Amman, Jordan: 5 places to see, from the Citadel to Jerash
Explore Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital city, where ancient history meets modern urban life. This route covers the heart of downtown Amman and its surrounding neighborhoods, showcasing the city's layered civilizations across 382 km.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Amman
- End
- Amman Citadel
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Amman — Capital city of Jordan, built on seven hills with a blend of ancient Roman ruins and vibrant modern districts, featuring bustling traditional markets and coffee shops.
- Asham Restaurant — Traditional Jordanian dining establishment serving authentic local cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere that reflects regional culinary heritage.
- Roman Amphitheater Amman — Second-century Roman theater carved into hillside, showcasing well-preserved architecture and hosting cultural performances amid Amman's historic cityscape.
- Jerash
- Amman Citadel
Useful for your trip
- Food
- Visit Asham Restaurant in downtown Amman, operating since 1956, for traditional Jordanian breakfast with falafel, hummus, and fool (kidney beans).
- Food
- Try kunafa, a sweet Jordanian pastry made with white cheese and syrup, available at street vendors in Amman souks.
- Tip
- Explore Amman Downtown for old coffee shops, bookstores, and atmosphere similar to European markets; browse spices, dates, and dried fruits at traditional souks.
- Tip
- Visit Amman Citadel for 360-degree views of the city, including old downtown white stone homes and the Roman amphitheater; hear the call to prayer echoing across the city.
- Transport
- Head north to Jerash (Gerash) to visit one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, often called the Pompei of the Middle East, nearly 2,000 years old.
- Tip
- At Jerash, see the Roman amphitheater, the oval plaza (forum), and the main colonnaded road with well-preserved Roman columns throughout the ancient city.
- Tip
- Visit Petra, accessed via narrow canyon Al-Siq, featuring pink sandstone cliffs with carved tombs and temples dating to around 300 BC; see the Treasury and the Monastery.
- Tip
- Climb approximately 900 steps to reach the Monastery at Petra for views considered more impressive than the Treasury structure.
- Food
- Try fresh Jordanian produce at roadside fruit stands on routes to Jerash; local vendors often offer complimentary samples of oranges, bananas, and other fruits.
- Food
- Visit local bakeries near Petra that make bread (Tabul) using ancient traditional methods; pair with Bedouin tea for an authentic local experience.
- Save money
- Use Arabian Wanderers tour code MALINI5 for 5% discount on Jordan trips; book tours through GetYourGuide.
- Tip
- Travel south from Petra to Wadi Rum desert wilderness; expect to see camels on the road in the desert area.
Video on this route
The Middle East's Most EPIC & BEAUTIFUL Country! (Jordan)