Amman attractions

Dating back to the early 8th century, this imposing desert ruin in eastern Jordan offers a remarkable glimpse of early Islamic architecture under the Umayyad Caliphate, the first Muslim dynasty. Easily reachable as a day trip from Amman, it remains a popular (and famously photogenic) stop for tourists and photographers in combination with nearby Qasr Amra and Qasr al Alzraq.

With the Roman ruins of Gadara, an abandoned Ottoman village, and sweeping views over Jordan, Israel, and Syria, the little town of Umm Qais (Gadara) has a lot to offer the visitor. The undisputed highlight is the ancient city, Gadara, where the remains of Roman theaters, colonnades, and tombs enjoy a spectacular hilltop location.

A literal desert oasis, Azraq Wetland Reserve is a lush marshland located among eastern Jordan's rugged plains and sandy steppes. While only 10 percent of the original wetland area remains, this scenic reserve known for its glittering blue pools is one of the best areas in the region for wildlife spotting: around 300 species of migratory birds pass through here en route between Europe and Africa.

One of Jordan’s most important archaeological landmarks, the ruins of Pella date back over 6,000 years and span multiple eras of history—from Stone and Iron Age-era settlements to Byzantine Churches and an excavated Islamic Quarter. Despite all this (and Pella’s proximity to Jerash and Irbid and driving distance from Amman), this off-the-tourist-track gem remains surprisingly overlooked.

Winding through some of Jordan’s most stunning scenery, this ancient trading road runs south from historic Madaba to Wadi Musa, your base for exploring Petra. While faster routes exist, the King’s Highway offers majestic crusader castles at Karak and Shobak, the spectacular Wadi al-Mujib canyon, the Dana Nature Reserve, and more.

A small and charmingly quirky museum containing life-sized dioramas, La Storia Tourism Complex depicts Jordan’s history and heritage in a series of themed displays. Visitors can see recreations of scenes from the Old and New Testaments, replicas of Islamic sites, and even mock portions of a historic Bedouin village with animatronic villagers. The museum is located 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Mt. Nebo.

As Amman’s oldest quarter, and most would say its liveliest, bustling Downtown Amman (Al-Balad) offers souks, stores, and cafés aplenty, not to mention the Amman Citadel, home to the city’s best Roman ruins. With the call to prayer undulating and car horns beeping, it’s an atmospheric contrast to the more modern areas further west.

One of Jordan's largest malls, Amman City Mall offers an array of international brands, including Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Mango, and Ted Baker. It also offers home decor, toys, a supermarket, a wide range of food options, and a multiplex cinema with an IMAX screen. The sleek interior with its glass roof is more stylish than it looks from the outside.

The first palace built by King Abdullah I of Jordan, Raghadan Palace features an ornate Islamic architectural style. Located within the Royal Court Compound of Al-Maquar, and formerly the royal family's residence, the palace is used today for state functions.