Things to do in  Amman

The ancient city of Petra was carved into Jordan’s red sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago, and is today one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and among the most iconic archaeological destinations globally. Renowned for its astonishing rock-cut monuments, the lost city is an undisputed highlight of the Middle East.

The brilliantly colored sands and stark rock formations of Wadi Rum make this desert wilderness a must-visit for most travelers to Jordan. Signature sights include the Burdah Rock Bridge, a natural arch; the Khazali Siq, a narrow canyon; Jabal Umm Ad Dami, the highest mountain in Jordan; and the scarlet Al Hasany Dunes.

Second only to Petra in terms of archaeological importance, Jerash (Gerasa) is one of Jordan’s most significant Roman sites. The area has been inhabited for over 6,500 years, but its high point was under Roman rule, beginning in 63 BC. Today it’s known for beautifully preserved ancient architecture, including temples and an amphitheater.

Standing at around 2,680 feet (817 meters) above sea level, Mt. Nebo is an important Judeo-Christian pilgrimage site. Moses first saw the Holy Land from the summit and may have later died here. While it's of particular interest to history buffs, it's also great for its views—on clear days it's possible to see the Dead Sea from here.

The Dead Sea, home to the lowest point in the world at 1,269 feet (383 meters) below sea level, also ranks as one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. This hyper-salinity that is so unique to the Dead Sea attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience the unusual buoyancy, as well as access the nutrient-rich mud on its banks.

Ancient history sits high above downtown streets at the Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qalaa), a compact hill topped with Roman ruins, a palace, and the National Archeological Museum. Whether you’re exploring the sites or just enjoying panoramic views across Amman, the Citadel is an essential stop.

Spectacularly restored, Amman Roman Theater once held an audience of 6,000, and in summer, it’s still used for shows and concerts. Dating to the second century AD, it nestles towards the base of Amman Citadel. The 3-tier seating structure reflects Roman society: rulers sat at the front, army in the middle, and ordinary folk above.

Perched on top of Mount ‘Auf, with commanding views over the Jordan Valley, Ajloun Castle was built in the 12th century by a general under Saladin, Egypt and Syria’s first sultan. Destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, it’s been used to deter Crusader attacks, defend iron mines and trade routes, and as part of a beacon and pigeon communication network.

Situated in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Madaba in Jordan, the Madaba Map dates from 542-570 AD and is the world’s oldest cartographic depiction of the Holy Land. While some of this richly detailed map is lost, it’s still more than worth seeing for its depiction of 6th-century Jerusalem and the wider Holy Land.

A fine example of contemporary Islamic architecture, the King Abdullah Mosque commemorates King Abdullah I, founder of the dynasty that rules Jordan to this day. The vast blue dome, decorated with texts from the Quran, shades a space that can hold over 10,000 people, while a small museum celebrates the king’s life.

Probably Amman’s best-known road, Rainbow Street runs along the top of Jebel Amman hill. Despite the name, it’s not especially colorful, but the mass of cafés, eateries, and stores make up for it, while jewel-like villas and atmospheric stairways nestle down side streets.

The collections of the Jordan Archaeological Museum, established in 1951 near the Amman Citadel, run from the Stone Age to the Islamic era and include Nabatean and Roman works of art. The museum has lost some of its most important pieces to the Jordan Museum, which opened in 2014, and there are plans to update it.

Azraq Castle is a desert fortress created by the Romans back in 300 AD, although the current structure was built in 1237 by the Mamelukes. Its location in the center of the Azraq Oasis was chosen strategically; this area is the only water source in over 7,000 square miles. The basalt castle’s most striking feature is its black-blue hue.

The Royal Automobile Museum is a permanent showcase for 80 of King Hussein’s private vehicles—the only one of its kind in the Arab world. You’ll find everything from vintage Rolls-Royces and sportscars to motorcycles and racing cars, some dating back to 1909. The museum uses the collection to illustrate modern Jordanian history and revisit critical events from the king’s 47-year reign.

Once a royal retreat of the Umayyad caliphs, this 8th-century desert castle in northern Jordan is known for its startlingly well-preserved fresco paintings. It’s an impressive feat of early Islamic art and architecture—enough to earn UNESCO World Heritage status. The palace is about an hour’s drive from Amman and Madaba and is often visited alongside Qasr Kharana and Qasr al Alzraq.