The best things to do in Amman are the Citadel on Jabal al-Qal'a, the Roman Theatre in downtown, a slow food walk through the old market streets of Al Balad, and a day trip to Jerash or Petra. Give the city one or two full days, then use it as your base for the rest of Jordan. We run Jordan trips every week, and this guide shares what actually works on the ground.
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Things to do in Amman at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Amman, Jordan, the capital city, in the north of the country. It spreads across many hills, called jabals. |
| How long to spend | 1 to 2 days for the city, plus extra days for Jerash, Petra, the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum. |
| Best time | Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Winter can be cold and rainy. Summer is hot at midday. |
| How to get there | Fly into Queen Alia International Airport, or cross overland from Israel on a guided tour with transfers. |
| What it costs | City sites have their own entry tickets, which can change. See tour prices below. |
| Booking tip | On our Israel to Jordan tours, border and visa fees are 140 USD per person in total. You can pre-pay them on the booking form and skip cash at the border. |
Why Amman deserves more than a night
Many travelers land in Amman Jordan, sleep, and rush south to Petra. That is a mistake. The city has 2,000 years of history on show, some of the best food in the region, and friendly neighborhoods that are easy to walk.
Amman was the Roman city of Philadelphia, and before that it was Rabbath Ammon, mentioned in the Bible. Today it is a modern capital with traffic, cafes and malls. The old layers sit right next to the new ones, which is part of the fun.
It is also the most practical base in the country. From here you can reach Roman Jerash, Mount Nebo, Madaba and the Dead Sea on easy day trips. Petra is a long day, but doable with a driver and an early start.
The Amman Citadel: start here
The Citadel sits on Jabal al-Qal'a, the highest hill in the old city. It is the top pick on any list of Amman attractions, and for good reason. You get history and the best view in town in one stop.
What to see at the Citadel
- Temple of Hercules: Huge Roman columns from the 2nd century. Look for the giant stone fingers of a statue that once stood here.
- Umayyad Palace: An 8th century Islamic palace complex. The domed entrance hall has been restored and is cool and quiet inside.
- Byzantine church: Remains of an early church, with columns still standing.
- Jordan Archaeological Museum: A small museum on site with finds from across the country's history.
- The viewpoint: Walk to the edge for a wide view of the Roman Theatre and the white houses climbing the hills.
Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours. We like the late afternoon, when the light turns gold and the call to prayer echoes between the hills. Opening hours and tickets can change, so check the official Visit Jordan website before you go.
Roman Theatre and downtown Amman things to do
From the Citadel, you can walk or take a short taxi down to the Roman Theatre. It was cut into the hillside in the 2nd century and seats around 6,000 people. Climb to the top rows for a steep but great view back toward the Citadel.
Small museums sit in the theatre's side wings, showing traditional clothing, jewelry and daily life. Next door is the Odeon, a smaller Roman theatre, and the open Hashemite Plaza, where local families gather in the evening.
Walking Al Balad, the old downtown
Al Balad is the busy heart of old Amman. It is one of the best Amman things to do if you like markets and street life. Expect spice shops, gold sellers, fruit stalls, coffee roasters and sweet shops on almost every corner.
- Look for the remains of the Roman Nymphaeum, an old public fountain, near the market streets.
- Visit the King Hussein Mosque area and the souks around it.
- Buy cardamom coffee, za'atar or dried fruit to take home.
- Bargain politely at souvenir shops. Food prices are usually fixed.
Friday is the weekly day off in Jordan. Many downtown shops open late or stay closed on Friday morning, so plan your market walk for another day if you can.
Food: the most delicious things to do in Amman
Ask any local guide about the best things to do in Amman and food will come up fast. Amman eats well and eats cheaply. A plate of hummus, falafel and fresh bread is a daily ritual, not a tourist show.
Dishes to try
- Hummus and ful: Breakfast staples, often eaten with raw onion, mint and warm bread.
- Falafel: Crispy outside and soft inside. Hashem, a simple downtown restaurant, has fed locals and visitors for decades.
- Mansaf: Jordan's national dish, lamb cooked in a sauce of dried yogurt, served over rice. It is a dish for celebrations and family lunches.
- Knafeh: Warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup. Habibah in downtown is the classic stop, and the line moves quickly.
- Shawarma: Easy, filling street food for a quick lunch between sights.
- Tea and coffee: Sweet tea with sage or mint, and Arabic coffee with cardamom.
For the full story behind these dishes, plus zarb, the Bedouin underground barbecue in the desert, read our local guide to Jordanian food and mansaf.
Neighborhoods, museums and evenings
Once you have seen the ancient sites, spend time in the neighborhoods. This is where you see how people in Amman really live.
Rainbow Street and Jabal Amman
Rainbow Street runs through Jabal Amman, one of the city's older districts. It has cafes, rooftop terraces, book shops and craft stores. It gets lively in the evening, especially on weekends.
Jabal al-Weibdeh
This quiet hill has old stone houses, small galleries and independent cafes. Darat al Funun, an arts center in historic buildings, is a calm place to spend an hour. It suits travelers who like slow walks more than big sights.
The Jordan Museum
The Jordan Museum is the best place to understand the country's history in one visit. Highlights include the Ain Ghazal statues, some of the oldest human statues ever found, and fragments related to the Dead Sea Scrolls. Plan about 2 hours.
King Abdullah I Mosque
This large mosque with its blue dome is one of the few in Amman that regularly welcomes non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times. Dress modestly. Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair, and robes are often available at the entrance.
Day trips from Amman: Jerash, Petra and more
Many of the best things to do in Amman are actually just outside it. The city sits in the middle of Jordan's main sights, so you can sleep in one hotel and see a lot.
Jerash
Jerash is north of Amman and is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. You walk under Hadrian's Arch, across the oval plaza and down a long colonnaded street that still has chariot ruts in the stone. Give it at least half a day.
Petra
Petra is a long day from Amman, but many travelers do it. You walk the narrow Siq to the Treasury, then continue to the Royal Tombs if time allows. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is worth staying overnight if your schedule allows.
At the time of writing, the Petra 1-day entrance is 130 USD per person. Ticket prices can change, so check official sources before you travel. Our guide to getting to Petra from Amman, day trip or overnight explains the options in detail.
Mount Nebo, Madaba and the Dead Sea
Southwest of the city, you can stand where tradition says Moses saw the Promised Land, see the mosaic map in Madaba, and float in the Dead Sea in the same day. Read our Mount Nebo and Madaba guide to plan this route.
Wadi Rum and Aqaba
Wadi Rum is too far for a comfortable day trip from Amman, so most travelers add it to a multi-day tour. Our complete Wadi Rum guide covers jeep tours and camps.
Planning your visit in 2027
If you are planning things to do in Amman 2027, start with the season. Spring and autumn bring mild days and cool nights, which are perfect for walking the hills. Winter can bring rain and cold wind, and snow is possible some years. Summer is hot at midday, so do outdoor sites early.
How many days you need
- 1 day: Citadel, Roman Theatre, downtown lunch, Rainbow Street in the evening.
- 2 days: Add the Jordan Museum, Jabal al-Weibdeh and a half-day trip to Jerash.
- 3 days or more: Add Mount Nebo, Madaba and the Dead Sea, then head south to Petra.
Ramadan and holidays
During Ramadan, opening hours change and many restaurants close during daylight. Evenings become festive, with late meals and busy streets. Check dates for 2027 before you book, because they move each year.
Fees and schedules
All prices, fees, opening hours and schedules in this guide are current at the time of writing and can change. Check the official Visit Jordan website for the latest site information. If you plan to visit many sites, look at the official Jordan Pass, which can cover your visa and many entry tickets when you meet its conditions.
Practical tips from our guides
Getting around
Amman is hilly, and many streets have steep stairs. Walking between nearby sites is fine, but use taxis or ride-hailing apps such as Careem for longer hops. Yellow taxis should run the meter, so ask before you set off.
Dress code
Amman is relaxed compared to some places in the region, but modest clothes are respected. Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites and in downtown. Comfortable shoes matter more than anything, because of the hills and old stone steps.
Money and tipping
The currency is the Jordanian dinar. Cards work in hotels and many restaurants, but carry cash for small shops, taxis and street food. Our guide to traveling to Jordan, with visas, money, tipping and dress tips covers the details.
Safety
As of November 2026, Amman is a busy everyday capital, and we run tours in Jordan throughout the year. Regional events can affect border crossings and travel advisories with little notice. Check your government's official travel advisory before you book and again before you travel, and we will contact you if a route or crossing changes.
Comparing our Amman tours to Petra and Jerash
If you want an expert guide and no driving stress, these are the tours that match Amman best. All prices are per adult, and Petra guiding is in English. Local Spanish and French-speaking guides in Petra are free, and German, Italian and Russian-speaking guides cost a small flat fee per booking.
- Petra day tour from Amman with lunch and hotel pickup: Best for travelers with only one free day. Full day, with a licensed guide, Petra ticket and lunch, back by 19:00. From $360 per adult.
- Petra and Jerash 2 day tour from Eilat or Amman: Best if you want Roman Jerash and Petra without rushing. 2 days with a night in Petra. From $504 per adult.
- 3 day Petra tour from Amman with 2 nights in Petra: Best for hikers who want time to reach the Monastery. 3 days with a 2-day ticket. From $550 per adult.
- 5 day Jordan tour with Amman city tour, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba: Best for first-timers who want the Citadel and Roman Theatre plus the classics. 5 days. From $1063 per adult.
- 8 day Jordan discovery tour from Amman: Best for history lovers who want Pella, Umm Qais, Jerash, Petra and Wadi Rum. 8 days. From $1863 per adult.
Day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time. Tours that include flights or hotels are non-refundable. For more options, see our comparison of 4 to 8 day Jordan tour packages or our guide to the best Petra tours from Eilat, Aqaba and Amman.
Tours that include Amman
Live prices and dates, hotel pickup on most tours, and a local team in Eilat that answers on WhatsApp.
15 Day Israel and Jordan Tour: Jerusalem, Galilee, Petra and Wadi RumFrom $2,689View tour
Petra, Jerash and Madaba 3 Day Tour from Tel AvivFrom $986View tour
Nabatean Wonders 8 Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Little Petra and Wadi Rum CampFrom $1,394View tour
8 Day Bedouin Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead SeaFrom $1,407View tour
8 Day Jordan Tour with Desert Castles, Petra and Wadi RumFrom $1,425View tour
8 Day Jordan Tour: Jerash, Kings’ Highway, Karak and 2 Nights in PetraFrom $1,733View tourFrequently asked questions about things to do in Amman
How many days do you need in Amman?
One full day covers the Citadel, the Roman Theatre and downtown. Two days lets you add the Jordan Museum, the neighborhoods and a trip to Jerash. If Amman is your base for Petra and the Dead Sea, plan three days or more.
Is Amman worth visiting?
Yes. Many travelers skip it, then wish they had stayed longer. The Citadel, Roman Theatre, food and friendly neighborhoods make it one of the most rewarding capitals in the region.
Can you visit Petra from Amman in one day?
Yes, but it is a long day on the road. Our Petra day tour from Amman includes hotel pickup, a guide, your ticket and lunch, and returns by 19:00. If you can, stay a night in Petra to see more with less rush.
How much do Amman attractions cost?
The Citadel, Roman Theatre and museums each have their own entry tickets, and prices can change. At the time of writing, the Petra 1-day entrance is 130 USD per person. Check the official Visit Jordan website for current fees, and look at the Jordan Pass if you plan to see many sites.
What is the dress code in Amman?
Dress modestly, especially downtown and at religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a scarf for mosques. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the hills and stairs.
What is the best time to visit Amman Jordan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant. Winter can be cold and rainy, and summer is hot at midday. Check Ramadan dates, since opening hours change during the month.
Can you visit Amman from Eilat or Israel?
Yes. Our Petra and Jerash 2 day tour can start in Eilat and includes the border crossing. Border and visa fees on our Israel to Jordan tours are 140 USD per person in total, and you can pre-pay them on the booking form. Read our Israel Jordan border crossing guide before you go.
Is Amman safe for tourists?
As of November 2026, we run tours in and around Amman throughout the year. Use normal city sense, watch your belongings in crowded markets and agree taxi fares or use the meter. Always check your government's official travel advisory before and during your trip.
Keep planning
More travel guides for this trip
Petra & JordanLittle Petra 2027: A Local Guide to Siq al Barid, the Painted House and How It Differs from PetraRead the guide →
EilatHow to Visit Petra from Eilat: The Complete 2027 GuideRead the guide →
Petra & JordanJordan Tour Packages 2027: Comparing 4 to 8 Day Trips to Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, from Local GuidesRead the guide →Plan your trip
Amman is where Jordan starts to make sense. Stand on the Citadel at sunset, eat knafeh downtown, then let us take care of Jerash, Petra and the desert. Our team in Eilat has run these trips since 2008, and we are happy to help you choose the right route.
For most first-timers, the Petra and Jerash 2 day tour from Eilat or Amman is the best balance of history and time. Browse all our options on the Petra and Jordan tours page or explore more destinations in our travel guide. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected], and a local guide will reply.
Cover photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons