Amman is an underrated Middle Eastern city that is often skipped by travellers wishing to visit Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. It is a great cosmopolitan city that offers so many things to do and see. On top, Amman is a hub for the delicious Levantine cuisine that should not be missed when visiting Jordan. In this One Day in Amman Itinerary, you will learn about the best things to do in Amman, where to stay and how to get around.
This guest post was written by Ruba from Travel with Ruba.
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Visiting Amman: Everything You Need to Know
Amman is the capital of a small country in the Middle East of the Asian continent that is called Jordan. The city hosted many civilizations from being the capital of the Roman Empire in the East to the Umayyad Islamic hub and the Ottomans, until the British Empire came in the early 1900s and took over from the Ottomans and divided the Levant region into 2 smaller countries, Palestine in the West and Jordan in the East.
Is it Safe to Visit Jordan?
Before delving into things to do in Amman, most people ask whether it is safe to visit Jordan in general. The good news is, because Jordan never took part in any wars in the region, it is very safe to visit Jordan. However, it is always best to check your government advice about travelling to any country in the world and equip yourself with a good travel insurance. (This tip is generic for all your travelling in the world).
How to Get to Amman
To get to Amman, it is best to fly directly to Amman. Queen Alia International Airport is less than 30km from the capital Amman and it connects Jordan with the world. Many airlines, both low-cost carriers and major airlines, operate directly from the world’s main cities to Amman. To explore flights to Amman, Skyscanner is the best tool to compare the best flight connections and deals.
Do I Need a Visa for visiting Jordan?
Most nationalities travel to Jordan with a visa on arrival, where visitors can pay for the visa directly at the airport and it costs around $60. Prepare cash with you in US Dollars or Jordanian Dinars, they don’t accept cash at the airport. Another option is, if visiting Jordan and staying over 3 nights, travellers can pre-purchase an online Jordan Pass, which includes the visa fees plus the entrance fees of many main sites and museums, prices start from $100.
There are a few countries where visitors need to pre-apply for visas to Jordan at the Jordanian embassies of their respective countries, to check the latest visa information, visit the website of Jordan’s Exterior Affairs.
Best Time to Spend One Day in Amman
Amman can be enjoyed all year round—it is classed as one of the sunniest cities in the world! But it is particularly magical during the Spring and autumn months, which are March through November.
Visitors can still enjoy all the activities in this itinerary during winter, too, but they should bring warm clothes. Amman’s altitude is between 750 and 1,000 meters above sea level, and winters are very cold, with night temperatures dropping significantly after sunsets.
How to Get Around in Amman
Getting around the yellow taxis (you can just stop them by waving your hand) or downloading the Uber App is the best way to wander around Amman and explore the city. Public transport in Amman is, unfortunately, either non-existent or non-reliable, therefore, using the Uber App is the best way to book your transport around Amman.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend driving in Amman! Despite having strict traffic laws, they are rarely enforced, leading to driving in Amman for those with faint hearts. The best way to commute inside Amman is either by renting a car with a driver or using the Uber App. I would avoid the yellow taxis due to scamming efforts and unsafe driving attitudes. In case you use yellow taxis, make sure the meter is always engaged!
One Day in Amman Itinerary: 9 Things to Do
What can you do in Amman in one day? What are the must-see places in Amman? And where to eat and shop in the city? The top things to do in Amman in one day include beautiful exploration of ancient sites and eating lots of food! Jordanian cuisine is part of the Levantine cuisine that is rich in taste and very colourful. Here are some recommendations for your perfect day in Amman:
Stop 1: Eating Breakfast at Wild Jordan Centre
Start your one day in Amman by energising yourself with a local breakfast while enjoying beautiful 360 views of Old Amman and Amman Citadel. Wild Jordan Centre offers an extensive list of coffees, teas and herbal teas that satisfy every taste bud. Ask the server about the traditional breakfast menu and they will help choosing the best breakfast plates based on your likings.
At the Wild Jordan Centre entrance, you will walk by the shop where they sell local handmade products from the local villages, products range from embroidery, jams, herbs, teas, jewellery, soaps and much more, which can only be found exclusively at Wild Jordan.
Stop 2: Explore Amman Citadel
Head towards Amman Citadel and wander around the Roman and Islamic ruins at the top of the hill that exposes the beauty of old Amman. If you purchased the Jordan Pass, the entry ticket is included in your pass. Otherwise the entry ticket costs $5. Enjoy a quick break at Dar Ne’meh Café & Restaurant’s top terrace and indulge in their freshly squeezed juices while having an uninterrupted view of Amman old downtown and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Stop 3: Walk around Amman Old Downtown
From Amman Citadel, take an Uber and go to downtown Amman at the Al-Husseini Mosque (which was built during the Ottoman period). Start walking around the old markets where they sell traditional clothing, spices, herbs and souvenirs.
Insider tip: Always haggle about 20-30% of the given price and don’t be shy! Most places accept cards, if not, there are plenty of ATMs to withdraw cash around the city.
Stop 4: Visit the Roman Amphitheatre and the Museum
While you are in the downtown area, walk your way to the Roman Amphitheatre and the museum to learn more about the Roman city Amman once was in the ancient past. This place is one of the highlights on every traveler’s Jordan bucket list. Amman used to be called Philadelphia during the Roman times, and it was the Roman capital in the East.
Stop 5: Taste the Local Dessert, Kunafah
Do not leave downtown Amman before heading to Habiba Sweets and trying the local tasty and warm dessert called Kunafah! Kunafah is a dessert made of local unsalted white cheese and topped with either a rough or soft dough mixed with Ghee/ butter and garnished with sugar syrup and pistachios. Kunafah is served and should be eaten warm.
Stop 6: Attend a Cooking Class at Beit Sitti
Beit Sitti translates in Jordanian Dialect to “Grandmother House”. Beit Sitti offers a vast Jordanian and Palestinian menu that caters to most dietary requirements. Situated in Old Amman in an old traditional house, visitors will learn about the Jordanian and Palestinian cultures through their rich cuisines and learn to cook a full menu and enjoy a full course lunch afterwards. Booking in advance is a must for this activity as it is a very popular activity to do in Amman.
Stop 7: Falafel Al-Quds the Best Falafel in the World!
If you prefer to continue your walk and have a light lunch instead of a cooking class, I got your back covered! Just request an Uber and head to Rainbow Street where you will find Falafel Al-Quds, the best Falafel wraps in the world! Original Falafels are little balls made of chickpeas and parsley mash and deep fried in vegetable oil, until they are brown coloured from the outside and crunchy. The Falafel wraps are Falafels mixed with fresh salad and Tahini Sauce (sesame seeds oil) inside a rolled pita bread.
Stop 8: Visit Amman New Downtown (Abdali Boulevard)
To digest your tasty lunch, head towards Amman’s new downtown that was built around 12 years ago. It has now become the main commercial centre for Amman where skyscrapers and big malls are found. The new downtown is called Abdali Boulevard, which has a nice long walk with many artisanal cafes and restaurants scattered on both sides of the walk. Perfect for a quick after-lunch break.
Abdali Boulevard is home to Abdali Mall. If visitors desire to explore a modern shopping centre, Abdali Mall offers a global brands shopping experience, premium cinema screens (true VIP experience with leather couches and butler services), Ladies luxury Spa, game arcades, kid’s areas and cafes.
Stop 9: Dinner at a Levantine Restaurant
To finish your one day in Amman, the best way to end it, is to indulge in the finest Levantine cuisine in Amman. Em Sherif Café is a must-try dining experience in Amman. Their kitchen offers a mix between Lebanese and Jordanian cuisine flavours. They also serve a wide selection of alcohol and Shisha if you want to try it!
The style of dining is mini shared platters to share, named mezza style in Arabic. These are some of the plates to order at Em Sherif:
- Yalanji (stuffed vine leaves)
- Fatoush Salad (mixed salad with toasted bread mixed with lemon, olive oil and pomegranate molasses dressing)
- Tabouleh (finely chopped parsley and tomatoes with bulgar wheat mixed with lemon juice and olive oil dressing)
- Labneh (Type of yoghurt)
- Hummus and its variation topped with different cooked meats
- Mutabbal (known as baba ghanoush in Europe, which is mashed grilled aubergine mixed with tahini sauce)
- Mini stuffed pastries (cheese, meats, thyme)
- Raw meat tray selection (this is a traditional Lebanese tray, a must try if you are a meat lover!)
- Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- Mixed BBQ grill Plate
- Shish Tawooq (chicken cubes BBQ marinated with herbs) Plate with side garlic sauce
- Ask your server for their daily specials too!
Where to Stay for One Day in Amman
Amman has many hotels and accommodations that cater to every budget on your Jordan itinerary. Here is a list of the best hotels in Amman to stay at based on every budget:
St. Regis Amman Hotel is a 5-star Hotel with ultra luxurious amenities and attention to details. It has a guest dedicated Spa and an outdoor swimming pool. Perfect to cool down during summer days. Also, there are many restaurants to choose from during the stay. Rates start from $400 per night during winter and low season.
Sheraton Amman Al-Nabil Hotel is another 5-star Hotel with a guest dedicated Spa and outdoor swimming pool. It has a very nice Lobby to enjoy afternoon teas and relax. Rates start from $110 per night during winter and low season.
Century Park Hotel is a 4-star Hotel, located close to all attractions in Amman and offers modern and comfortable rooms for their guests. Rates start from $55 per night during winter and low season.
🌍 Explore More of Jordan!
Jordan is a land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming about one, these guides will help you make the most of your journey:
📍 Things to Do in Northern Jordan – Discover hidden gems, ancient ruins, and breathtaking nature spots.
📖 Jordan Travel Tips and Useful Information – Get insider tips on transportation, local culture, and must-know travel hacks.
And don’t forget to save this 1-day Amman itinerary for your trip!
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