One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Amman, the capital of Jordan is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. The city itself is home to a large expatriate community and thriving financial centre.
The growth in the Amman’s population has resulted in many developments in and around the city including the creation of an entire industrial city in the Mashaita precinct as well as several large shopping and entertainment malls, numerous sky scrapers representing both residential and office towers.
Amman is one of the most liberal or ‘westernised’ cities in the Middle East. The city enjoys a thriving tourism industry thanks to its relaxed views and unrestricted worship – the country home to both Muslim and Christian faiths. This unique culture draws artists, writers and musicians to the city from countries all over the world.
Amman Information
Population: Approx. 2.5 million
Time Zone: UTC + 2
Languages: Arabic (official)
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Currency Exchange: Ensure you exchange all your JOD before returning to Australia as the currency can sometimes be difficult to exchange.
Amman Climate
Amman experiences a semiarid climate. Long hot summers with daily maximums reaching 31°C (88°F) and falling to around 18°C (64°F) overnight. Autumn and spring last little over a month, with winter mirroring summer in length.
Temperatures during the cooler months tend to reach around 12°C (54°F) during the day and drop to 4°C (39°F) overnight. Winter is also the wettest season, with average of 57mm of rain each month - barely a drop in summer.
Amman Airport
Name: Queen Alia International
Website: http://www.amman-airport.com
Partner Airline: Etihad Airways
Car Rental: Rates on all car hire with our preferred partners
Around Amman
The city itself can be divided into two parts. Western Amman is the more prosperous area with much of the cities financial activity taking place here. Property and accommodation is expensive and many a five-star hotels and restaurants, boasting the best in international cuisine are based on the western side.
The East is its heart, with many of the cities sites and cultural activities in the area. The East is currently enjoying a city wide renovation with streets and walking areas being improved to encourage better pedestrian access for tourists.
Make sure you visit an old souk – a traditional market located in the eastern part of the city. The colourful markets sell everything from food and clothing to home wares and souvenirs. It’s a vibrant area to immerse yourself in the culture and barter with friendly locals.
The Roman Theatre has to be seen to be believed. Built between 138 and 161 AD, the 6000 seat outdoor theatre was cleverly cut into the Northern side of a hill – so as to protect spectators from the sun. Restorations to the site have resulted once again in the theatre being used to host a number of cultural and sporting events. There is a folklore museum located to the immediate right of the theatre with a number of artefacts on display illustrating ancient Jordanian life.
Surrounding Area
Take a day trip to Petra – one of the seven new wonders of the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around the 6th century BC, Petra is known for its rock cut architecture and is the most visited tourist site in Jordan. Hire a car or take advantage of one of the local tour providers and explore this remarkable piece of history.
Kempinski Hotel Amman
5 Star property
Meticulously designed, the Kempinski Hotel Amman enjoys a prime location in Amman's central business district. The hotel has 278 luxurious rooms and suites delicately cultured to liberate your senses. Each room has a seating area, a pillow menu and a marble bathroom with toiletries. The breathtaking view from all rooms adds a magical touch of relaxation. Indulge in a soupcon of dining and wining at Kempinski's Via Appia Restaurant and Bar that serves delicious Italian cuisines and concoctions. Let loose and give yourself a treat in the Kempinski Hotel Amman's Kempi Spa, fitness centre and outdoor heated pool.
InterContinental Hotel Amman Jordan
5 Star property
Offering impeccable services and quality amenities, the InterContinental Amman Jordan is the best place to stay for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel is located at just 5 kilometres from the city centre, and features a wide choice of comfortable guestrooms with pleasing amenities that ensure you a pleasant stay. This hotel offers a choice of international, Indian, Modern Mexican and Lebanese cuisine. Facilities at the gymnasium or the swimming pool can be utilised during leisure to remain fresh after a hard day's work or sightseeing.
Crown Plaza Hotel Amman
4 Star property
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Amman combines its central location with fine facilities to respond to the needs of guests travelling for business or pleasure. The hotel has 279 air-conditioned rooms that are spacious and tastefully decorated. All of Crowne Plaza's guest rooms are equipped with high-speed internet access and other modern amenities. The Crowne Plaza offers a wide variety of fine dining restaurants and lounges with spectacular views of Amman. The hotel's leisure facilities are outstanding with indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath and 2 tennis courts.
Holiday Inn Amman
3 Star property
The combination of modern facilities and the prime location of Holiday Inn Amman make it an ideal destination for both business and leisure stays in Amman. Situated in western Amman, the hotel offers 218 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and suites, all featuring modern amenities and high-tech equipment. Guests can choose from a variety of dining options that include all-day international dining at the Senate and mouth-watering Chinese cuisine at Beyond Rangoon. The hotel's recreational facilities offer an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room.
Dining
For traditional food keep your eyes open for traditional shawarma and felafel stands. Shawarma consists of lamb cooked in a tasty sauce, rolled up in traditional flat bread and felafels are a great option for vegetarians, made from chickpeas they’re often served wrapped in bread with a tangy yoghurt sauce or served with salad.
The Hashem restaurant located in downtown Amman serves up generous portions of traditional Arabic food – think felafel, hummus, breads and grilled meats. A popular local haunt and with pictures of the Jordanian Royal Family enjoying food in the restaurant, it must be pretty good. Located at Al-Amir Mohammed St.
Soak up views of the city and beyond from one of the terraces at the Book@Cafe. Enjoy a light lunch with freshly made salads or an authentic Italian pizza or pasta dish. Beer and wine as well as plenty of hot drinks are served here – find a spot on one of the lounges and you’ve found the perfect place to unwind after a day spent playing tourist. Located at Omar bin al-Khattab.
Shopping
Amman is home to a number of larger than life shopping centres - like Mecca Mall. Located in the cities west, it’s open every day and has a great choice of shops and family entertainment. Located at Abdullah ad Dawud.
You can find all of your favourite international brands along Wakalat St. The pedestrian only street is lined with many upmarket boutiques and there are plenty of places to stop for a coffee and refuel.
