Amman

Amman, Jordan

Although the Jordanian capital has its fair share of ancient remnants (the city was first mentioned as Rabbath Ammon in the Hebrew Bible around the 10th century BC), it is the way Amman experiences modernity that fascinates the most. Often listed among the most progressive cities in the Middle East, Amman is a flourishing capital growing by the hour, inhabited by a culturally diverse and rather liberal populace.

Population:

4 million

Currency:

1 Jordanian Dinar = 100 qirsh (piastres)

Emergency Numbers:

Fire/Medical: 199
Police: 191
Tourist Police: 196 ext. 4661
Traffic: 190

Opening Hours:

In Jordan, Friday and Saturday are weekends, which means businesses may be closed or have shorter days. Opening hours may vary, but most businesses operate between roughly 9.30-1.30pm and 3.30-6pm, although these may shift in each individual case. Mind that the month of Ramadan often brings schedule changes and business hours may be affected (shortened).

Newspapers:

The Jordan Times

The City

Although things have been rough for some of Jordan's immediate neighbours, the country itself has managed to largely avoid political unrest in recent history, making today's Amman a pleasant and perfectly safe city to visit. The locals are famously welcoming, and many speak English, but a surprising few identify as originally Jordanian, belonging rather to various other ethnicities, such as Iraqi, Circassian, or Palestinian.

Nowhere is Amman's eclectic mix of cultures and youthful spirit more apparent than in Rainbow Street, one of the city's most happening locations lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, playing host to the weekly open-air Jara Souk during the summer. There is plenty to do and see in the city itself, but Amman also makes for an excellent base from which to explore the country further.

Do & See

There is a surprising lot to do in the Jordanian capital, from remnants of Roman (and even pre-Roman), Byzantine and Umayyad presence, to a couple of well-regarded galleries and cultural centres showcasing what Amman's – very much alive – cultural scene has to offer. Throw in cheap, delicious dining and a plethora of bargain shopping opportunities, and you'll be set for an eventful few days.

Dining

The historic crossroads of cultures Jordan was built on finds its reflection in local cuisine, which bears clear trace of Mediterranean, North African, Bedouin, general Middle Eastern and Levantine influence. Jordanian falafel is held in high esteem, and there are plenty of opportunities to discover why that is in Amman. Some must-eats include the national mansaf (tender yogurt-cooked lamb on rice, traditionally eaten with hands), shish kebab, and a mezze spread containing hummus and other "dips".

Cafes

Traditional sweets shops and tea houses mingle with a growing number of hip cafes worthy of a modern capital in the streets of Amman. Those looking to savour a traditional dessert must absolutely try the kanafeh (spelling varies), a sweet syrup-drenched pastry with delicious, gooey cheese at its heart.