What to do with Children in Tow
1. Waves Waterpark
Jordan
Amman
Modern Amman is an eclectic mix of the present and the past. It is one of the most modern and liberal cities in the Middle East, but you wouldn't know looking at the historic architecture. New skyscrapers are being built in Abdali in stark contrast to the low-rise sandstone apartment buildings that sprout from the hills.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Petra
Immortalized in film in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (and Transformers 2 among others), the ruins at Petra are Jordan's most recognizable landmarks and one of the world's great archaeological remains. The city was founded in the sixth century BC by the Nabateans. The Nabateans were originally a nomadic desert tribe, famous for their ingenuity harnessing the desert's water.
Kerak Castle
Kerak Castle is a magnificent crusader's castle just outside the town of Kerak. Construction began in the 1140s, at a strategic location on top of a hill. It was part of the Crusader's Kingdom of Jerusalem. In the ensuing decades the castle was expanded. Towers and a moat were added.
Cave of the Seven Sleepers
In the year 250AD, Christians throughout the Roman empire were being persecuted. According to legend, seven men were accused of accepting Christianity. Rather than fighting the charges, they donated all their worldly possessions and retreated to a cave to pray. The men fell asleep, and Roman authorities sealed the entrance.
Amman Citadel
It's easy to forget that Amman is an ancient city, settled for thousands of years. When it was capital of the Ammonite civilization it was known as Rabbath Ammon. During the Greek and Roman eras it was called Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. It was ruled by a succession of the Middle East's great empires. For most of that history, development was centered on the Citadel, located on top of a hill in Downtown opposite the Roman Amphitheater.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a unique environment. It is so named because nothing can live in the hyper-saline water, which fluctuates around 31.5% salt. The Dead Sea is also the lowest point in the world -- its surface 423m below sea level. Because of decreased inflow from the Jordan River, the Dead Sea is slowly shrinking. The entire southern half has become disconnected and is now maintained only for industry. Plans are in the works for a canal connecting the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, which would refill it and address Jordan's chronic water issues. It would also permanently alter the Dead Sea's unique chemistry.
Wasat Al Balad
It may look dirty, sketchy, and chaotic, and indeed it is dirty, sketchy, and chaotic, but downtown Amman, also known as Wasat Al Balad (center of the nation), is the beating heart of the city. It's easy to get lost in the winding and hilly streets, lined with shops selling just about everything. While most of Amman is peaceful and orderly, downtown is awash in humanity. Despite the shabby look, it's actually quite safe. As in the rest of the city, you don't have to worry too much about pickpockets and scammers.
Roman Amphitheater
The amphitheater in downtown Amman is the most magnificent remnant of Amman's Roman past. It was built around 170AD at the height of the Roman empire, when Amman was known as Philadelphia. The capacity is upwards of 6,000. Amphitheaters were the heart of Roman civic life. Citizens would gather there to watch plays and discuss politics. The Nymphaeum, an impressive Roman fountain, is also located on site.
Royal Automobile Museum
As you may have noticed, Jordan is a car culture. It's no secret that Jordan's King Abdullah II is a car lover. So was his father. The Royal Automobile Museum displays the car collection of the royal family. Middle Eastern royalty might conjure images of gleaming Lamborghinis and other exotic super-cars, but the collection here is actually pretty diverse.
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is a ridge that rises 817m above sea level about 35km southwest of Amman. In the Old Testament, Mount Nebo is where Moses first glimpsed the Holy land (and where he was later buried). The view has not changed. It's simply breathtaking. On a clear day you can see all the way to Jerusalem. Be sure to go in the afternoon or evening on a clear day, because the view isn't as good in the morning.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Amman
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Amman
Indochine Restaurant at Grand Hyatt Amman
Cuisine: Vietnamese Price range: $15-$50 Address: Hussein Bin Ali St., Amman 11183, Jordan Tel: + 962 6 465 1234 Experience a touch of historical romance at Indochine. The restaurant captures the 1930s colonial Vietnam with its atmosphere. The open theatre kitchen makes the wait for food entertaining.
La Cuccina
Cuisine: Italian Price range: $25-$100 Address: Abdoun
Fakhr El-Din
Cuisine: Lebanese Price range: $20-$30 Address: Jabal Amman, 2nd Circle Tel: +962 6 4652399 / 4641789
Kan Zaman
Address: Yadoudeh, Airport Road Tel: +962 6 4128393 An impressive old castle from the 19th century on a hilltop converted to a beautiful restaurant. The restaurant offers local and International dishes.
Romero restaurant
Cuisine: Italian Price range: $11-$20 Tel: +962 6 4644227 Address: Jabal Amman, near 3rd Circle and Intercontinental Hotel Website: http://www.romero-jordan.com
T.G.I Friday’s
Price range: $15-$25 Address: City Mall, Amman
Al Quds
Price range: less than $10 It is not a place to spend all evening, rather come and eat, the prices very reasonable, the food is good.
Hashim
Price range: less than $10 Hashim restaurant is popular with locals for its falafel, hummus and ful. Great value for money, as everything is fresh, tastes good and is very cheap.
Reem Al Bawadi
Address: Al-Madeenah Al-Munawarah Street, 8th Circle Tel: +962 6 5343733
Wild Jordan
Price range: $5-$10 Address: 1st Circle, Othan Bin Afan St, Jabal Amman Tel: +962 646 335 42
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Where to stay in Amman
Amman Marriott Hotel
Being close to the business district makes it ideal for business travelers, and being close to shopping areas and tourist attractions makes Amman Marriott Hotel ideal for leisure travelers also.
Four Seasons Amman
The Four Seasons is the ultimate luxury hotel with a convenient location. The hotel offers fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, babysitting services, and business services such as computers, secretarial services, and wired or wireless internet access in meeting rooms. From: USD 355
Grand Hyatt Amman
A 5 star luxury hotel located in the business district Jabal Amman, ideal for business travelers. Enjoy a wonderful variety of cuisines in the hotel’s fine dining restaurants.
Kempinski Amman
A uniquely designed 5 star luxury hotel that serves as a convenient base for doing business as well as visiting tourist and leisure attractions.
Le Meridien Amman
Le Meridien Amman is an ideal gateway to all that Jordan has to offer, since it is strategically located in the centre of the business district. It is just a short walk away from the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theatre. Many of the city’s top malls and shopping areas are also within easy reach.
Al-Waleed Hotel 3-star
With a fine location in the popular area of Swefieh, the Al Waleed Hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a long list of services and facilities, including free wireless internet. The hotel is at the centre of one of the major shopping areas of the city, with many sights within easy walking distance.
Amman West
The 4-star Amman West Hotel is located on the 4th Circle, a central yet quiet location. Guests have easy access from the hotel to all the city's sights and entertainment. Enjoy this fine position and the facilities and services offered, including an outdoor swimming pool and free wireless internet. From: USD 135
Imperial Palace Hotel Amman
A 4-star hotel offering a great position in Amman, 30 minutes driving from Queen Alia International Airport and 10 minutes driving from the city centre.
Sheperd Hotel
Sheperd Hotel is a cozy 3-star family hotel located in the heart of the business district of Amman, just a short walk from downtown. Shepherd Hotel offers good and personal service, and will make you feel right at home.
The Ibis Amman
A 3-star hotel located in the heart of the business and leisure district. Enjoy free wireless internet and comfortable accommodation close to the Jordan University, shopping centres, cafes and restaurants.
History and today in Amman
Exchange Rates
Official currency: the Jordanian dinar. Subunit: the fils; one Jordanian dinar = 1.000 fils. Date introduced into circulation: 1 July 1950. Value when introduced into circulation: one Jordanian dinar = 2.80 US dollars (that is, one US dollar = 0.357 Jordanian dinar).
Fast Facts
-Location:: Middle East Borders Syria, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, Palestine, Israel, and Iraq. Geographic co-ordinates: 29 - 34 00 N, 35 - 39 E; -Area:: total: 89,213 sq. km (34, 445 sq. miles) land: 88,884 sq. km (34, 318 sq. miles) water: 329 sq. km (127 sq. miles); -Dialing code:: +962 City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)6 for Amman.
Public Holidays
2009: 1 Jan New Year's Day. 9 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). 10 Apr Good Friday. 13 Apr Easter Monday. 1 May Labour Day. 25 May Independence Day. 10 Jun Army Day. 20 Jul Prophet's Ascension. 22 Aug Ramadan begins. 20 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 27 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). 18 Dec Islamic New Year. 25 Dec Christmas.; 2010: 1 Jan New Year's Day. 26 Feb Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). 2 Apr Good Friday. 5 Apr Easter Monday. 1 May Labour Day. 25 May Independence Day. 10 Jun Army Day. 9 Jul Prophet's Ascension. 11 Aug Ramadan begins. 10 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 16 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). 7 Dec Islamic New Year. 25 Dec Christmas. Note: Christmas and Easter holidays are only observed by Christian business establishments
When to go
Winters in Amman can be quite unpleasant, with chilly temperatures and frequent rain (and even snow). When it rains, the roads are hazardous. Poor drainage turns sidewalks and roads into rivers. High temperatures generally range from 15C to 20C, but it feels colder.
Amman Residents
Amman is very diverse as it is home to many Palestinian, Iraqi, Circassian, Armenian and many other ethnic groups. In less than a century, the population increased from 20,000 to more than 2 million people. Part of this increase is due to the massive amount of Palestinian and Iraqi refugees.
Jordan: Entry and Visas
Jordan provides electronic visa services through the Ministry of Interior. Eligibility for an electronic visa, advance approval or a visa on arrival depends on nationality and the applicable entry arrangements.
Amman History
Amman has been settled for millenia. From the Chalcolithic Period (c. 4000 – 3000 BCE), Amman became the capital of the Ammonites as Rabbath-Ammon, which later fell to the Assyrians. During the Greek and Roman period, the city was renamed Philadelphia (the City of Brotherly Love) and became an important trading center.
Amman Today
Modern Amman is an eclectic mix of the present and the past. It is one of the most modern and liberal cities in the Middle East, but you wouldn't know looking at the historic architecture. New skyscrapers are being built in Abdali in stark contrast to the low-rise sandstone apartment buildings that sprout from the hills.
Amman in a Day
Start your day downtown at the Citadel. Walk amongst the ruins, specifically the Temple of Heracles and the Umayyad Palace. Check out the small but informative National Archaeology Museum to get some context. The views from the Citadel are spectacular. On a clear day, you can see the surrounding hills for miles, each covered in Amman's signature white-cube apartment blocks.
Useful information
Shopping
Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street was transformed in 2007 to make it a heritage attraction point. It's a great place to get a feel for the culture of modern Amman. The street is named for the old Rainbow Cinema (which is no longer open). It was repaved in cobblestone to slow traffic, making it safer for pedestrians and enhancing the atmosphere.
Wakalat Street
Located in West Amman's trendy Sweifieh district, Wakalat Street is Jordan's first pedestrian only area. The street was closed off to cars in 2007. It was repaved and trees were planted. It's lined with retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants. Sweifieh is also a nightlife hub, and several bars and clubs are within a few blocks.
City Mall
A shopping destination for the whole family that offers a wide selection of international brands, restaurants, coffee shops, 10 screen Cineplex and a family entertainment zone. It is also host to Jordan’s largest hypermarket, Carrefour.
Mecca Mall
Enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment at Mecca Mall. The mall includes 490 shops, mostly women’s fashion. It also includes a large supermarket, furniture stores, 22 restaurants, 8-screen Century Cinemas,a kids play area, a skating rink, bowling alley, kart racing arena and other entertainment facilities that make it an ideal destination for the whole family. Some of the international brand name stores open in the mall include: * Adidas * Burger King * Cinabon * Damas * Esprit * KFC * Mango * McDonald’s * Max * Pizza Hut * Starbucks * Sports Town (Nike Dealer) * Splash * Timberland * United Colours of Benetton
Wakalat Street
Walak Street is a new street with big western stores for mostly clothes, furniture and sport. If it's shopping you're after, this street has a variety of international brand names to choose from. The dominant category of retail on the street is apparel. Wakalat Street is Amman's first pedestrian-only street. It is one Amman's most vibrant and popular shopping districts.
Rainbow Street
Along Rainbow Street, there is a great variety of shops and galleries such as Jordan River Design, Duinde Gallery, Jordan Valley Antique, Orient Antique Shop, and Balian Ceramics. Most shops in Rainbow Street are small stores that sell either antiques or clothing During the warmer months, a sidewalk flea market takes place further along Rainbow Street.
Downtown Area (The Balad)
Major Downtown shopping streets include King Talal Street and King Faysal Street. Shops in the downtown area sell everything from traditional clothes, to locally made juice and ice cream, perfumes, olive oil soap, Dead Sea products, and spices. Bargaining in this shopping area is expected.
Souq Jabal Al Hussain
Offer aromatic spices and Arabic delicacies, along with cheap products such as men and women’s clothing, you might find a few shops with handicraft or souvenirs for tourists.
Al-Afghani
Has an interesting selection of souvenirs, handicrafts, antiques, silver, and decorative items. Opposite Husseini Mosque Tel. +962 6 567 6650
Al-Burgan Handicrafts
Handcrafted items, especially woven and embroidered 12 Tal'at Harb Street Behind Hotel InterContinental Jordan (Jebel Amman, 2nd Circle)
Signature sights in Amman
Eastern Desert Castles
The desert between Amman and Azraq is littered with the remains of old castles. Most were retreats for kings and nobles, others were defensive fortifications. They are an important part of Jordan's heritage and definitely worth a visit. Tour groups regularly go to each site. You also may want to rent a car or hire a taxi for the day if you want more freedom to explore.
Wadi Abdoun Bridge
There aren't many bridges in Amman -- not surprising since it's in the middle of the desert -- but when they do need to build one, they do it right. The Wadi Abdoun Bridge connects North Amman and West Amman. It was built between 2002 and 2006 in order to cut travel times between North and West Amman. The total length is 417m. It is Jordan's only cable stayed bridge, and is built in an s-curve to accommodate local traffic patterns.
Azraq Wetlands Reserve
The Azraq Wetlands Reserve is part of what little remains of Azraq's wetlands. The wetlands originally covered more than 12,000 square km, larger than the entire country of Lebanon. In the 1960s, Jordan began channeling water from here to use in the cities of Amman and Irbid. By 1990 the wetlands had completely dried up.
University of Jordan
The University of Jordan is one of the best universities in the Middle East. Established in 1962, it was Jordan's first university. Today more than 37,000 students are enrolled here, including 32,000 undergraduates.
Jerash
Jerash (or Gerasa as it used to be known) is one of the best preserved Roman cities outside of Rome. The area has been settled since prehistoric times, but it did not become significant until General Pompey conquered the region in 63BC. Under the Romans the city prospered due to its position on the Via Nova Traiana, a highway between Aqaba and Damascus. The population reached 20,000 at its height. During the Byzantine and early Umayyad period, Jerash continued to thrive, but a devastating earthquake in 749AD left the city in ruins. Modern Jerash has a population around 30,000 and is built just to the east of the ruins, on top of the residential neighborhoods of Gerasa.
King Hussein Park
King Hussein Park, or Al Hussein National Park, covers 170 acres of West Amman. It is a recent creation, and one of the city's few green spaces. The park can get pretty crowded on weekends. It doesn't compare to any of the world's great city parks, but it's still a good place to unwind and maybe take in a game of football. The view is pretty good as well. There is an amphitheater here which often hosts concerts and shows during the spring and summer.
Festivals and events in Amman
Amman International Theatre Festival
This festival includes performances from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Swiss, Italy, Palestine, Jordan, Sweden, and Turkey in both English and Arabic. http://www.alfawanees.com/
Dead Sea Ultra Marathon
The marathon is a fund raising event held annually, from Amman to the Dead Sea. www.deadseamarathon.com
Amman Summer Festival
Offers free entertainment activities and programs for the local community as well as tourists, with the participation of musicians and dancers from local bands, in addition to bands from Arab and European countries. http://www.ammancity.gov.jo/arabic/living/summer.asp
Global Village
Live a great experience of cultures at this annual carnival that takes place between July and August in Amman. The carnival includes country pavilions, fun fair, main theatre, and food court. http://globalvillagejo.com/
Jordan Festival
A cultural festival that includes expressions of creativity and talent such as singing, music, theatre performance, visual art, poetry, folklore performances and handicrafts.
Amman tours and experiences
Amman City Tour
This tour is great way for tourists visiting Amman to explore the City. Also, it is the only service of its kind operating in Jordan.
Tours Information
Numerous international and local tour companies offer a variety of tours and services for visitors. The tours visit several Jordan cities and locations mainly outside Amman such as Aqaba, Petra, Jerash, Madaba, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea.
Amman masjids and Muslim travel
Al Husseini Mosque
The King Hussein Mosque, also known as the Al Husseini Mosque, is located in the heart of downtown Amman. The site was originally home to Philadelphia's old cathedral. A mosque was built there in the seventh century, and rebuilt in 1924 in the Ottoman style. It is one of Amman's more impressive mosques, and an important gathering spot in Wasit Al Balad. Even if you don't go in, it's a good photo op, and a great place to get a feel for Amman.
King Abdullah I Mosque
Sulayman An Nabullsi, Amman, Jordan
Abu Darwish Mosque
Abu Darwish Mosque
Saeed Ibn Jubayr Mosque
Saeed Ibn Jubayr Mosque
Suleiman Harb Mosque
Suleiman Harb Mosque
Al Abyad Mosque
Muhammad Hamad Abdallat, Amman, Jordan
Transportation
Bus
Public transport in Amman leaves something to be desired. It has not kept up with the city's explosive growth in recent years. The only option besides taxis is the bus. The bus system has a lot of coverage – there are several hundred buses, many of which were purchased in the last couple years – but the routes are not well marked. They’re cheaper than taxis. It shouldn’t cost more than a couple dinars to get anywhere in the city.
Driving Tips
Once again, taxis are cheap and convenient and driving on your own is not recommended. But if you do insist, be careful. Drivers in Jordan are not bound by the rules of the road. Lanes are only recommendations here and the winding streets are difficult to navigate. Traffic congestion is often severe, made worse by the fact that there's no ring road for through traffic.
Car Rental
It's definitely easier and cheaper to rely on taxis to get around, but if you need to rent a car, there are many reputable car rental companies in the city and at Queen Alia International Airport.
From the Airport
Queen Alia International Airport is located 32km south of Amman. There are two main ways to get from the airport to Amman: taxi and shuttle. A taxi will set you back at least JD20, but will take you wherever you want to go. Shuttle buses leave for Abdali Bus Station every half-hour between 06:00 and 23:00, and every hour between 23:00 and 06:00.
Metro
Amman's modern and extensive Metro is by far the best way to get around the city.
Taxi
Taxis are the easiest and most convenient way to get around Amman. They're ubiquitous and cheap. A trip clear across the city shouldn't cost more than 3-5JD, and most trips will cost less than 2JD. The base price is .250JD – always remember that there are 1000 fils in 1JD. Some unscrupulous cab drivers may try to convince you otherwise.
Public Transportation
Public transport in the Jordanian capital, Amman, provides a means of reaching some places, but not every part of the capital. Amman Municipality has not developed the public transport network over the past decade in line with the population growth the country has experienced. In Amman, the only option besides the bus is a taxi. Buses cover several main and secondary areas of the capital. They were purchased recently, no more than two years ago, so they are new, modern buses. Buses in Amman cost less than taxis, and travelling to any area of the capital by bus costs only two dinars. Intercity bus services are common and popular with residents and tourists alike. There are several stations in more than one area of Amman. There is also a train service from Amman to Jerash, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Abdali Station is the main station in Amman. If you are travelling to Amman, we recommend taxis, as they are more comfortable, safer and faster, unless you want an adventure and to mingle with local residents, in which case you can use the public bus service.
Health and Safety
Safety
Jordan is generally the safest and most secure Middle Eastern country as you can walk and drive in most places without fear of encountering any difficulties.
Water and Food
السلامة و الأمن بالأردن
Safety and Security in Jordan
السلامة و الأمن بالأردن
Travel news
Travel News
Special "Ahlan Jordan" Prices for Tourists
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board, in cooperation with tourism associations, have launched the integrated digital platform "Ahlan Jordan" as part of measures to support the tourism sector and address the impact of regional circumstances on travel activity.
