Jordan

AI may have contributed to this destination’s text and activity data. Confirm opening days, transport, prices and entry conditions with the relevant operator or authority; automatic live-data updates do not verify these descriptions.

Amman

Jordan's capital of hills and history

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Amman Plan a trip around Jordan

Best time to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Currency: JOD
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Jordan

Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0

Amman is Jordan's capital and largest city, a sprawling metropolis of white stone hills that blends Roman ruins and ancient citadels with modern cafes and malls. It is the country's economic and cultural hub and a convenient base for exploring Jordan.

Largest cities

Amman
Zarqa
Irbid
Aqaba
Salt

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Jordan
Capital: Amman
City population: 4M
Population of Jordan: 10.4M
Country area: 89,341 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) · 1 USD ≈ 0.709 JOD
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +962
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 795 m
Plugs: B / C / D / F / G · 230V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	13°	14°	18°	25°	28°	32°	34°	34°	31°	27°	21°	15°
Low	5°	5°	7°	13°	16°	19°	21°	21°	19°	15°	12°	7°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$35
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$85
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$210

Plan a trip to Amman

Top things to do

≈ $3
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qalaa)
Explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church, with panoramic views over the city; go early to avoid heat and crowds.
- Half day
- Jabal al-Qalaa (Citadel Hill)
- Good for kids
≈ $2
Roman Theater
Visit the impressive 2nd-century Roman amphitheater, which once seated 6,000, and the adjacent Odeon and Nymphaeum; the site includes a small museum.
- Half day
- Downtown (Al-Balad)
- Good for kids
≈ $5
The Jordan Museum
See the Dead Sea Scrolls, Ain Ghazal statues, and exhibits on Jordan's history from prehistoric to modern times; it's a good introduction to the country.
- Half day
- Downtown (Al-Balad)
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Tuesday
Free
Rainbow Street
Stroll this lively street in Jabal Amman lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops; it's especially pleasant in the evening when locals gather.
- Half day
- Jabal Amman (including Jabal al-Luweibdeh)
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $2
King Abdullah I Mosque
Visit this striking blue-domed mosque, one of the few in Jordan open to non-Muslims; women must cover their hair and shoulders (robes provided).
- Half day
- Jabal Amman (including Jabal al-Luweibdeh)
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Downtown Souqs and Markets
Wander through the bustling souqs of downtown Amman, where you can buy spices, souvenirs, and street food; try the falafel and knafeh.
- Half day
- Downtown (Al-Balad)
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $15
Day Trip to Jerash
Travel north to the ancient Roman city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world; allow a full day for the site and travel.
- Full day
- Jabal Amman (including Jabal al-Luweibdeh)
- Good for kids
≈ $25
Day Trip to the Dead Sea
Float in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, and apply its mineral-rich mud; bring water shoes and avoid getting water in your eyes.
- Full day
- Jabal Amman (including Jabal al-Luweibdeh)
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need a visa to enter Jordan. A single-entry visa can be purchased on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport or at the Sheikh Hussein/North Border land crossing for 40 Jordanian dinars (about 56 USD), valid for 3 months. Alternatively, if staying at least 3 nights, you can buy a Jordan Pass online before travel (70–80 JD), which includes the visa fee and entry to major sites. If you plan to stay more than 14 days, you must register with the local police station within 14 days of arrival. Always check the official UK government entry requirements page for the latest rules, as

Official website

From the airport

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is the main gateway, about 30 km south of the city. The Sariyah Airport Express bus runs hourly to the city center for 3.30 JD (about 45–60 minutes), while taxis cost around 22.5 JD and ride-hailing apps about 15 JD.

Getting around

Amman has a growing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and a bus network, but taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are the most practical way to get around the hilly city.

Local tips

Dress modestly, especially in older neighborhoods and religious sites; women should cover shoulders and knees.
Carry cash in Jordanian dinars for small purchases, taxis, and entrance fees, as not all places accept cards.
During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is discouraged, and many restaurants close until sunset.
Amman's hills make walking between areas tiring; plan to use taxis or ride-hailing for longer distances.

Areas worth knowing

Abdoun
Downtown (Al-Balad)
Sweifieh
Jabal Amman (including Jabal al-Luweibdeh)
Jabal al-Qalaa (Citadel Hill)

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 10, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK