A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Jordan’s capital city of Amman is a destination in its own right, worthy of at least 48 hours of your time. It also makes an excellent base to explore nearby attractions. Castles, rock climbing, cooking lessons, Roman ruins, hiking trails, handicraft workshops, and more are all within reach (and most within an hour or less!). Here’s some inspiration for a day’s escape from Amman.
Amman is regarded as the most expensive city in the Arab world. Nevertheless, it offers affordable street eats—such as fresh falafel for under one Jordanian dinar—and an array of free activities. Whether you find yourself on a tight budget or ready to splurge during your adventures in Jordan, you’ll discover delightful experiences without spending a single piastre.
Rainbow Street invites visitors and locals to do something that’s not always easy or possible in Jordan’s crowded capital: walk! As a city built on hills, plagued by traffic and dotted with sporadic sidewalks that are often obstructed by planted trees or parked cars, Amman is not terribly pedestrian-friendly. However, Rainbow Street – the nearly flat stretch of street starting at First Circle – is lined with a huge number of places to dine, drink, shop and people-watch.
Kunafeh,kanafeh,kunfah,konafeh,kunefe,knefe,kadayf… Regardless of how you spell it, this delicate pastry is ubiquitous in Jordan, found in crowded bazaars and dedicated bakeries alike. So cherished iskunafehthat in Amman, it has become a staple dessert for every social event.
A flourishing art scene might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Amman, Jordan’s capital that stretches out over seven hills and beyond. However, in recent years, a flurry of traditional and contemporary galleries have sprung up across the metropolis, attracting a wonderful and perhaps surprising array of local and international artists.
Although many travellers to Jordan have their sights set on the architectural marvels of Petra and the magical martian landscapes of Wadi Rum, the capital of Amman is worth at least 48 hours of your time. It’s easy to fill two days with well-loved historic sites, restaurants, and cafes; however, after a couple of days in this spirited city, you may realize you could spend many more.
While most travelers head for Jordan with Petra high on the agenda, investing some food-fueled days in the cosmopolitan capital Amman is a delicious idea. There’s so much more than cafe-hopping down Rainbow St for the best creamy hummus of your life or developing an addiction for cardamom-spiced coffee; this is a city of feeders, so bring your appetite.
Amman is considered the most expensive city in the Arab world. Thankfully, it’s also home to affordable street eats (hello, fresh falafel for under one Jordanian dinar!) and a variety of fee-free activities. Whether you’re on a tight budget or prepared to splurge on your Jordan adventures, you won’t have to part with so much as a piastre to participate in these experiences.
Walking Amman was a magical experience. People were friendly and welcoming as we visited the King Abdullah Mosque and various street vendors throughout the city.
