Spending more than a day or two in Amman? Make it different by digging just a little deeper. These are 10 lesser-known sites to see in Amman and to do in Amman. 

We stayed in Amman for a week in 2023 and collected all the best attractions, cafés and restaurants we found during our time there. Today, we are sharing 10 of those that are not as full of tourists, yet a great way to get to know the local culture. 

Key Takeaways 

• Amman is a vibrant city worth visiting, offering a mix of ancient history, cultural sites, and modern attractions like cafés and art spaces.
• Stay in Downtown Amman (Al-Balad) for easy access to major sights such as the Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, and Rainbow Street.
• Explore lesser-known gems like the Duke’s Diwan, Darat al Funun, and local markets to experience authentic culture and cuisine. Stay around for the Friday Market, if you can. 
• Take day trips from Amman to nearby sites like Jerash, Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea, and Ajloun Castle to keep things interesting.

Is Amman Worth Visiting?

To answer the most important question of all first, is Amman even worth visiting? If you’re asking us, yes absolutely. 

Nobody really plans a trip to Jordan because of Jordan, well, at least not JUST because of Amman. Most people travel to Jordan to marvel at the Lost City of Petra or to explore the Wadi Rum Desert, maybe even to float on the Dead Sea or explore desert castles. But to visit Amman? Not really.

On most Jordan itineraries, Amman is just kind of there. Travellers enter the country through Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman and end up staying around for a day or two without much of an idea of what there is to do in Amman. 

Well, let us tell you this: There is a TON of things to do. Amman not only functions as Jordan’s administrative capital, but also a cultural hub and culinary paradise. From ancient sites to modern attractions and from cultural spaces to specialty cafes in Downtown, Amman is 100 % worth visiting and exploring. 

Wondering about safety in Jordan? Earlier this year, we took to explaining the regional tensions in the Middle East and why Jordan is still a safe country to visit. 

Where to Stay in Downtown Amman 

For the best experience of the city, we suggest staying in Al-Balad (Downtown). This way, you will be close to all conventional attractions, but also within walking distance of the lesser know sites and activities that we will be presenting all throughput this article. 

These are three great hotel stays in Downtown Amman you should check out: 

Budget	The Cabin	from $ 18 per night	Click here for rates.
Comfort	Hotel Philosophy	from $ 97 per night	Click here for rates.
Luxury	InterContinental Amman	from $ 148 per night	Click here for rates.

6 Amman Things To Do You Just Can’t Miss

As with every capital city around the world, you will find some sites in Amman that are well worth seeing, but incredibly packed at peak times. Recently though, Amman has experienced a dip in tourism due to regional tensions, so you might be able to see one of the following places without much of a crowd at all: 

Amman Citadel

Amman’s most popular archaeological site, the Amman Citadel, reigns over the city skyline . For anyone visiting Amman, the Amman Citadel is a great introduction. With the Hercules Temple, a Byzantine Church and an Umayyad Palace, it is like the city’s time capsule.

Roman Theatre 

Located right in the center of Downtown Amman, this well-preserved theatre stems from the 2nd century AD. Much time has passed since then, but the theatre remains a part of city life, regularly hosting cultural events such as concerts and a marathon. 

Al-Balad (Downtown Amman) 

Just a few steps from the Roman ruins, you can find plenty of shops and a full-blown souk. Wander the streets, check out local garments and try local delicacies. If you prefer digging a bit deeper, tag along with a free walking tour of Al-Balad. 

King Abdullah Mosque 

King Abdullah I. Mosque is Amman’s best-known religious site. Built in the 1980s to honour King Abdullah, this mosque offer space to some 3,000 worshippers. To explore the mosque, visit outside of prayer service and cover your shoulders, knees, and hair for women. 

Rainbow Street

Perched on top of Jebel Amman, Rainbow Street has served as Amman’s cultural hub for years. Up there, you can find modern restaurants, cafés and rooftop bars. While it can get very busy up there, there are still plenty of places to be discovered in its narrow side streets. 

Jordan Museum 

The Jordan Museum is the best introduction to the country and its history. Watch out, though. It’s not included in the Jordan Pass. For free museums in Amman, check out the Jordan Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions. 

10 Lesser Known Sites to See & Things to Do in Amman 

If you’ve ticked off all go-to sites within one day in Amman already, or are simply looking for some lesser-trodden paths in Amman, these 10 sites to see in Amman might just be what you are looking for: 

Start the Day Right at Rumi Cafe and Deli 

Any good cultural hub needs a vibrant coffee culture and Amman is not shy about its own. During our half-week visit to Amman, we tried several different cups of coffee, but none hit quite the same as the coffee at Rumi. Plus, this café is an absolute treat to the eye as well. 

Located just off Paris Square, this café is just a few minutes of uphill walking away from the hotels in Downtown Amman. This cozy, overgrown café opens early at 7 AM and offers plenty of outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot for your morning coffee. Stretch you legs, get your blood pumping and fuel up with some coffee before your start exploring Amman.

Visit The Good Bookshop 

The Middle East, as it has been referred to by Western observers for centuries now, has gone through profound changes within the last 100 years alone. From the First Arab Revolt to the Nakba and the more recent turmoil in the region, there is much to be learned about Jordan and its neighbouring countries. 

The Good Bookshop is a quaint café and bookshop on Rainbow Street with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It hosts a wide array of literature from the region as well as international classics, from prose to historical accounts. Give your legs a rest from walking up and down Rainbow Street, sip a cup of coffee and learn more about Jordan and its history at the Good Bookshop. 

Explore the Duke’s Diwan 

There is much history to be discovered in Amman from its ruins to its museum, but sometimes it can all just be a bit overwhelming. So, how about you take it a tad bit slower, while still learning about the city’s history. 

The Duke’s Diwan, officially referred to as Amman’s first post office, is located on King Faisal Street right in the heart of Amman. This historical house changed hands several before being rented out to Mamdouh Bisharat, who had made his mind up to preserve Jordanian culture and history. The Diwan, an arts and cultural center, is always open to visitor and offers a rich yet calm dive into the city’s history.

Shop Vintage Clothing at Authentage 

What’s equally essential to a cultural hub as coffee? Exactly, vintage clothing. And the best pieces you’ll find at Authentage. Authentage is one of many boutiques on and around Rainbow Street and, dare we say it, the best of them all. 

During our browse around Rainbow Street, we stumbled upon Authentage by pure coincidence. Technically not located on Rainbow Street, but on Shakir Shasha’a Street this vintage store is a true treasure trove for any vintage lover. And no, this is not a figure of speech. Authentage is filled to the brim with great vintage clothing. Room after room, you can literally find anything here, and for great prices! 

Wander Darat al Funun 

Talking about preservation, the Duke’s Diwan is to the only place in Amman seeking to preserve its legacy. Not too far from it, Darat al Funun seeks to preserve six historical buildings and warehouses in Downtown all while lending a spotlight to contemporary Arab artists. 

Located just off Nadim Al-Mallah Street in Downtown Amman, this arts space hosts temporary art exhibitions, reading rooms, outdoor seating w/ drinks and snacks and a shaded garden with its very own archaeological site, ruins of a Byzantine church. Stroll around the garden, take in the exhibits at your own pace, and have another coffee while letting your eyes brush over the city’s panorama. 

Visit Art Exhibitions w/ a View at Manara Arts & Culture 

Sticking with the art theme for now, we have yet another art space in Amman to recommend. Who would have thought that Amman of all places would have such a vibrant art scene, right? 

But first things first. Manara Arts & Culture is a café and located on Jebel Webdeh just a short uphill walk away from Downtown Amman. It’s a beautiful café with impeccable views of the city and great choices for food and drink. 

But more importantly, Manara Arts & Culture doubles as a cultural space. It regularly host its own library, temporary exhibitions, small concerts and workshops for adults and children, getting much more than your digestion going. 

In May, for example, the café will host a journaling workshop for adults and an Eid Al Adha workfshop for children. To see what’s happening at Manara, check up their current schedules on Instagram (@manaraculture). 

Eat like a Local at Hashem Restaurant 

You’ll hear a lot of talk about Mezze, or Mazzeh, when it comes to eating out. What it means is a meal that consists of many small plates typically shared with other people. For the best, most authentic experience of mezze, head back into the heart of Downtown and pay a visit to Hashem Restaurant. 

Hashem Restaurant on King Faisal Street is as local as local as it gets. Simply grab a seat and fill out the paper slip dealt to you by one of the servers. The restaurant serves Jordanian staples from Falafel and Hummus to lesser known classics such as Foul, Mutabal, Fatteh and Stuffed Falafel. ZTop it up with a cup of ever-so-sweet black tea and you’re all set for another few hours of exploring. 

Try Palestinian Kunafah at Habibah Sweets 

If you are one for desserts, you can find one of the best desserts of the Middle East, if not the best, right across the street from Hashem Restaurant: Kunafah. 

If you haven’t tried Kunafah, or Knafeh, before, this delectable dessert consists of shredded puff pastry (kataifi), cheese and sweet syrup called (attar). This dish likely originated in Egypt or Syria, but is eaten and celebrated all over the Arab world. Habibah Sweets has been doing its part in sharing the love for Kunafah since 1947, starting in Jerusalem, then in Amman and now all over the world. 

At Habibah Sweets, you can also find plenty of other popular Palestinian sweets, lovingly packaged and wrapped to be taken as gifts for friends and family back home. 

Find Treasures at the Friday Market 

Anyone who likes vintage shopping knows that there is only one thing better than a vintage store: a vintage market. A vintage market is THE place to go to find second-hand gems before they are scooped up and sold at stores at a higher prices. In Amman, this place is the Friday Market. 

The Friday Market is a weekly flea market that happens right behind Al Muhajreen Station, putting it within walking distance. The market starts on Thursday night and end on Friday afternoon, so for the best find you may want to come early (or should we say late?) on Thursday night. 

On the Friday market, you can find anything a second-hand lover could be looking for, from vintage clothing, shoes and jewellery to decoration, vinyls and furniture. In short, this place is a must for you, if you are staying in Amman on a Thursday or Friday and want to do something unique . 

Try the One and Only Mansaf

To round off your day in Amman, you must try Mansaf. We don’t only say this because Mansaf is a local staple, but also because this meal is so heavy you better eat it at night right before going to bed. 

In Jordan, there is a running joke that Mansaf is such a heavy meal, some restaurants offer beds for their customers to sleep in after they finish their meal. For those unfamiliar with the meal, Mansaf is a Jordanian dish with Bedouin origins that consists of lamb meat cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce and served with rice. 

While you might not actually fall asleep after finishing your place, this is without a doubt a filling dinner and a great way to end your day in Amman. To try some of the best Mansaf Jordan has to offer, visit Jubran Restaurant. Jubran is considered one of the best restaurants in Amman, especially when it comes to Jordanian staple dishes, and is just a short 15-minute taxi ride away from Downtown Amman.

Got a Stay yet? This is Where to Stay in Amman According to Your Budget

When staying in Amman, location is key. Not because the city is that big, but because it’s hilly. Most sites are actually scattered around the same general area, but which hill or valley you are staying on/in, can make all the difference. 

These are three accommodations in Amman at three different price points that will give you easy access to all the site describes above: 

• Budget Stay: The Cabin Amman is a hostel located right in the heart of the city. The hostel is less than a minute away from some of the restaurants mentioned above, such as Hashem and Habibah and within waling distance of attractions such as the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theatre -all from just $ 18 per night. This is where we stayed! 
• Comfort Stay: If you prefer private rooms over dorms, and comfort over savings, the Philosophy Hotel might just be what you are looking for. Located in almost the same place as The Cabin, this small boutique hotel offers a much calmer atmosphere, lovingly designed privates and a rooftop bar to end the day in style. Private rooms start from $ 97 per night.
• Luxury Stay: The InterContinental Amman brings the 5-star experience you know and love from other places all around the world to the heart of Amman. Located a little outside of Al-Balad, the area of the hotel is not as busy, but also little further away from attractions. Still though, you can reach most places within a short taxi ride. Nightly rates start at $ 148. 

Done With Amman? Explore Other Interesting Places Close to Amman

Have you somehow ticked off all attractions within Amman already, or are you simply looking for more fun things to do outside of city limits to change things up a little? 

There five natural and historic sites are just and hour (or less) away from Downtown Amman: 

Roman Ruins of Jerash

Once a great Roman city, Jerash now hosts some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. From Amman, you can easily reach Jerash within 50 minutes. To plan your day trip to Jerash, check out our separate Jerash guide. 

Crusader Castle of Ajloun

When thinking about castles, European countries come to mind first. But Jordan hosts a number of castles, too! A few dozen to be precise. Within one hour and 15 minutes of Amman, you can visit Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Islamic fortress against crusaders.

Mount Nebo

In Jordan, there is no shortage of destinations that are full of religious significance and Mount Neo is not exception. Hailed as the place where Moses saw the holy land before his passing, Mount Nebo makes for a great hike. Plus, it’s just 50 minutes away from Amman. 

Madaba

Tired of the hustle and bustle of Jordan’s capital city? Head out to Madaba for the day. Madaba is a smaller city just 40 minutes south of Amman. It is known for its Byzantine mosaics in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and a great place to shop handmade souvenirs. 

The Dead Sea

On the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea, you can find plenty of spa hotels offering day passes to their private beaches, pools and spa treatments, within just one hour from Amman. For the best day pass, we recommend the Mövenpick Dead Sea Resort & Spa.

Figuring out your day trip to the Dead Sea? Find more tips on visiting the Dead Sea and recommendations for the best day passes in our extensive Dead Sea guide.

The Bottom Line 

Amman is a great city to visit. This especially true, if you stick around long enough to get past the main attractions and staple museums. Beyond the surface, Amman is packed with cultural spaces, specialty cafés and culinary experiences you can hardly find in other parts of the country – or outside of it. 

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