Amman, Jordan-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Amman

Morning

  • Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
  • Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel in downtown Amman
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as the Le Royal Hotel or Ibis Amman

Afternoon

  • Visit the Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal’a), a historic site with stunning views of the city
  • Explore the nearby Roman Theatre, a well-preserved ancient amphitheater
  • Walk through the bustling streets of downtown Amman, taking in the sights and sounds of the local markets

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Hashem Restaurant, a popular spot for traditional Jordanian cuisine like falafel and shawarma
  • Take a stroll around the lively Rainbow Street (Abdali Boulevard), known for its vibrant atmosphere and street food

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in downtown Amman, especially during peak hours
  • Haggling is common practice at local markets, so be prepared to negotiate prices
  • Try to avoid traveling during rush hour (3-5 pm) to avoid traffic congestion

Day 2: Ancient History and Local Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Jordan Museum, which showcases the country’s rich history and heritage
  • Explore the Folklore Museum, dedicated to preserving Jordanian traditions and customs

Afternoon

  • Head to the King Abdullah Mosque, a beautiful mosque that blends traditional and modern architecture
  • Take a walking tour of the trendy Weibdeh neighborhood, known for its art galleries, cafes, and boutiques

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Tawaheen al-Hawa, a cozy restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine
  • Relax with a traditional Arabic coffee or shisha at Café Arabica

Tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and cultural attractions
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Try to learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “shukraan” (thank you) and “as-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you)

Day 3: Day Trip to Jerash and Ajloun

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Jerash, a well-preserved ancient Roman city ( approx. 1-hour drive)
  • Explore the ruins, including the Forum, Amphitheater, and Hippodrome

Afternoon

  • Visit Ajloun Castle, a medieval fortress built by the Crusaders (approx. 30-minute drive from Jerash)
  • Enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside from the castle’s towers

Evening

  • Return to Amman and enjoy dinner at Fakhr al-Din Restaurant, known for its Lebanese cuisine
  • Take a leisurely stroll around the city, enjoying the cooler evening temperatures

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the day trip, as you’ll be doing some walking and exploring
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay hydrated
  • Consider hiring a private guide or driver for the day trip, especially if you’re not familiar with the roads

Day 4: Modern Amman and Nightlife

Morning

  • Visit the Abdali Mall, one of Amman’s largest shopping centers
  • Explore the trendy boutiques and art galleries in the Weibdeh neighborhood

Afternoon

  • Take a break at Café Younis, a popular spot for coffee and shisha
  • Relax at your hotel or take a dip in the pool (if available)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Sufra Restaurant, known for its modern twist on traditional Jordanian cuisine
  • Experience Amman’s nightlife at The Cube Lounge or Bistro 55, popular bars and clubs

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at the mall, especially during peak hours
  • Dress appropriately for the evening activities, as some bars and clubs may have dress codes
  • Always drink responsibly and plan ahead for transportation back to your hotel

Day 5: Day Trip to the Dead Sea

Morning

  • Take a day trip to the Dead Sea, one of the lowest points on Earth (approx. 1-hour drive)
  • Relax at a beach resort, such as the Dead Sea Spa Hotel, and enjoy the buoyant waters

Afternoon

  • Take a mud bath or spa treatment, said to have therapeutic benefits
  • Enjoy lunch at the resort’s restaurant, with stunning views of the Dead Sea

Evening

  • Return to Amman and enjoy dinner at Burj al-Hamam Restaurant, serving traditional Middle Eastern cuisine
  • Take a leisurely stroll around the city, enjoying the cooler evening temperatures

Tips

  • Be prepared for strong sun and heat at the Dead Sea, with sunscreen, hats, and water
  • Wear comfortable swimwear and consider bringing a lightweight towel
  • Don’t shave or wax before visiting the Dead Sea, as the minerals in the water can cause skin irritation

Day 6: Local Markets and Cuisine

Morning

  • Visit the Souk Jara Market, a bustling marketplace selling everything from spices to souvenirs
  • Explore the Rainbow Street Market, with its vibrant atmosphere and street food

Afternoon

  • Take a cooking class at ** Beit Sittie Kitchen**, learning how to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes
  • Visit the Al-Balad Vegetable Market, with its colorful produce and lively atmosphere

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Jafra Restaurant, serving modern Middle Eastern cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Relax at your hotel or take a stroll around the city, enjoying the evening atmosphere

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos at the markets, especially during peak hours
  • Haggling is common practice at local markets, so be prepared to negotiate prices
  • Try to avoid traveling during rush hour (3-5 pm) to avoid traffic congestion

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring a nearby neighborhood
  • Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or shuttle bus back to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Tips

  • Double-check your flight details and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare
  • Consider purchasing some last-minute souvenirs or snacks for the journey home
  • Thank the locals for their hospitality and bid farewell to this incredible city!

Additional Tips and Information

  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available, but consider hiring a private driver or guide for day trips. The city also has a public bus system.
  • Currency: The Jordanian dinar (JOD) is the local currency, although USD and credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
  • Safety: Amman is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Culture: Jordan is a conservative country, so dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
  • Weather: Amman has a hot desert climate, with very little rainfall. Summer temperatures can be extreme, so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Amman, Jordan!