โฌ45/night.
Practical
Getting around
Ride-hail (Uber, Careem)
The most convenient. Price set in advance, no haggling. Careem dominates the local market.
Yellow taxi
Plentiful. Insist on the meter or agree a price before getting in. Best for short city hops.
Bus & minibus
Cheap local network but hard to read for a visitor. Handy toward Jerash or the Dead Sea.
Queen Alia Airport (QAIA)
35 km south. Airport Express bus to downtown: 45 min, 3.5 JD. Taxi: 20-25 JD.
Climate & crowds
01
Jan
02
Feb
03
Mar
04
Apr
05
May
06
Jun
07
Jul
08
Aug
09
Sep
10
Oct
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Nov
12
Dec
Spring
March to May ยท 18-28ยฐC, green hills ยท Ideal, the best window, mild weather and blooming countryside
Autumn
Sept to Nov ยท 20-30ยฐC, clear skies ยท Ideal, the heat has eased, perfect light
Summer
June to Aug ยท 30-35ยฐC, dry ยท Fair, hot by day but cool nights at altitude
Winter
Dec to Feb ยท 5-13ยฐC, rain, rare snow ยท Avoid, cool and damp, occasional snowflakes
How much
Backpacker
โฌ40
per day
Comfort
โฌ90
per day
Premium
โฌ200
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
1h away ยท One of the best-preserved Roman cities
1h away ยท Float at 430m below sea level
45 min away ยท Byzantine mosaic map and Mount Nebo
๐ 3h away ยท The Nabataean city carved into sandstone
FAQ
Marie Laurent โ
ยทSoutheast Asia specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.