Amman holidays

How to reach Amman

• Flight time: Flights to Amman from the UK typically take around 5 hours 30 minutes and land at Queen Alia International Airport. Direct flights from London are the best option. Flights from other major UK airports, such as Manchester, are sometimes direct but more commonly have a stopover and take quite a bit longer.

• Transfer time: From the airport, it takes 30–45 minutes to reach Amman city centre by taxi, which is the most popular choice. Alternatively, you can go for the airport express bus, which takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

• Price: A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs JD22.50 (£24), while the airport express bus costs JD3.30 (£3.50).

Best time to visit Amman

Jordan’s climate ranges from sweltering summers to cool winters, and choosing the best time to visit depends on your tolerance for heat, whether you prefer to explore in peace or with fellow travellers, and what accommodation deals you are looking for.

• March to May is high season, with warm and pleasant weather ideal for visiting the city’s ancient sites and enjoying outdoor activities. Average temperatures range from 12 to 28°C with minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine.

• June to August are the hottest months, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. Rain is rare during summer, and skies are usually clear. While it’s still possible to explore the city, it’s advisable to plan outings early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the intense heat.

• September to November brings cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 25°C in September down to the low 20s in October. However, it is still dry, making it another great time to visit. The crowds lessen, so you’ll have a quieter experience.

• December to February is the coolest period, with temperatures ranging between 5 and 15°C and rainfall increasing to around 40–50mm monthly. While winter in Amman is relatively mild, it’s best to pack warm clothing if you're visiting during this time, and you can enjoy the place far less crowded than in peak season.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Jordan's official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in Amman, especially in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants.

• Local habits and customs: Jordan is very welcoming and hospitable, but Jordanians are quite conservative, so respect for local customs is essential, especially during Ramadan. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and avoid public displays of affection.

• Health and safety: Amman is a safe city for travellers, but it’s always wise to stay vigilant. Be mindful of your belongings in busy areas, watch out for scams and people touting hotels and tours, and be wary of overly persistent vendors. Avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled water. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance before your trip, including medical cover.

• Currency: The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), subdivided into 1,000 fils (100 piastres). Credit or debit cards are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants, but Jordan is still very much a cash society, so you're best off carrying some local notes. ATMs are readily available throughout Amman.

• Getting around: Amman’s public transport does include buses, but with little information available on them, the white shared taxis (serveeces) and other taxis are the most convenient ways to get around the city. Shared taxis are extremely cheap, while for yellow cabs, most trips within the city cost between JD2 and JD5 (£2 and £5), but insist the meter is switched on before starting a journey. Uber and Careem ride-shares are also available and can be slightly cheaper than metered taxis.

• Electricity and plug types: Jordan's electricity is 220V, and plugs vary between British-style three-pin types (newer buildings and hotels) and European-style round-pin types (older buildings). UK travellers will need an adaptor; taking a multi-adaptor is the best option.

• Time zone: Jordan is 2 hours ahead of GMT and daylight saving time is observed in summer.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers can obtain a 1-month visa upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport. You can also purchase a Jordan Pass before travelling, which includes the cost of your visa along with free entry to Petra and 40 other sites across Jordan, saving you money.

Best things to do in Amman

Often overlooked, the Jordanian capital is a cultured city with an unexpected charm. While it has no monuments that are quite the draw of Petra, there’s no shortage of things to see and do on Amman holidays. Here's a guide to some of the best:

The best districts

• Downtown Amman: The heart of the city’s vibrant street life, Al Balad is where you’ll find bustling souks, street vendors and the lively energy of traditional Middle Eastern markets. It’s a great place to experience the everyday life of Ammanis and to shop for souvenirs.

• Jabal Amman: Known for its elegant architecture, leafy streets, quirky cafés and the famous cobbled Rainbow Street, this wealthy district offers a pleasant contrast to the busier downtown area.

Historical monuments

• Roman Theatre: This impressive 2,000-year-old theatre stands as a symbol of Amman's ancient past. Built during Roman rule, the massive structure can seat up to 6,000 people and is still used today for cultural events and performances.

• King Abdullah I Mosque: This modern mosque is a striking example of Islamic architecture. With a small Islamic museum, it is open to visitors outside of prayer times and offers a chance to learn about Jordan's religious traditions.

Museums and galleries

• Jordan Museum: For a deep dive into Jordan’s history, this world-class archeological museum is a must-see. It houses artefacts that span from the Palaeolithic era to modern-day Jordan, including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.

• Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts: Jordan’s premier showcase for contemporary art by artists from across the Arab world, the changing programme draws on a large permanent collection. Their pleasant garden is also perfect for a stroll.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Jabal Al Qal’a (Citadel Hill): This historic hilltop site provides sweeping views of the city and fascinating ruins, including the Roman Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace.

• Rainbow Street: For those who prefer a more urban panorama, Rainbow Street offers excellent city views, especially at sunset. This lively street is also packed with cafés, restaurants and quirky shops, making it a great place for people-watching.

Day trips in the area

• Jerash: Located about 1 hour north of Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Visitors can explore its collonnaded streets, temples, theatres and arches.

• Dead Sea: One of the most popular trips out of Amman is to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Visitors love floating in the salty water and stopping by other highlights on the way.

• Mount Nebo: This religious site is believed to be where Moses saw the Promised Land. It offers stunning views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and beyond. The ancient mosaics in the Moses Memorial Church are a highlight.

Activities for families in Amman

Children are central to Jordanian society and universally loved, and there are plenty of activities for families to enjoy in the capital and across the country.

• Children’s Museum: Located in King Hussein Park, this museum is a hit with kids. It’s packed with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and fun educational displays.

• Haya Cultural Centre: Perfect for younger children, this cultural centre in Shmeisani offers theatre performances, music and play areas designed to engage and entertain.

• Amman Waves: For a fun day in the sun, head to this water park just outside the city. It has pools, water slides and wave machines, providing a cool escape on hot days.

Free things to do in Amman

If you’re visiting Amman on a budget, there are still plenty of things to do that won’t cost a penny. Whether it’s soaking in the local culture or taking in the sights, here are some of the best free activities in the city.

• Amman Citadel (free with Jordan Pass): The Citadel offers not only historical interest but also stunning city views. Admission is free with the Jordan Pass.

• Free festivals: Amman hosts various free cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Amman Summer Festival and Citadel Nights during Ramadan. These events offer a great opportunity to experience local music, food and art.

Local dishes in Amman

One highlight of visiting Jordan is sampling the rich variety of Middle Eastern cuisine, deeply rooted in Bedouin traditions. Whether dining in upscale restaurants or grabbing street food, you’re in for a treat. Here are some top choices to try on holidays to Amman:

Some typical dishes

• Mansaf: Jordan’s national dish consists of chunks of boiled lamb served on rice with pine nuts sprinkled on top and a tart yoghurt on the side to pour over it.

• Maqluba: This hearty choice translates to “upside-down” and is a mixture of chicken or lamb, rice and vegetables cooked together, then flipped onto a plate to create a layered dish.

• Mujaddara: This simple but hearty dish, made from lentils, rice and fried onions, is perfect for vegetarians.

• Mezze: A common way to eat is to order a variety of mezze (small dishes) to be shared by everyone, and good restaurants might offer up to 30 different choices, both hot and cold. Favourites are tabbouleh (parsley salad), fattoush (salad with crunchy fried bread), stuffed vine leaves and hummus. Hot options include falafel and the mini-mains of kibdet djaj (fried chicken liver), jawaneh (chicken wings) and kibbeh (minced meat and bulgur shaped into patties). Bread and pickles are always free.

Local drinks

• Arabic coffee: Strong, thick and flavoured with cardamom, Arabic coffee is a key part of Jordanian culture and hospitality. It’s often served in small cups and is perfect for a post-meal pick-me-up.

• Bedouin tea: Made with black tea and flavoured with sage or mint, Bedouin tea is a staple in the Petra region. Visitors will often be offered this sweet, aromatic tea as a gesture of hospitality.