Holiday in Amman

What makes Amman special as a destination?

Amman, the capital of Jordan, surprises visitors with its mix of ancient history, vibrant Arab culture, and a surprisingly modern gastronomy and art scene. Built on seven hills — like Rome — the city offers fascinating contrasts between the chaotic old town Downtown and the elegant districts of Abdoun and Sweifieh with their cafes and galleries. The Citadel on Jebel al-Qala overlooks the city and combines Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins on a plateau with panoramic views over the endless sea of white houses. The Roman amphitheater for 6,000 spectators in Downtown is excellently preserved and is still used for events today. The Rainbow Street boulevard features charming cafes, bookstores, and street art with views over the old town. Culinarily, Amman is an underrated gem: Mansaf, the Jordanian national dish made of lamb, fermented yogurt, and rice, is best served at Sufra or Tawaheen al-Hawa. The street markets in Downtown offer freshly squeezed juices, falafel, and Knafeh, the famous cheese pastry with orange blossom water. Amman is the ideal starting point for excursions to Petra, the Dead Sea, or Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy.