Explore Amman, the Capital of Jordan! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots

Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, was originally built on seven hills but has since grown to span across 19 hills.
First-time visitors to Amman often say, “The city is cleaner and the cars are newer than I imagined.”

The city offers a dynamic mix of the old and the new. The old town is alive with bustling markets and local shops, while the commercial districts showcase sleek cafes and stylish boutiques. Meanwhile, the hilltops are home to ancient ruins steeped in history. Amman’s charm goes far beyond being just a stopover on your way to iconic Jordanian destinations like Petra or the Dead Sea—it’s a destination worth exploring in its own right!

Here are seven carefully selected must-visit spots within Amman!

1. The Citadel

Known locally as "The Citadel," this historical landmark is occasionally referred to as Amman Citadel in guidebooks.

Kick off your Amman adventure with breathtaking views of the city from this elevated site. Perched on Jabal Al-Qala’a, a hill steeped in history and once a key political and military hub, the Citadel offers a fascinating journey through time. The site features the remnants of Hercules' Temple, believed to have been built under Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, the Umayyad Palace and mosque from the 8th century, and a Byzantine church, all blending to create an outdoor museum experience.

Tourists flock here not only for its historical significance but also for its stunning cityscape. Don't miss the colossal Jordanian flag visible in the distance—its flag measures 30m by 60m, and the pole stands a staggering 126.8m tall! Your ticket to the Citadel also grants access to the Archaeological Museum, which is worth exploring next.

2. Archaeological Museum

The Amman Archaeological Museum, located in the Citadel, was established in 1951. It houses artifacts excavated from ancient ruins across the country. The collection is arranged chronologically, covering a wide range of periods, from the Stone Age 1 million years ago to the Islamic era. It includes a wealth of items such as pottery, glass, stone, and metal tools, as well as inscriptions and monuments like sculptures.

Previously, the museum attracted visitors eager to see the famous Dead Sea Scrolls’ Copper Scroll, but since the new Jordan Museum opened, this item has been relocated there. Despite the museum's modest and somewhat quiet atmosphere, it might offer the perfect opportunity for a thorough and unhurried exploration.

Be sure to visit during your trip to Amman!

3. Roman Amphitheater

The Roman Amphitheater, visible in all its splendor from the Citadel, is a must-see destination. A short 15-minute walk down a narrow stairway will take you to this historic site. Constructed in the 2nd century by Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, the amphitheater, with a seating capacity of approximately 6,000, has been beautifully restored and now hosts outdoor concerts and summer events. What a luxurious way to bring ancient Roman ruins back to life!

Its design, taking advantage of the hillside, means the seating tiers are quite steep, but the breathtaking view from the top is well worth the climb. Inside, you'll find spots with remarkable acoustics—listen for the sound of clapping or singing, or even try it out for fun!

Adjacent to the Roman Amphitheater is a smaller venue known as the Odeon. This theater has been renovated multiple times since its Roman origins and is now part of the cultural experience.

Entry to the Roman Amphitheater, Odeon, and the museums is covered by a single ticket.

4. Jordan Folklore Museum & Museum of Traditional Culture

Located in the side wings of the Roman Amphitheater, you’ll find two charming museums. The Jordan Folklore Museum showcases Bedouin-style artifacts such as traditional instruments, weapons, and everyday household items.

The Jordan Museum of Traditional Culture, on the other hand, features an exquisite collection of mosaics excavated from Byzantine-era churches in Madaba, a town 30 km south of Amman. These mosaics, with their earthy tones of black, brown, and yellow, vividly depict scenes of animals and plants and are a must-see highlight.

Though small in size, both museums exude charm, utilizing the ancient corridors of the Roman theater to create a unique and atmospheric experience.

5. The Jordan Museum

Opened in 2014, the Jordan Museum is located in the southwestern part of Amman's new downtown area. Housed in a massive, modern white building, it's the largest museum in Jordan and a popular tourist destination due to its extensive collection of historical and cultural artifacts.

Many visitors are drawn to the museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of religious texts dating back to the 2nd century BC that were discovered in the Qumran Caves in Israel in the early 20th century. Another highlight is the Ain Ghazal Statues, considered to be some of the world's oldest figurines. These artifacts were previously housed in the Archaeological Museum at the Citadel but have been moved to the Jordan Museum. Be sure to watch the video explaining the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls!

6. King Abdullah I Mosque

King Abdullah I Mosque, often said to be the largest mosque in Amman, is a relatively new structure, built between 1982 and 1989. Its exterior is adorned with blue tiles, earning it the nickname "the Blue Mosque of Amman."

It was commissioned by the late King Hussein in memory of his grandfather, King Abdullah I, which is how it got its name – it is not named after the current king. While many mosques in Jordan are not open to non-Muslim visitors, King Abdullah I Mosque welcomes everyone inside outside of Friday prayers and prayer times.  

You might be surprised to find a souvenir shop right at the tourist entrance! If you're wearing revealing clothing, you can borrow a cloak here to cover up. There's also a small Islamic museum next to the entrance, which is worth a visit.

7. The Royal Automobile Museum

The Royal Automobile Museum was built in memory of the late King Hussein, who reigned from 1956 to 1999. Through its collection of cars, visitors can learn about the history of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The museum showcases 60 classic cars and 50 motorcycles, including rare limited editions of Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs. It’s truly impressive, living up to the grandeur of a royal collection! One of the notable exhibits is the 1952 Lincoln Capri used by the late King Hussein during his studies in the UK and at his coronation in 1953. Another is the 1936 Cord 810 gifted to him as a wedding present in 1955.

A particularly valuable collector’s item is the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL sports car, complete with gullwing doors, which the late King Hussein used in the Rumman Hill Climb race in Jordan. This is a must-see.

Visitors can also view rare photos and video footage, making the museum a paradise for car enthusiasts. Be sure to stop by when sightseeing in Amman.

What did you think? Here are 7 must-visit tourist spots in Amman!

While we didn’t include the King Hussein Mosque area this time, it’s a downtown district of Amman perfect for leisurely strolls. You’ll find plenty of Jordanian street food such as falafel (chickpea croquettes), shawarma, juice stands, and Arab sweet shops that draw long lines of locals. Exploring the bustling markets and shopping streets is also a highlight of any trip.

Why not visit Jordan, a country full of incredible tourist attractions?