How to spend only one day in Amman and make the most of it? Follow our Amman 1 day itinerary. We visited Amman with our 4-year-old son and spent a full day in this bustling and vibrant city. Then, we moved away to have some day trips from Amman.
We prepared for you a free Amman city tour. We will help you to discover the best things to do in Amman in one day at your pace.
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Is Amman worth visiting?
Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan. It is a city with a rich history and culture that dates back thousands of years. Amman is usually treated as a stop on the way to Petra or Wadi Rum. In our opinion, the capital of Jordan is worth visiting. The city offers a good blend of ancient history and modernity. And the food… you will love it.
You will enjoy walking in Amman if you like bustling markets, ancient ruins, kind locals, and delicious food. In our opinion, Amman is very safe, but it is good to follow the map and directions. We think that a day in Amman is enough to feel the atmosphere of this city.
10 Things to Do in Amman in One Day
We have chosen our TOP 10 activities in Amman. You can select a few of them and create your own 1 day in Amman itinerary.
1. Discover Downtown Amman
Downtown Amman is a vibrant area that is known for its markets, shops, and restaurants. Having a walk is the best way to experience the local culture and discover Amman at your pace. What surprised us the most in Amman were the murals – they are stunning and located in surprising and sometimes unexpected places in the city.
Once there, explore the narrow streets and alleys of the old town, sample traditional Jordanian food at local restaurants, and shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the busy bazaars.
2. Visit the Citadel
Head to Citadel, which is one of the most popular landmarks in Amman and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The Citadel is located on top of a hill and offers breathtaking views of the city.
The Citadel is known for housing several ancient ruins, including the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Byzantine Church. While there, you can explore the ruins and learn about the city’s history from the many informational displays located throughout the site. There is also a museum with artifacts and relics from ancient times.
3. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheater is another tourist destination in Amman. Built-in the 2nd century AD, the amphitheater can seat up to 6,000 people and be used for various events, including gladiator fights and theatrical performances. The area around the amphitheater is also home to numerous restaurants and cafés, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat or relax with a cup of coffee.
4. Visit the King Abdullah Mosque
The King Abdullah Mosque is one of the most beautiful and impressive mosques in the city, completed in 1989. Now it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers. You can tour the mosque and admire its stunning architecture, including a blue dome and four minarets. Remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the mosque.
5. Wander through the Souk Jara
The Souk Jara is a busy market located in the heart of Amman. It is open on Fridays from May to October. You can buy their local handicrafts, clothing, and food. Souk Jara is a great place to try local delicacies, including falafel, hummus, and shawarma.
6. Visit the Jordan Museum
Visiting the Jordan Archaeological Museum is a must-do activity for anyone interested in history and archaeology. This world-class museum is located in the heart of Amman and is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and antiquities that date back to prehistoric times.
7. Explore the Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street is one of the most famous streets in Amman and is a popular destination for locals and tourists. The street is home to many shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as several art galleries and bookstores. According to some locals, Rainbow Street is getting more and more tourist-oriented, so in our opinion, it is not a “must-see”.
8. Visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum
The Jordan Archaeological Museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts from ancient times, including sculptures, coins, and pottery. You can learn about the country’s history and see many of the treasures unearthed by archaeologists over the years.
9. Relax in the Amman Citadel Park
Amman Citadel Park is a tranquil and peaceful park nestled in the heart of the city, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The park offers stunning views of Amman and its surroundings, making it an ideal spot for taking photos or simply enjoying a quiet moment. You can enjoy a stroll through the park’s well-manicured gardens, featuring a variety of local flora and fauna. The park also features several benches and shaded areas, perfect for picnics or taking a break from sightseeing.
10. Discover Darat al Funun
Darat al Funun is an art center located in the Jabal al-Weibdeh neighborhood of Amman, founded in 1988 by the late Khalid Shoman, a prominent Jordanian businessman and art collector, and has become a hub for contemporary art in the region. Darat al Funun features several exhibition spaces, including a renovated villa and a contemporary art gallery, as well as a library, archive, and residency program for artists.
How to get to Amman
Queen Alia International Airport is located about 20 miles (ca. 32 km) south of the city. You can reach the city via taxi or bus. In our opinion, the most convenient and not that expensive way to get to Amman is to take a taxi, readily available outside the airport terminal.
The cost of a taxi ride from the airport to the city center is around 25 JD (Jordanian dinars), which is approximately $35. Visitors can also take the airport bus to the city center, which costs around 3.3 JD ($4.65) per person.
Getting around Amman
We deceived to choose the most convenient way of discovering Amman – having a long walk. You can also pick an inexpensive taxi, but before getting the taxi, don’t forget to negotiate the fare with a driver. We have heard a lot from other travelers that renting a car and driving through Amman can be a real disaster due to the heavy traffic and narrow streets.
Where to eat in Amman – our 2 best recommendations
We have selected the 2 TOP places to eat in Amman, which you have to try once there.
If like me, you consider yourself a coffee lover, you must try cardamon coffee. Surprisingly, we could find this delicious, aromatic hot drink only in small, roadside booths which, honestly, didn’t look very inviting.
Hashem Restaurant Down Town
King Faisal Street Amman
Vegetarian-friendly eatery, Hashem Restaurant, is located in Downtown Amman, known for its delicious and affordable Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant has been established in 1952 and once there you can see many photos of famous people who visited Hashem Restaurant in the past.
Hashem Restaurant has a really short menu, so we decided to give a try to every dish. Our must-eats are hummus, falafel, ful medames, pita bread, and delicious tea. The restaurant has a no-frills atmosphere, with shared tables and a bustling kitchen, giving it an authentic feel.
Al Siran Restaurant
We visited Al Siran Restaurant three times, and we still remember the taste of every dish we tried there. It is a perfect place for meat lovers, but they offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes as well. The menu is a mixture of modern Jordanian and Levantine dishes that are made using locally sourced and organic ingredients. The restaurant has an open kitchen that allows customers to watch the chefs in action.
Activities for kids in Amman
We visited Amman with our 4-year-old son. Although it was his first time trying Jordanian food, he loved hummus and pita bread. He was a real star in Jordan. He received many kind words, smiles, and questions about age, food preferences… Traveling with kids in Amman opens many doors.
Amman is a great destination for families with kids. You can visit the Jordan Museum to learn more about Jordan’s history and culture. You can add to your list The Children’s Museum, full of hands-on exhibits and fun workshops for kids. Another great idea is to explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Theater and the Citadel. You can also visit the Wild Jordan Center, or spend an afternoon at King Hussein Park.
Where to stay in Amman?
Looking for convenient accommodation in Amman, Jordan? We have selected three of our favorite places where you can relax after your Amman day tour.
The best hostel in Amman: Carob Hostel
Carob Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel located in the neighborhood of Jabal al-Weibdeh. The hostel offers dormitory rooms and private rooms at affordable prices. It features a shared kitchen, a lounge area, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. It is a great option for backpackers.
Check the availability of the Carob Hostel here.
4 star hotels in Amman Jordan: The Y Hotel
We spent three nights in The Y Hotel located an 8-min walk from Downtown Amman. This inexpensive hotel is located in a quiet, residential area, and offers spacious rooms and a Jordanian breakfast.
You can check the availability in The Y Hotel here.
5 stars hotels in Amman: The House Boutique Suites
The House Boutique Suites is one of the best 5-star hotels in Amman. It is a luxurious place located in the trendy neighborhood of Abdoun in Amman. It features elegantly designed suites with modern amenities, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a gourmet restaurant.
Check the availability of the House Boutique Suites here.
Our final thoughts on what to do in Amman in one day
Our one day in Amman was unforgettable not only for us but also for our son, who felt like a little prince there. We walked all day, having a great self-made Amman city tour, visiting not only popular but also less touristic places in Amman. We recommend spending at least 24 hours in Amman as an interesting stop on your way to Wadi Rum or Petra. There are plenty of activities to do in Amman for you to enjoy!
FAQ: 1 day in Amman
Is one day in Amman enough?
Yes! One day is enough time to see the main tourist attractions, taste local cuisine and feel the city vibe. Although Amman is quite a big city, almost all main sights are located in the city center, so you can visit them all by foot.
Is Amman worth seeing?
Yes, especially if you start and finish your Jordan journey in Amman. In this case, you can dedicate a few hours to visiting the main of Amman’s sights. Amman is a must-see if you like places with a good mix of history and art.
Is Amman a walkable city?
Yes, Amman is a walkable city with many attractions located in the same area. During your walk you can discover all the hidden gems, taste local cuisine from small eateries and observe the locals.
