Amman is Jordan’s capital city, which is situated in the Middle East. For most travellers, it is usually the first or last stop when travelling to Jordan. What most people may not know is that the city has a number of tourist attractions as well as activities to engage in all year round. If you plan to go on vacation soon, this city should definitely be on your list. Here are a few things you should know before visiting Amman.
Best Time To Visit
When travelling to a foreign country for a vacation, you should always consider the best time. Amman is a desert area, and if you have been to a place like Dubai, you can already tell the temperature levels of the city.
The most favourable time of the year to travel to Amman is during the spring, which runs from March to May. It is easier to go sightseeing during this period since the weather is pleasant. The only downside is that most people travel during this time, meaning the accommodation areas are expensive.
June to August are considered the hottest months, so moving around in the heat may be challenging. The plus side of this period is that most accommodation areas are cheaper. If you plan to travel during the spring season, you can plan for it earlier to find the best hotel to stay in.
Planning your trip early in advance also helps you discover fantastic deals on flights like those from Dubai to Amman.
Dressing
Most people who live in Amman are Muslims meaning there is a conservative culture regarding dressing. Although shorts, short-sleeved tops and skirts are not prohibited, they may make you feel a little out of place.
You can consider carrying long-sleeved tops, loose linen pants, or ankle-length skirts when packing. They may not be your number one fashion choice, but they help you blend in. They also come in handy, especially on hot days. Scarfs are not necessary, but they are a sign of respect to the locals especially if you plan to visit any religious area.
It would be best if you also considered carrying comfortable closed shoes since the city has many hill areas.
Places To Explore
If you are into aesthetics, then you will surely love Amman. From colourful streets to art galleries, there are so many activities, and places to visit that will have you going back. Here are a few tourist attractions and activities you can engage in:
Dead Sea
You can ride from the city to Amman Beach and enjoy a day of relaxation, sunbathing and floating in the Dead Sea. Other facilities are also available like an amusement park, restaurant and basketball courts.
The Royal Automobile Museum
If you are a car fan, this museum should definitely be on your list of adventures. The Royal Automobile Museum was established in 2003 and is located in the northern suburbs of Amman. The museum showcases the late King Hussein bin Talal’s cars and motorcycles. Some of them date back to 1909. Each vehicle showcased tells a unique story along the timeline of the late King’s life.
Rainbow Street
Rainbow street is the place to be with friends or family. The street is filled with artistic walls, vibrant cafés, flea markets, nightclubs, street food and aesthetically pleasing décor. The best part about this fun-filled area is that it is located in the city centre, meaning it is easy to find.
King Abdullah Mosque
The King Abdullah Mosque is a tourist attraction you wouldn’t want to miss out on, mainly because it is the only Mosque in Amman that welcomes non-Muslims. The Mosque was built between 1982 and 1986 and has a spectacular modern Islamic design. The Mosque also has a museum that showcases pottery collections and photographs of King Abdullah.
The Amman Citadel
The Citadel is one of the most popular tourist sites in Amman. This historical site has existed since the Bronze age (1800 BCE) and is home to many attractions—the temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace and the Jordan Archaeological Museum.
The temple of Hercules, located at the peak of Citadel hill, is said to be the resting place of the Greek god Hercules. The first thing you will notice is a giant hand carved in stone that is believed to be a remnant of the original statue of the god. You also get a beautiful panoramic view of Amman city from the temple.
The Umayyad Palace is a ruin that was built between the 7th and 8th centuries. The building has unique Islamic architecture, and its walls are decorated with art from the Umayyad period.
As you finish your tour, you will come across the Jordan Museum. The museum showcases the culture and history of Jordan in beautifully designed galleries. It also has some of the oldest human statues in the world.
Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
If you love art galleries or art in general, this place should be on your list. The Jordan National Gallery has a collection of more than 3,000 works of art, including photographs, sculptures and paintings. It also represents artists from more than 70 countries worldwide.
The gallery also hosts events and workshops that teach visitors how to create unique pieces of art using techniques by the featured artists.
Children’s Museum
When choosing a destination for a vacation and you have children, you always have to consider if there are activities, they can engage in. Amman has several places where your kids can learn and enjoy themselves, including the Children’s Museum.
This museum is located inside the Al Hussein public park, designed for children of all ages. The museum has a closed play area for toddlers, a library, a gift shop, and many indoor and outdoor exhibits. Children get to make music, play and take part in exciting adventures.
Day Trips
One of the best things about choosing Amman as your vacation destination is that you have the opportunity to visit places outside the capital.
Petra is the most popular destination for a day trip. The ancient city was recently listed as one of the seven wonders of the world. It has also been featured in a number of Hollywood films such as Indiana Jones, The Last Crusade, Transformers and Arabian Nights.
On tour, you will learn historical facts about the city as you walk around and see the ancient buildings and ruins. You can opt to tour the city on foot or on a camel. The other destinations you can visit are Jerash Ruins, Wadi Mujib, Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum Valley and Ajloun Castle.
Amman has a few more attraction sites that are worth checking out. You can click here to find more.
Getting Around
Amman has eight traffic roundabouts that are also referred to as circles. Getting to understand these circles will help you to know how to navigate through the city.
Some of the memorable places in Amman are located in the downtown area, and these places you would need to go on foot. However, if you love to explore, it may not be easy to get to the attractions by walking.
Renting a car may be costly, although it is the best way to get around. You can also choose to use the bus, take a cab or car share. Car share is the most common, so you can download the Uber app or its competing app, Careem.
Accommodation
When planning to travel, accommodation is one of the most important things to consider. Amman is a large city, meaning you can always find a place that fits your desired budget.
If you want to save a few coins, then a hotel in the city center or near the marketplace is the ideal way. This is because you can get to your desired tourist attraction sites faster.
You can also opt to stay in the newer part of the city and enjoy modern skyscrapers and high-end hotels. However, you may need to hire a car or a cab to get to some of the tourist sites in the city.
Cultural Differences
“When in Rome, do what the Romans do” is the best phrase to live by during your stay in Amman. The way people live their lives varies from one country to another. Learning what people accept and don’t accept will help you get along with people in the city.
Shaking hands is a standard way of greeting one another, although some people in Jordan may not be up for it. Don’t take it personally if you reach out to greet someone and they place their hand apologetically on their chest. They may be part of the conservative Jordanian group.
Handshaking may also be an issue if you and another person are from different genders. To avoid being in an awkward situation, you can smile and wait for the other person to greet you instead.
Jordanians are usually friendly with people, and they take hospitality seriously. Don’t be afraid to engage in conversation or greetings due to their customs.
Visa
To enter any Jordan country, you will need an entry visa. You can get the visa before leaving the country or pay for a single-entry visa upon arrival. A single-entry visa is valid for a month and costs about 40 JOD, around 56 USD.
If you wish to get the visa before travelling, you can purchase it online for about JOD 70 – 80, equivalent to 98-112 USD. This visa gives you access to more than 40 sites across the country.
Safety
Given that Jordan borders countries like Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia, you may be feeling a little insecure about touring Amman. Jordan is ranked 38th out of 136 regarding safety and security. This puts it ahead of so many countries that you may consider safer.
There are also metal detectors installed in malls, hotels, movie theatres, supermarkets and government offices. If you feel a little nervous about visiting this city, you can go with a friend or relative or go on a group tour. More people always make a trip worthwhile and seeing that Amman has so many activities, you wouldn’t want to be alone.
So, if you are wondering what your next tourist destination should be, you should consider adding Amman to your list. It’s a trip you will live to remember.
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