Amman city guide: what to do + where to stay in Jordan’s captivating capital
Last Updated on 2 June 2026
Ancient ruins and sunset vistas, winding laneways and poignant street art, buzzing shisha cafés and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet— Amman completely stole our hearts with its old-world-meets-hipster charm!
If you’re planning a trip to Petra or Wadi Rum, you’ll almost certainly fly into the Queen Alia Airport in Amman, but don’t make the mistake of rushing straight out of the city. Amman is a charming, walkable, and incredibly colourful capital that beautifully showcases the warmth and vibrance of Jordanian culture.
We’ve been to Amman 4 times over the last couple years, and it’s truly become one of our favourite cities in the world! This guide brings together everything we’ve learned from many repeat visits, including the best things to do in Amman, easy day trips beyond the city, our favourite restaurants, what local dishes to try, the best hotels, and a perfectly structured 3-day itinerary to tie it all together!
Overview of Amman
As you begin planning your trip, it’s helpful to understand that Amman is organised around 8 “Circles” (roundabouts) running from east to west, and that these landmarks are widely used as reference points for navigating the city.
Most of the sites, restaurants, and accommodations that I’ve recommended in this post are located between the 1st and 2nd Circles. Here, the city’s main tourist attractions, interesting cultural sites, and best cafés and restaurants are tightly clustered across a few significant neighbourhoods that form the historical and cultural centre of Amman— more on these specific neighbourhoods below!
Coolest areas to explore in Amman
If it’s your first time in Amman, these are the neighbourhoods you’ll want to focus on— walkable, full of character, and home to many of the city’s best cafés, restaurants, and cultural sights:
- Rainbow Street & Jabal Amman (1st Circle): A lively, café-lined street in one of the oldest parts of the city, known for its festive atmosphere, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. This is one of the most popular areas for visitors and a fantastic place to stay!
- Downtown (Al-Balad, below 1st Circle): The beating heart of old Amman is chaotic, colourful, and packed with local life. Come here for street food, markets, historic sites like the Roman Theatre, and a more traditional side of the city.
- Jabal Al Weibdeh: Weibdeh is Amman’s creative hub, filled with art galleries, independent cafés, and some of the city’s coolest hang-outs. This is our personal favourite place to stay in Amman, still within walking distance of Rainbow Street and downtown, but with a decidedly trendier, more youthful energy!
Getting around Amman
Within neighbourhoods and over shorter distances, Amman is fairly walkable, but because the city is spread across a series of hills (jabals), getting between neighbourhoods typically involves climbing up and down steep side streets and several flights of breathless urban stairs. If you want to shorten your journey (or avoid getting too sweaty before dinner), Uber is widely available in Amman and most rides cost only a few dinars.
For those visiting Amman as part of a larger Jordan road-trip, we highly recommend just parking your rental car somewhere safe and NOT driving while in the city! It’s manageable to drive in and out for day trips (like to Jerash or As-Salt), but it’s incredibly difficult to navigate the narrow, one-way streets within Amman and parking can be a bit of a nightmare. Save yourself the drama and just walk/Uber.
*Perfect 3-day Amman itinerary
If you’re looking for an expertly curated itinerary that combines the very best of Amman with a few standout experiences beyond the city, here’s exactly how I’d recommend spending 3 days in Jordan’s capital:
Day 1: Downtown + Rainbow Street
- Head downtown to explore the Roman Theatre, Nymphaeum + Sugar Market
- Falafel at Hashem + knafeh (a traditional Jordanian dessert) at Habibah Sweets
- Check out the Amman Signs Museum + Duke’s Diwan
- Walk up the hill to Rainbow Street and explore the cute shops, lively cafés, and street art
- Sunset drinks on the rooftop at Cantaloupe
- Traditional Jordanian dinner at Sufra, a beautiful outdoor restaurant on Rainbow Street
Day 2: Weibdeh + Jordanian cooking class
- Brunch at Rumi Café
- Stroll through Weibdeh, popping into galleries and shops
- Lunch + shisha at Dali, a trendy local hang-out popular with artists and digital nomads
- Amman Citadel for golden hour
- Jordanian cooking class at Beit Sitti
Day 3: Day trip to Jerash + local wine/beer
- Depart early for a day trip to Jerash, the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy
- Wine tasting at Jordan River Wines OR visit Jordan’s first local craft brewery, Carakale
- Dinner back in Weibdeh at Rakwat Arab, Alee, or Chapters
Keep reading for heaps more detail and additional recommendations to make the most of your time in Amman! Or check out my full 2-week Jordan road-trip itinerary.
What to do in Amman
From ancient ruins and historic viewpoints to cultural experiences and colourful street art, Amman offers a surprisingly diverse mix of things to do! After a lot of time spent exploring the city, these are our favourite activities in Amman:
1 | Amman Citadel
Overlooking the city from a privileged position on the hill, the Amman Citadel is home to ruins spanning Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods— making this one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites, with evidence of human occupation and fortifications dating back over 7,000 years!
The citadel is free to visit with a Jordan Pass, and you can easily spend an hour wandering between stone columns, marvelling at the massive “Hercules Hand” (a remnant of a once-colossal statue), and taking in the spectacular aerial view over downtown Amman and the Roman Theatre. Arrive in the late afternoon for golden hour light, cooler temperatures, and lower crowds.
If you want a more structured visit with added historical context, we’d recommend hiring a local guide right at the Citadel entrance! Depending on group size, expect to pay 20-30JOD ($28-42USD) for a 1-2hr walking tour of the site and the small museum.
🎟️ IS THE JORDAN PASS WORTH IT?
A resounding YES! The Jordan Pass packages together entrance to nearly all of the historical landmarks in Jordan (Amman Citadel, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum + 40 others) AND waives the cost of a Jordan visa, which is otherwise 40JOD ($60USD). The Jordan Pass costs 70JOD ($100USD) and it will pay for itself on almost ANY itinerary through Jordan!
2 | Roman Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Amman (and visible from the Citadel), this beautifully preserved 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre once held up to 6,000 spectators and is still used for cultural performances today.
You only need a few minutes to wander through the theatre and, optionally, climb up to the top of the stands for a bird’s-eye view, making it an easy stop on any downtown walking route. Entry is included in the Jordan Pass!
3 | Roman Nymphaeum
Adjacent to the Roman Theatre in downtown Amman, this partially restored 2nd-century public fountain was once one of the city’s most impressive civic monuments. Although not as well-preserved as other Roman sites around Amman, its towering arches and decorative remnants still hint at the scale and grandeur of ancient Philadelphia (the Roman city that once flourished here).
4 | Jordanian cooking class
A hands-on cooking class at Beit Sitti is one of our favourite ways to experience the flavours of Jordan while learning about the country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions and the ritual of shared meals! Operated by Maria and her aunties, all passionate about preserving their grandmother’s traditional recipes, this female-owned cooking school is also the kind of local business we’re extremely proud to support.
Over the course of 2.5–3 hours, you’ll typically prepare 8 classic dishes before sitting down to enjoy the meal together, accompanied by local wine (at extra cost) and lovely sunset views over Amman. We visit Beit Sitti on our Jordan group trips and it’s always a highlight, even for those who don’t spend much time in the kitchen (me), so I truly can’t recommend the experience enough!
5 | Rainbow Street
Located in Jabal Amman near the 1st Circle, Rainbow Street is one of the city’s most popular areas for cafés, restaurants, and rooftop bars, offering an intriguing mix of historic buildings and lively street art. Come to Rainbow Street ready to wander, absorbing the colourful, creative feel of the neighbourhood with a camera in-hand!
>>> Check out my specific café and restaurant recommendations on Rainbow Street.
If you’re visiting on a Friday during the summer months, don’t miss Souk Jara, a lively market just off the street featuring local art, handmade crafts, and street food stalls. This is an excellent place to support local artisans and shop for unique souvenirs you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in Jordan!
6 | Souq Al-Sukar (Sugar Market)
Tucked into the bustling streets of Al-Balad (downtown), Amman’s spice market is a lively network of vendors selling fragrant herbs, towering piles of nuts, dried fruits, and local sweets— it’s common to be handed things to sample as you walk by, with no pressure to buy.
Souq Al-Sukar is sensory overload in the best possible way, with aromatic spices hanging heavy in the air and a constant bustle of locals going about their daily shopping. Wander with your camera and experience some of the most authentic energy in the city!
7 | Smoke shisha with the locals
Shisha is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Jordan, and it’s something you’ll see everywhere in Amman. For those who haven’t tried it yet, shisha is a type of flavoured tobacco, typically infused with fruit or molasses, that’s smoked out of a hookah (water pipe)— the smoke is drawn through water before being inhaled through a hose, creating a smoother, more aromatic experience than traditional smoking.
Neither of us have ever been smokers, but if we have one vice, it’s Middle Eastern shisha… And for me, it’s just as much about the cultural experience as it is the pleasant buzz.
💨 SHISHA CULTURE IN JORDAN
In place of local pubs and bars (which are less common in predominantly Muslim countries like Jordan, where many people choose not to drink for religious reasons), shisha cafés function as a much-needed “third place”— somewhere between home and work where friends gather to talk, play cards, and spend hours lingering over tea, coffee, and a shared pipe. It’s a central part of everyday social life, and one of the most authentic ways to experience local culture in Amman.
Shisha is widely available at cafés and restaurants across the city, but these are some of our favourite spots:
- Dali: a trendy local café/bar in Weibdeh with a great atmosphere, extensive menu, and reasonably priced shisha (plus alcohol)
- Rakwet Arab: one of our absolute favourite restaurants in the city, come for dinner and stay for shisha on the patio!
- Jafra Café: a long-standing local favourite in downtown Amman, known for its traditional atmosphere, live music, and late-night energy
- Hareem AlSultan: you’ll find locals smoking outside this Rainbow Street café most nights of the week, and despite having a pretty dismal menu otherwise, the shisha is good and the setting is very enjoyable
8 | Duke’s Diwan
Hidden in downtown Amman, the Duke’s Diwan is a historic mansion offering a glimpse into the city’s past through antique furnishings, old photographs, and preserved interiors. It’s free to visit, but you can also donate to the project by purchasing tea or coffee and spending a few quiet moments soaking up the atmosphere of this beautifully preserved slice of old Amman.
9 | Try knafeh at Habibah Sweets
One of Jordan’s most iconic desserts, knafeh is made with shredded kadayif pastry (the texture of shredded wheat) layered over soft cheese, then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. It’s rich, sweet, and best eaten hot, when the cheese is perfectly melted and stretchy— if it sounds a little strange to put cheese in a dessert, I promise it’s absolutely delicious and definitely worth trying!
Habibah is the most famous place to try it in Amman, serving it fresh from enormous trays in the heart of downtown. Portions are sold by weight (1.75JOD for a quarter-kilo, which is plenty for 2 people sharing), and although there’s almost always a queue, it moves super quickly!
KNAFEH OR KUNAFA OR KANAFEH?
You’ll often see the same word spelled half a dozen different ways in Jordan. This is due to transliteration, the process of writing Arabic words using the English alphabet— because certain Arabic sounds don’t have direct English equivalents, there’s no standard system for spelling them and variations abound.
So, don’t get too hung up on jebel vs jabal or knafeh vs kunafa. You can safely assume that all these different spellings are referring to the SAME landmark, mountain… or even dessert!
10 | Amman Signs Museum
The tiny, free-to-visit Amman Signs Museum showcases a collection of vintage shop signs from across Jordan, offering a quirky and nostalgic look at the country’s visual history. It’s a quick visit (15min will be enough for most people), but surprisingly enjoyable and very easy to combine into a few hours spent exploring downtown.
11 | Jordan Museum
The compact Jordan Museum offers a well-curated overview of the country’s history, from prehistoric artefacts to more recent cultural developments. Highlights include (some of) the Dead Sea Scrolls and the eerie Ain Ghazal statues, 8,500-year-old plaster figures considered among the oldest human statues ever discovered.
It’s not an essential stop for every itinerary, but if you’re interested in history, archaeology, or gaining deeper context before visiting sites like Jerash and Petra, check it out! Entry is 5JOD ($7USD), not included in the Jordan Pass.
12 | Visit Carakale Craft Brewery
Founded in 2010, Carakale is Jordan’s first craft brewery and still the leader of a very small but growing local beer scene. Brewing in the hills of Fuheis just outside Amman, they’ve built a reputation for creative, high-quality beers that go well beyond the typical lager you’ll find elsewhere in the country.
You’ll spot Carakale’s core range at some of the (limited) bars and restaurants around Amman, but for the full line-up (including the fantastic Dead Sea-rious and Red Sea-rious sour beers), it’s well worth catching a 20-30min Uber to their taproom. It’s a fun, social atmosphere and a refreshing change of pace from the city!
🍻 DRINKING CULTURE IN JORDAN
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, and while Islam traditionally prohibits alcohol, observance varies. Alcohol certainly isn’t as central to social life here as it is in many Western countries (and you should generally assume a restaurant won’t serve alcohol unless it’s explicitly stated), but it’s also NOT illegal or entirely inaccessible like many other Middle Eastern countries.
You’ll typically find alcohol in international hotels, some licensed restaurants, and a handful of bars across Amman (see my favourites below), along with a small local scene that includes breweries and wineries. It’s simply less visible and more low-key than you might be used to, with social life more commonly centred around cafés, restaurants, and shisha lounges.
13 | Winery tour at Jordan River Wines
Located in northeastern Jordan about 1.5hrs from Amman, Jordan River Wines is the country’s first modern winery, producing a surprisingly diverse range of reds, whites, and even bubbly using grapes grown in the Jordan Valley.
While Jordan might not be the first place that comes to mind as a wine destination, winemaking in this region actually dates back thousands of years to the Nabateans, the civilisation who built Petra— and this project is part of a broader effort to revive that ancient tradition!
Winery tours can be organised for private groups or you can join a public tour operating every other Friday, typically 10am-4pm (including transport from Amman, BBQ lunch, wine tasting, and a vineyard tour). We did this as part of our most recent group trip, and we were incredibly impressed with the knowledge of the sommelier, Mo, the delicious food they served, AND the high-end wines they poured from the reserve and limited edition lines!
14 | Cask & Cork
Best day trips from Amman
Amman is the perfect base for exploring some of Jordan’s most incredible historical and natural sites— just a short drive in any direction, you’ll find ancient ruins, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes! Whether you’ve got a rental car or you’re keen to join a guided tour, here are some of our top picks for day trips from the capital:
>>> Read my full 2-week Jordan road-trip itinerary for heaps of suggestions, near & far from Amman!
15 | Jerash
Drive time from Amman: 1hr | Time needed: Half-day
Only a short drive north of Amman, the ancient city of Jerash boasts the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy, where grand arches, colonnaded streets, and colonnaded temples date back nearly 2,000 years.
We’ve visited A LOT of ruins over the years and were initially skeptical these would truly measure up, but we were totally blown away by Jerash— it’s easily one of the top Roman sites we’ve ever seen, including many of those in Italy (and with WAY fewer crowds). Walking through its colonnaded streets truly feels like traveling back in time, and it’s easy to imagine ancient life here with so many temples, theatres, and avenues still standing in excellent condition.
Tips for visiting Jerash:
- Go in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat! The site opens at 8am, but even when it’s busy, most people don’t show up until after 10am.
- Allow about 2hrs to walk a circuit through the site. If you want more structure and context to your visit, you can also hire an English-speaking guide at the entrance!
- Entry is free with the Jordan Pass.
16 | Umm Qais
Drive time: 2hr | Time needed: combine with Jerash for full-day
Perched high above the Jordan Valley, Umm Qais offers sweeping views over the Sea of Galilee alongside atmospheric Greco-Roman ruins. It’s a beautiful site, but honestly not quite worth the long drive on its own— so it’s best paired with Jerash for a day of exploring northern Jordan!
Tips for visiting Umm-Qais:
- Due to proximity to the Israeli border, there’s a lot of signal jamming near Umm Qais, which means your GPS might not work; download offline maps if you’re driving yourself!
- There’s no requirement to visit with a guide, but you can hire one for about 15JOD at the entrance if you’d like more context.
- Entry is free with the Jordan Pass.
17 | Dead Sea
Drive time from Amman: 1.5hr | Time needed: Full-day
Floating in the Dead Sea is one of Jordan’s most iconic experiences, thanks to the extreme salinity (10x saltier than the ocean!) that makes it entirely effortless to stay buoyant. The surrounding desert landscapes are equally dramatic, with stark cliffs dropping onto the lowest point on Earth.
If you plan to visit the Dead Sea as a day-trip rather than an overnighter (not a bad idea, given how expensive the resorts are), head to the “coral reefs” for the best scenery and an amazing (free!) swimming spot OR purchase a day-pass from one of the local resorts, which will give you access to their facilities plus lunch for about $30-50USD.
Tips for visiting the Dead Sea:
- We’ve previously stayed overnight at several different Dead Sea resorts and more recently taken our group to the Dead Sea on a day-pass, and we’d honestly recommend the latter for most people— the resorts are expensive and rather tacky, the food is very average, and you simply don’t need an entire day to float in the Dead Sea. We’d recommend a day-pass and buffet lunch from the 5-star Holiday Inn resort for best value!
- Avoid shaving anywhere in the 24hrs prior to visiting the Dead Sea or you will be STINGING!
- Shower immediately after getting out of the water; if you’re swimming at a free road-side spot, make sure you BYO water to rinse off.
- Bring water shoes— entry into the water can be incredibly sharp and painful due to salt formations.
18 | Wadi Mujib
Drive time from Amman: 1.5hr | Time needed: Half–day (full-day combined with Dead Sea)
Only a few minutes off the eastern side of the Dead Sea, this dramatic slot canyon offers Jordan’s most delightful DIY adventure: climbing, splashing, and floating your way upstream through towering canyon walls to a hidden waterfall. It’s equal parts hike and water park, and an absolute highlight for adventurous travellers, no guide needed!
There are several trails within Wadi Mujib, but as of 2026, The Siq Trail is the only open route— this is the most famous canyoneering trail and it’s doable for most anyone with basic fitness! It takes about 1hr to reach the waterfall at the end of The Siq, but allow 2.5-3hrs for the whole experience, including picking up gear and showering afterwards.
Tips for visiting Wadi Mujib:
- Arrive before 9am to beat the crowds (tour groups typically arrive around 10–11am).
- Entry is 23JOD ($32USD) and includes a mandatory life jacket rental.
- BYO water shoes and dry bag, or you can purchase plastic jelly sandals for 5JOD ($7USD) and rent a dry bag from the office.
- Wadi Mujib is only accessible during the dry season from the start of April to the end of October.
19 | As-Salt
Drive time from Amman: 1hr | Time needed: Half-day
A laid-back hillside town known for its golden stone architecture, historic homes, and friendly local atmosphere, As-Salt is a great place to slow down and experience everyday Jordanian life. With far fewer tourists than elsewhere in the country, it’s more about the vibe than ticking off sites! We spent the night here, but it’s also easily experienced as a half-day excursion from Amman.
Tips for visiting As-Salt:
- Wander the old town on foot to admire the Ottoman-era buildings and stop for lunch at Beit Aziz for incredible views over the hills.
- Parking on the street can be a little challenging, but there are 2 paid parking lots near the plaza.
20 | Mt Nebo + Madaba
Drive time from Amman: 1hr | Time needed: Half-day
Believed to be the place where Moses first saw the Promised Land, combine a visit to Mt Nebo with a stop in nearby Madaba, a charming town known for its incredible Byzantine mosaics. From the summit of Mt Nebo, you’ll get sweeping views over the Jordan Valley (on a clear day, even to Jerusalem), before heading into Madaba to see the famous Madaba Map at St George’s Church.
Even without the slightest shred of biblical interest, we enjoyed visiting Mt Nebo for its gorgeous and impeccably preserved church mosaics! As for Madaba, Jordan’s “second city” feels more local and low-key than Amman, and it’s home to some of the BEST food in the country— locals will proudly tell you this, and we honestly agree!
Tips for visiting Madaba:
- Mt Nebo + Madaba are easy to combine with the Dead Sea for a full-day excursion from Amman.
- Entry to Mt Nebo is 3JOD ($4USD) and not included in the Jordan Pass.
- Carob House is an absolute must, we’ve been multiple times and it’s still one of our all-time favourite restaurants!
21 | Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Drive time from Amman: 1hr | Time needed: Half-day
Located along the Jordan River just north of the Dead Sea, Bethany Beyond the Jordan is widely recognised as the location where Jesus was baptised. Archaeological excavations in the 1990s uncovered ancient churches and other early Christian remains that closely matched historical accounts of the site, helping secure its UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2015.
Visits require you to join a regularly scheduled group tour (ours was led by a guide with a PhD in Biblical Studies) and include a short shuttle ride between several archaeological sites and the Jordan River. Interestingly, the river is now only a fraction of its historical size due to decades of water diversion throughout the Jordan Valley, so the traditional baptism site sits some distance from the modern riverbank, but you’ll visit both during the tour.
Although I’m personally disinterested in biblical sites, religious visitors and those interested in history will likely find this a must-see!
Tips for visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan:
- Allow about 2hrs for the visit, including the shuttle bus transport and the required guided tour.
- As this is a religious site, it’s necessary to dress modestly— both men and women should cover knees and shoulders.
- Easy to combine with the Dead Sea and/or Mt Nebo + Madaba for a full-day excrusion from Amman.
22 | Petra
Drive time from Amman: 3hr | Time needed: 1–2 days (NOT a day trip)
Although it’s technically possible to visit Petra as a day-trip from Amman, I absolutely do NOT recommend it!
To arrive to Petra around opening for the lowest crowds and coolest temperatures, you’d need to depart Amman around 4-5am… and then you’ll be rushed moving through the enormous site, which quite simply deserves a MINIMUM of 1 full day (but ideally 2 days) to really appreciate the hundreds of monuments, caves, temples, and trails within the ancient city.
If you’re planning a trip to Petra, check out >>> Hiking Petra in 2 days: Backdoor Trail & the secret Al Madras Trail
Where to eat in Amman
Food is a HUGE part of the experience in Jordan, and Amman is one of the best places to dive into the country’s incredible culinary scene. Jordanian cuisine shares many flavours with the broader Levant (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine), with an emphasis on fresh herbs, warm spices, olive oil, and vibrant mezze spreads. It’s easily one of my favourite cuisines in the entire world!
🧆 DELICIOUS JORDANIAN DISHES TO TRY
* falafel: crispy fried chickpea balls, usually served with hummus or in pita
* fatteh makdous: layers of crispy flatbread, yoghurt, tahini, and fried eggplant
* mansaf: Jordan’s national dish of lamb cooked in fermented yoghurt sauce and served over rice
* maklouba: an “upside-down” rice dish with chicken/meat and vegetables that’s flipped dramatically before serving
* fattoush: a fresh salad of vegetables, herbs, and toasted flatbread with a tangy sumac dressing
* shawarma: spit-roasted meat shaved into wraps with garlic sauce and pickles
Best restaurants in Amman
A few stand-out restaurants across the city that we return to again and again:
- Rakwet Arab: one of our favourite spots for traditional Jordanian food (and always the first place we take our group trips!), with an extensive menu, great atmosphere, incredible eggplant fatteh, and shisha on the patio
- Sufra Restaurant: beautiful courtyard restaurant on Rainbow Street serving authentic Jordanian mezze and mains in a more upscale setting, with wine and beer available
- Alee: award-winning modern Jordanian fusion restaurant with inventive dishes and equally creative cocktails, ranked on the list of 50 best restaurants in the Middle East & Africa multiple years in a row— we definitely recommend the 14-course tasting menu so you can sample a little bit of everything!
- Shams El Balad: historic mansion house serving share-style plates across several shady courtyards, perfect for everything from light lunch to dinner and shisha (wine and beer also available)
- Chapters: relaxed Weibdeh eatery serving excellent traditional dishes at a very reasonable price-point
- Shahrazad: super casual downtown spot known for hearty local meat dishes— don’t miss the kofta tahini for just 3JOD
- Hashem Restaurant: a true Amman institution serving some of the best hummus and falafel in the city, where you can eat an entire meal for just a couple dinars
- Shawerma Reem: legendary roadside stall directly on the 2nd Circle serving shaved-meat wraps for 1JOD per wrap (I’d recommend 2x per person, since they’re small)
- Al Quds Falafel: local favourite on Rainbow Street, with amazing crispy falafel sandwiches at just 0.6JOD (ask for spicy!)
Best cafés in Amman
Amman has a growing third-wave coffee scene (I don’t drink coffee, so all of these spots are James-approved!) alongside some of the best fresh juice stands you’ll find anywhere (my personal go-to). Here are our top picks for coffee, tea, juice, and light nibbles:
- Rumi Café: charming spot in Weibdeh known for great coffee and manakeesh (sourdough flatbread with a variety of toppings, kind of like Jordanian pizza!)
- Yafa Coffee House: character-filled café covered in colourful political art, located in an atmospheric alleyway between the downtown and Weibdeh
- Zghairon Café: charming local spot where you’ll often see locals playing chess outside
- Satar Coffee House: great menu of coffee and other tasty drinks, right on Rainbow Street
- Jungle Fever: cozy, plant-filled café in Weibdeh with a relaxed vibe and excellent specialty coffee
- Nest Coffee: one of the best spots in Amman for specialty coffee, with comfortable seating and a modern vibe
- Palestine Juice: a downtown favourite for fresh fruit juice (~1.5 JOD), perfect for a quick refresh between sights
- Juice Village: excellent juice and smoothie bar on Rainbow Street
- We Farm: another great spot for fresh juices and assorted healthy smoothies in Weibdeh
Best co-working spots for digital nomads in Amman
Every time we visit Amman, we spend several days working on our laptops and have been all over town in search of the best co-working cafés— strong wifi, charging outlets, comfortable seating, a good menu, and friendly staff who are happy to welcome remote workers! Here are our go-to spots for co-working in Amman:
- Dali: simple but extensive food, drink, and shisha menu that will keep you going all day— popular with locals but always possible to find seating, this is our absolute favourite spot to work in Amman!
- Rumi Café: busy and hard to get a table, but classic working spot with excellent food; wifi only with access code (90min included with drink/food purchase)
- Nest Specialty Coffee: comfy indoor seating with aircon, drinks and pastries only
- Kan Coffee House and Tea Bar: no food, but great coffee and tea
- La Folie: spacious, low-key café with good coffee, some food, and plenty of seating for focused work
Best bars in Amman
While many establishments in Amman don’t serve alcohol, you can absolutely find bars around the city if you know where to look! These are our favourite places to grab a drink:
- Alibi: trendy cocktail bar with a large selection of tapas, located right near House Boutique Suites (one of my recommended places to stay below) around the 2nd circle
- Dali: all-day café/bar with an awesome vibe and long list of local beer and basic cocktails
- Cantaloupe Gastro Pub: rooftop bar on Rainbow Street with a large selection of beer, wine, and very below-average cocktails, but with excellent city views
- Alee: creative cocktails at one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, just above Rainbow Street
- Biera: craft brewpub located out at the 6th Circle (inexpensive 15min taxi from the 1st), with heaps of beer on tap, plus a long list of wine and cocktails
- Rustic Bar and Eatery: burger bar in Weibdeh right next to Canary Boutique Hotel (one of my recommended places to stay below), with a long cocktail and beer list
Where to stay in Amman
For a majority of travellers, we’d highly recommend staying somewhere on (or very near) Rainbow Street OR Jabal Al Weibdeh. These are some of the most atmospheric and walkable parts of the city, with a great mix of local eateries, trendy cafés, and high-quality restaurants, along with a strong boutique hotel scene that we vastly prefer over the larger international chains.
Here are our top picks for the best hotels in Amman:
Best budget-friendly guesthouse: Medusa’s House
We stayed at Medusa’s House on our first trip to Amman in 2024, and it remains an absolute favourite! This is a truly special guesthouse run by the friendly Motaz (and his adorable kitty, Ashley), located just off Rainbow Street with unbeatable views from the rooftop terrace.
Rooms are comfortable and beautifully decorated, with the option of shared or private bathrooms, and all guests have access to a kitchen, dining area, and lounge. It functions like an elevated hostel: friendly and communal, but with plenty of space and privacy (and no party vibe). Expect to pay about $40/night for the privilege of staying at Medusa!
Best mid-range hotel: Canary Boutique Hotel
Canary Boutique is a fairly simple hotel, but with a prime location right in the heart of Weibdeh (within easy walking distance of countless cafes, bars, and restaurants). At $100/night, it’s also great value for money!
Rooms are simple but very comfortable, and the included breakfast (served at the adjoining Mazzeh Lebanese restaurant) is genuinely exceptional— one of the most impressive spreads we’ve seen, with a huge variety of Middle Eastern dishes alongside Western options. If you want to stay in Weibdeh for the hipster/expat energy of this trendy suburb, Canary Hotel is the best spot!
Best upgraded hotel: House Boutique Suites
Finally, House Boutique is a more upscale option that still offers excellent value ($150/night), with spacious suite-style rooms featuring kitchenettes, couches, and separate living areas, plus a pool and fitness centre in the building. The staff are lovely and this really feels like a high-end, 5-start option!
The location (between 1st and 2nd Circle) is still very walkable to most of the city, and the extra ammenities and overall comfort of House Boutique Suites is truly unmatched. We stayed here with our most recent luxury group trip, and it was a strong favourite!
🗺️ TRAVEL TIPS FOR JORDAN
→ Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas; language barrier is minimal for English-speakers
→ Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD), pegged to the USD at 1 JOD ≈ $1.4USD pretty consistently over the last couple years
→ Tourist visa: Most nationalities (AUS, USA, EU, UK, CAN) require a visa on arrival (40JOD / $57USD)—but this is waived if you purchase the Jordan Pass, which also covers entry to 40+ sites including Petra and Jerash
→ SIM card: install an eSIM for Jordan via Airalo; service is reliable throughout the country, except on remote parts of the Jordan Trail
→ Entry fees: highly recommend purchasing the Jordan Pass online before your trip— it waives the visa fee (saving 40 JOD) and includes entry to 40+ sites, including Petra, Jerash, Kerak Castle & Wadi Rum. At 70JOD / $105USD, the pass easily pays for itself!
→ Packing list: modest clothing (no cleavage or tight-fitting shorts) is appreciated, but you don’t necessarily need to cover shoulder or knees in Amman
→ Essential apps: Google Maps (download for offline use); Uber (useful for getting around Amman without driving); Google Translate (to decipher Arabic menus)
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